Hiratsuka is located in central Kanagawa Prefecture and surrounded by an abundance of nature, including long stretches of sand dunes and pine forests along the coast and some of the best riverside areas and rice paddies in Shonan. It also boasts Shonan Daira Hills, which is popular among locals and people from around the Kanto region for its views and night scenery, and many famous cherry blossom spots. It is also recognized on a national scale for its Tanabata Festival in early June that features decadent decorations that are said to be the best in Japan.