TranslateOverview
Margate City is a small barrier-island borough on Absecon Island along the southern New Jersey Shore, situated between Atlantic City to the north and Longport to the south. With a permanent population of only a few thousand residents, the town swells considerably each summer as vacationers arrive to enjoy its wide, well-maintained beaches and low-key seaside character.
Unlike its famous neighbor Atlantic City, Margate has no casinos and deliberately maintains a residential, family-friendly identity. The boardwalk here is modest, the pace is slower, and the appeal lies in uncrowded beaches, local restaurants, and a genuine shore-town feel that has kept generations of families returning year after year.
Margate is also notable as the home — or immediate neighbor — of Lucy the Elephant, a six-story wooden elephant structure built in 1881 that is one of the most unusual historic landmarks in New Jersey and a National Historic Landmark. Even visitors who are not beach-goers often make the detour just to see it.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Margate City is in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements before you travel.
When to Visit
The beach season runs roughly Memorial Day weekend (late May) through Labor Day (early September). July and August are peak months with the warmest water temperatures, the most open businesses, and the largest crowds. Late spring and early fall offer quieter visits with milder temperatures; many seasonal businesses close or reduce hours after Labor Day, so verify locally before planning a fall trip.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen and beach gear (umbrellas can be rented locally — verify current vendors on arrival)
- Light layers for evenings, which can be cool even in summer
- Cash and cards; many local businesses accept both, but small vendors may be cash-preferred
- A car or plan for rideshare, as public transit options to Margate are limited
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airport is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Egg Harbor Township, roughly 10–15 miles from Margate. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a larger hub approximately 60 miles away and often offers more flight options and competitive fares. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is farther but serves extensive international routes. Confirm current drive times and transfer options with your accommodation or via mapping apps, as road conditions vary seasonally.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by car. Margate is accessible via the Garden State Parkway (exit at or near the Pleasantville/Atlantic City exits — verify the best exit for your approach) and then via local roads across Absecon Island. Parking in Margate is primarily on-street or in small municipal lots; beach-area parking fills quickly on summer weekends, so arriving early is advisable.
By Bus
New Jersey Transit operates bus routes connecting the Atlantic City area with Philadelphia and other regional points. From Atlantic City's bus/rail terminal, local transit or a rideshare can bring you into Margate. Schedules and routes should be confirmed on the NJ Transit website before travel, as service patterns change seasonally.
Getting Around
Margate City is a small, walkable borough once you are there, and many visitors simply walk or cycle between the beach, restaurants, and shops. Bicycles are a popular and practical way to get around in summer; several rental operations have historically operated in the area — verify current availability locally.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) function in the Margate area, though availability may be limited during peak beach hours when demand is high. Taxis serving the broader Atlantic City area also operate here. If you plan day trips to Atlantic City, Longport, or Ocean City, having a car gives you the most flexibility, as inter-town public transit is infrequent.
Where to Stay
Margate City's accommodation landscape is dominated by vacation rental homes and condominiums rather than large hotels. Families and groups typically rent weekly or for long weekends through platforms such as Vrbo, Airbnb, or local Shore rental agencies, many of which have operated in the area for decades. Weekly summer rentals are common and often book out months in advance — planning well ahead is essential if you want to stay during July or August.
Smaller motels and bed-and-breakfast-style options exist in Margate and the surrounding communities of Ventnor and Atlantic City. For a broader hotel selection including major brands, Atlantic City (a short drive north) has extensive hotel inventory linked to its casino resorts. Travelers seeking a quieter stay often prefer Margate as a base and visit Atlantic City for day trips.
Verify current availability and pricing through your preferred booking platform, as rates fluctuate significantly between peak summer and the off-season.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
Margate's beaches are the primary draw. The borough maintains several beach access points along its Atlantic-facing coastline. Beach tags (badges) are typically required during peak season for adults; fees and purchase locations should be verified with the Margate City offices or local vendors each season, as they are set annually.
Lucy the Elephant
Located at the south end of Margate near the Longport border, Lucy the Elephant is a six-story, 65-foot-tall wooden elephant structure dating to 1881, originally built as a real estate promotional tool. She is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest surviving examples of novelty architecture in the United States. Guided tours are offered during the season; visit the official Save Lucy Committee website or contact them directly for current tour times, admission fees, and seasonal hours.
Boating and Water Activities
The bay side of Absecon Island (the Great Egg Harbor Bay and back-bay areas) offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Local outfitters and marinas in the broader area can provide rentals and charters — verify current operators locally.
Day Trips
Margate's position on Absecon Island makes it an easy base for visiting Atlantic City's boardwalk and entertainment district, the historic charm of Ocean City (a short drive south), and Cape May farther down the shore.
Food & Drink
Margate has a well-regarded local dining scene for a town its size, with a concentration of restaurants along Ventnor Avenue and near the beach blocks. The focus is on casual seafood, classic American fare, and Italian-American cuisine — staples of the Jersey Shore restaurant tradition.
The town has historically been home to several beloved local institutions for ice cream, pizza, and seafood, though individual restaurants open and close seasonally. Rather than list specific establishments that may have changed, travelers are advised to check current review platforms (Google Maps, Yelp, TripAdvisor) for up-to-date recommendations and hours before visiting.
BYOB (bring your own bottle) restaurants are common throughout New Jersey, including in Margate, which can make dining out more affordable. Confirm a restaurant's liquor license status when making reservations. Grocery stores and markets in the area allow visitors staying in rental homes to self-cater easily.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical services.
Money
Margate operates entirely on US dollars. ATMs are available in the area. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and shops, though some beach vendors and small stands may be cash only.
Connectivity
Cellular coverage from major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) is generally reliable. Wi-Fi is available at many restaurants and rental properties.
Useful Contacts
- Margate City Hall / Official Borough Website: Search 'City of Margate NJ official site' for current contact information, beach tag details, and local ordinances
- Lucy the Elephant: Verify tour information via the Save Lucy Committee's official site
- NJ Transit: njtransit.com for bus routes and schedules
Safety
Margate City is generally considered a safe, family-oriented community. Standard beach safety precautions apply: swim only in designated areas when lifeguards are on duty, pay attention to flag warning systems indicating water conditions, and stay hydrated in summer heat.
Rip currents can occur along any stretch of the New Jersey Shore. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore rather than fighting it directly. Lifeguard schedules are typically posted at beach entrances — verify locally each season as hours and coverage areas are set by the borough.
As with any coastal community, be mindful of valuables on the beach and in vehicles. Keep car doors locked and do not leave bags unattended.
