Fourth of July in Margate
Beach fireworks in the shadow of Lucy the Elephant
Keep planning your Margate visit
Visiting for Fourth of July? Get our free Shore Insider Guide after confirming your email, plus event and trip-planning ideas for future visits.
Event and trip-planning ideas. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Saturday
July 4, 2026
9–10 PM
Fireworks
Free
Beach Access
Huntington
Avenue Beach
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Margate, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Powered by Booking.com
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
While You're in Margate
Don't Miss
- Lucy the Elephant — Walk through America's oldest roadside attraction! This 65-foot elephant, built in 1881, has been a National Historic Landmark since 1976. 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
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. Margate sells season beach badges only ($20).
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.
Advertisement
How to Spend the Fourth
Morning Beach Time
Margate beaches take a season badge ($20); no daily badge is sold. 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
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 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
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Margate, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Powered by Booking.com
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
- • 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 sells season badges only ($20); no daily badge is sold.
- • 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
Compare stays and transport for your Margate trip on Booking.com.
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the Margate fireworks in 2026?
The Margate Mothers' Association presents the fireworks from the beach at Huntington Avenue from 9 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The free show is best viewed from the sand near Huntington Avenue — bring chairs and blankets.
Do I need a beach badge in Margate?
Margate sells season badges only ($20, or $10 before June 1); no daily badge is sold.
Can I visit Lucy the Elephant on the Fourth?
Lucy the Elephant, the 65-foot National Historic Landmark, is a must-see Margate attraction and a great daytime stop. Check her current hours, as holiday schedules and tour availability can vary.
Plan Your Margate July 4th
Beach fireworks, dining, and Lucy the Elephant make Margate an upscale yet relaxed Downbeach Fourth. Start planning your visit.