Fourth of July in Surf City
LBI's family-friendly bay-beach fireworks on Friday, July 3, 2026
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Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Friday
July 3, 2026
9:00 PM
Fireworks Start
16th–17th St Bay
Launch / Viewing
Volunteer Fire Co.
Presented By
While You're in Surf City
Make the most of your visit with these local highlights and essential info.
🎯 Don't Miss
- Surf City Beach — Great beach for surfing and swimming. Designated surf areas with consistent waves.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop — Iconic surf shop for gear, rentals, and beach supplies.
- Surf City Hotel — Local bar and restaurant with live music in summer.
🚗 Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Surf City
Book Surf City Tours & Experiences
Make the most of the weekend — book a tour, tasting, or guided experience. Free cancellation on most reservations.
Why Surf City for July 4th?
Surf City is a classic Long Beach Island town, and its Independence Day fireworks land on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM — letting you catch this show and still have the actual Fourth open for other LBI celebrations. The display is presented by the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company.
The fireworks launch from the bay beach between 16th and 17th Streets, so the calm bay side becomes the prime viewing area. It's a family-friendly, less-crowded north-LBI celebration with an easygoing small-town feel rather than a big-resort crush.
With the bay launch, classic LBI eateries, and a walkable downtown, Surf City makes an ideal base for a holiday weekend on the island. Plan to settle in on the bay side before 9 PM and enjoy the show over the water.
How to Spend the Fourth
Morning Beach Time
Start oceanside on Surf City's beaches — badges required on LBI, buy at beach entrances.
Afternoon Downtown
Stroll the walkable downtown, grab coffee at How You Brewin', and explore the shops.
Sunset Dinner
Dinner at the Surf City Hotel or Scojo's before heading to the bay side.
Fireworks Magic
Head to the bay beach between 16th & 17th Streets before 9 PM for the Friday, July 3 show.
Where to Eat
Tables fill up fast over the holiday weekend. Reserve a few days out, especially anywhere with a water view.
Scojo's Restaurant
$$American / Casual
Longtime Surf City favorite for family dinners — expect a wait on the holiday
Surf City Hotel
$$Bar / American
LBI institution with bar, restaurant, and live music on holiday weekends
The Quarter Deck
$$Seafood / American
Casual island dining close to the beach blocks
Yellow Fin (nearby)
$$$Upscale Seafood
BYOB fine dining a short drive south — reserve well ahead for the weekend
How You Brewin'
$Coffee / Cafe
Local coffee roaster for morning fuel before a beach day
Surf City Pizza
$Pizza / Casual
Quick, family-friendly slices for a beach-day lunch
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.
Surf City Hotel
Classic LBI hotel
Central downtown location, on-site bar and restaurant, walkable to the bay show
Sand Castle Bed & Breakfast (nearby)
Boutique B&B
Intimate north-LBI stay — books out months ahead for July 4th week
LBI Beach Rentals
Island beach houses
Sleep 8-12, July 4th week is peak demand — book 4-6 months ahead
VRBO Vacation Rentals
Home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms for families
Book Your Stay
Find hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs in Surf City
July 4th weekend availability limited
Surf City fills up months in advance
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Things to Do on the Water & Around Town
Things to Do
fourth of july Weekend Tips
Parking
- • Bay-side streets near 16th–17th fill early on July 3
- • Free street parking but tight — arrive well before 8 PM
- • Biking is the easiest way around Surf City on the holiday
Beach Access
- • Beach badges required on LBI for the ocean beaches
- • Day badges available at beach entrances
- • The bay beach viewing area is the free fireworks spot
Fireworks
- • Show is Friday, July 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM — note the date is not the 4th
- • Launched from the bay beach between 16th & 17th Streets
- • LBI traffic on the Route 72 causeway backs up — arrive early or stay overnight
Book Your Surf City Holiday Weekend
Book everything you need for your Surf City trip in one place.
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More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Surf City July 4th
Catch LBI's family-friendly July 3 bay fireworks and a classic Long Beach Island weekend in Surf City.