Vast coastlines, bustling boardwalks, a pleasant sunset, delicious food, and active nightlife—Margate City, New Jersey, checks all the boxes for a perfect and memorable vacation by the beach!
This seaside city is located on Absecon Island, which also houses Atlantic City.
Margate City stands out for being a more relaxed and family-friendly destination.
A popular Jersey shore destination, it’s known for its vast and clean beaches, excellent surfing conditions, and a quaint fishing pier.
Visitors can also enjoy the many restaurants and cafes along the boardwalk, go on fishing or dolphin-watching tours, or take a stroll to admire the beautiful sunset.
To make your visit as memorable as ever, here are the best things to do in Margate City, New Jersey:
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While Margate City’s shoreline is nothing short of iconic, Lucy the Elephant is one of the area’s most well-known and unique attractions.
This huge elephant-shaped building has been a Margate icon since 1881 and is now a National Historic Landmark.
Located on Atlantic Avenue near Margate Beach, the attraction is six stories high, and you can actually go inside it.
The inside has been turned into a museum that chronicles the history of this one-of-a-kind building.
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If you want a great view of Margate City and its beautiful coastline, you can also climb to the top for an unforgettable experience.
What’s more, you can even stay and sleep inside!
Lucy the Elephant is currently listed on Airbnb, so if you’re feeling adventurous, why not spend a night in this incredible landmark?
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During the summer, Margate Beach: Jefferson Avenue is filled with travelers and locals alike, all soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves.
This vast, white sandy beach is one of the best places to visit in Margate City.
There’s nothing better than taking a walk down the coastline or taking your bike for a spin while enjoying the stunning views of the pleasant yet magnificent Atlantic Ocean.
This clean beach is also perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and simply relaxing.
If you get hungry, plenty of food options are available from the many beachside cafes and restaurants.
In terms of security and safety, the local government wants everyone to be safe while enjoying the beach.
Therefore, lifeguards are regularly stationed at the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Of course, the best time to visit Margate Beach: Jefferson Avenue is during the summer months.
However, if you prefer avoiding the crowds, you can also come here during the off-season and enjoy the beach’s tranquility.
Margate City has various dining options, from casual beachside cafes to more upscale restaurants.
Some of the best places to eat include Gilchrist Downbeach, which serves breakfast and lunch overlooking the ocean; Tomatoes, a Californian restaurant; and Miyako Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse Restaurant.
Margate Dairy Bar & Burger is also a great option if you’re looking for classic American favorites like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
For pizza lovers, there’s Pierre’s Pizza.
After a day of fun in the sun, you can also enjoy Margate City’s nightlife.
There are several bars and pubs in the city, such as Ventura Greenhouse’s Tiki Bar, a local bar on Benson Avenue right in front of Margate Beach.
Margate City also hosts several beach parties and concerts worth checking out during the summer.
Margate City also has something for all the chocolate lovers out there.
Jagielky’s Homemade Candy is open to serve your appetite for everything sweet.
This local chocolate shop on Ventnor Avenue has been around since 1972.
It’s known for its wide selection of chocolate treats, including fudge, truffles, caramels, and more.
Selling tasty and high-quality candies for over four decades, Jagielky’s Homemade Candy store has gained an immense following over the years.
In fact, thousands of devoted chocolate lovers all over the country visit the store while vacationing in Margate City.
With its popular products and old-fashioned-style establishment, Jagielky’s Homemade has become an institution for sweet-toothed Margate City visitors.
If you’re visiting Margate City and don’t know how to surf, you’re surely missing out!
The Margate Pier allows surfing on both sides along with three other beaches that are also surf beaches.
If you want to make the most of your time in the city, learn how to surf at Stacey’s Surf & Paddle, Margate City’s go-to surf school.
The shop also offers stand-up paddleboard rentals and sales, as well as a wide variety of swimwear and surf gear.
It also offers private and group surf lessons for all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers.
So, whether you’re a first-time surfer or someone who’s looking to brush up on their skills, Stacey’s Surf & Paddle is the perfect place to learn all there is to know about surfing.
Margate has a long and fruitful history that depicts the city’s humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its present-day status as a popular tourist destination.
You might not be interested in boring history lessons, but if you want to learn something about Margate City and its rich past, head to the Margate Historical Society Museum.
The museum is located on South Washington Avenue and contains a wide array of exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Margate City from its early days up to the present.
The Margate Historical Society Museum showcases the city’s historic excellence in sports, art, and culture through its interactive displays.
You can also purchase souvenirs and books at the museum’s gift shop.
The Margate Inland Waterway is a system of canals and creeks running through Margate City’s heart.
The waterway is home to various marine life and is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.
If you want to explore the Margate Inland Waterway, head to Ray Scott’s Dock.
Ray Scott’s Dock is located on Amherst Avenue, and it’s the perfect spot to rent a boat or kayak.
You can either rent a boat to explore or go fishing.
Large bodies of water surround Margate City on all fronts, and it would be a shame if you miss out on exploring them.
So, make sure to add Ray Scott’s Dock to your list of things to do in Margate.
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t stay fit and healthy.
If you want to do some yoga while you’re on vacation, head to The Zen Den.
It’s located on Ventnor Avenue and is the perfect place to unwind and release some stress while doing yoga.
The classes are suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced yogis.
The studio also offers other creative fitness classes that are fun, challenging, and inspiring, so you won’t get bored with regular yoga.
As if all that wasn’t enough, this state-of-the-art yoga studio also has heated infrared radiant heat panels that help detoxify the body, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
Not comfortable with the heat?
There’s also a separate studio that isn’t heated.
The Zen Den is more than just a yoga studio; it offers a complete wellness experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The best way to enjoy Margate City is to not rush into the next big attraction or activity.
You should also take some time to relax and soak in the town’s easygoing atmosphere—and what better place to do that than Huntington Park?
Located downtown, this park isn’t anything out of the ordinary.
It has a beautiful garden with various flowers and plants and a playground for the kids to play with.
Huntington Park is like your average city park, but what makes it special is that it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet afternoon watching people as time passes.
While you’re at it, you can also take the time to plan for your next destination or activity.
After all, the best way to savor Margate City is to take your time and enjoy the moment.
From pristine waters to breathtaking sunsets, Margate City has no shortage of beautiful backdrops for your next beach photo shoot.
If you want to take advantage of this and have some fun at the same time, then book a beach portrait session with Beach Portraits by RS Photography.
It’s run by professional photographer Bill Solvibile, who specializes in beach portraits.
Whether you want a casual family photo or a romantic couple’s photo, Bill will make sure to capture the perfect moment.
He’s also very flexible with his time and can accommodate large groups.
What’s also convenient is that his studio is located on South Vendome Avenue, right in front of Magnate Beach.
So, if you want to get a memorable souvenir from your trip to Margate City, then make sure to book a session with Beach Portraits by WRS Photography.
Island Aqua Park is a compound of different water attractions that the whole family will enjoy.
Located on Amherst Avenue on one of the docks at the Margate Marina, it has a wide variety of water attractions that will keep you entertained for hours.
This water adventure park is perfect for those hot summer days when you want to have water-filled fun.
Some attractions include a giant inflatable slide, an inflatable obstacle course, and a trampoline.
If you want to take a break from all the action, you can also relax at the floating lounge area in the middle of the park.
Remember that you and your companions must wear life jackets, which you can bring or rent one on-site.
When you get hungry, you can head to Island Aqua Park’s on-site snack bar and refuel for more fun.
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While you have everything you’ll ever need on a beach vacation in Margate City, exploring its nearby cities and attractions doesn’t hurt.
Atlantic City’s Steel Pier is just a short drive away.
This historic pier is packed with family-friendly rides and attractions, such as a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster.
Moreover, the Steel Pier is also home to various shows, such as magic shows and acrobatic performances.
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You can also play loads of carnival games and win prizes.
When you get hungry, there are plenty of food options, including cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs.
The Steel Pier is the perfect spot to take your family on a memorable outing.
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Take your family and friends on an educational yet fun trip to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum.
This world-famous museum is in Atlantic City, full of exciting exhibitions and displays.
You’ll find 400 of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! artifacts on display, such as a piece of the Berlin Wall, a 27-room miniature castle, and much more.
This museum hosts one of the most impressive artifacts that will give you a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget.
So if you’re ever in Atlantic City while on your Margate City trip, don’t miss out on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum.
You won’t find mini golf fun and exciting unless you experience it yourself.
The best place to do that is at Congo Falls Adventure Golf in nearby Ocean City.
This Disney-like mini golf course is a premier family entertainment destination.
It’s perfect for those who want competitive fun while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
The Congo Falls Adventure Golf course features a variety of themed courses that will take you on an absolute adventure, all while having fun with your friends and family.
Some courses include the Congo Queen, Solomon’s Mine, and Lost City.
The best part?
All these courses have 18 holes, are 100% indoors, and are fully air-conditioned.
So, if you’re looking for a unique mini golf experience, Congo Falls Adventure Golf is the place to go.
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Despite its promenade and active beach scene, Margate City lacks a boardwalk.
It’s not a necessary feature, but if you’re looking for a boardwalk to feel that seaside town vibe, you can take a short drive to neighboring Ocean City and enjoy its world-famous boardwalk.
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This 2.45-mile Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Jersey.
It’s packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, and various carnival games and rides.
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Of course, you can also enjoy stunning ocean and beach views.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is open all year round but is busiest during the summer.
If you want to avoid the crowds, visiting during the shoulder season is best.
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Margate City, New Jersey, is the top destination for those who want to experience the ultimate beach vacation.
The city has something for everyone, from its gorgeous beachline to its family-friendly attractions.
Every corner of this beach-inspired city has something unique and special in store that will keep visitors on their toes.
The nightlife, friendly locals, and a wide selection of restaurants and diners add to Margate City’s alluring charm.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventure, it’s the perfect destination for your summer getaway.
So if you’re ever in the area, add the best things to do in Margate City, New Jersey to your itinerary!
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