Atlantic County, NJ · Atlantic Ocean
Margate City
Atlantic Ave & Jerome Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402
Lucy the Elephant's hometown — the oldest surviving roadside animal attraction in America, a 65-foot elephant-shaped building you can tour, plus a quiet residential beach and no boardwalk (rare for this stretch). Strictly no dogs, heavy fines.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
Swim advisory
Water
- 61°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 3.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- Swim advisory — state environmental agency flagged water quality
Best for walking today
Sampled at Washington, 0.3 mi from this beach.
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:41 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 11:59 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 5:58 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:02 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:22 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 12:44 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:40 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:40 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:01 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 1:25 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:20 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:16 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:38 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 2:05 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:59 PM | High | 3.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:51 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:15 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 2:44 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:37 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:25 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 8:53 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 3:26 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 9:18 PM | High | 3.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 9:33 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 4:11 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:03 PM | High | 3.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8534720, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
What to Bring Today
- critical Skip the swim Active swim advisory from MD DOE
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Metered street parking.
Dogs
No dogs on the beach at all. Memorial Day – Labor Day fines up to $1,000.
Entry Fee
Pre-season $10 (thru May 31), season $20 after Jun 1
Address
Atlantic Ave & Jerome Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Margate City today?
Margate City shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Margate City dog-friendly?
No dogs on the beach at all. Memorial Day – Labor Day fines up to $1,000.
Is there an entry fee at Margate City?
Pre-season $10 (thru May 31), season $20 after Jun 1
Are there lifeguards at Margate City?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Margate City during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Margate City?
Amenities at Margate City include lifeguards, Lucy the Elephant, restrooms, residential beach.
When is the water warmest at Margate City?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is Margate City located?
Margate City is in Atlantic County, NJ, at Atlantic Ave & Jerome Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS