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Lucy the Elephant visitor guide
Lucy the Elephant is Margate's giant seaside landmark and a National Historic Landmark in Atlantic County. Built in 1881 as a real-estate attraction, this elephant-shaped building survived a threatened demolition and remains open for guided visits. You can see the exterior from the surrounding grounds; book or check the operator's tour schedule if you want to go inside.
Original Margate-inspired rendering; not a photograph of Lucy the Elephant.
Margate
Atlantic County
1 Lucy Plaza, 9200 Atlantic Avenue
Margate, NJ 08402
Why Lucy belongs on a South Jersey history trip
Philadelphia developer James V. Lafferty built the structure, originally called Elephant Bazaar, in 1881 to attract buyers to what was then South Atlantic City. In 1970, the Save Lucy Committee moved the landmark to a city-owned property and began restoring it. Lucy reopened to visitors in 1974 and received National Historic Landmark designation in 1976. The unusual building tells a story about shore tourism, local preservation and the people who refused to let it disappear.
What a guided tour includes
The operator says tours run about 20–25 minutes and usually start every 45 minutes during business hours. Visitors watch a short history video, look out through Lucy's eyes and climb interior stairs to the howdah on her back for views over Margate. Tour access involves stairs, so contact the operator if you need an accommodation. The surrounding grounds and gift shop can be visited without buying a tour ticket; check current access during any construction or special event.
Address, tickets and parking
Find Lucy at 1 Lucy Plaza, 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402. The operator lists limited complimentary on-site parking with a required permit; ask staff when you arrive and read the current parking rules before leaving your vehicle. The gift shop may operate at a nearby address during construction. See Lucy the Elephant's visitor information and tour FAQ for current times, ticket prices and parking details, or call 609-823-6473.
Make a local day of it
Use the Atlantic County guide to explore nearby towns and places. Pair this landmark with the Absecon Lighthouse visitor guide for two very different chapters of Atlantic County coastal history. Browse the South Jersey historic places hub for more verified stops.
Good to know before you go
Where is Lucy the Elephant?
Lucy is at 1 Lucy Plaza, 9200 Atlantic Avenue in Margate, Atlantic County, New Jersey.
When was Lucy the Elephant built?
The operator dates the construction of Elephant Bazaar, later named Lucy, to 1881.
Can you go inside Lucy the Elephant?
Yes, the operator offers guided interior tours. Check the current tour calendar and ticket details before traveling, especially for a specific date.
How long is a Lucy tour?
The operator says guided tours take about 20–25 minutes. Tours usually begin every 45 minutes during business hours.
Can I visit without a tour ticket?
The operator says the surrounding grounds and gift shop can be visited without a tour ticket. Site access can change during construction or events, so confirm before you go.
Next step: Check the official Lucy the Elephant site for today's tour and parking information. Source checked October 11, 2026. The image is an original conceptual rendering, not a photograph of Lucy.