July 4, 2025
Friday, July 4
Today, it’s all about red, white and blue. Kick off your Fourth of July with a quintessential Virginia Beach brunch at Doc Taylor’s just steps from the energetic Oceanfront. Once a doctor’s home, Doc’s is now a popular restaurant that serves delicious Bloody Marys and mimosas, plus breakfast comfort food, like biscuits and gravy made with chorizo, hearty omelets or fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Foodie tip: Ask about the Mickey Mouse version.
Next, find your favorite spot in the sand and make it a beach day all the way. Bask in the sun and enjoy the warm waters and calm waves of the Atlantic Ocean. When hunger strikes for lunch, head to Chix on the Beach for fresh seafood dishes, like blackened tuna tacos or lump crab cakes.
Don’t forget to stop by Waterman’s Surfside Grille nearby and order an Orange Crush cocktail—a true Virginia Beach staple. Make your way back to the sand and take a ride on a four-wheeled surrey along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for a classic (and fun) way to take in the scenery.
Where to See Fireworks in Virginia Beach
Of course, what would July Fourth be without fireworks? As the sun sets, grab your blankets and beach chairs and settle in for the Stars & Stripes Celebration. It’sthe summer’s biggest display of free live music, family-friendly entertainment and fireworks across 17th Street Park, the 24th Street Stage and Neptune's Park on 31st Street from 7-10:30 p.m. Musical performances begin at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m., which are shot from a barge and can be viewed from anywhere along the beach.
You can also join the fun at Mount Trashmore for an Independence Day celebration complete with food trucks, live music and fireworks. This free kid-approved event begins at 8 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Note: Parking is $20 per vehicle and parking attendants will monitor the lots and close them when full. Edwin Drive will be closed once parking lots are full.
Saturday, July 5
Fuel up for a day of creativity at the ViBe Creative District—an ultimate Virginia Beach summer experience. Start with a farm-to-table breakfast at Commune, or keep it light with a quick bite and refreshing iced coffee at Three Ships Coffee. Then, hit up Old Beach Farmers Market, which showcases local artisans selling everything from baked goods and seasonal produce to candles, jewelry, clothing and more.
If you’re craving a cultural experience, go on a Mural Walking Tour throughout the ViBe Creative District to take in colorful and thought-provoking murals created by local artists or discover the latest exhibits at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
Sunday, July 6
Start your Sunday sunny-side up in Pungo with a Southern-inspired breakfast at The Bee & The Biscuit before heading out for a morning of picking blueberries, raspberries and blackberries (in season during the summer months) at one of the various You-Pick Farms.
After you’ve had your bucket’s fill, make your way to the Military Aviation Museum for an intimate history lesson and a close-up look at WWI and WWII planes and the inspiring stories of those who flew them.
For a relaxing afternoon wind down, head to Little Island Park in Sandbridge, where you can lay on the beach, walk along the ocean’s edge on the Little Island Pier or ride fat tire bikes on the sand. (You can rent them nearby from Ocean Rentals.) Cap off an unforgettable Sunday with dinner and a Baja Sunset cocktail at Baja Restaurant as you toast to—what else?—an amazing Virginia Beach sunset.
Monday, July 7
If you’re staying through Monday morning, stretch your legs before hitting the road with an easy hike through preserved marshland dotted with Bald Cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss at First Landing State Park. Then, grab a nitro cold brew to-go at nearby American Brew and toast to a weekend well spent in sunny Virginia Beach.
About Our Writer:
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
