When you’re planning a family outing that’s fun, memorable, and truly one-of-a-kind, one landmark always stands out on the Jersey Shore: Lucy the Elephant.
Whether you’re a local mom looking for a new adventure with the kids, vacationing families staying on Long Beach Island, or just craving a day that’s equal parts adorable and educational, Lucy is a must-see destination, and the best part? There’s a perfect way to pair this historic visit with a stop at Fireplaces Plus, the largest fireplace showroom in New Jersey, just a short drive away.
Let’s dive into why Lucy the Elephant should top your bucket list and how to make the most of your day around it!
🐘 Who Is Lucy the Elephant?
Lucy the Elephant isn’t just a quirky roadside attraction; she’s a true piece of American history.
- Built in 1881 by Philadelphia attorney James V. Lafferty, Lucy was originally created to attract tourists and real estate buyers to the seaside communities of South Jersey.
- Standing at a whopping 65 feet tall, she was built entirely of wood and tin-shingle siding, and yes, she’s shaped like a giant elephant!
- Lucy was originally named “Elephant Bazaar” and later “Elephant Hotel” as she was part tourist attraction, part guest house, and part commercial novelty.
- Over the years, she served as a restaurant, a tavern, and even a silent-film backdrop, making her one of the oldest examples of novelty architecture in the United States.
Thanks to community effort and preservation work, Lucy is still standing today … and she’s better than ever!
📍 Where to Find Lucy
Lucy the Elephant is located in Margate City, NJ, just a short drive from Long Beach Island and ideal for a day trip with kids of all ages.
📍 Address: 9200 Atlantic Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402
📍 Phone: (609) 823-6474
📅 Hours & Tours: lucytheelephant.org/visiting/
👨👩👧 Why Kids (and Parents) Love Lucy
🐾 Fun and Whimsical
Kids are captivated the moment they see Lucy’s giant, friendly silhouette against the sky. It’s not every day you see a massive elephant by the shore!
🧠 Educational Curiosity
Inside, families can take an audio-guided tour that explains Lucy’s history, architecture, and the amazing preservation story that kept her standing for more than 140 years.
📸 Photo-Ready
From corner to corner, Lucy is a photo magnet. Your family photos here will be seasonal and timeless memories from sandcastles to selfies with a ten-story elephant!
🗺️ Planning Your Trip to Lucy
Here’s how to make your visit smooth and fun:
🕘 Start in the Morning
Arrive early to enjoy Lucy’s shaded lawns and calm seaside breeze before the crowds.
🎟️ Book a Guided Tour
The self-guided or audio options let your family explore at your own pace, perfect for little ones.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are picnic spots nearby if you want to bring lunch or head into Margate for ice cream afterward!
🔥 After Lucy: Visit Fireplaces Plus Near LBI
After your day with Lucy, make the short drive to Manahawkin, NJ, home to Fireplaces Plus, the largest fireplace showroom in New Jersey.
Whether it’s chilly spring breezes, fall gatherings, or winter holidays, Fireplaces Plus has something to excite every homeowner.
✨ What You’ll Find at the Showroom:
- Over 7,000 square feet of live fireplace, stove, and fire feature displays
- Gas, wood, electric, and outdoor fireplaces
- DaVinci GreenSmart Electric Fireplaces
- Custom design inspiration
- NFI-Certified professionals ready to help
📍 Fireplaces Plus Showroom
660 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
This is the perfect way to round out your family adventure, whether you’re imagining how a fireplace would warm your second home, seeking cozy inspiration, or simply enjoying a relaxed, interactive experience together indoors.
⭐ Extra Tips for a Memorable Day
- Combine the trip with lunch or dinner in Margate, several restaurants and shore-side cafés are perfect for families.
- Bring your camera, Lucy, and the surrounding beaches make amazing photo ops.
- Check the weather before you go. Mild breezes make Lucy extra magical, and an indoor fireplace talk is a great backup plan.
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something truly special to do as a family, especially now that travel season is opening up again, visiting Lucy the Elephant is that rare blend of history, whimsy, and seaside charm.
Pair that with a cozy, inspiring visit to Fireplaces Plus, and you’ve got a day that appeals to kids’ imaginations and moms’ sense of style and comfort.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning with loved ones, Lucy and the showrooms of Fireplaces Plus are the perfect recipe for adventure, inspiration, and family memories.
