Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Margate Parkway Beach occupies a quiet middle stretch of this three-mile barrier island, removed from the boardwalk spectacle of its northern neighbor yet refreshingly unpretentious. You park along residential streets where hydrangeas spill over picket fences, then cross onto sand that feels softer underfoot than the compacted beaches closer to Ventnor. The slope here is gradual, perfect for wading toddlers, and the lifeguard stands are spaced close enough that parents relax into beach chairs with actual novels instead of hovering at the water's edge. The rhythm here follows tides, not trends. Morning joggers leave fresh prints near the wrack line. By mid-morning, multigenerational crews arrive with wagons full of coolers, umbrellas that have survived a decade of nor'easters, and folding chairs worn smooth at the armrests. Teenagers claim the stretch near the jetty, their boogie boards propped in the sand like colorful sentinels. Come September, when the lifeguards pack up their stands and the summer renters depart, the beach opens into something even more generous. You'll walk for twenty minutes and pass only dog walkers and surf casters, the autumn light turning the foam amber as waves roll in with metronomic patience. It's the Shore stripped to essentials: sand, sea, and the particular peace of a place that never needed to announce itself.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Margate Parkway Beach.
Photos
Margate Parkway Beach is generally family-friendly with calmer waters compared to nearby Atlantic City beaches. Lifeguards are typically on duty during summer months (late June through early September), usually from 10am to 5:30pm. The beach features gentle slopes and relatively mild surf, making it suitable for children. However, always check daily beach conditions and flag warnings before entering the water. Ocean currents and conditions can change, so supervise children closely and swim only in guarded areas during posted hours for maximum safety.
Summer (June through August) offers the warmest weather with temperatures in the 75-85°F range, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, this is also peak season with larger crowds. Late May and September provide pleasant weather (65-75°F), fewer visitors, and lower accommodation rates, though water temperatures are cooler. The beach is accessible year-round for walking and beachcombing. Many families prefer weekdays in July and August to avoid weekend crowds while still enjoying full lifeguard coverage and warm ocean temperatures.
Street parking is available along Parkway and surrounding residential streets in Margate City. During summer season, Margate requires beach tags for beach access (daily, weekly, and seasonal options available) and parking meters are enforced. Metered parking typically costs around $2-3 per hour, with enforcement from 9am to 6pm. Arrive early during summer weekends as spaces fill quickly. Some nearby streets offer free parking but require careful attention to posted restrictions. Public parking lots are also available within a few blocks of the beach.
Margate's commercial district along Ventnor Avenue (approximately 2-3 blocks from the beach) features casual restaurants, cafes, pizza shops, and ice cream parlors. Popular options include breakfast spots and family-friendly eateries. The beach itself has limited on-site amenities, so bring umbrellas and beach supplies. Public restrooms are available at designated beach locations during summer. For groceries and additional shopping, several convenience stores and markets are within walking distance. Nearby accommodations range from family-owned motels to vacation rentals, with Atlantic City's larger hotels just minutes away.
Yes, Lucy the Elephant, Margate's iconic 65-foot tall elephant-shaped building and National Historic Landmark, is visible from certain points along Margate Parkway Beach, located just a few blocks inland. Built in 1881, Lucy stands near the corner of Atlantic and Decatur Avenues. You can walk to Lucy from the beach in about 5-10 minutes. Tours of the interior are available seasonally (typically spring through fall) for a small fee. Lucy is a beloved local landmark and makes for excellent photos, especially popular with families visiting Margate.
