NJShore Guide
Brigantine
VS
Margate
Natural beauty vs upscale family beach

Brigantine vs Margate: Atlantic City Neighbor Comparison

Brigantine and Margate bookend Atlantic City, offering quieter alternatives to the casino town. Brigantine is a natural barrier island with wildlife refuge access, while Margate is an upscale family community famous for Lucy the Elephant.

Quick Comparison

Category
Brigantine
Margate
Natural Beauty
Wildlife refuge, dunes
Well-maintained beaches
Atmosphere
Quiet, nature-focused
Upscale residential
Attractions
Forsythe Wildlife Refuge
Lucy the Elephant
Dining
Limited options
Better restaurant scene
AC Access
10-minute bridge
5-minute drive
Crowds
Very uncrowded
Moderately quiet

Notes

  • Natural Beauty: Brigantine is more natural
  • Atmosphere: Both are quiet
  • Attractions: Different but iconic
  • Dining: Margate has more dining
  • AC Access: Margate is slightly closer
  • Crowds: Brigantine is less busy

๐Ÿ–๏ธ Beaches

Brigantine has natural, wide beaches with fewer crowds. Margate beaches are well-maintained and popular with families. Both require beach badges.

๐ŸŽข Activities & Attractions

Brigantine offers birding at Forsythe Refuge, fishing, and kayaking in the bay. Margate has Lucy the Elephant tours and is close to Atlantic City entertainment.

Ticket

Tours & Activities

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Tours & Activities

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๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Dining

Margate has better restaurant options including some excellent spots. Brigantine is more limited but Atlantic City is minutes away from both.

๐Ÿจ Accommodations

Both are primarily vacation rentals. Brigantine has a few hotels. Margate is mostly upscale private homes.

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๐Ÿš— Getting There

Brigantine requires crossing a bridge from Atlantic City. Margate is directly connected via Ventnor. Both are easy AC day trips.

The Verdict: Who Should Go Where?

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ

Best for Families

Both are excellent for families. Margate has Lucy. Brigantine has more natural beaches.

๐Ÿ’‘

Best for Couples

Brigantine for peaceful nature escapes. Margate for dining and AC nightlife access.

๐Ÿ’ฐ

Best for Budget

Brigantine tends to be more affordable for rentals.

๐ŸŽ‰

Best for Nightlife

Neither has nightlife - Atlantic City is minutes away from both.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

Best for Foodies

Margate has better local dining. Both rely on AC for fine dining.

๐Ÿ† Overall Verdict

Brigantine for nature lovers. Margate for upscale family beach experience.

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Explore Brigantine

Beach badges, attractions, dining, and complete guide to Brigantine.

Explore Margate

Beach badges, attractions, dining, and complete guide to Margate.

Brigantine vs Margate FAQs

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