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.
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. It’s beautiful. It’s charming. Wonderful tour guides will explain Cape May’s history and architecture and how and why it has survived and thrives to this day. This narrated tour travels through portions of Cape May’s historic district. Guides discuss the architecture and history of the area. Offered year-round either separately or as combo tours. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop.
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. Tour begins and ends at Washington Street Mall Information Booth.
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TROLLEY TOUR
Cape May was part of the Underground Railroad and this trolley tour, which is part of the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom, and also one of just 13 sites nationwide on the Park Service’s Travels with Tubman app, tells of those dangerous days. Enslaved persons fled their captors in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia and braved strong currents and stormy seas, guided by the beacon at the Cape May Lighthouse. Hear how legendary anti-slavery fighter, Harriet Tubman, walked these streets, as did prominent railroad businessman and former slave, Stephen Smith, whose railroad cars carried hundreds to freedom. Begins and ends at Ocean Street Trolley Stop and travels through parts of Cape May, Lower Township and West Cape May, with stops along the way, including the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Trolley tour co-sponsored by Center for Community Arts (CCA) and Cape May MAC. Portions of this tour are not accessible.
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.
MANSIONS BY THE SEA TROLLEY TOUR
You’ll hear how the rich lived in the early 1900s in the most elegant part of town on this trolley tour that includes the eastern beachfront. You’ll see the broad streets and massive plots on Cape May’s east side – an area marketed as “New Cape May” at the turn of the 20th century. Today, new, beachfront second homeowners have continued the tradition, running the gamut from the mere wealthy to the fabulously rich. This narrated tour travels along Beach Drive through the early 20th century East Cape May Development areas. Guides discuss history and architecture. 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.
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.
DOWN THE SHORE TROLLEY TOUR
Cape May is a fun, lively and relaxing place to recreate and this trolley tour highlights many of the town’s favorite historic pastimes. See where visitors of yesteryear enjoyed their favorite games and sports. Hear about the excitement of Victorian racecourses and racetracks that attracted huge crowds. Learn about the teams, ballfields, courts and greens that are a vibrant part of the history of America’s First Seaside Resort. Begins and ends at Ocean Street Trolley Stop.
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.
CAPE MAY BEER TRAILS
New for 2024! 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.
