All Day Special GoCar Tour in San Francisco

All Day Special GoCar Tour in San Francisco: A Unique Way to See the City

Imagine cruising through San Francisco in a compact, talking three-wheeled vehicle that you control—no tour guide in your ear, just a map, your own pace, and the freedom to explore. For $309 per group (up to two people), this all-day, GPS-guided adventure offers roughly five hours of discovering everything from the Painted Ladies to Twin Peaks, all while avoiding the typical tourist bus crowds. It’s a playful, practical approach to sightseeing that appeals to independent travelers eager for a personalized experience.

What we love about this tour is the flexibility it offers. First, you get a full-day rental that includes everything you need—helmet, map, gas, and the vehicle itself. Second, the ability to drive yourself means you can spend more time at the spots that catch your eye and skip those that don’t. But, fair warning, the limited turning radius of the GoCar does mean some patience might be needed when parking or navigating tight spots. This is not a set-it-and-forget-it bus tour; it’s for those who want a bit of adventure mixed with sightseeing.

Who is this best suited for? If you’re comfortable with small, motorcycle-style vehicles and appreciate a dose of independence, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially good for couples or small groups who want a memorable, hands-on way to experience San Francisco’s highlights without the rush of a guided bus or bike tour.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Drive at your own pace with the included map and GPS directions.
• All-inclusive value: Helmet, gas, map, and full-day rental are included, making it straightforward and convenient.
• Iconic sights: Cover major landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Twin Peaks.
• Authentic experience: Enjoy the city from a local perspective, with the ability to stop, take photos, or linger at your favorite spots.
• Limited vehicle size: The GoCar’s small, motorcycle-like build offers easy parking but requires some skill or patience.
• Ideal for independent travelers: Best suited for those comfortable with navigating on their own and interested in customized sightseeing.

A Detailed Look at the San Francisco GoCar Experience

Driving through San Francisco in a GPS-guided GoCar offers a distinctive way to explore the city’s many highlights. Unlike traditional bus tours or guided groups, this experience puts you behind the wheel, giving you full control over your route and timing. While it’s a playful mode of transport—think a mini car with a “talking” GPS—it also demands some attention, especially when parking or handling tight turns.

Starting Point and First Impressions

You’ll begin your adventure at 431 Beach St, a central location close to Fisherman’s Wharf. Here, the check-in process is straightforward, aided by a quick instructional video that explains how to operate the vehicle. Many reviewers mention how smoothly the check-in goes and appreciate the clear guidance, such as MICHAEL_B’s comment: “The check-in was smooth. Training video was clear. The guided tour worked well.”

The vehicle itself is three-wheeled and roughly motorcycle-sized, with a lockable trunk for your belongings. It’s a fun, zippy way to zip around—reaching speeds of about 35 mph—and parking is a breeze compared to larger vehicles. However, the limited turning radius can be a challenge, especially when trying to park or maneuver in tight spots. One traveler humorously noted, “You may have to get out and push the car to park,” highlighting that patience is sometimes needed.

The Itinerary and Highlights

The tour is designed to maximize your sightseeing while maintaining a flexible pace. The itinerary includes 14 stops, most of which are iconic San Francisco landmarks, and all are free to visit since they’re mainly outdoor or public sites.

Palace of Fine Arts: The tour kicks off here, in the Marina District, with a stunning structure from the 1915 exposition. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for photos or just soaking in the architecture. It’s a quick, 10-minute stop, ideal for initial photos and stretching.

Golden Gate Bridge: The tour then moves to one of the most-photographed landmarks, with options to take pictures from the viewing area or nearby Baker Beach. Expect about 20 minutes to enjoy the views and snap some shots. Many travelers, including one reviewer, emphasize that seeing the bridge from different vantage points adds greatly to the experience.

Lombard Street: No San Francisco visit is complete without a drive down the “Crookedest Street.” Driving your GoCar along Lombard is a delightful thrill, especially at the end of your trip. You’ll spend around 20 minutes here, and many comment on how fun it is—some even say it’s a highlight.

Fisherman’s Wharf: Since you start nearby, passing through Fisherman’s Wharf gives a lively sense of city life. You’ll see bustling shops, seafood shacks, and street performers, creating a vibrant backdrop for your journey.

Ocean Beach and Sutro Baths: With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, these stops offer a chance to see seals at Seal Rock or look for sand dollars in the fog. The 10-15 minute stops are perfect for a quick beach walk or photo.

Presidio and Fort Point: A bit more inland, these areas offer fantastic views of the Bay and the Golden Gate, as well as historical military architecture. Many find the Presidio’s vistas and the Disney Museum a delightful surprise.

Golden Gate Park: Spanning nearly half the length of the city, the park is a natural oasis. You could spend hours here, but with about an hour allocated, you’ll get a sense of the cultural offerings—from the Conservatory of Flowers to the deYoung Museum.

Legion of Honor and Twin Peaks: For art lovers and panoramic view seekers, these stops are well worth it. Standing atop Twin Peaks, you’ll see sweeping vistas of San Francisco’s skyline, a perfect spot for photos.

Coit Tower: This is a favorite for many, especially because of the murals inside and its iconic silhouette. The 10-minute stop allows for quick photos and a glance at the city from above.

The Experience and Its Value

What makes this tour stand out is the sense of independence it provides. You’re not just along for a guide’s narration; you’re driving, stopping, and exploring on your own terms. Many reviews mention how the audio system, with directional guidance and descriptions, enhances the experience. As Marino_H put it, “Maravillosa experiencia…precio razonable, personal amable y profesional,” emphasizing the value and friendly service.

The full-day rental makes this particularly appealing. You can take your time at each stop, linger at favorites, or skip some altogether if you prefer. The included map and helmet add to the feeling of being a local on a quick adventure.

The Practicalities

The price of $309 might seem steep compared to traditional tours, but when you factor in gas, helmet, map, and the full-day vehicle rental, it’s a good value for a personalized experience. Plus, the security deposit (held on your credit card) is refundable, and you have the option to add optional insurance like Collision Damage Waiver for extra peace of mind.

The vehicle itself is registered as a motorcycle but doesn’t require a motorcycle license—just a valid driver’s license and being at least 21 years old. The maximum height of 6’4” and weight limit of 500 lbs** mean most travelers can participate comfortably.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is perfect for adventurous couples, small groups, or solo travelers who enjoy driving and want to explore at their own pace. It’s great for those who appreciate stunning views and photo opportunities without the rush of a guided bus tour. If you’re comfortable handling a small, motorcycle-style vehicle and want to truly feel like you’re navigating the city, this is a memorable way to do it.

Final Thoughts

This All Day Special GoCar Tour provides a fun, flexible, and personal way to see San Francisco, especially for those who love the idea of driving themselves rather than riding along. It combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure, making it an excellent option for travelers seeking a balance of independence and iconic landmarks.

While the limited turn radius and small vehicle size require some patience and skill, many reviewers have found that the fun and freedom more than compensate. The tour’s balance of stunning views, ease of navigation, and comprehensive itinerary makes it a smart choice for those wanting an authentic San Francisco experience on their own terms.

FAQ

Can I start this tour at any time?
You must choose your pickup location when booking, and the tour starts at that designated spot in San Francisco. The scheduled start time will be set during booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4 and older can ride in the GoCar, provided they fit safely into the helmet. The vehicle seats two, so it’s ideal for small families or couples.

Do I need a motorcycle license to operate the GoCar?
No motorcycle license is required. A valid driver’s license is sufficient, as the vehicle is registered as a motorcycle but is classified as a rental car.

Can I take the GoCar across the Golden Gate Bridge?
You can navigate to Fort Point beneath the bridge, and pedestrian access is possible from the parking area. The tour navigates you to the bridge area, but crossing it is up to you.

What if I get lost or want to change my route?
The GPS-guided system and provided map allow you to set your own pace and route. If you want to veer off the set route, you can, making this a highly customizable experience.

Is the full-day rental worth it?
Absolutely. It allows you to explore at your own speed, revisit favorite spots, or linger longer without feeling rushed.

Are there any hidden costs?
The price includes gas, helmet, map, and full-day vehicle rental. Optional insurance is available, but the base price is all-inclusive for most needs.

How much does the security deposit hold?
A $500 deposit is held on your credit card when you pick up the vehicle, refundable upon return if no damages occur. With optional insurance, it drops to $300.

Can I see more sights not listed in the itinerary?
Yes, with the map and your own driving, you can visit other places in the city that catch your eye.

Is weather a concern?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, this GoCar experience leaves you with a fun story and fantastic photos of San Francisco’s most beloved sights. It’s a practical choice for travelers wanting independence, scenic views, and a memorable adventure in one compact package.