Photo: Deepnath Das
Photo: Virginia Scott
Photo: Lina Contreras
Lucy the Elephant
★4.6(3,223 reviews)$Museum
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour👶 Best for ages 4-12. Younger elementary-aged kids are especially enchanted by the novelty of being inside a giant elephant, while older children appreciate the unique architecture and historical significance. The narrow staircases may be challenging for toddlers and require supervision.🧡 Saved by 36 families
About
Lucy the Elephant is a one-of-a-kind architectural wonder that instantly captivates kids,imagine touring the inside of a six-story wooden elephant built in 1881! Families climb through this quirky National Historic Landmark, exploring rooms inside Lucy's belly and legs while learning about Victorian-era ingenuity and Margate City history through engaging exhibits that make history feel like an adventure.
Highlights
- ✓Climbing inside the actual belly and legs of a giant 65-foot-tall wooden elephant
- ✓Panoramic ocean views from the howdah observation deck on Lucy's back
- ✓Learning about bizarre Victorian-era architecture and how Lucy survived hurricanes and even a proposal to turn her into a tavern
- ✓Exploring vintage photographs and historical artifacts that tell Lucy's 140+ year story
- ✓Taking iconic photos with this instantly recognizable roadside landmark
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends as tours are limited in capacity and this quirky attraction draws crowds during summer months
- 2.Climb to the howdah (carriage) on top for fantastic ocean views,bring a camera for memorable family photos with the Atlantic in the background
- 3.Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be climbing steep, narrow Victorian-era stairs inside the elephant structure
- 4.Visit the small gift shop for unique elephant-themed souvenirs you won't find anywhere else
- 5.Park in the free municipal lot across Atlantic Avenue and enjoy the short walk to Lucy
Best Time to Visit
Visit on Saturday or Sunday mornings right when it opens at 11:00 AM to avoid crowds and summer heat. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring both Lucy and the surrounding beach area without peak summer congestion.
What to Know
Tours are guided and typically cost around $8-10 for adults, $4-6 for children. The attraction is only open weekends, so plan accordingly. Limited parking is available nearby, and there are no food facilities on-site, though plenty of options exist in Margate.
Seasonal Notes
Lucy is only open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) year-round, with potential expanded hours during peak summer season. The attraction may close during severe weather or winter storms. Always check the official website before visiting as hours can vary seasonally.
Nearby Eats
Margate's main strip along Ventnor Avenue offers family favorites like Steve & Cookie's By the Bay (casual American fare with outdoor seating) and Tomatoes (pizza and Italian dishes kids enjoy). Both are within a 5-minute drive.
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