GoCar San Francisco Tour

The GoCar San Francisco Tour offers a lively and unconventional way to explore the city’s most famous sights. Priced at $99 per group (up to 2 people), this five-hour experience departs from Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour features a unique storytelling GPS-guided tiny car, which has earned praise as “one of the coolest inventions of the year” by Time Magazine. It’s perfect for those who want a personalized, self-paced adventure with the added fun of zipping through San Francisco in a roofless, three-wheeled vehicle.

With a rating of 4.5 from 853 reviews, this tour is celebrated for its ease of navigation, stunning views, and the informative commentary provided by the GPS system. The experience is suitable for most travelers, with drivers aged 21 and over, and passengers aged 4 and up. While the cars can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, the pace is generally slow enough to enjoy the scenery. However, the small vehicle size and limited storage space are worth considering for those planning longer sightseeing days.

Key Points

• Flexible, self-guided tour using a GPS storytelling car, covering over 50 points of interest around San Francisco.
• Departs from two convenient locations: Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Five-hour duration allows you to explore iconic sites at your own pace, with helmets, maps, and gas included.
• Enjoy stunning views of landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Golden Gate Park.
• Most travelers can participate, with height and weight restrictions to ensure comfort and safety.
• Optional collision damage waiver available, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Exploring San Francisco in a Tiny Car

The GoCar stands out as an entertaining way to see San Francisco’s highlights without the usual crowds or rigid schedules. This two-seater vehicle is roofless and compact, making parking a breeze and allowing you to zip through busy streets and scenic areas easily. The GPS guide provides clear directions and engaging commentary, ensuring you enjoy informative stops at major attractions like Ocean Beach, the Presidio, and Crissy Field.

The car’s top speed of 35 mph is more than enough for city streets, and the self-guided nature allows flexibility to spend extra time at locations that pique your interest. The option to create your own route using the provided map means this tour can be tailored to your specific interests, whether that’s film, art, or natural scenery.

Pickup Locations and Practicalities

The meeting points for this tour are easy to find: 431 Beach St near Fisherman’s Wharf or a centrally located spot at Union Square. After checking in, you’ll receive a brief rider orientation, helmets, and a map. The gas tank is filled, so you’re ready to go immediately.

Drivers must be 21 or older and show a valid driver’s license, but no motorcycle license is needed, as the vehicle is registered as a motorcycle. Passengers must be at least 4 years old, and small children should wear DOT-approved helmets for safety. The vehicles are controlled via motorcycle-style handle, throttle, and hand brakes, providing a fun and intuitive driving experience.

The Stops and Landmarks

This tour includes more than 50 points of interest along its route, such as the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Fort Point National Historic Site.

Palace of Fine Arts: This historic structure, built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, remains a popular spot to appreciate architecture and art. It’s a free, 10-minute stop where you can admire the grand rotunda and serene lagoon.

Golden Gate Bridge: The world’s most-photographed bridge offers spectacular views from the viewing area or Fort Point, located underneath. Expect 20 minutes here to take photos or enjoy the scenery. Baker Beach nearby provides another excellent vantage point for photos.

Lombard Street: Known as the “Crookedest Street,” this 20-minute stop lets you experience the famous winding road firsthand, a favorite for many visitors.

Ocean Beach: A scenic stretch along the Pacific, where you can look for sand dollars and spot Seal Rock. You’ll spend 10 minutes enjoying the ocean vistas.

The Presidio: This former military base offers breathtaking views of the bay, plus attractions like the Disney Museum and a War Memorial. A 15-minute drive brings you here to witness the mix of history and natural beauty.

Fort Point: At the foot of the Golden Gate, Fort Point is a civil war-era fortress and a prime photo spot for the bridge and surrounding landscape. A 10-minute visit will reveal its historical significance.

Crissy Field: A popular recreational area with scenic views of the bridge and the bay. The tour passes through here, with great photo opportunities and a chance to wave to fellow visitors.

Golden Gate Park: Covering nearly half of San Francisco, this green oasis is packed with attractions such as the Conservatory of Flowers, California Academy of Sciences, and Japanese Tea Garden. The one-hour stop allows enough time to explore these highlights.

Sutro Baths: The remains of a historic ocean-side swimming complex, offering dramatic views of the North Pacific and a slightly haunting atmosphere. Expect 15 minutes at this scenic ruin.

Customization and Flexibility

One key advantage of this tour is total flexibility. You can follow the preloaded route or choose to venture off and explore hidden spots with the included map. The vehicle’s GPS system keeps you on track, rerouting if you miss a turn. The stop durations are entirely up to you, making it ideal for a relaxed, personalized experience.

You also have the option to revisit areas or extend your stay at particular spots since the car can be parked anywhere along your route. If you wish to skip certain stops or modify the itinerary, this is easy to do.

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

While the small size of the GoCar makes parking and navigating city streets simple, it also means limited storage space and less room for larger passengers. The maximum height for drivers is 6’4″, and the combined weight limit is 500 lbs for two passengers.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory, and the vehicle is powered by a motorcycle engine, which means no motorcycle license is required, but drivers must be 21+ with a valid license. The cars are controlled via motorcycle-style handles, making them easy to operate for most drivers.

For those concerned about safety, an optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available for $19, reducing the security deposit from $500 to $300.

Reviews and Customer Experience

The overall rating of 4.5 based on 853 reviews reflects high satisfaction with ease of use, fun factor, and sightseeing potential. Reviewers frequently mention the helpful staff, the reliable GPS system, and the enjoyment of driving a unique vehicle through the city.

Many highlight the ability to see a wide range of attractions in a flexible manner, with comments praising the viewpoints at Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Golden Gate Park. Some reviews note traffic and timing challenges but generally agree that taking more than three hours allows ample time for exploring.

The friendly staff and great customer service are often praised, and the fun of zipping around in a Mario Kart-style vehicle is a recurring theme. Despite some comments about vehicles being older or smaller, the overall experience remains highly positive.

The Sum Up: A Fun, Personal Way to Discover San Francisco

The GoCar San Francisco Tour offers a distinctive sightseeing experience that combines guided narration with the freedom of self-driving. Its compact size, easy navigation, and iconic stops make it ideal for independent explorers who want to cover a lot of ground in around five hours.

While the cars are small and basic, they provide a fun and practical way to see areas like Golden Gate Park, Lombard Street, and Crissy Field without the hassle of parking or strict schedules. The flexibility to customize your route and the informative GPS add to its appeal.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy driving, sightseeing, and exploring at their own pace. It’s less suitable for those who prefer larger vehicles or guided groups, but most will find it a memorable, enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel this tour for a full refund?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start.

Is a motorcycle license required to drive the GoCar?
No, a motorcycle license is not required, but drivers must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license.

Where do I pick up the GoCar?
The main pickup locations are 431 Beach St near Fisherman’s Wharf or at Union Square.

How long can I keep the vehicle?
The standard duration is about five hours, but you can stop and explore at your own pace during this time.

What landmarks are included in the tour?
Stops include Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Ocean Beach, Presidio, Fort Point, Golden Gate Park, and Sutro Baths, among others.

Can I extend the tour or customize my route?
Absolutely, the GPS system and map allow you to venture off and modify your itinerary as you wish.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, passengers aged 4 and above can ride, provided they wear DOT-approved helmets.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included with the rental for safety.

What about insurance options?
An optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available for $19, which can lower your security deposit.

Will I see the Golden Gate Bridge?
While you cannot drive across the bridge, the tour navigates to Fort Point, under the bridge, where you get spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Is parking easy during the tour?
Yes, the small size of the vehicle makes parking simple, and you can park anywhere for as long as you like.