The 107th annual parade got under way at 10 a.m. More than 300 groups took part in the parade, which is the largest Fourth of July parade west of the Mississippi River.
A number of celebrities also took part in the parade. Actor Danny Trejo served as the master of ceremonies for this year's parade. The veteran film actor said everyone should thank all soldiers they saw as he made his way through the crowds.
Many floats taking part in the parade honored the U.S. Military.
Those who lined the parade route year in and year out said the event means a lot to them.
"It's community. It's tradition. It's really what, you know, what the country is all about," said Las Vegas resident Matt Thornburg. "Regardless of what we go through here in the country, a day like this lets us reflect back on the year and really brings the community back together and lets patriotism shine again."
A fireworks show was expected to get underway off the Huntington Beach Pier at 9 p.m.
