Margate on a Budget
Money-saving tips & cheap activities
Planning a Margate trip on a budget? While not the cheapest shore town, smart planning can make Margate affordable. Here's how to enjoy everything this destination offers while keeping costs down.
Beach Badge: $20 season only
Hit the beach before 9 AM or after 5 PM to skip the badge fee.
Badge prices
- Season
- $20
- Senior (65+)
- $3.50
- Under 12
- Free
Season only - $10 before June 1. Seniors $3.50 before June 1. Veterans/Military FREE.
Money-Saving Tips for Margate
Skip the Badge
Hit the beach before 9 AM or after 5 PM when badges aren't checked
Save $8-12/person/dayPark Smart
Arrive before 9 AM for free street parking a few blocks from the beach
Save $0-10/dayPack a Cooler
Bring your own food and drinks instead of buying on the boardwalk
Save $30-50/dayVisit Midweek
Hotels are 30-50% cheaper Monday-Thursday vs weekends
Save $50-150/nightGo in September
Warm water, empty beaches, and lower prices after Labor Day
Save 30-40% overallBudget-Friendly Places to Stay
Average budget rate in Margate: $125-275/night
The Sands Hotel
$125-275/night
Visit Lucy the Elephant - you can tour inside this 6-story elephant! Margate beach is quieter than AC.
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Free Things to Do in Margate
Beach & Swimming
Enjoy Margate's beaches - the main attraction is free (or nearly free)
Boardwalk Walking
Stroll the boardwalk for people watching and ocean views
Sunrise & Sunset
Watch spectacular sunrises over the ocean and sunsets over the bay
Sample Daily Budget
What a budget day in Margate really costs:
Cheap Eats Tips
- Pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks
- Hit the local Wawa for affordable breakfast
- Share boardwalk portions - they're huge
- Look for early bird dinner specials
Bringing your own food saves $30-50/day per person vs eating out.
Parking in Margate
Typical Cost: $10/day
Lucy Lot is the cheapest flat rate at $10/day (50 spaces, 2 min walk to the beach). Meters run from $2/hr, so a short visit beats a day rate.
Margate Budget Travel FAQ
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