Dennis RomeroSouthern California is often seen by the rest of the nation as a cultural outlier, a relatively new region with traditions that are sometimes at odds with the heartland of America.
But when it comes to the ultimate celebration of U.S. nationhood, there are few other places that party as properly as Southern California. A 4th of July beach fiesta is as iconic to our recognition of American independence as snow and mistletoe are to the December holidays.
Personal finance site WalletHub, looking at such metrics as the holiday's local popularity, weather, entertainment options and hotels, pretty much confirmed our premier party status with its list of “Best & Worst Cities for 4th of July Celebrations.”
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Of the 100 cities the site examined, SoCal had four in the top 10, including number 2 Irvine, number 7 San Bernardino, number 9 Long Beach and number 10 Riverside.
Long Beach, the only L.A. County city to make the top 10, tied for first in weather. Not bad.
A list of cities with the most arts, entertainment and recreation establishments was dominated by Southern California towns, which took four of the top five spots: San Bernardino (1), Irvine (2), Jersey City, New Jersey (3), Riverside (4), Santa Ana (5).
Credit: WalletHub
Los Angeles proper didn't fare that well, making the top third of the whole “Best & Worst Cities for 4th of July Celebrations” list.
We ranked high (8) in weather but low (77) in entertainment and food, which is odd. We're the self-proclaimed entertainment capital of the world, and our dining scene is setting that nation's foodie trends (food trucks, anyone?). Our overall rank was 31.
At least we beat New York, Seattle and Miami. Party on.
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