GoCar San Francisco Tour

Discover San Francisco in a Tiny, Talking Car

Imagine zipping through the streets of San Francisco in a small, open-top, three-wheeled vehicle that feels more like a quirky friend than a mode of transport. For $99 per group (up to 2 people), you get about five hours of freedom to explore top sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and more. Two pick-up locations make it easy to start your adventure—either in the heart of Union Square or near the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it combines the thrill of a drive with a guided narrative, so you get an insider’s perspective without the usual tour bus crowds. Plus, the small size of the GoCar makes parking and navigating the narrow streets of SF much easier than with traditional tour buses. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the limited storage space—not ideal if you’re planning to carry a lot of gear or souvenirs.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, flexibility, and storytelling, especially if you’re keen on seeing the city at your own pace. It’s perfect for those who want a memorable way to see the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Drive a GPS-guided, storytelling vehicle that makes exploring San Francisco fun and engaging.
• Flexible Schedule: You control the pace, stopping whenever you want to linger or snap photos.
• Iconic Sights: Visit over 50 points of interest, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Golden Gate Park.
• Informative Commentary: The GPS provides clear directions and interesting historical facts, making navigation stress-free.
• Great for Small Groups: The two-seater car is ideal for couples or close friends seeking an intimate tour.
• Price and Value: At $99 for five hours, it offers a cost-effective way to see many sights in one day, especially considering the included helmets, maps, and gas.

An In-Depth Look at the GoCar San Francisco Tour

Starting Point and Convenience

You can begin your trip either at Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman’s Wharf. Both locations are well-placed for starting your exploration, whether you’re staying centrally or near the waterfront. The pick-up process is straightforward, with staff providing a rider orientation, helmets, a map, and a tank of gas—all included in the price.

The Experience of Driving a GoCar

The GoCar is a compact, roofless vehicle with three wheels, capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour—more than enough for city streets. These cars are controlled with motorcycle-style handles, throttle, and hand brakes, making them surprisingly easy to operate even for first-timers. Reviews highlight that most travelers find them manageable and even a bit fun in a ‘Mario Kart’ kind of way.

A standout feature is the GPS narration, which guides you through the route and shares interesting tidbits about each landmark. Several reviewers mention that the GPS “works great,” and it helps keep you on track while also providing a mini-tour along the way. The narration is described as clear, informative, and occasionally humorous, making the drive both educational and entertaining.

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre: Located in the Marina District, this neoclassical structure was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It remains a striking sight and a favorite photo op for visitors. We loved how the narration highlighted its history and beauty, setting a charming tone for your tour. Expect about 10 minutes here, with free admission.

Golden Gate Bridge: No trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing the iconic span. The GoCar takes you to the viewing area and Fort Point, where you can get a close-up view and snap memorable photos. Baker Beach offers an even better vantage point just past the bridge, perfect for those postcard pictures. Expect about 20 minutes at this stop.

Lombard Street: Known as the “Crookedest Street,” this steep, winding block is just plain fun to drive down—especially in your tiny vehicle. As one reviewer said, it’s a “great way to experience” this quintessential SF sight. The tour includes approximately 20 minutes, enough to enjoy the scenery and snap some photos.

Fisherman’s Wharf and Ocean Beach: Passing through the lively Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll see bustling shops, seafood shacks, and curious sights. Continuing to Ocean Beach, you can look for sand dollars in the fog or photograph Seal Rock as it juts into the Pacific. This stretch offers about 10 minutes at Ocean Beach, giving you a quick taste of SF’s wild coast.

Presidio of San Francisco: A former military base with stunning views of the bay, the Presidio is home to the Disney Museum, a War Memorial, and beautiful architecture. Several reviews raved about how this area “feels like another world,” and it’s a highlight for lovers of scenery and history. Expect around 15 minutes here.

Fort Point: Sitting right under the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is both a historical site and a fantastic photo spot. Its rugged walls contrast beautifully with the sleek span above. The visit lasts about 10 minutes, and it’s a favorite for many, including those who appreciate good storytelling about the Gold Rush era.

Golden Gate Park: Spanning nearly half the city’s length, this sprawling park is packed with attractions—Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, Stow Lake, and more. An hour here gives you ample opportunity to explore and maybe even stop for a quick snack or photo. Reviewers note that this is the “natural and cultural center” of SF, and a must-see if you have extra time.

Sutro Baths and the Cliffside Views: The remains of the historic Sutro Baths are both haunting and beautiful, overlooking the Pacific. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for photos and appreciating SF’s rugged coastline.

What We Love & What to Consider

What stands out most are the stunning views and the ease of navigation. The small car makes parking simple, and the GPS with commentary means you’re never lost or bored. Reviewers agree that the ability to tailor your route and stop wherever you wish is a major plus, turning a guided tour into a personalized adventure.

Another favorite feature is the informative narration. Travelers highlight how the stories and facts shared by the GPS make the sights come alive, adding depth beyond just sightseeing.

However, a few travelers mention the car’s small size and limited storage space, which might be a concern if you’re carrying lots of luggage or souvenirs. Also, because the cars are registered as motorcycles, there’s a maximum height and weight limit—though most travelers find this manageable.

The Value of the Tour

For $99, you get a five-hour, self-paced exploration of one of America’s most colorful cities, with the added fun of sitting in a quirky vehicle that sparks conversations and smiles. The price includes helmets, a map, gas, and a helpful orientation. Given the cost of individual attractions and the hassle of parking in SF, this tour provides a cost-effective way to tick many sites off your list while enjoying a memorable experience.

Authentic Experiences from Other Travelers

Reviews consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness and friendliness, with comments like “the staff was helpful” and “they truly made our day.” Many found the GPS narration to be “great,” and the route “found places I’d never seen before.” Although some note that the cars are “a bit old and beat up,” they still function perfectly and add to the charm.

Several travelers highlight the flexibility—you can stop and explore as long as you want, which is ideal if you’re a slow traveler or like to linger. Others mention the importance of managing time, especially during busy traffic, to avoid extra charges for going over the allotted hours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous couples, friends, or small groups who enjoy driving and storytelling. If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to see SF’s most famous sights without a rigid schedule, this tour offers tremendous value. It’s especially appealing for those who want a personalized, flexible itinerary and enjoy exploring at their own pace.

Travelers who love stunning views, interesting stories, and a bit of whimsy will find this tour charming. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and experience San Francisco from a different angle—literally—in a tiny, zippy car that feels playful yet practical.

FAQs

Can I pick up the GoCar at either location?
Yes, you can choose to start at either the Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman’s Wharf. Both are convenient starting points.

Is it easy to operate the GoCar?
Most travelers find the controls straightforward—similar to motorcycle handles—with clear instructions provided during the rider orientation.

How fast can the GoCar go?
It reaches speeds up to 35 miles per hour, which is plenty for city streets where driving is generally slow and careful.

Can I stop along the route whenever I want?
Absolutely. The GPS knows where you are, and you’re free to pause, explore, or linger at any point on the route.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included and are DOT approved to ensure safety during your drive.

What if I want to see more than the suggested route?
You can use the map provided to navigate to other sights or explore on your own beyond the preloaded points of interest.

Is there parking available at the stops?
Most sites have motorcycle or car parking options, making it easy to stop and explore without hassle.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The GoCar San Francisco Tour offers an engaging and memorable way to see the city, blending self-guided exploration with entertaining narration. Its small size, ease of navigation, and flexible pacing make it a standout among city tours—especially for those who prefer a hands-on experience over a crowded bus or overly scripted guided tour.

While the cars are compact and storage is limited, the upside is a hassle-free parking experience and the ability to truly customize your day. If you’re comfortable with a small vehicle and want to experience San Francisco’s highlights from a fresh perspective, this tour delivers fun, insight, and a genuine sense of adventure.

Ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers craving an active, independent way to explore, this tour is a playful yet practical option for discovering the City by the Bay.

Additional Information

• Price: $99.00 per group (up to 2)
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours
• Included: GPS, helmets, map, gas, environmental fee
• Not Included: Gratuities, collision insurance optional
• Meeting Points: Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman’s Wharf
• Age & License: Drivers must be 21+, bring valid ID; no motorcycle license needed
• Weather: The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions will be fully refunded

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, this San Francisco tour offers a playful way to see the sights with a local’s perspective—plus, a good dose of fun in a tiny car.