Here’s where to see Fourth of July fireworks in SLO County

Get ready to ooh and aah: Fourth of July fireworks are officially are back in San Luis Obispo County.

This year, professional pyrotechnicians will fire off dramatic displays in four spots in the county, all starting around dusk on Monday.

In Cambria, fireworks begin at about 9:15 p.m. Monday at Shamel Park, located west of Highway 1 at the curve of Windsor Boulevard.

The pyrotechnics fun starts about 9 p.m. at the Cayucos Pier, near the Cayucos Veterans Memorial Building, and can be viewed from the beach.

In Paso Robles, the fireworks display begins at about 9:30 p.m. at Barney Schwartz Park, 2970 Union Road.

Fireworks will begin to pop off at about 9 p.m. at the pier in Pismo Beach.

In northern Santa Barbara County, Independence Day fireworks displays are planned in Santa Maria and Solvang.

Traffic, parking issues expected on Fourth of July

Folks flocking to see local fireworks shows should expect traffic delays and difficulties with parking.

In Paso Robles, for instance, traffic will be rerouted to accommodate congestion leading to Barney Schwartz Park.

Drivers traveling on Highway 46 East won’t be able to turn onto Union Road in both directionsfrom either direction from 7 to 11 p.m. Monday, Caltrans warned. Delays are not expected to exceed 5 minutes, and drivers can access Union Road from southbound Golden Hills Road.

To alleviate an anticipated parking crunch, the Cambria Otter Trolley will take people to and from Shamel Park from approximately 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, according to the Cambria Chamber of Commerce. The route will be along Moonstone Beach Drive and Main Street.

Streets in Cayucos are also expected to be packed early. In fact, parking overnight on Sunday is not allowed.

Where to use safe and sane fireworks

Although so-called “safe and sane” fireworks can be set off in some San Luis Obispo County communities on Independence Day, it’s illegal to possess or use personal fireworks in most of the drought-stricken region.

Fireworks are also forbidden in Los Padres National Forest and at state and county parks and beaches.

The only SLO County locations where personal fireworks are allowed are within the boundaries of San Miguel, Templeton, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Morro Bay.

In Morro Bay, people can only set off fireworks at private residences, but not at the beach or park areas.

Some restrictions may apply, and offenders can be cited and/or fined for illegal fireworks use.

Leave pets at home on Independence Day

According to officials, people planning to attend fireworks shows should leave their dogs at home and keep pets inside, as the sharp, loud noises can panic animals.

For Fourth of July safety tips, go to avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/july-4-safety.