Hop on one of Cape May MAC’s cheery red and green trolleys and take a guided tour the easy and comfortable way. Knowledgeable guides will tell you everything you want to know about America’s first seaside resort, from our Victorian heritage to our seashore and maritime history and more, with plenty of fun facts sprinkled in.
MANY TROLLEY TOURS ARE OFFERED SEASONALLY
Accessible trolley tours are available but must be pre-arranged at least 2 weeks in advance by calling 609-884-5404 (press 0)
Trolleys and golf carts have benches that routinely accommodate two (2) seated adults. Requests for accommodation by individuals to occupy two seats (one bench) on a trolley or golf cart will be considered, when made 2 weeks in advance of the tour. Call 609-884-5404 (press 0)
WELCOME TO CAPE MAY TROLLEY TOURS
This is the best introduction to Cape May for first timers and also for those who haven’t been to Cape May in some time. Find the hidden gems and the little-known treasures of this glorious seaside town and learn about natural and cultural points of interest. This narrated tour highlights the many cultural, historical and natural attractions on the island. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop.
BLACK LEGACY OF HISTORIC
CAPE MAY TROLLEY TOUR
This tour celebrates Cape May’s Black history, highlighting the many varied contributions by African Americans from 1846 through the mid-20th century. In 2024, this documentation of the Black community led to approval and entry into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and into the National Register of Historic Places. Hear these newly documented stories and see the homes, businesses, churches and schools that showcase the community’s innovation and resilience.
HISTORIC DISTRICT TROLLEY TOUR
Known as the “Queen of the Seaside Resorts” for its quaint Victorian cottages and pristine beaches, Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in the country, and in 1976, the entire city was declared a National Historic Landmark. Possessing one of the country’s largest collections of 19th century seaside wood framed buildings, the historic district features a variety of styles of Victorian architecture. Tour guides will explain Cape May’s history and architecture and how and why it has survived and thrives to this day. The tour is newly updated with contributions of Cape May’s Black community recently documented and entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and into the National Register of Historic Places. Offered year-round either separately or as combo tours. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street Trolley Stop.
MANSIONS BY THE SEA TROLLEY TOUR:
THEN AND NOW
This trolley tour examines Cape May’s development and evolution through the lens of architectural practices, social changes and local history. You’ll see the homes and grand seaside “cottages” of the 1800s along with the modern designs of today, travelling from the historic district eastward, covering a large swath of the city. See some of the most magnificent structures ever erected in Cape May. This tour is newly updated and expanded to a full 60 minutes.
GHOSTS OF CAPE MAY TROLLEY TOUR
What was that shadow? Was it the undead of Cape May’s past wandering their beloved haunts? You might scoff, you might shudder, but rest assured: on board a trolley with an experienced guide you will begin to wonder what’s beyond when you hear the tales of hauntings unearthed in Cape May by renowned psychic medium and author Craig McManus. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop.
NATURAL HABITATS TROLLEY TOUR
Beyond the charming Victorian homes and sandy beaches, Cape May is world famous for its birdwatching, monarch migration, and natural history. Join Cape May Bird Observatory naturalists on a trolley tour to local natural habitats (with the opportunity to disembark at Cape May Point State Park), learning about the beauty, diversity, abundance (millions of birds, butterflies, and dragonflies pass through each year), geography, and extensive history of this amazing spectacle. Relax and be entertained in the birding capital of North America! Co-sponsored by New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory and Cape May MAC.
CAPE MAY’S MARITIME TROLLEY TOUR
Whaling, wartime and wild weather. The remarkable maritime history of our seaside town has long defined the Cape May story. Board the trolley and rediscover the important places and natural phenomena that have shaped, literally and figuratively, the Cape May we know today. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop.
SPIRITS, ODDITIES & OBSESSIONS
COMBO TOUR
Victorians of the late 19th century had wild notions about the passage from life to death, and were fascinated by mystery and illusion. Hear Cape May ghost stories as you travel Cape May by trolley, along with strange stories from Victorian Cape May that are just plain weird. Then visit select rooms in the 1879 Physick House Museum and learn about famous Victorian illusionists and magicians. Begins & ends at the Washington Street Mall Trolley Stop. Must be purchased together.
SPIRITS & ODDITIES TROLLEY TOUR
Cats in ghostly form purr from the beyond. Beloved family members in photographs without their heads. Graves equipped with a torpedo to put off intruders. Victorians of the late 19th century had wild notions about the passage from life to death. Belief in ghosts and spirits was common and superstition abounded. Hear several Cape May ghost stories and more strange stories from Victorian Cape May history that are macabre, mysterious or just plain weird! Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop.
CAPE MAY WINE TRAIL
Cape May County vineyards are producing delicious wines and here is your chance to enjoy them with round-trip transportation via Cape May MAC trolley. Board the trolley at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and travel to Pier House in Cape May for a delicious lunch. Then it’s back on board the trolley for an afternoon of touring and sampling wine selections by vintners at Jessie Creek Winery and Natali Vineyards. Guests will receive a tour, tasting and souvenir glass at Jessie Creek Winery and a tasting with cheese and crackers at Natali Vineyards. This event is for adults ages 21 and over.
PICTURE THIS SELFIE TROLLEY RIDE
This afternoon trolley ride is the best way to see some of historic Cape May’s lesser-known picturesque locations that you might not otherwise visit or know about. The trolley will travel to three special spots where there will be ample time to step off the trolley, see the sights, and take some photos. Along the way, knowledgeable and entertaining guides will dispense interesting tidbits about Cape May. Many of these trolley rides are scheduled in late afternoon, approaching the golden hour, also known as magic hour, when the sun is low in the sky, creating a warm glow that’s ideal for photography.
STORIES OF CAPE ISLAND TROLLEY TOUR
Many stories of Cape Island and the surrounding area’s economy are in whaling and farming and while new industries have evolved since then, that heritage is celebrated today. Hear how whalers centuries ago eked out a dangerous but lucrative living near Town Bank and how the area’s rich farming heritage continues to be a source of tremendous community pride. Learn about the Union Bethel community in 1831 in which Black residents thrived and the diverse community that continues to contribute to the vibrancy of island life today. Begins and ends at Ocean Street Trolley Stop.
DOO WOP TROLLEY TOUR
Tour provided by Wildwood’s Doo Wop Preservation League
Hop on the trolley and enjoy a guided tour of the Wildwoods. On this sightseeing tour, you will learn about mid-century architecture as well as the neon of motels and businesses around the island. See the juxtaposition of both new and old architecture and learn about the design style of the mid-20th century resort architecture known as “Doo Wop” architecture. Be sure to arrive early, to allow time to visit the Doo Wop Museum! This tour leaves from the Doo Wop Museum at 4500 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood.
CAPE MAY BEER TRAILS
Cape May County is home to a selection of fantastic breweries. Hop on a Cape May MAC trolley for visits to Cape May Brewing Co., Behr Brewing, and Gusto Brewing Co., for tasting flights of local beers. Lunch is included at Cape Square Kitchen & Craft. This tour is for adults ages 21 and over.
