Lucy the Elephant
Iconic 6-story elephant landmark, the world's oldest roadside attraction, offering history and ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Lucy the Elephant
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 6-story elephant landmark, the world's oldest roadside attraction, offering history and ocean views.
"A must-visit landmark near Atlantic City, offering fascinating history and rewarding views!"
🎯 Book Tickets Ahead
Tours fill up fast! Book online or arrive early to secure your spot. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs, so comfy footwear is a must for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Tour
Inside Lucy the Elephant
Climb narrow stairs to the top for panoramic views and learn about Lucy's fascinating history.
Iconic Exterior Photo Op
Lucy the Elephant grounds
Capture a memorable photo with the 6-story elephant landmark, a true Jersey Shore icon.
Panoramic Ocean Views
Top observation deck
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding coastline from Lucy's howdah.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for Stairs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Ahead
Tours fill up fast! Book online or arrive early to secure your spot. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs, so comfy footwear is a must for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moment
Plenty of great photo ops inside and out! Don't forget your camera. :camerawithflash:
💰 Tip Your Guide
The guides are knowledgeable and make the tour engaging. Cash tips are appreciated. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Ahead
Tours fill up fast! Book online or arrive early to secure your spot. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs, so comfy footwear is a must for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moment
Plenty of great photo ops inside and out! Don't forget your camera. :camerawithflash:
💰 Tip Your Guide
The guides are knowledgeable and make the tour engaging. Cash tips are appreciated. :moneywithwings:
📍 Check Ticket Location
Tickets are sometimes sold across the street, not at Lucy's gift shop. Check signs! :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lucy the Elephant as a unique and informative landmark, highlighting the engaging tours and rewarding ocean views from the top. While the narrow stairs and occasional ticket purchase confusion are noted, the overall experience is considered a worthwhile and memorable stop on the Jersey Shore.
"I did the tour for Lucy the Elephant and it was so interesting and informative. The guide shared a lot of great history and details that made the visit even more meaningful. The stairs inside are narrow and there are quite a few of them to climb in order to reach the top, but the view is worth it. I definitely recommend doing the tour if you want to gain more insight and appreciate Lucy even more."
Alyssa Marie Gonzales
"We came here in a Sunday in April after spending the night in AC. I searched “lighthouse” in Google maps and this came up because someone had commented that it was like walking up a lighthouse. I would agree with that comment but it’s only 2 flights of steps instead of up 200+ steps.
Tickets and gift shop are temporarily across the street so give yourself some extra time to get over there and get tickets. I think they do the tours every 45 minute and we got there right as they were beginning a tour and were able to get in.
The guide led us up the stairs and then gave an overview and explanation of the history of Lucy. There are some signs that explain this as well. I don’t remember his name but he was a young man who was very well spoken and knew a lot about the history. I was impressed. He does take tips too so bring some cash.
He led us up to the top after that and it was a very cool view. You can see ocean city from up there.
There were quite a few kids on the tour. They enjoyed themselves and so did we.
This was fun stop and I recommend it if you are at any of the NJ shores."
Miss Val
"Very unique, well-maintained exhibit. Definitely worth seeing at least once. For young kids - the tour is basically worthless unless you want the views from the top lookout deck for about 5-10 minutes. The majority of the tour is in the inner chamber room of the elephant where they play a video (not engaging for young ones). Not worth the $9 price imo especially since the tour is only 30 minutes. You can walk around Lucy for free and I think that's plenty to get cool pictures and to entertain the kids for a bit.
Knocked another star because of the confusion around buying tickets. You do not buy them at Lucy (despite there being a tiny gift shop there). There's a sign that tells you the intersection to buy them at."
Dorothy Mohan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lucy the Elephant is located in Margate City, New Jersey, a short drive from Atlantic City. Many visitors arrive by car, and there are dedicated parking spots for visitors. +1
Yes, there are usually dedicated one-hour parking spots for visitors. It's advisable to check for any temporary changes or restrictions.
Absolutely! Lucy the Elephant is a popular day trip from Atlantic City, just a few minutes away. +1
Driving is the most common method. Public transportation options might be limited, so check local bus routes if you're not driving.
While specific routes can vary, local bus services may connect to Margate City from surrounding areas. It's best to check NJ Transit schedules for current options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the guided tour can vary, but reviews suggest around $9 per person. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
Tickets are sometimes sold across the street from Lucy, not directly at the elephant's gift shop. Look for signage directing you to the correct location.
It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as tours can sell out.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Lucy the Elephant website for the most up-to-date tour schedule.
Yes, you can walk around the exterior of Lucy the Elephant for free and take photos. The tour offers access to the interior and the observation deck.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can take a guided tour that includes historical exhibits, a short video, and a climb to the top observation deck for views.
While kids can enjoy the novelty and the views, some find the historical video less engaging for very young children. The stairs can also be a challenge.
The guided tour typically lasts about 30 minutes, including time at the top.
From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline, and surrounding areas like Ocean City.
Yes, Lucy the Elephant is a National Historic Landmark and the world's oldest roadside attraction, dating back to 1881.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior offers iconic shots, especially from the beach. Inside, the spiral staircase and the view from the top are great photo opportunities. +1
Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour, especially from the observation deck.
Consider capturing Lucy with the ocean as a backdrop, or during sunset for dramatic lighting.
Mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most public areas and near landmarks. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical video might be less engaging for very young children, the overall experience of exploring a giant elephant is usually a hit. 🏛️ Architecture & History Buffs
The guided tour delves into her construction, her various uses over the decades, and the efforts to preserve her. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring History of Lucy the Elephant
Originally conceived as a hotel and later a tavern, Lucy has weathered storms, renovations, and changing times, standing as a testament to early American roadside architecture and ingenuity. Her recent multi-million dollar refurbishment ensures she'll continue to stand for centuries to come. Lucy's survival is a story in itself. She has been a national historic landmark since 1976, a designation that highlights her significant cultural and architectural value. The tours inside offer a glimpse into this rich history, with guides sharing fascinating anecdotes about the families who lived and worked within her walls and the real estate dealings that shaped her past.
Beyond her historical significance, Lucy represents a unique piece of Americana. She embodies the spirit of quirky, imaginative roadside attractions that dotted the American landscape, inviting travelers to stop and marvel. Her enduring presence continues to draw visitors seeking a touch of nostalgia and a unique experience.
Experiencing Lucy: Tours and Views
Upon reaching the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline, and the surrounding towns like Ocean City. This vantage point offers a unique perspective of the Jersey Shore. The tour also includes an interior chamber where a video presentation further details Lucy's history and resilience.
While the tour is informative, some visitors note that the historical video might not hold the attention of very young children. However, the novelty of being inside a giant elephant and the stunning views from the top are generally enjoyed by all ages.
Lucy the Elephant: A Photographer's Delight
Inside, the spiral staircase offers a unique architectural element for photos, leading up to the observation deck. From the top, the panoramic views of the Jersey Shore coastline present a stunning landscape to capture.
For the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. This will allow for more creative compositions and fewer people in your background.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit