Tucked along the Jersey Shore just a few minutes from the bright lights of Atlantic City sits a coastal town that feels like summer bottled into a neighborhood.
Margate City, New Jersey, is smaller, quieter, and more relaxed than many Jersey Shore destinations, yet it delivers just as much charm. Think beach mornings, sunset bay views, classic seafood shacks, bike rides, and the sort of community vibe where locals greet each other by name.
Margate is the kind of place where a perfect day might start with coffee and a beach walk, drift into a long seafood lunch by the bay, and end with ice cream and ocean breezes under pastel skies. While many visitors know Margate for its iconic roadside elephant or its proximity to Atlantic City’s casinos, the real magic is found in the slower moments and the hidden local gems.
If you’re planning a Jersey Shore trip and want more than the usual tourist checklist, you’re in the right place. Book your stay in Margate, then read this guide to discover the most popular things to do in Margate, NJ, that locals love and visitors remember long after summer fades.
1. Visit the Legendary Lucy the Elephant
You can’t talk about things to do in Margate without mentioning the town’s most famous resident: Lucy the Elephant. Standing six stories tall along the beach, Lucy is the world’s largest elephant-shaped building and has been welcoming visitors since 1881.
Climb inside and take a short guided tour to learn about Lucy’s colorful history. She has served as everything from a real estate office to a tavern to a quirky tourist attraction. At the top, you can look out from the howdah for sweeping views of the ocean and beach below.
Lucy is perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates unusual roadside architecture. Even if you do not go inside, snapping a photo with this giant elephant is practically a Margate rite of passage.
2. Soak Up the Sun on Margate’s Beaches
Sometimes the best activity is the simplest one: hit the beach for the day. Margate’s beaches are clean, spacious, and noticeably calmer than many other Jersey Shore hotspots.
Because Margate is primarily a residential beach town, the vibe here is more laid-back than the party-heavy scenes found in nearby Atlantic City. Expect families building sandcastles, couples reading under umbrellas, and locals taking early morning swims.
If you enjoy classic beach days with fewer crowds and plenty of space to stretch out, Margate’s shoreline is one of the best in the region.
3. Cycle Around the Quiet Streets & Bayside Neighborhoods
Margate is wonderfully bike-friendly. Flat streets, scenic neighborhoods, and breezy bay views make cycling one of the most enjoyable ways to explore town.
Rent a cruiser bike or bring your own and ride along the oceanfront in the morning before the beach fills up. Later in the day, pedal toward the bayside neighborhoods where quiet streets wind past charming beach houses and docks.
4. Catch a Sunset Along the Bay
While most visitors focus on the ocean side, locals know the bay side of Margate offers some of the most beautiful sunsets on the Jersey Shore.
Head toward the waterfront in the evening and watch the sky turn shades of pink, orange, and gold as boats drift across the calm water. Bring a drink, sit on a dock, and soak in the moment.
Sunset watching in Margate is simple, but it is one of the most memorable experiences you can have.
5. Have a Legendary Dinner at Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay
If Margate had an unofficial culinary landmark, it would be Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay.
This beloved restaurant has been serving elevated coastal cuisine for decades. The menu features fresh seafood, creative seasonal dishes, and an atmosphere that feels both upscale and welcoming.
The restaurant also hosts regular live music nights and a popular farmers’ market during the summer season. It is a perfect evening outing for food lovers, date nights, or anyone looking to experience one of the most iconic restaurants on the Jersey Shore.
6. Go On a Day Trip to Atlantic City
Margate’s location gives you the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a relaxed beach town atmosphere while being only minutes from the excitement of Atlantic City.
Spend an afternoon walking the famous boardwalk, try your luck at the casinos, or see a concert or comedy show. Then retreat back to Margate afterward, where the crowds thin out and the vibe returns to peaceful coastal living.
This mix of quiet beach life and nearby entertainment is one of the biggest reasons travelers love staying in Margate.
7. Paddleboard or Kayak Across the Bay
The protected waters along Margate’s bay side are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Unlike the open ocean, the bay offers calmer conditions that are beginner-friendly.
Launch from a local dock or marina and explore winding channels, marsh grass, and quiet waterfront neighborhoods. Keep an eye out for seagulls, herons, and ospreys as you paddle across the bay.
Going for a paddle is a great option for outdoor lovers, couples looking for a peaceful adventure, or anyone wanting a fresh perspective on the shoreline.
8. Grab a Classic Jersey Shore Ice Cream
No beach town visit is complete without ice cream, and Margate delivers plenty of sweet options. Local ice cream shops serve up towering waffle cones, creamy soft serve, and nostalgic boardwalk-style treats.
After dinner or a sunset walk, grabbing a cone and strolling along the beach streets is a simple pleasure that never gets old.
9. Explore the Nearby Shops in Ventnor
Just down the road from Margate is the charming neighboring town of Ventnor City, which offers a small but enjoyable shopping scene.
Boutique stores, surf shops, and local cafes line parts of Ventnor’s main streets. It’s a fun area to browse for beachwear, coastal home decor, and unique souvenirs. Spend an afternoon wandering between shops, stopping for coffee and people-watching along the way.
10. Savor a Casual Seafood Lunch by the Water
One of the best ways to experience Margate is through its seafood. Local restaurants serve everything from fresh clams and oysters to crab cakes and grilled fish sandwiches.
Grab a seat at a casual waterfront spot and enjoy lunch while watching boats pass by in the distance. The atmosphere is relaxed, breezy, and perfectly coastal. Seafood lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, especially if you appreciate simple dishes made with fresh ingredients.
11. Go For a Sunrise Beach Walk
Margate mornings are something special. Before the beach crowds arrive, the shoreline feels peaceful and wide open. If you want to experience Margate like a local, wake up early and head to the shore.
Locals often walk the sand with coffee in hand while the sun rises over the Atlantic. The sound of waves and the quiet air create a calming start to the day.
12. Try a Beach Yoga Class
During the summer months, beach yoga classes often pop up along Margate’s shoreline. This is perfect for travelers looking to add a little wellness to their vacation routine.
Practicing yoga with the sound of waves and the smell of ocean air creates an entirely different experience from a studio session. The environment naturally encourages relaxation and mindfulness.
13. Rent a Beach House & Enjoy a Night on the Shore
Few things capture the spirit of a beach town better than a nighttime walk along the shore.
After a day out, you can head back to your home on the beach and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Spend the evening enjoying a bonfire under the stars, or go for a romantic stroll along the waterline.
When you have your own beach house, you ensure a perfectly peaceful ending to each of your days in Margate.
Don’t Miss One of the Jersey Shore’s Best Getaways
Margate offers something that many beach destinations struggle to maintain: a balance between fun and relaxation. You have beautiful beaches, great restaurants, outdoor adventures, and charming neighborhoods, all without the overwhelming crowds found in larger tourist hubs.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a relaxing beach escape with friends, Margate delivers an authentic Jersey Shore experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.
So book your stay in Margate, use this guide to start planning your trip, and come on down to the Jersey Shore to see why this small coastal town continues to capture the hearts of travelers year after year.