California has some of the nation's highest unemployment in 2010 and holiday hounds need a break. Head to the oceans & bays for free entertainment from San Diego to Stockton and you'll enjoy the freebies that abound in boat parades, including a few with fireworks shows. Here's a list of 15 boat parades we've compiled.

San Diego has one of the longest parades, while Newport Beach has one of the longest running parades. Our favorite boat parades are those that invite the public to ride boats available and become a participant in the event which you can do in Newport Beach. The photo shows the Balboa Pavilion, which provides the backdrop for the event that winds around the channels, past mega-million dollar mansions. Boat concessions that provide rides include Hornblower, Newport Landing and even Catalina Flyer.

Oceanside, Dana Point, Newport, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, San Pedro, San Francisco, Oakland, Sausalito and Fresno are a few cities where you'll find boat parades in 2010. Most are held the first or second weekend in December each year. The fun is just about ready to begin, so make your plans to attend one of the beautiful shows that span the 1000 mile California coast, its deltas & bays. Ships ah hoy!