TranslateOverview
Margate City is a small barrier-island community on Absecon Island in Atlantic County, New Jersey, situated between Atlantic City to the north and Ventnor City and Longport to the south. With a year-round population of roughly 6,000 that swells considerably in summer, the city has long attracted families and Philadelphia-area day-trippers looking for a calmer alternative to the casinos and boardwalk noise of Atlantic City.
The town is perhaps best known statewide for Lucy the Elephant, a six-story wooden elephant-shaped building constructed in 1881 that now sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond that singular landmark, Margate offers a clean public beach, a stretch of well-maintained residential streets lined with Victorian and mid-century homes, and a dining and bar scene that punches above its weight for a town its size.
Margate does not have a traditional boardwalk; instead, the beachfront is accessed via street-end paths and a modest beachfront promenade. That absence of a commercial boardwalk is part of its appeal — the atmosphere is noticeably more low-key than Atlantic City or even nearby Wildwood.
Before You Go
Visas
Margate City is in the United States. For visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website (uscis.gov) or the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
When to Go
- Peak season (July–August): Warmest water, all restaurants and services open, highest accommodation rates, busiest beach. Book well in advance.
- Shoulder season (late May–June, September): Comfortable temperatures, far fewer crowds, lower rates. Many businesses remain open through Labor Day weekend.
- Off-season (October–April): Most seasonal businesses close. The beach and town are quiet; good for a peaceful off-season escape, but verify which restaurants remain open before you go.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, beach chairs, and umbrellas are available at local shops, but bringing your own saves money. Parking is limited and metered or permitted in many areas during summer — factor this into planning. Evenings can be cool even in July, so bring a light layer.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airport is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Egg Harbor Township, roughly 10–15 miles from Margate depending on route. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately 60 miles away and offers far more flight options; many visitors drive from PHL.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by car. From Philadelphia, take the Atlantic City Expressway east to Atlantic City, then follow Atlantic Avenue south into Margate. The drive is typically 60–75 minutes outside of peak summer traffic. Summer weekend traffic on the expressway and local shore roads can add significant time — plan accordingly and consider traveling mid-week or early morning.
By Bus
NJ Transit operates bus service connecting Atlantic City to surrounding shore communities. Verify current routes, schedules, and fares on the NJ Transit website (njtransit.com) before travel, as service frequency varies seasonally.
By Train
There is no direct train service to Margate City. The closest NJ Transit rail terminus is Atlantic City Rail Terminal; from there, a bus or rideshare would be needed to reach Margate.
Getting Around
Margate City is small and relatively flat, making it walkable and very bikeable within the town itself. Many visitors rent bicycles locally or bring their own — cycling along the beachfront and through residential streets is a common way to get around in summer.
Parking is the main friction point during summer. Street parking is metered or restricted in many beach-adjacent blocks, and the town enforces parking rules actively. Arriving early in the morning helps secure spots near the beach. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in the area and can be a practical alternative to driving and parking, particularly for evening dining.
Because Margate sits between Ventnor and Atlantic City, it's easy to walk or cycle north into Ventnor or south toward Longport along the beachfront. Atlantic City's casinos and boardwalk are a short drive or rideshare away.
Things to See & Do
Lucy the Elephant
The defining landmark of Margate, Lucy is a six-story tin-clad wooden elephant built in 1881 by James V. Lafferty as a real-estate promotion gimmick. She is the oldest surviving example of novelty architecture in the United States. Visitors can tour the interior. Verify current tour hours, admission fees, and seasonal closures directly with the Lucy the Elephant organization (lucytheelephant.org) before visiting.
The Beach
Margate's public beach runs the full length of the city along the Atlantic Ocean. Beach tags are required during peak season for adults; verify current fee and purchase information with the city. The beach is known for being well-maintained and less overcrowded than neighboring Atlantic City beaches.
Cycling and Walking
The flat terrain and connected shore communities make Margate an excellent base for cycling. A bike path and low-traffic streets connect Margate to Ventnor City, Longport, and northward toward Atlantic City's boardwalk.
Day Trips
Margate's location makes it convenient for day trips to Atlantic City's casinos, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Ocean City, and Cape May (verify driving times seasonally).
Fishing
Surf fishing from the beach is popular. Local bait-and-tackle shops can advise on conditions and required licenses.
Food & Drink
Margate has a well-regarded local dining scene for a town its size, concentrated primarily along Ventnor Avenue and surrounding blocks. The emphasis tends toward seafood, casual American fare, and Italian cuisine, with some spots having loyal regional followings.
The town has a mix of sit-down restaurants, casual BYOBs (New Jersey's common bring-your-own-bottle dining format), and takeout spots. New Jersey allows many restaurants to operate without a liquor license and instead permit patrons to bring their own wine or beer — verify whether a specific restaurant is BYOB before dining.
Many seasonal restaurants close or reduce hours significantly after Labor Day. During summer, waits at popular spots can be long on weekend evenings — going early or on a weeknight is advisable. For current restaurant recommendations, check recent reviews on platforms like Google Maps or Yelp, as the dining scene does change from season to season.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. Margate City has its own police department and fire department. For non-emergency police matters, contact the Margate City Police Department — verify the non-emergency number on the city's official website (margatecity.com).
Medical Care
The nearest hospitals with emergency departments are in Atlantic City. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center is the major health system in the region — verify current locations and services locally.
Money
ATMs are available in Atlantic City nearby; Margate itself has limited banking infrastructure. Many local businesses accept major credit cards, but smaller or seasonal vendors may prefer cash — it's worth carrying some.
Beach Tags
Beach tags (beach badges) are required for adults during peak season. Purchase locations and fees are set annually by the city — verify current information at margatecity.com or at the beach tag office before arriving.
Connectivity
Cell service is generally reliable throughout Margate. Most accommodation options and many restaurants offer Wi-Fi.
Safety
Margate City is generally considered a safe, quiet beach community with a low crime rate relative to regional urban centers. Standard beach safety practices apply: swim near lifeguards when they are on duty, heed ocean flag warnings, and apply sunscreen regularly given the reflective intensity of the open beach.
Rip currents are a real hazard on the New Jersey shore; if caught in one, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting it directly back to the beach. Lifeguards are present on the beach during designated hours in peak season — verify the schedule with the city.
Jellyfish (primarily moon jellies and occasional sea nettles) wash ashore intermittently in summer. Their presence is seasonal and unpredictable; local lifeguards or beach staff can advise on current conditions.
