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
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While You're in Surf City
Don't Miss
- Surf City Beach — Great beach for surfing and swimming. Designated surf areas with consistent waves.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop — Large surf shop for gear, rentals, and beach supplies.
- Surf City Hotel — Local bar and restaurant with live music in summer.
Quick Links
Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Surf City
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.
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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
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
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
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
LBI Beach Rentals
Island beach houses
Sleep 8-12
VRBO Vacation Rentals
Home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms for families
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Surf City, 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
- • Free street parking but tight
- • 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
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More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Surf City fireworks in 2026?
Surf City's fireworks are on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM — not on the Fourth itself. Presented by the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company, they launch from the bay beach between 16th and 17th Streets, so you can catch this show and still have July 4 open for other LBI celebrations.
Where is the best place to watch the Surf City fireworks?
Because the display launches from the bay beach between 16th and 17th Streets, the calm bay side is the prime viewing area. It's a family-friendly, less-crowded north-LBI alternative to the bigger Beach Haven show.
How do I get to Surf City for the holiday?
Surf City sits on Long Beach Island, accessible only via the Route 72 causeway. Holiday-weekend traffic backs up significantly, so arrive before noon or plan to stay overnight. Beach badges are required on LBI, and biking is the easiest way to get around town.
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.