27 Quirky Roadside Attractions That Turn Ordinary Journeys into Adventures

19. Lucy the Elephant (Margate City, New Jersey): Jumbo Architecture

Standing six stories tall in Margate City, New Jersey, Lucy the Elephant is a majestic, wooden elephant-shaped building that you can actually go inside. Built in 1881 as a real estate gimmick to attract buyers, this architectural folly has served as a hotel, a tavern, and now a museum. Climbing up into Lucy's interior offers fascinating views from her eyes and a glimpse into quirky Victorian-era marketing. She's a beloved, surprisingly sturdy landmark that showcases unique historical ingenuity and charming seaside eccentricity.