Hop on one of Cape May MAC’s cheery red 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 business days in advance by calling 609-884-5404 (press 0)

Interested in a combination tour (trolley tour combined with another experience)?

Interested in booking a private trolley tour or shuttle?

WELCOME TO CAPE MAY TROLLEY TOURS

Woman giving trolley tour

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

Cape May MAC Trolley filled with people on a tour of the town

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

a vintage painting of whalers and a giant whale

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 tells of those dangerous days. Slaves fled their chains 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. Trolley tour co-sponsored by Center for Community Arts (CCA) and Cape May MAC. Begins and ends at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth and travels through parts of Cape May and West Cape May, with stops along the way, including the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

GHOSTS OF CAPE MAY TROLLEY TOUR

the front of a trolley at nighttime

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

grand victorian houses seen behind dune grass

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.

advertisement for Remax Realty with trolley

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

tour group in billiard room

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

ghostly victorian man holding his own head

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

People in a room with wine barrels

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.

CAPE MAY’S SPORTS HISTORY
TROLLEY TOUR

vintage postcard of golf course

Cape May’s history includes some fascinating stories about sports, such as baseball, tennis and golf, during the 19th and early 20th century. Take this trolley tour around Cape May and see where audiences once cheered on their favorite players of yesteryear. Learn about the teams, ballfields, courts and greens that were a vibrant part of America’s First Seaside Resort.

STORIES OF CAPE ISLAND TROLLEY TOUR

group on a trolley tour taking photos and looking at the sites in cape may new jersey

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.

CHILDREN’S TROLLEY RIDE

A young family of four on the children's trolley tour

Board MAC’s jolly red trolley for a guided tour of Cape May’s Historic District geared specially for 3 to 7 year olds. From gingerbread you can’t eat to witches’ caps on houses, kids will be fascinated by “show and tell” along the way. Trolley tours last about 30 minutes.

CAPE MAY BEER TRAILS

TWO HANDS HOLDING BEERS AND CLANKING THEM TOGETHER FOR A CHEERS AT A FESTIVAL IN CAPE MAY

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.

Christmas Tours

During the holiday season, there are plenty of specialty house tours including Christmas Candlelight House Tours, Holiday Inns Tours, Lamplighter House Tours, Physick Family Christmas House Tours, and more!

The Mainstay Inn in Cape May New JErsey, decorated for christmas
a victorian living room with christmas tree

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