Fourth of July in Margate
Beach fireworks in the shadow of Lucy the Elephant
Get Fourth of July Updates
Weather alerts, parking tips, and last-minute changes for Margate
No spam. Just event updates. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Saturday
July 4, 2026
9–10 PM
Fireworks
Free
Beach Access
Huntington
Avenue Beach
While You're in Margate
Make the most of your visit with these local highlights and essential info.
🎯 Don't Miss
- Lucy the Elephant — Walk through America's oldest roadside attraction! This 65-foot wooden elephant is a National Historic Landmark since 1881. Recently restored ($2M renovation). $10 adults, $6 kids. Climb inside for tours and panoramic ocean views from the howdah.
- Beachstock — Annual June music festival on the beach with live bands and community celebration. One of the shore's best free events.
- Marven Gardens — Yes, it's real! The neighborhood that inspired the Monopoly property (spelled differently on the game). Walk through this historic area.
🚗 Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Margate
Book Margate Tours & Experiences
Make the most of the weekend — book a tour, tasting, or guided experience. Free cancellation on most reservations.
Why Margate for July 4th?
Margate is the polished, walkable heart of Downbeach, just south of Atlantic City and Ventnor. It offers the energy of the AC area without the casino crowds, plus some of the best dining at the Jersey Shore, making it a favorite for families who want an upscale but relaxed Fourth.
The Margate Mothers' Association launches the city's Independence Day fireworks from the beach at Huntington Avenue from 9 to 10 p.m. on July 4. The wide, flat free beaches give clear sightlines, and you can watch with your toes in the sand.
No visit is complete without Lucy the Elephant, the 65-foot, six-story National Historic Landmark that has watched over the Margate shoreline since 1881. By day she is a quirky photo stop and tour; by night she is the iconic backdrop to a perfect Downbeach summer evening.
How to Spend the Fourth
Morning Beach Time
Margate's wide free beaches are perfect for an easy morning of sand and surf. Set up near Huntington Avenue to scope out your fireworks spot for later.
Afternoon with Lucy
Tour Lucy the Elephant, the 65-foot National Historic Landmark, then browse the boutiques and ice cream shops along Ventnor and Amherst Avenues.
Sunset Dinner
Margate is a dining destination. Book ahead for bayfront fare at Steve & Cookie's, conservatory classics at Ventura's Greenhouse, or modern Italian at Sofia.
Fireworks on the Sand
Return to the beach near Huntington Avenue before dusk. The free show runs from 9 to 10 p.m. on July 4.
Where to Eat
Tables fill up fast over the holiday weekend. Reserve a few days out, especially anywhere with a water view.
Steve & Cookie's By The Bay
$$$$American / Seafood
A Margate fine-dining landmark with a warm bayside setting, raw bar, and live piano. Reservations essential.
Ventura's Greenhouse
$$Italian American
Beloved beachfront institution with a glass conservatory and rooftop bar overlooking the sand.
Tomatoes
$$$$Contemporary American / Sushi
Stylish, see-and-be-seen spot known for sushi, steaks, and a lively bar scene.
Sofia
$$$Mediterranean / Italian
Elegant Mediterranean dining in a romantic courtyard setting, a Downbeach favorite for special nights.
Maynard's Cafe
$$American / Bar & Grill
Casual, family-friendly all-day spot with a big deck, comfort food, and live music in summer.
Casel's Marketplace
$$Gourmet Market & Deli
Upscale grocery and prepared-foods market, perfect for stocking a beach picnic before fireworks.
Where to Stay
The rooms closest to the beach and the fireworks book up first for the Fourth. Compare hotels and rentals below and reserve early.
The Carisbrooke Inn
Boutique bed & breakfast near the beach
Charming rooms, walkable to dining and the sand, classic Downbeach hospitality
Margate Beachfront Hotels & Inns
Steps from the Huntington Avenue beach
Easy fireworks access, walkable to restaurants and Lucy the Elephant
Atlantic City Area Resorts
Big-resort amenities minutes north
Casino hotels and oceanfront towers a short drive up the coast in Atlantic City
VRBO Vacation Rentals
Home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms for families
Book Your Stay
Find hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs in Margate
July 4th weekend availability limited
Margate fills up months in advance
Powered by Booking.com
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Things to Do on the Water & Around Town
Things to Do
fourth of july Weekend Tips
Parking Tips
- • Margate has no boardwalk and limited beach-block parking; arrive early on fireworks night.
- • Watch for residential permit zones and posted restrictions on side streets.
- • Consider biking or walking, Downbeach is flat and very bike-friendly.
Beach & Viewing
- • Margate's beaches are free, so no badge is needed to settle in for the show.
- • Set up near Huntington Avenue for the closest sightlines to the launch.
- • Bring chairs, a blanket, and a flashlight for the walk back across the sand.
Timing
- • Fireworks run 9–10 p.m. on July 4, presented by the Margate Mothers' Association.
- • Book dinner reservations well in advance, holiday demand is high.
- • Pack a light layer for the ocean breeze after sunset.
Book Your Margate Holiday Weekend
Book everything you need for your Margate trip in one place.
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Margate July 4th
Free beaches, beach fireworks, standout dining, and Lucy the Elephant make Margate an upscale yet relaxed Downbeach Fourth. Start planning your visit.