Top 15 Things To Do in Margate City, New Jersey
A compact shore town with wide beaches and a storied carnival boardwalk spirit, Margate City is a summer pocket of surf, sand, and short-escape energy. The coastline here reads like a playbook for water activities: early-morning surf sessions, glassy SUP and kayak paddles at low tide, family-friendly boat tours and dolphin watches out of nearby marinas, and low-key fishing off the jetty. Rent a bike for a waterfront cruise or take a bike tour that threads Ventnor and Longport; when the wind drops, boat rental and sightseeing tours make the inlet and bay feel like a private playground. The town pairs practical lodging options and seasonal eateries with eco tours that point out marshes and migratory birds—perfect for photographers and nature-minded travelers. Whether you chase rollers on a surfboard, cast a line, or book a half-day boat tour to spot dolphins and saltmarsh wildlife, Margate concentrates classic Jersey Shore activities into easily planned days.
Top 15 Things To Do in Margate City
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Margate City Belongs on Your Short-Trip Itinerary
Margate City is the kind of coastal town that rewards both the shorts-and-sandals traveler and the person trying to pack a week's worth of seaside experiences into a long weekend. A half-hour drive from Atlantic City and sitting on Absecon Island, Margate condenses the Jersey Shore's best shorthand: accessible beaches, a compact boardwalk, and a coastline that supports a surprising variety of water activities. Start your day with a surf session—local breaks are most consistent at first light—then swap the wetsuit for a kayak or SUP and explore calmer back bays and creeks where eco tours and birdwatching reveal saltmarsh life. If you prefer to stay dry, a sightseeing tour or a short boat tour offers another way to read the coastline: lighthouses, inlets, and the slow choreography of fishing boats and terns.
The town's small scale makes it efficient: bike rental shops and bike tours are on-hand when you want to expand your radius without driving. Boat rental gives you the freedom to follow pods of dolphins at a respectful distance, while guided dolphin outings deliver contextual interpretation and safety. Fishing off the jetty or on a charter is a classic afternoon option—bring local tips from the bait shop and be ready for changing tides. Margate also has a heritage edge: Lucy the Elephant watches the horizon, a quirky Victorian landmark that links the town's tourist history to the present-day beach culture. Evenings are easy—the lodging mix ranges from historic guesthouses to oceanfront hotels, and seasonal restaurants focus on fresh catch and casual dining.
Practical planning here is straightforward but seasonal: peak crowds and booked rentals dominate June through August, so book surf lessons, boat tours, and lodging early. Shoulder months keep the core experiences while thinning the crowds—paddling, eco tours, and bike tours are especially pleasant in May and September when temperatures are gentler and bird migration adds interest. Margate is also a good base for short day trips along the southern Jersey Shore: combine a morning on the water with an afternoon exploring neighboring towns for a varied itinerary that still returns you to a quiet bed and a sunset on the sand. In short, Margate rewards curiosity: mix active water activities, mellow sightseeing, and a touch of local history, and you'll leave with a concise but complete taste of the Shore.
Accessibility is a core advantage: short walking distances between beach access points, bike rental shops, and several small marinas make it easy to swap activities mid-day. Outfitters offer kayak, canoe, SUP, and small-boat rentals, and many guided eco tours and sightseeing tour operators run half-day trips that dovetail with local dining and lodging schedules.
Seasonality shapes expectations: summer is lively and loud—perfect for families and social travelers—while spring and fall offer better conditions for fishing, birding, and photography. For hands-on water days, plan around tide charts and local surf reports, and for boat-based outings, check weather and booking windows to secure dolphin watches or private boat rentals.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Summers are warm, humid, and ideal for swimming and surf lessons; late spring and early fall offer milder air and calmer waters for paddling and birding. Watch for afternoon sea breezes and the occasional nor'easter in the shoulder seasons.
Peak Season
Memorial Day through Labor Day—expect full beaches, limited parking, and higher prices.
Off-Season Opportunities
Late fall through early spring brings lower rates and quieter beaches—good for photography, coastal walks, and local dining, but many rental operators scale back services.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, accessible activities with low technical demand: mellow beach days, introductory SUP or kayak paddles in protected bays, and casual city tours.
- Gentle SUP on a calm back bay
- Family-friendly beach day at Margate City Beach
- Short city tour and visit to Lucy the Elephant
Intermediate
Longer paddles, beginner- to intermediate-level surf sessions, and half-day boat tours or guided eco tours.
- Coastal kayak trip through inlet channels
- Morning surf session when conditions are glassy
- Half-day boat tour for sightseeing and light fishing
Advanced
Challenging conditions and longer excursions: open-ocean surf on larger swell, offshore fishing charters, or multi-stop boat rentals requiring navigation skills.
- Surfing larger Atlantic swells with local knowledge
- Full-day offshore fishing charter
- Self-guided boat rental to explore the inlet and nearby shoals
What to Bring
Essential
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if you'll be near fragile marsh areas)
- Light wind shell for breezy mornings and boat rides
- Beach or water footwear (reef or water shoes)
- Reusable water bottle and small dry bag for phone/wallet
- Tide chart or app and a local surf/harbor report
Recommended
- Wetsuit top or spring suit for shoulder-season surf sessions
- Binoculars for birding on eco tours and inlet viewing
- Portable phone charger and waterproof phone case
- Basic fishing license if you plan to fish from shore or charter
Optional
- Compact picnic kit for sunset on the sand
- Action camera with floatation leash for surf or paddle footage
- Collapsible beach chair or sand anchor
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Confirm bookings, tide times, and operator schedules before you go.
Start early to beat crowds—sunrise is prime for surf and soft light for photos. Pack a small dry bag for essentials if you plan a paddle or boat tour, and check local tide and wind reports for safe conditions. For fishing and some boat rentals, tide timing matters more than the clock; chat with local bait shops for up-to-the-minute tips. If you want a quiet beach experience, aim for weekday mornings in May or September. Finally, be mindful of wildlife on eco tours—stay on marked paths in marsh areas and follow guide instructions to protect nesting birds and fragile habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I surf in Margate?
Yes—Margate gets reliable beachbreaks, particularly at first light and during swell windows. Local surf shops offer lessons and daily reports; beginners should pick calmer days and consider a lesson or soft-top rental.
Are there options for dolphin watching?
Yes—nearby marinas run boat tours and dolphin-watching trips during warm months. For wildlife viewing, choose licensed operators who maintain a respectful distance and provide interpretive context.
Is Lucy the Elephant open to visitors?
Lucy the Elephant is a popular photo stop and typically offers tours seasonally. Hours and tour availability change—check the official site before you go and book ahead in summer.