22 Wonderfully Weird Roadside Attractions You’ll Want to Pull Over For

14. Lucy the Elephant – Margate, New Jersey

Imagine cruising down the highway, only to see a six-story elephant staring right at you. That’s Lucy the Elephant, one of the oldest and most unusual roadside attractions in the United States. Built in 1881, Lucy has lived through hurricanes, Prohibition, and near-demolition, but today, she stands proudly as a quirky New Jersey landmark. Originally designed as a bizarre real estate marketing stunt, Lucy was intended to attract potential buyers to beachfront property in Margate. Over the years, she has served as a tavern, a private residence, and even a hotel, though her most famous role is being an eye-catching roadside oddity. Visitors can climb inside Lucy's belly, where a spiral staircase leads up to a viewing deck inside her head, offering stunning ocean views through her eyes. Despite her whimsical charm, Lucy has a strangely haunting presence, with some guests reporting eerie sensations while inside. Whether you see her as a delightful oddity or something out of a surreal dream, Lucy remains one of the most unique roadside attractions in the U.S..