Lucy the Elephant

Description

Lucy the Elephant is one of those quirky, larger-than-life landmarks you can’t help but stop and stare at. Standing six stories tall, this elephant-shaped building has been part of the New Jersey shore since 1881, making it an icon of Margate City and an official National Historic Landmark. Originally built by James Lafferty, a real estate developer with a flair for eccentric marketing, Lucy was created to attract property buyers to the area. And, well, it worked. Today, she is considered the oldest surviving roadside attraction in America, with millions having made the trip to see her over more than a century of existence.

Visitors who experience Lucy often describe her as whimsical, fascinating, and unique — not the kind of thing you run into every day. That said, as with most historic attractions, some guests feel that parts of the tours can be a bit short or that the novelty wears off quickly. Others remark that it’s exactly the offbeat charm they were looking for during a trip near Atlantic City or while exploring the Jersey Shore. If you have any fondness for Americana oddities, architecture, or just love standing inside a giant elephant while gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean, Lucy might just leave you grinning.

Over the years, Lucy was nearly lost to neglect but was saved by a dedicated community effort through the Save Lucy Committee. Thanks to those efforts, she continues to thrive—welcoming families, history buffs, day trippers, and curious tourists. Stepping inside is a bit like stepping back in time; you’re walking through a 19th-century structure made of nearly a million pieces of wood and tin that somehow survived brutal coastal storms and decades of change.

Key Features

• A six-story, elephant-shaped building standing 65 feet tall.
• Constructed in 1881 out of wood and tin, making it one of America’s oldest surviving roadside attractions.
• Designated as a National Historic Landmark for its cultural and architectural significance.
• Offers guided tours that take you inside the elephant’s body and up to the howdah (the carriage-like structure on top) for stunning ocean views.
• Includes a small museum-style experience inside, offering history and intriguing facts about her origins and preservation.
• Convenient gift shop filled with quirky souvenirs and locally inspired memorabilia.
• Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, making it welcoming to all visitors.
• Family-friendly with kids often loving the idea of literally walking inside a massive elephant.
• Free parking available nearby, including on-site spaces and street spots.

Best Time to Visit

The Jersey Shore is, unsurprisingly, at its buzziest in summer. June through August is the peak season for visiting Lucy the Elephant, when the boardwalks and beaches nearby are full of life. The upside of visiting during this time is obvious: bright sunny weather, refreshing ocean breezes, and everything in the surrounding area open and kicking. The slight downside is that it can be crowded, and you may need some extra patience waiting for tours, especially on weekends.

Spring and early fall are fantastic alternatives if you’d prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather. April and May bring fresh seasonal energy, while September and October let you enjoy warm afternoons with less hustle. Wintertime, Lucy can still be charming in her own quiet coastal atmosphere, but some amenities around the shore may close. Personally, I think she feels even more surreal in the off-season — like she’s standing there stoically facing the Atlantic Ocean, through cold winds and gray skies, with only a handful of visitors stopping by.

How to Get There

Lucy is located in Margate City along the Jersey Shore, just a short drive from Atlantic City. If you’re coming from Philadelphia, expect the drive to take about an hour and fifteen minutes. From New York City, it’s closer to two and a half hours depending on traffic. Many travelers pair a visit to Lucy with a day or overnight in Atlantic City or even a longer Jersey Shore road trip.

For those using public transit, options are a bit more limited. You might take a train into Atlantic City and then catch a taxi, rideshare, or local bus into Margate. Still, most visitors find it easiest to come by car. And parking is thankfully simple, with both on-site and free street parking available near the attraction.

Tips for Visiting

A trip to Lucy is not the kind of all-day affair that keeps you occupied for hours on end, but it can be one of the brightest highlights in a coastal itinerary if you plan it right. Below are some practical tips and little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up visiting myself and through conversations with other travelers:

• Take the guided tour. Even if you’re tempted to just gawk at her from the outside and snap a few photos, the guided tour adds so much depth and context. Standing inside a six-story historic elephant while learning about her wild history feels one-of-a-kind.
• Head up to the howdah. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding neighborhoods are worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Atlantic City’s skyline.
• Stop by the gift shop. It’s full of elephant-themed souvenirs and beach-town goodies — a little kitschy, sure, but in the best way.
• Pair with nearby fun. Since the tour itself isn’t very long (maybe 20-30 minutes), combine your visit with time on the beach, a meal in Margate, or a jaunt into Atlantic City for casinos and entertainment.
• Timing matters. If you’re traveling in the summer, try to arrive earlier in the morning to avoid bigger crowds. Off-season, you’ll likely have more space to yourself.
• Be prepared for stairs. Lucy is historic, meaning her interior isn’t quite as modern as newer attractions. While the entrance is wheelchair accessible, exploring her upper levels does involve climbing steps.
• Read up a bit before you go. Learning the backstory — that Lucy was originally real estate marketing genius by James Lafferty, later used as a tavern and rental, and nearly demolished before being saved — makes the whole experience richer.

Lucy the Elephant may not be the flashiest attraction along the Jersey Shore, but she has stood longer than many of the city buildings around her and continues to capture imaginations. Her big presence in Margate City is part history lesson, part oddball roadside charm, and part ocean-view experience you don’t find anywhere else in the United States of America. If your travels bring you anywhere near Atlantic City, she’s worth the detour — if only so you can say, quite literally, that you walked inside a six-story elephant.