Lucy the Elephant Tours

Lucy the Elephant featuring outdoor art
Lucy the Elephant showing interior views
Lucy the Elephant showing a city and views
Lucy the Elephant
Atlantic City which includes a beach and general coastal views


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

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Things to do near Lucy the Elephant

When visiting Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, New Jersey, enjoy activities like walking, birdwatching, or trying your luck at nearby casinos. Don't miss special events such as the Elephant Bazaar, the engaging Tour Series, and the Elephantastic Adventure. For a unique experience, consider the Elephantnight Climb, which offers stunning views. Explore these attractions to make your trip memorable!

Food and drinks

Visit Shriver's Salt Water Taffy & Fudge for delicious sweet treats, only 4 miles from Lucy the Elephant. For a taste of local wines, try Renault Winery or Tomasello Winery Tasting Room, both offering entertainment and romance vibes within 12 to 16 miles of the landmark.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit the Quarter at Tropicana, located 4 miles from Lucy the Elephant, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Playground Pier is also nearby at 5 miles. If you're up for a drive, check out Days of Olde Antique Center, which is 11 miles away.

Recreation

Experience luxury at Atlantic City Country Club, where you can enjoy upscale amenities and serene surroundings. For a more active day, head to Surf Stadium for thrilling sports events. If you prefer the outdoors, the Seaview Golf Resort Pines Course offers beautiful views while you play a round of golf.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Lucy the Elephant with a visit to Harrah's Atlantic City Casino for thrilling gaming and romance, or catch a show at the Gateway Playhouse for a cultural evening. For family fun, Jilly's Arcade offers exciting adventures just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Lucy the Elephant

When visiting Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, New Jersey, you'll find a variety of attractions suited for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the nearby beach, enjoy events at local conference venues, or stroll along the esplanade. Don't miss the iconic Margate Elephant and take a short trip to Atlantic City for more points of interest. Lucy Park is also a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

  • Atlantic City Boardwalk: Stretching along the coast, the Atlantic City Boardwalk offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Perfect for families, you can stroll, bike, or even take a ride on a historic tram while enjoying ocean views and people-watching.
  • Atlantic City Beach: Just a short distance away, Atlantic City Beach features soft sands and rolling waves. It’s the ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, or beach sports, providing a classic seaside experience that captures the essence of summer fun.
  • Atlantic City Convention Center: A hub for events and conventions, the Atlantic City Convention Center hosts a variety of business gatherings and exhibitions. Its modern facilities and convenient location make it a key venue for networking and learning opportunities.

Best time to go to Lucy the Elephant

The best time to visit Lucy the Elephant can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lucy the Elephant falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Lucy the Elephant falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
April52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
June70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
October60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lucy the Elephant

Visiting Lucy the Elephant can be budget-friendly with free admission and nearby attractions like the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Ocean City Boardwalk. For affordable lodging, plan your trip between October and December when prices drop. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels, sort by price, and consider package deals that bundle flights and activities. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Explore public transport options for cost-effective travel around the area and take advantage of any free nights or price guarantees offered.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lucy the Elephant are October to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Lucy the Elephant with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.