Exploring on Foot & Wheel: Cape May

Walking Routes & Tours

Pedestrian-friendly areas abound, from charming streets to scenic waterfront paths.

The Washington Street Mall serves as a three-block pedestrian-only outdoor mall, ideal for strolling, browsing shops, and enjoying cafes.

Pedestrian Areas

Washington Street Mall: Perfect for shopping, dining, and leisurely walks.
Historic District: Its grid layout and tree-lined streets welcome self-guided Victorian architecture tours.
Beachfront Promenade: A paved walkway stretches along the beach, popular for walking, jogging, and cycling with ocean views.
Acquire maps from the visitor center for independent exploration.

Guided Walking Tours

Cape May MAC offers various guided tours focusing on Victorian architecture, ghost stories, and local history.

Self-Guided Maps

Maps are available for independent exploration, allowing you to set your own pace and focus.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Dedicated bike lanes exist on some roads. The promenade also allows cycling.

Cycling Safety & Restrictions

Safety Guidelines

Always wear a Helmet when cycling for personal protection.
Follow all traffic laws, including obeying stop signs and traffic signals.
Ring your bell to alert others to your presence, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas.

Promenade Restrictions

Check for restricted hours on the promenade during summer afternoons.
The promenade becomes very crowded with pedestrians during these times.
These restrictions promote safety for both cyclists and walkers.

No-Go Areas & Caution Zones

No Specific "No-Go" Areas

Cape May lacks designated "no-go" zones for pedestrians or cyclists.

Caution on Busy Roads

Exercise caution on busy main roads, especially at night.

Limited Sidewalks/Bike Lanes

Some less-lit areas may lack sidewalks or dedicated bike lanes.

Awareness at All Times

Always remain aware of your surroundings for a safe experience.

Specialized Transportation Options

Cape May offers a few specialized transport options mainly geared toward tours and experiences.

Tour & Water Transport

Tour Buses & Hop-on-Hop-off: The Cape May MAC trolley serves a similar function to a hop-on-hop-off tour.
Boat Taxis & Water Transportation: Various boat tours operate from the marinas.
These include fishing charters, dolphin and whale watching tours, and scenic harbor tours.
These are mainly for recreational tours, not daily commuting within Cape May.

Unique & Accessibility Services

Cable Cars, Funiculars, or Unique Local Transport: Cape May lacks these specific forms of transport beyond its trolleys and jitneys.
Accessibility Services: Public areas are increasingly accessible, including parts of the promenade.
Many historic Victorian homes (B&Bs) may present challenges due to stairs or narrow doorways.
The City of Cape May provides beach wheelchairs for loan during summer.

Bicycle Rental Options

Beach Cruisers

Ideal for relaxed rides along the promenade and flat streets.

Easy & Leisurely

Multi-Speed Bikes

Versatile for slightly longer distances or varied terrains.

Versatile Choice

Surreys

Multi-person bikes offer a fun group activity for families or friends.

Group Fun

Taxi & Ride-Sharing Details

Licensed Taxi Services

Taxis operate in Cape May, identifiable by company signage.
You can sometimes hail them on the street or call a local taxi company for a pickup.
Fares are either metered or set at flat rates for common destinations.

Ride-Sharing Availability

Uber and Lyft operate in Cape May, especially during the summer.
Use the apps to request a ride; confirm driver and vehicle details for safety.
Driver availability can be limited during off-peak times or when demand is very high.

Pedestrian & Cyclist No-Go Areas

No specific "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians or cyclists in Cape May.
Exercise caution on busy main roads, especially at night.
Some less-lit areas may lack sidewalks or dedicated bike lanes.
Always remain aware of your surroundings for a safe experience.

Consider parking further away and walking or biking into the busiest areas to save money and find easier spots.
Cape May's compact nature often makes walking the most efficient and enjoyable method.
The historic district and beachfront are highly walkable and cyclist-friendly.
Inquire directly with attractions for specific accessibility features.

Accessibility Services

Public areas in Cape May are becoming increasingly accessible, supporting visitors with mobility needs.

General Accessibility

Parts of the promenade and some businesses offer improved accessibility.
Many historic Victorian homes, specifically B&Bs, may present challenges due to stairs or narrow doorways.
Inquire directly with specific attractions or accommodations before booking.
This approach confirms suitability for your individual needs.

Beach Access

The City of Cape May provides beach wheelchairs for loan during summer months.
These wheelchairs facilitate access to the sandy beach environment.
Check with local beach patrol or city services for availability and terms of use.
This service seeks to foster beach enjoyment for all visitors.

Public Transport Efficiency

Trolley Usage

Use the trolley for a historical overview of the town or for convenient hops between major attractions.

Operates seasonally.
More frequent service in summer.
Limited/absent in winter.

Jitney Tips

Jitneys offer a flexible and relatively quick way to travel short distances within the main areas.

Seasonal operation.
Extended hours in summer.
Less frequent/unavailable off-peak.

NJ Transit Routes

For longer trips outside Cape May, utilize NJ Transit buses or ride-share/taxi services.

Connects to South Jersey and Philadelphia.
Mainly for inter-city travel.
Check schedules for transfers.

Mobility Challenges in Historic Areas

Challenges with Historic Homes

Many historic Victorian homes, especially B&Bs, feature stairs.
Narrow doorways and architectural features may limit access for some.
Direct inquiry with specific establishments is always beneficial.

Public Transport Accessibility

Some trolleys may feature limited accessibility due to their historic nature.
If specific accessibility accommodations are required, contact Cape May MAC directly.
Do this before your visit to confirm suitable arrangements.

Local Travel Insights

Cape May's compact size allows easy navigation of many attractions on foot or by bicycle.

Consider your preferred pace and activities when planning your daily transport.

Exploring Cape May on Foot & Wheel