Fourth of July in Bradley Beach
Small-town fireworks & a tree-lined promenade
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Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Thursday
July 2, 2026 (Fireworks)
9:00 PM
Fireworks Start
$12
Daily Beach Badge
Free
Promenade Access
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While You're in Bradley Beach
Don't Miss
- The Buttered Biscuit — Breakfast spot known for its biscuits and Southern-style brunch.
- Stone Boardwalk — Boardwalk with benches and ornate fountains.
- Del Ponte's Bakery — Old-school Italian bakery with pastries and bread, in Bradley Beach since 1999.
Quick Links
Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Bradley Beach
Why Bradley Beach for July 4th?
Bradley Beach is the quintessential old-fashioned Jersey Shore town, with a wide oceanfront promenade lined with shade trees, gazebos, and benches instead of a flashy boardwalk. It is the kind of place where families have returned for generations, and the Fourth of July feels like a neighborhood block party rather than a tourist crush.
The town traditionally launches its fireworks on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 9:00 PM over the beachfront near the bandshell, so you get the celebration without competing with the busiest holiday-weekend crowds farther up the coast in Asbury Park or Belmar.
With easy NJ Transit access on the North Jersey Coast Line, a compact walkable downtown, and a quieter pace than its neighbors, Bradley Beach is ideal for families who want fireworks, sand, and a slice of pizza without the chaos.
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How to Spend the Fourth
Morning Beach Time
Claim a spot on the wide, gently sloping sand early. Bradley Beach badges are $12 daily.
Afternoon on the Promenade
Stroll the tree-lined oceanfront promenade, rest in one of the historic gazebos, and grab Korean tacos from Mogo or a snack along Main Street before the evening warms up.
Sunset Dinner
Settle in for dinner at Vic's, the town's Italian institution since 1947, or keep it casual with burgers at Pop's Garage. Reserve or arrive early on a holiday week.
Fireworks Over the Beach
Stake out a blanket on the sand or promenade well before the 9:00 PM Thursday, July 2 show. The open beachfront gives clear sightlines up and down the oceanfront.
Where to Eat
Vic's Italian Restaurant
$$Italian
A Bradley Beach institution since 1947, famous for thin-crust pizza and red-sauce classics. Expect a wait on holiday weekends.
Cravings
$$Cafe & Bakery
Beloved local spot for breakfast, brunch, baked goods, and coffee a short walk from the beach.
Mogo Korean Fusion Tacos
$Korean Fusion
Quick, flavorful Korean BBQ tacos and bowls, a boardwalk-favorite grab-and-go before fireworks.
Pop's Garage
$$Mexican / Tacos
Casual fresh-Mex with tacos, guac, and margaritas, popular with families in the Bradley Beach area.
Giamano's
$$$Italian American
Sit-down Italian and seafood with a full bar, a reliable choice for a holiday dinner out.
Where to Stay
La Reina Bed & Breakfast
Boutique B&B steps from the sand
Intimate rooms, easy promenade access, ideal for couples and small families
The Cabana Bradley Beach
Renovated boutique stay near the ocean
Modern rooms, short walk to downtown dining and the beachfront
VRBO Vacation Rentals
Home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms for families
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Bradley Beach, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Things to Do
fourth of july Weekend Tips
Parking Tips
- • Consider parking a few blocks inland and walking to the oceanfront.
- • Take NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line to the Bradley Beach station to skip driving entirely.
Beach Badges
- • Daily beach badges are $12; under 12 free.
- • You do not need a badge to watch fireworks from the promenade in the evening.
Fireworks Viewing
- • Fireworks are traditionally Thursday, July 2 at 9:00 PM, confirm the date and time with the borough day-of.
- • Stake out a spot on the sand or promenade well before dusk.
- • Bring a blanket, bug spray, and a light layer for the cool ocean breeze.
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More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Bradley Beach fireworks in 2026?
Bradley Beach traditionally holds its fireworks on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 9:00 PM over the oceanfront near the bandshell. Always confirm the date and time with the borough day-of, as weather can shift the schedule.
Do I need a beach badge to watch the fireworks?
Beach badges ($12 daily) are required to use the beach during the day, but you can typically watch the evening fireworks from the promenade and Ocean Avenue without one. Check current borough policy for fireworks night.
How do I get to Bradley Beach without driving?
NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line stops at the Bradley Beach station, a short walk from the beach and downtown, making it easy to avoid holiday parking and traffic.
Plan Your Bradley Beach July 4th
From a classic family beach day to fireworks over the sand, Bradley Beach delivers a relaxed, old-fashioned Jersey Shore Fourth. Start planning your visit.