Fourth of July in Ship Bottom
The Gateway to LBI — ocean fireworks where the Causeway Bridge lands
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Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Saturday
July 4, 2026
~9 PM
Fireworks (confirm)
Ocean Beaches
Best Viewing
Central LBI
Island Base Camp
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While You're in Ship Bottom
Don't Miss
- Ship Bottom Beach — Wide, clean beaches with good facilities. Central location on LBI.
- LBI Shopping — The main commercial strip on LBI with shops, restaurants, and services.
- Daddy O Hotel — Retro-cool hotel bar and restaurant. Great for drinks and dinner.
Quick Links
Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Ship Bottom
Why Ship Bottom for July 4th?
Ship Bottom is the Gateway to Long Beach Island — the town where the Route 72 Causeway Bridge touches down on the barrier island. That makes it the natural base camp for a July 4th on LBI, with the entire island a short drive north or south along Long Beach Boulevard.
The borough traditionally hosts a Fourth of July fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean, with the show going up around 9 PM on July 4 (always confirm the exact time with the borough before you go). The best vantage points are the Ship Bottom ocean beaches and the open stretches along the Boulevard.
Because everything on the island funnels through Ship Bottom, it offers easy reach to Surf City, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Light alike. Spend the day on the wide ocean beach, grab dinner on the Boulevard, and settle in for the show without a long drive home.
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How to Spend the Fourth
Morning Beach Time
Stake out a spot on Ship Bottom's ocean beach early — badges required, but mornings are calm before the holiday crowds arrive.
Afternoon on the Boulevard
Cruise Long Beach Boulevard for a slice at Joey's, a Surf Taco lunch, and a scoop from Bisque to beat the heat.
Sunset Dinner
Bayside dinner at Bottom of the Bay or a casual bite before the show — book ahead or arrive early on the 4th.
Fireworks Magic
Head to the ocean beach or an open Boulevard view before dusk. Fireworks light the Atlantic at approximately 9 PM (confirm with the borough).
Where to Eat
The Shack
$Breakfast / Brunch
Beloved Ship Bottom breakfast spot — expect long waits on the 4th, arrive early
Joey's Pizza & Pasta
$Pizza / Italian
Go-to Boulevard slice shop for a quick, family-friendly holiday meal
Bottom of the Bay
$$Seafood / Bayside
Casual bayside seafood — a relaxed pre-fireworks dinner option
Ship Bottom Brewery
$$Brewpub / Craft Beer
Nearby Beach Haven taproom for LBI-brewed beer and a laid-back vibe
Surf Taco
$Tacos / Casual
Shore staple for tacos and burritos — fast and easy on a busy beach day
Bisque
$Ice Cream / Dessert
Handmade ice cream on the Boulevard — the perfect July 4th cool-down
Where to Stay
Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Classic LBI oceanfront
Steps from the Ship Bottom beach, pool
Sea Spray Motel
Ship Bottom value stay
Walkable to the beach and Boulevard, family-friendly, peak demand on the 4th
Surf City & Brant Beach (nearby)
Quieter LBI options
5-10 min up the Boulevard, often more availability than Beach Haven
VRBO Vacation Rentals
Home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms for families
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Ship Bottom, 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
Getting There
- • LBI is reached only by the Route 72 causeway — traffic backs up 2+ hours on July 4th
- • Ship Bottom is the first town off the bridge — arrive before noon or stay overnight
- • No alternate bridge exists, so plan your arrival time carefully
Parking
- • Use municipal and metered spots early, then walk or bike the island
- • Bike rentals are a popular way to beat the holiday gridlock
Beach Access
- • Beach badges are required in Ship Bottom
- • Day badges are sold at beach entrances
- • Open Boulevard viewing areas are free — no badge needed at night
Book Your Ship Bottom Holiday Weekend
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More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Ship Bottom July 4th fireworks in 2026?
Ship Bottom traditionally holds its Independence Day fireworks on July 4, with the display going up around 9 PM. Times can shift year to year, so confirm the exact 2026 schedule with the Borough of Ship Bottom before you head out — and have a rain date in mind.
Where is the best place to watch the fireworks in Ship Bottom?
The Ship Bottom ocean beaches give you direct, unobstructed views of the display over the Atlantic, and open stretches along Long Beach Boulevard work well too. Both fill up on the holiday, so claim your spot by about 8:30 PM.
Why is Ship Bottom called the Gateway to LBI?
Ship Bottom is the town where the Route 72 Causeway Bridge lands on Long Beach Island, making it the first stop for nearly everyone arriving by car. That central location makes it an ideal base camp with quick access to Surf City, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Light.
Plan Your LBI July 4th from Ship Bottom
As the Gateway to Long Beach Island, Ship Bottom puts ocean fireworks, wide beaches, and the whole island within easy reach for Independence Day.