1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row GoCar Tour

Exploring Monterey & Cannery Row with a GoCar: A Practical Review

When you’re visiting Monterey, the idea of seeing the sights without the hassle of maps or rigid schedules is incredibly appealing. The 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row GoCar Tour offers just that—a self-guided adventure in a quirky, GPS-guided two-seater convertible. For $99 per group (up to two people), you get a chance to cruise along Monterey Bay, explore Cannery Row, and zip through scenic spots like Lover’s Point and Asilomar State Beach.

What we love about this experience is how easy it is to control your own pace—you can linger in spots you love or zip ahead if you’re eager for more. The integrated GPS navigation is a big plus, especially if you’re not familiar with the area, and the open-top convertible makes it easy to soak in the breathtaking ocean views and coastal breezes.

A small caveat? Some reviewers mention that GPS clarity can be inconsistent, which might lead to a bit of confusion or off-track moments. Also, since the price is per car, it’s a good idea to consider how many people you plan to bring along—this isn’t a big-group tour but a personalized experience.

This tour suits those who enjoy independent exploration and want a fun, lightweight way to see Monterey’s highlights without the fuss of traditional guided buses or overly structured tours. If you’re a traveler who appreciates authentic, self-directed adventures—especially with scenic coastlines and historic neighborhoods—this will likely be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Flexible Exploration: DIY tour with GPS guidance means you control your pace.
• Stunning Coastal Views: Open convertible allows for unobstructed vistas of the Pacific and coastline.
• Ease of Use: The scooter-like GoCar is simple to drive and park, even for beginners.
• Value for Money: For $99, you get an hour of sightseeing, helmets, fuel, and narration—an accessible way to cover key sights.
• Limitations: Some GPS issues noted, and the experience is limited to two people per car.
• Best for: Travelers who want independence, enjoy scenic drives, and are comfortable with self-guided navigation.

A Detailed Look at the Monterey and Cannery Row GoCar Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at 230 Alvarado St in Monterey, near Fisherman’s Wharf—a lively, well-located spot perfect for grabbing that initial view of the harbor and grabbing a quick snack before your ride. The staff provides a safety orientation, helmets, and a full tank of fuel, setting the stage for an easy and worry-free experience.

The GoCar itself looks a little like a tiny, sporty dune buggy with a windshield, and while compact, it’s surprisingly comfortable for two. With GPS-guided narration, the car tells you where to go—meaning you don’t need to fuss with maps or worry about missing key landmarks.

The Itinerary: Highlights of the Tour

Fisherman’s Wharf and Old Monterey: Your journey kicks off with a view of the historic Fisherman’s Wharf, bustling with seafood shops and boats bobbing in the harbor. The narration offers snippets about the area’s maritime past, making it a great start for those interested in local history.

Cannery Row: Next, you’ll cruise through Cannery Row, famous for its past as a sardine-packing hub. Today, it’s lined with shops, restaurants, and museums. Many reviewers, like Nadia, appreciated how easy it was to see the sights and feel the lively atmosphere of this iconic street.

Lovers Point Park: A quick zoom past Lover’s Point gives travelers a chance to take in the views and perhaps stop for a photo or a walk along the shoreline. The park’s charm and nearby beach are often praised in reviews, with visitors noting how the open-top allows you to experience the fresh ocean air fully.

Asilomar State Beach: The drive along the coast near Asilomar offers stunning scenery—dunes, cypress trees, and crashing waves. The tour encourages stopping to watch for marine life like otters and seals, adding a wildlife element to your coast adventure.

The Experience: What It Feels Like

We found that driving the GoCar is akin to riding a motorcycle—light, nimble, and easy to handle. Some reviews, like Fahima’s, mention the helmets being heavier than expected, but most found the physical effort minimal. The convertible top makes it perfect for photo ops and enjoying the sea breeze, especially on a clear day.

The GPS system generally does a good job guiding you, but a few, like Simmy, felt it wasn’t always clear, especially when going off-route. This can be a small hiccup, but the narration often makes up for it with interesting tidbits about each location.

Authenticity and Educational Value

While the tour is primarily about sightseeing, the commentary includes interesting facts about Monterey’s history, culture, and natural environment. Several travelers, including Nadia and Cortney, appreciated the knowledgeable guides’ engaging storytelling, which added context to the sights.

Some reviews noted that parts of the narration could be missing or hard to hear (Jessica), but others emphasized how the guided narrative made the experience feel more personal and educational.

Scenery, Views, and Photo Opportunities

The panoramic views of the Pacific are the tour’s highlight. The open convertible makes it easy to snap photos of the coastline, the beach, and the charming town. Many reviewers, like Joey and Gina, enjoyed capturing moments at Lover’s Point or the colorful homes along the coast.

You’ll also get a taste of local life, passing by boutique shops, seafood eateries, and scenic parks—making this a well-rounded way to experience Monterey beyond just its tourist spots.

Price, Value, and Practicalities

At $99 per car, this tour offers a cost-effective alternative to bus tours or renting a car and navigating on your own. For two people, it’s a good deal, especially considering the fun factor and the included helmets, fuel, and narration.

However, some travelers find the GPS system needs improvement—a necessary consideration if you prefer a very precise guided experience. Also, no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so plan to meet the starting point easily accessible by public transport or car.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous couples, families with older children (minimum age 7), or friends looking for a lighthearted way to explore. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, want a personalized tour, and appreciate informal, relaxed sightseeing.

If you’re someone who values authentic views, easy navigation, and knowledgeable commentary, you’ll find this tour adds a fun, memorable element to your Monterey visit.

Final Thoughts: Is the GoCar Tour Worth It?

The 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row GoCar Tour offers a playful and flexible way to see some of Monterey’s best-loved sights. The scenic coastlines, historic neighborhoods, and charming parks are all within reach, and the GPS-guided narration makes it accessible even if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

While some technical issues with the GPS were noted, most travelers find the experience enjoyable, educational, and simply fun. It’s particularly suitable if you’re traveling as a couple or duo, wanting a personalized tour that combines adventure with sightseeing.

The value for the cost is solid, especially considering the inclusion of helmets and fuel, and the ability to control your own pace adds to the appeal. Just remember—it’s a self-guided experience, so be prepared to keep an eye on the GPS and enjoy the freedom to explore at your leisure.

For those seeking a scenic, fun, and reasonably priced way to discover Monterey’s highlights, the GoCar tour is a worthwhile option—especially if you’re ready for a little driving adventure and some fresh ocean air.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, covering key sights along the coast and in town.

What is included in the price?
The price of $99 per group includes the rental of the GPS-guided GoCar, safety orientation, full tank of fuel, helmet, and a map.

Can I bring children?
Yes, children as young as 7 years old can participate if accompanied by an adult. The maximum passenger height is 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm).

Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, the driver must be 18 or older and present a valid driver’s license. All renters must also sign a liability waiver.

Is there a refund if I cancel?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The starting point is at 230 Alvarado St, Monterey, near Fisherman’s Wharf.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included in the rental, although some reviews note they can be on the heavier side.

What happens if the GPS system is not clear?
Some users have experienced difficulty with the GPS, especially off-route. The narration aims to compensate, but it’s advisable to stay attentive.

Is this tour suitable for people unfamiliar with driving?
Yes, the GoCar is described as easy to drive, but some reviews recommend caution if you’re not comfortable with motorized vehicles.

Final Note

The 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row GoCar Tour combines scenic beauty, historical insights, and independent adventure into one small package. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or friends looking for a unique way to explore Monterey’s highlights, this experience offers a fun, low-stress option—just remember to keep an eye on the GPS and enjoy the ride.