Lucy the Elephant Tours and Activities

Lucy the Elephant showing interior views
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Watch the kids climbthrough this delightful six-story landmark, with tusks and trunk, and enjoy theocean views, or a picnic in the surrounding park.

Visit Margate to meetLucy, a local landmark in the shape of a circus elephant. Learn its historyduring a guided tour in summer.

When James Laffertywanted to attract people to south Atlantic City in the late 19th century, hedecided he would build a six-story hotel with a remarkable appearance, and Lucythe Elephant was the result. Lucy has stood in Margate for more than 130 years andhas become a symbol of the Jersey coast.

Once made from almosta million individual pieces of wood, Lucy the Elephant was considered a feat ofarchitecture at the time. The now predominantly steel structure has weatheredmany a storm and famously survived Hurricane Sandy, which came ashore at thisvery spot in 2012.

Lucy has had acolorful life, being used as a hotel, a bar and a restaurant. The bar wasclosed during the prohibition years and bootleggers used it for signaling tosmuggle alcohol ashore.

Every half hourduring summer you can join a guided tour. Learn about the architecture of thestructure and climb the spiral staircase inside Lucy’s hind leg to reach thehowdah at the top. From there, enjoy 360-degree views across Margate and theJersey Shore. See Atlantic City in the distance on a clear day. The howdah ischild-friendly and the stairs can be climbed by people of varying heights andfitness.

The Josephine HarronPark, where Lucy stands, is a stunning coastal park, which is fenced off toensure that your kids are safe while you relax. Enjoy a family picnic at thetables provided here.

Lucy the Elephant islocated in Margate, about 6 miles (20 kilometers) south of Atlantic City, andcan be reached by car or bus from downtown. There is free parking for visitorshowever, a 30-minute limit is enforced in the small car park.

Lucythe Elephant is open daily throughout the summer months, but hours vary duringthe off-season, so check the website before visiting.

Plan a trip to see Lucy the Elephant

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Alexander Inn
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Lucy the Elephant

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
95
" "5 - Excellent 38.61788617886179%
4 - Good
85
" "4 - Good 34.552845528455286%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 20.32520325203252%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 4.065040650406504%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 2.4390243902439024%

4/5 - Good

Deb
Jul 31, 2019

REALLY big. Kids love climbing up inside. Nothing else to do there, but definitely something different to see.

5/5 - Excellent

E.
Jul 20, 2019

Such a fun little piece of New Jersey history. The tour only takes about an hour. My kids & I loved it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 26, 2018

A must see!!

2/5 - Disappointing

Lillian
Aug 29, 2018

We didn't get a chance to see Lucy

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