Traveling to a new destination can be a thrilling experience. However, sometimes getting around can be a little daunting as some attractions might be many miles away. While there are transportation services available, they aren’t always free and might not give you an interesting perspective of the area. Because of this, many towns and cities often have trolley rides available which allow visitors to travel through them without hassles while also learning more about the sites they are seeing. Below you’ll discover some of the best trolley rides in the United States.
1. ABQ Trolley Co.
The Albuquerque Tourism & Sightseeing Factory created the ABQ Trolley Company as a way to help tourists easily explore this iconic New Mexican city. It offers a few different tours, such as a city tour which will take you by the city’s most famous sites. There is also a Breaking Bad tour that will take visitors to spots used in this popular show. You’ll also find a few other options, such as a hop-on-hop-off brewery tour. The trolley will pick you up at various areas in the city, including many in Albuquerque’s Old Town. Tickets can be bought online and prices range based on age.
330 Tijeras Ave NW Ste. Q, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, Phone: 505-200-2642
2. Boston Tours by Old Town Trolley
Boston Tours by Old Town Trolley will take you through this historic East Coast city with the help of vibrant orange and green trolleys, allowing you to view many historic sites, such as the Old State House, Charles Street, and Beacon Hill. After buying your tickets, you’ll be able to use the trolley throughout the day and hop-on-hop-off at several stops. Your trolley ride also includes a few other perks, such as free admission to a handful of the city’s museums. While riding the trolley, the conductor will narrate your tour allowing you to learn more about the sites on your journey.
200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Phone: 617-269-7010
3. Crater Lake Trolley
Situated in Crater Lake National Park near the Rim Village, the Crater Lake Trolley runs from early July to September. The trolley will take you by Crater Lake which is known for its stunning blue color. Visitors will be able to view the lake and surrounding landscape while listening to a ranger explain more about the natural wonders surrounding you. The trolley, which can hold up to 25 people, makes around seven stops during its two-hour duration, allowing you to get out and take pictures. Tickets are required to ride and can be bought online or at the trolley station.
445 S Spring St, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603, Phone: 541-882-1896
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4. Denver Trolley
The Denver Trolley is designed to help immerse visitors into Denver’s rich history. This bright yellow trolley will take guests through the city providing views of Denver’s beautiful skyline and of the nearby Platte River. A few stops you’ll be able to experience along the way include Confluence Park, Elitch Garden, and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. The trolley also operates as a Broncos shuttle during the football season when this team plays at its home stadium. The Denver Trolley doesn’t run on Tuesday and Wednesday and tickets can be bought at various locations around the city, such as at the Denver International Airport and Colorado Convention Center.
1400 Water Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, Phone: 303-458-6255
5. Door County Trolley
Door County Trolley began in 2000 and is the brainchild of AJ Frank. This trolley service offers a variety of unique tours visitors can sign up for, such as a winter wine tour, lighthouse tour, holiday pub crawl, narrated scenic tour, and ghost tour. There is also a Wisconsin Supper Club Tour that lets you enjoy a traditional Wisconsin meal at various eateries. The trolley will take you around Wisconsin’s historic Door County and provides you with exclusive access to local shops and restaurants. You’ll also get views of the surrounding bluffs and islands. Tours can last anywhere from one to five hours depending on the one you sign up for. Private tours are also available.
8030 WI-42, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin 54209, Phone: 920-868-1100
6. Galena Trolley Tours
Located in Galena, Illinois, the Galena Trolley Tours will take you through this historic town on charming red trolleys. There are two tours visitors can sign up for. One is a non-stop trolley tour which lasts about an hour and drives around the town’s historic district. The other tour lasts two hours and will showcase the town’s historic homes, such as the U.S. Grant Home, Belvedere Mansion, and Dowling House (one of the oldest stone structures in the state). Tours are offered year-round and many are free. Children can also ride free with an adult. Tickets can be bought at its station where you’ll also find a small gift shop.
314 Main Street, Galena, Illinois 61036, Phone: 815-777-1248
7. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods spans over 1,300 acres and is filled with breathtaking sandstone formations. To help visitors better experience it, there is a trolley tour. This trolley tour features a unique 1909 theme and the drivers are often dressed in appropriate time-period clothing for the occasion. The trolley seats 14 people and will take you around the park for 45 minutes with a guided narration. The tours depart each hour, although sometimes they might not be available during the winter due to the weather. Tickets need to be bought at the park as there are no advance reservations allowed.
1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904, Phone: 719-634-6666
8. Gray Line Portland - Pink Trolley Sightseeing
The Gray Line Portland drives you around this iconic Oregon city in a vibrant pink trolley. This hop-on-hop-off service departs every hour and follows a loop route that takes visitors by attractions such as the Pearl District, Chinese Garden, South Park Blocks, and Caruthers Park. The trolley operates from May to October and starts running at 10 a.m. each day. The tour is also narrated by the driver who will tell you more about the sites you pass. Prices for tickets vary depending on age and there are passes available if you’d like to use the trolley for a few days.
525 S.W. Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon 97204, Phone: 503-241-7373
9. Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville
Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville gives visitors a unique perspective of this charming North Carolina city nestled beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its hop-on-hop-off tour features 10 stops that are located on the trolley’s 15-mile drive. A few destinations you’ll be able to stop by at with the tour include the Haywood Park Hotel, Grove Arcade, Biltmore Village, and Pack Square. Along the way, you’ll be able to listen to the history of the town and how it has become an important area for the arts. During the winter, there is a Christmas trolley tour where visitors will be taken through the city to view the decorations and listen to carolers.
P. O. Box 2115, Asheville, North Carolina 28802, Phone: 828-251-4269
10. Loretto Line Tours
Loretto Line Tours gives visitors exclusive access to many of Santa Fe’s iconic sites. As one of the oldest trolley car companies in the city, Loretto Line Tours will take you to many intriguing attractions, such as Canyon Road, the Santa Fe Museum Hill area, and Santa Fe Plaza. The tours last around an hour and 15 minutes and take you on a 10-mile loop through the city. Visitors can catch a trolley at two locations: the Loretto Chapel or La Fonda Hotel. Ticket prices range according to age and the trolley tour season usually lasts from mid-Match to late fall.
207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, Phone: 505-982-0092
11. Naples Trolley Tours
Naples Trolley Tours will take you on a relaxing excursion through the balmy city of Naples. Guests can jump on one of the many red and blue trolleys that will take you to several stops throughout the city. This includes destinations such as Tin City, Inn of Naples, City Dock, and the Vanderbilt Beach Resort. The trolley tour begins at the Experience Naples building and guests can hop on or off the trolley at various stops. Tickets are required, but there are a few discounts available.
1010 6th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102, Phone: 800-592-0848
12. Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville
This trolley tour will take you through Nashville, Tennessee's capital. This southern city is known for being home to many historic country music destinations, some of which you’ll be able to see with this trolley tour. Other stops visitors will be able to view during their Old Town Trolley Tour include the Patsy Cline Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Frist Center, the Gulch, and Legislative Plaza. Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville also offers a night tour where you’ll be able to learn about the city’s nightlife. There are one-day or two-day ticket options, both of which come with free access to a few local museums.
201 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee 37201, Phone: 629-208-0200
13. Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego
Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego gives visitors the ability to explore this busy city with ease. Some stops along the way include Old Town Market, Embarcadero Marina, Horton Plaza Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Hotel del Coronado. You can hop on or off the trolley at any stop along the way and you can use the trolley map given to you to help you find future stops. In addition to an old town tour, this trolley company also has a ghost night tour and one of San Diego’s best beaches. Trolley operation times depend on the season you plan to visit the city, although during the summer there are usually extended hours.
4010 Twiggs St, San Diego, California 92101, Phone: 619-298-8687
14. Old Town Trolley Tours St. Augustine
Visitors can climb aboard one of the many green and orange Old Town trolleys to explore the famous city of St. Augustine. The trolleys will take you on a loop-tour of the city where you’ll be able to view many of its notable sites, such as the Old Jail, Potter’s Wax Museum, Colonial Quarter, St. George Street, and the Villa Zorayda Museum. Another trolley tour option is a ghost tour that will take you through the city at night as storytellers recite spooky ghost tales. Old Town Trolley Tour tickets come with free admission to the St. Augustine History Museum and access to Alligator Farm.
167 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084, Phone: 904-829-3800
15. Red Rock Magic Trolley
The Red Rock Magic Trolley gives you a stunning tour of Sedona, Arizona. It offers three different trolley tours visitors can choose from. The first one is the Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour which explores local Native American sites and tells of old Western movies filmed in the area. The second tour is the Sedona Hi-Points Tour which will show you some of Sedona’s most beautiful natural wonders, like Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Chapel of the Holy Cross. The last tour option takes you exclusively into Chapel of the Holy Cross. Tour times will vary depending on the one you sign up for.
252 AZ-89A, Sedona, Arizona 86336, Phone: 928-821-6706
16. Royal Trolley Tours
Royal Trolley Tours offers a three-hour morning or night tour option of Washington, D.C. This sightseeing tour will give you beautiful views of many of America’s most renowned landmarks, such as the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Capitol Building. You’ll also be able to see many of the city’s iconic museums and natural wonders, such as the Smithsonian and Potomac River. The night tour loops around D.C. and showcases the illuminated city landmarks. Each tour features a guide who will explain more about the structures and areas you are passing through. The trolley windows are also open to provide you with unobstructed views.
1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: 202-803-6880
17. Salt Lake Trolley Tours
Bright red trolley cars will whisk you away through Salt Lake City where you’ll learn about and see many of the city’s famous landmarks. During your journey, you’ll also be entertained by a few theatrical performers who will put on various acts to entertain you while also teaching you about the sites you’re passing. Some areas you’ll view during your adventure include Temple Square, Capitol Hill, and the historic districts that are known for their cathedrals and mansions. Reservations are required ahead of time and tours last about 90 minutes.
161 W 600 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, Phone: 801-521-7373
18. Savannah Tours by Old Town Trolley
Savannah Tours by Old Town Trolley takes visitors through this famous city where they can learn more about its history and numerous attractions. The tour has over 15 stops which include Bull Street Corridor, Madison Square, City Market, the Davenport House, and River Street. Guests can get on or off the trolley at any stop on the route. During the drive, you’ll be able to listen to a narration of the sites you’re passing and interesting facts about them. This trolley tour also hosts a Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tour at night where you can explore some of Savannah’s spooky destinations.
234 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia 31401, Phone: 855-245-8992
19. Sedona Trolley
Sedona is a desert town is filled with breathtaking views and is best known for its red buttes. The Sedona Trolley, which has been in operation since 1993, will take you through the area with two different tour options. Tour A lasts 55 minutes and drives you through South Sedona and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Tour B also is 55 minutes but takes you to West Sedona and Boynton Canyon. You can choose to go on one tour or travel on both. Trolleys leave every two hours and feature commentary as you drive through the local scenery. It’s often recommended that you make reservations well ahead of time.
276 SR 89A, Suite B, Sedona Arizona 86336, Phone: 928-282-4211
20. Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours
Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours has been serving the city of Solvang for over 50 years. Nestled inside the Santa Ynez Valley, the tours will take you through this charming Danish-inspired city with a horse-drawn trolley car which has been built to resemble a 1915 Honen trolley. Visitors will be able to see many notable sites along the way, such as windmills, shops, restaurants, and bakeries. The tours usually take about 25 minutes and will guide you through Downtown Solvang. Tour guides on board will also comment on various sites as you pass them and explain their history and connection to Denmark.
1618 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California 93463, Phone: 805-794-8958
21. Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley
The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley takes you deep into the heart of the Sonoma Valley on a classic cable car. You’ll stop at four different vineyards where you can learn more about how they grow their grapes and produce wine. While at the vineyards, you can also try samples of wine and munch on some snacks. As you travel to each location, a tour guide will tell you more about the surrounding area and intriguing attractions you pass by. During Christmas, the trolley is decked out in garlands and lights and offers a special tour through the surrounding Victorian neighborhoods and Downtown Napa.
21707 8th Street East, Suite B, Sonoma, California 95476, Phone: 707-938-2600
22. St. Louis Trolley Tours
This trolley tour will take you through St. Louis and passes by 18 of the city’s most notable attractions. Along the way, your tour guide will explain more behind the history of the sites and interesting facts about them. There are three trolley pick-up locations which are at Union Station, Ballpark Hilton, and Ballpark Village. Each makes a complete loop around the city. St. Louis Trolley Tours offers a Holiday Light Tour during December where you can listen to festive music as you drive through nearby neighborhoods to view lights. Tickets for the tours can be bought online and there are special discounts for seniors and military personnel.
1000 Cerre Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63102, Phone: 314-241-1400
23. Tombstone Trolley LLC
Located in Tombstone, Arizona, this trolley service allows you to explore the Wild West. The trolleys will take you through Tombstone to different destinations, including historic Boot Hill Cemetery. Along the way, you might come across gunfighters who put on a thrilling show for spectators. The conductor will explain more about the sites you see and even tell you a few legends that exist about them. The trolley also offers a ghost and murder tour which lasts about one hour and tells more about the spirits that are believed to haunt the land. Tours last about 30 minutes and are pet-friendly. Visitors need to purchase tickets and prices for them range based on age.
137 S 4th Street, Tombstone, Arizona 85638, Phone: 520-955-3090
What are the 25 Best Trolley Rides in the United States?
The 25 Best Trolley Rides in the United States according to local experts are:
- ABQ Trolley Co.
- Boston Tours by Old Town Trolley
- Crater Lake Trolley
- Denver Trolley
- Door County Trolley
- Galena Trolley Tours
- Garden of the Gods
- Gray Line Portland - Pink Trolley Sightseeing
- Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville
- Loretto Line Tours
- Naples Trolley Tours
- Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville
- Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego
- Old Town Trolley Tours St. Augustine
- Red Rock Magic Trolley
- Royal Trolley Tours
- Salt Lake Trolley Tours
- Savannah Tours by Old Town Trolley
- Sedona Trolley
- Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours
- Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley
- St. Louis Trolley Tours
- Tombstone Trolley LLC
Attraction Spotlight: St. Augustine Alligator Farm
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm was founded in 1893 and was originally a small exhibition of Florida reptiles. However, it soon became a must-see attraction for tourists and eventually grew to a full-service modern zoo.
The founders, George Reddington and Felix Fire, began collecting alligators from Anastasia Island in the late nineteenth century. They ultimately founded the St. Augustine Alligator Farm at South Beach and thanks to advertisements of the South Beach Railway Company, the Alligator Farm grew quickly in popularity.
The Farm flourished and was featured in many tourist attraction magazines and guide books. It quickly earned a reputation as 'the world's largest alligator farm” and was an essential tourist attraction in Florida.
Sadly, in September 1920, a horrible rainstorm ravaged South Beach, destroying the railroad tracks and simultaneously ending the consistent flow of tourists to the area's attractions. The following December, a fire destroyed many businesses on South Beach, luckily the Alligator Farm was unharmed. Their good fortune did not last long, unfortunately, just 4 months later, yet another fire occurred, ultimately burning down the Alligator Farm.
The owners of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm decided it was time to relocate and rebuild. They wanted a location frequented by tourists and easy to access - the lighthouse. The relocation went quickly and smoothly, and the Farm is still at this location today.
The original founders of the Farm continued its day-to-day operations until 1937, when it was sold to two businessmen, W.I. Drysdale and F. Charles Usina. These two managed to create a reputation for the Farm beyond St. Augustine, and ultimately on a national scale. They began improving the exhibits, adding new and exciting animals, and even new facilities like a gift shop and offices.
Throughout the years, the Farm's education, research, and entertainment programs grew exponentially. Scientists from the University of Florida spent many years researching the wildlife that calls the Farm home. The Farm has managed to education the public and generate a better understanding of Florida's natural resources and wildlife.
As of 1989, the Farm had been accredited by The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, making it a nationally recognized zoological facility. The mission of the Farm is to educate and conserve Florida's wildlife. The hardworking staff and volunteers hope to instill a deeper appreciation and respect of these magnificent creatures that people had previously feared.
Today, visitors can enjoy the Alligator Farm's vast wildlife collection of crocodiles, birds, fish, and many other species of reptiles and amphibians. And, for the thrill-seeking visitors - there is even a zip-line tour over the crocodile habitats. Explore Florida's wildlife like never before.
With such a rich history filled with dedication and entertainment, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is sure to delight visitors of all ages. All sorts of shows, exhibits, and attractions await!
There are so many exciting things to do at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, including the Wading Bird Rookery, the Lemurs of Madagascar, the Python Cave, Maximo, the Land of Crocodiles, the Realm of the Saltie, Gomek Forever, Fossil Discoveries, El Native Reptiles, Exotic Birds and Mammals, Birds of Africa, and even Albino Alligators.
On top of having every living species of Crocodile to see, there are also daily wildlife shows throughout the park.
The Wading Bird Rockery features various species of birds living in the wild. The birds are free to come and go as they please and do not rely on the Alligator Farm for care of food. They wild birds migrate, lay eggs, and relocate just as they would in the wild. Wooden walkways allow visitors to experience these birds up-close-and-personal. Typical species of birds that can be found include herons, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks.
The Lemurs of Madagascar exhibit features those fuzzy playful primates swinging from tree-to-tree. Visitors can see all different species and watch as they play and interact with their fellow lemurs. There are even endangered species in this exhibit, the Red-ruffed Lemur and the Ring-tailed lemur.
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The Python Cave is sure to give visitors the chills, as one of the world's most feared reptiles is on display. The pride and joy of the Alligator Farm is the 21-foot Python that calls this exhibit home, it is capable of eating large mammals in one bite.
Maximo is a 15 foot 3 inch, 1,250 pound Crocodile, he is the largest animal at the Farm and visitors can see him up-close-and-personal. He was hatched from an egg that was collected from Australia. Maximo isn't the only gigantic creature to ever call the Alligator Farm home. He was over 18 feet long and more than 2,000 pounds! He is now tastefully preserved at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm to visitors to enjoy.
The Land of Crocodiles features all of the species of crocodiles who reside at the Alligator Farm. This is where visitors can learn about each species and enjoy seeing each one in their natural habitats. The Albino Alligators display the rare and mystical albino creatures from the Lousiana bayou.
The Realm of Saltie features the Land Down Under's saltwater crocodiles and other exciting animals, such as the world's most dangerous bird, the Southern Cassowary. The Fossil Discoveries exhibit allows visitors to explore the evolution of reptiles of the centuries.
The Florida Native Reptiles Exhibit features the reptiles, small mammals, and birds that naturally call Florida home. The Exotic Birds and Mammals exhibit displays those animals that do not naturally call Florida home. Of these, two of the monkey species are endangered.
The Birds of Africa exhibit features birds from the African Savannah, including some of the world's largest and fiercest scavengers. There is also a daily feeding demonstration.
All of these exhibits and many more exciting attractions can be found at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Members of the entire family will find something to enjoy!
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm prides itself on its collaboration with other zoos around the world to preserve exotic species that are endangered from issues such as habitat loss, overexploitation and environmental pollution.
Through their Species Survival Plan the zoo's hard-working researchers can manage the breeding and survival of the endangered animals on their list. Some other these animals on the Alligator Farm's SSP list, which can also be found in the park, are: The Siamese Crocodile, The Indian Gharial, The Cuban Crocodile, The Pygmy Marmoset, The Hooded Vulture, and the Golden Conure. There are dozens more species under the protection of the Alligator Farm and its zoo partners.
There are many research programs going on at the Alligator Farm and there are still so many things scientists don't know about these magnificent creatures. Some of the active programs going on include: Salt Water Crocodiles and their egg-laying process, Field Research in Gambia, Crocodilian Immune Activity, and the link between various reptiles and dinosaurs.
This research and so much more is going on at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and their partners. The money spent at the Alligator Farm goes right to caring for and protecting these exotic animals. For more information, there is a research blog on the Alligator Farm's website.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm has many different options for visiting, including group, military, and senior discounts, class field trips, overnight zoo camps, and even an option for hosting parties.
There are plenty of fun-filled events going on at the Farm, such as Parent's Night Out where adults can enjoy the zoo while the helpful zoo staff keeps an eye on the kids. There are also Halloween-themed events such as Creatures of the Night, where families can come trick-or-treat and have hands-on experiences with creepy bugs and other animals.
The Zoo also has an option for hosting large events, those interested can host their next conference, event, or workshop surrounded by lush foliage and the beauty of nature. There are overnight zoo camps for the kids to be both entertained and educated while making new friends. The Zoo even has a smaller event center for hosting birthday parties.
St. Augustine is the oldest city in Florida, so it is filled with plenty of historical and cultural hotspots to visit. There are picturesque beaches and numerous places nearby for fine dining and shopping. The Alligator Farm itself is located next to the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse, which is also a popular tourist destination. For more information, visit St. Augustine's tourism website.
Education
The Alligator Farm has trained zoological professionals ready to teach and entertain members of the whole family. Not only do they educate visitors about the daily life, habits, and environment of the animals in their care, they also emphasis proper safety regarding these natural predators.
From private or group tours, workshops, lectures, or the vast amount of teacher's resources, there s never a shortage of educational entertainment at the Alligator Farm.
Back to: Best Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
999 Anastasia Blvd, Phone: 904-824-3337
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