Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in Virginia Beach

July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — the singular moment in which the United States became a nation. And with Semiquincentennial celebrations lighting up the country like a sky full of fireworks, Virginia Beach is more than ready to join the party.

Even better? Virginia Beach already has everything you’d want for a meaningful Fourth of July: ocean views, wide-open space, and a proud connection to America’s story. Pair that with family-friendly events and ways for all ages to take part, and you’ve got the perfect place to come together, reflect, and celebrate 250 years of independence. Here’s what makes Virginia Beach such an ideal setting to celebrate.

A Major Player in American History

When you think of our country’s beginnings, cities such as Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Washington, D.C., Boston and even Plymouth might be the first places that come to mind. Although Plymouth Rock holds bragging rights to the historic 1620 Mayflower landing and the colony that followed, the actual First Landing of English settlers in the New World took place in 1607 at Cape Henry in Virginia Beach — before the settlers went on to establish the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown. 
This area is well worth a visit, featuring Cape Henry’s early history, two iconic lighthouses, and the natural beauty of First Landing State Park. The historic Skirmish at Kemp’s Landing (1775) is another key chapter in Virginia Beach history — one that helps underscore the area’s enduring military legacy.

Our Crown Jewel: The Chesapeake Bay

Today, the Chesapeake Bay is a home for wildlife and a popular place to get out on the water, but since the Colonial Era, its deep waters and winding tributaries have played a crucial role in American trade and military power. During the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, the Bay helped secure French naval dominance and ultimately British surrender in the decisive 21-day battle that ended the Revolutionary War. The Bay remained strategically important in later conflicts as well, serving as a base for British raids and blockades during the War of 1812 and becoming a major theater of the Civil War for naval battles, troop movements, supply lines, and the Union blockade. When visiting Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake Bay is an easy way to experience this rich history firsthand.

Close (But Not Too Close) to the Action

Brimming with national history in its own right, Virginia Beach is ultra-convenient to many of the cities and sites that will attract millions of patriotic visitors this year … but just removed enough to avoid the bulk of the crowds. An easy one-hour drive from the Historic Triangle, Virginia Beach gives you access to must-experience semiquincentennial attractions — plus a beautiful, laid-back home base where you can spend the morning on the beach, explore nearby attractions in the afternoon and still be within easy reach of the history and special events that brought you here in the first place.

Within less than 200 square miles, you can explore the New World’s First English community at Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestown; experience the site of the final battle of the Revolutionary War at Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and trace the founding of a new nation in Colonial Williamsburg. In short, we’re proud to share a beachside escape that makes it easy to mix a little learning, a lot of fun and plenty of celebration.