The peak of summer—and Independence Day—is just around the corner. And Virginia Beach has the perfect mix of fun, sand, sun and fireworks to get your long Fourth of July weekend festivities going.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll have no shortage of options for where to stay and what to do in Oceanfront, Town Center, the ViBe Creative District and Pungo for some ultimate Fourth of July fun. Here are a few ideas to get your celebratory weekend started—Virginia Beach style.
July 3, 2026
Friday, July 3
Kick off your Fourth of July weekend 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 serving up breakfast comfort food alongside delicious Bloody Marys and mimosas. Standouts include biscuits and gravy made with chorizo, hearty omelets and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Foodie Tip: Ask about the Mickey Mouse version of the Doctor’s Famous Buttermilk Pancakes
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.
Saturday, July 4
Today, it’s all about red, white and blue. Wake up bright and early to participate in the 42nd Annual Independence Day 5K with the YMCA (and its following quarter-mile Tot Trot, if you have little ones) at Mount Trashmore Park. Part of the VA250 celebrations—a series of events celebrating the U.S.’ 250th anniversary in the state where it all started—it’s bound to be a great time. So lace up your shoes, don your most patriotic running gear and get ready for a race to remember.
If you’re not up for an active morning, skip the run and fuel up for a day of creativity at the ViBe Creative District instead—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. Craving a cultural experience? Go on a mural walking tour throughout the ViBe Creative District.
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’s the summer’s biggest annual 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 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Musical performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks, which are shot from a barge and can be viewed from anywhere along the beach, begin at 9:30 p.m.
Last but certainly not least, you can make a quick trip out of town to nearby Williamsburg, where the VA250 celebrations will be out in full force. Taking place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. the 250 Years Together event features singer Judy Collins, retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice The Honorable John Charles Thomas and the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band. Cap it all off with what’s sure to be an epic drone and fireworks show. This star-studded event will be so big that it’ll be broadcast on PBS, so why not see the festivities in person?
Sunday, July 5
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 6
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 end a weekend well spent in sunny Virginia Beach.
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- Fourth of July
- Oceanfront
- Summer
- Things to Do
Written by Sarah Etinas
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.
