Explore San Diego in a Unique GPS-Guided Storytelling Car®

The GPS Talking Tour Cars: Downtown & Old Town offers an engaging way to experience San Diego’s rich tapestry of history, neighborhoods, and modern attractions. Priced at $86 per person for a 2-hour adventure, this tour uses innovative Storytelling Cars® to guide visitors through the city’s highlights.

What sets this experience apart is its combination of self-driven exploration with the narration provided by GPS technology. The yellow GoCar, a compact and easy-to-drive vehicle, seats 2 people and is perfect for travelers eager to see San Diego at their own pace. Its interactive GPS system ensures the route adapts to traffic or preferences, making it a flexible alternative to traditional guided tours.

The tour is especially suitable for those interested in urban history, architecture, and local stories, with the added bonus of avoiding long bus rides or walking, offering a more intimate view of San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods.

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Key Points

Price: $86 per person for a 2-hour GPS-guided tour
Vehicle: Yellow GoCar seats 2 people and is easy to drive
Highlights: Downtown San Diego, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, Mission Hills
Departure: Located at 3918 Mason St, San Diego with flexible pick-up times
Includes: Helmets, full tank of gas, safety briefing, GPS narration
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 reviews

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Starting Point and Rental Details in Downtown San Diego

The tour begins at 3918 Mason St, where the GoCar is ready for pick-up. Rental hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday, and until 12:00 PM on Friday to Sunday. The full tank of gas is included, along with a driver orientation and safety briefing.

Travelers must present a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old. On the day of rental, a $300 security deposit is required on the credit card. The price is per vehicle, not per person, making it ideal for couples or small groups.

The GPS system guides drivers through the route, providing stories that bring San Diego’s history to life, making it accessible even for those unfamiliar with the city.

Navigating Historic Old Town San Diego

One of the main stops on this tour is Old Town San Diego, where the Spanish and American residents once crafted a lively community. The GPS narration offers insights into how this area looks today compared to its past, giving visitors a glimpse of the old west style with historic buildings and lively streets.

The tour also passes Presidio Park, home to the old Spanish Mission, and Historic Fort Stockton. These sites are woven into the route, allowing drivers to appreciate the Spanish influence and military history that shaped San Diego.

Driving Through the Vibrant Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a major highlight, known for its restored Victorian architecture and thriving nightlife. The GPS guides you through this bustling neighborhood, once San Diego’s red-light district, now transformed into a hub of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

The narration shares stories about the area’s transformation, giving context to its modern social scene. The cruise past Petco Baseball Park, home of the San Diego Padres, offers a view of one of the city’s most iconic sports venues.

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Exploring Neighborhoods like Bankers Hill and Hillcrest

Driving through Bankers Hill, travelers appreciate the mix of historic homes and modern buildings, along with notable views of the bay. The Hillcrest Village Centre is another lively stop, known for its boutiques, cafes, and diverse community, which the GPS narration highlights with engaging stories.

The Mission Hills neighborhood showcases charming houses and businesses that are 50 years or older. The route emphasizes the area’s architectural character and local vibe, making it a favorite for those interested in urban development.

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Experience the Unique Combination of Fun and Education

This tour offers more than just sightseeing — it creates a personal storytelling experience with its GPS narration. The GoCar‘s ability to know your location means the narration is timed perfectly to match your route, providing historical facts, anecdotes, and local insights.

The self-guided nature allows for flexible pacing, so you can linger at favorite spots or skip others. For those who like a bit of adventure, the vehicle’s guidance can be ignored if you wish to explore independently.

Practical Aspects and Flexibility of the Tour

The meeting point makes it convenient to start exploring downtown San Diego directly from the city center. The rental includes helmets for safety, and renters have the option to purchase collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance on-site.

While the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, the central location makes it easy to incorporate into a broader sightseeing day. Additional rental time can be purchased in 15-minute increments, providing flexibility for longer explorations.

The Environmental Commitment of GoCar Tours

This experience is offered by GoCar Tours, a CarbonNeutral® certified company that offsets all CO2 emissions associated with their operations. This commitment ensures that exploring San Diego in a GoCar stays environmentally conscious, aligning with responsible travel values.

The Experience from the Driver’s Seat

The GoCar’s design makes it straightforward for first-time drivers and those unfamiliar with city navigation. Its compact size enables easy maneuvering through tight streets, while the automatic GPS guidance keeps the driver focused on enjoying the city.

The friendly safety briefing sets the tone for a relaxed, hassle-free experience. The storytelling aspect enhances the tour, as the GPS narrates colorful tales of San Diego’s transformation from a military outpost to a modern metropolitan.

Ratings and Feedback Highlights

Despite being a relatively new experience, the average rating of 4.8 out of 5 reflects strong satisfaction. Reviewers appreciate the fun factor, the ease of driving, and the engaging stories provided during the tour. The flexibility to explore at your own pace and the quality of narration are often praised.

Some reviews mention the tour as an excellent alternative to walking or bus tours, emphasizing how it efficiently covers key sights while being enjoyable.

Final Thoughts on the GPS Talking Tour Cars: Downtown & Old Town

This tour offers a distinctive way to see San Diego, combining technology, storytelling, and mobility. Its affordable price point, easy vehicle handling, and interesting stops make it ideal for small groups or couples seeking a personalized city tour.

While it does not include hotel pickups, the central meeting point, flexible timings, and environmentally conscious approach add to its appeal. Travelers who enjoy interactive experiences and are comfortable driving in an urban setting will find this tour both fun and informative.

Ready to Book?

GPS Talking Tour Cars: Downtown & Old Town

4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement for renting the GoCar?
Yes, renters must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.

What is included in the rental?
The rental includes a 2-hour use of the yellow GoCar, helmets, a full tank of gas, a safety briefing, and sales tax.

Can I extend my rental time?
Yes, additional rental time can be purchased in 15-minute increments at retail rates.

Are there any restrictions on who can drive the GoCar?
Apart from age and license requirements, small children cannot be accommodated as the GoCar does not support booster seats.

What are the pick-up times?
Monday to Thursday, the vehicle is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Friday to Sunday, pick-up is between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The audio guide is in English, but the vehicle’s operation is straightforward enough for non-English speakers to enjoy.

What is the environmental impact of this tour?
The experience is provided by GoCar Tours, a CarbonNeutral® company that offsets all related emissions.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, but it passes through neighborhoods with many dining options.

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

Can I customize my route?
The route mainly follows the suggested stops, but more adventurous drivers can choose to blaze their own trail if desired.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The data does not specify accessibility features; the compact GoCar is easy to maneuver but may not be suitable for all mobility needs.

This GPS Talking Tour Cars experience combines modern technology with local storytelling to create a fun, flexible way to discover San Diego. Its affordable pricing, top reviews, and environmental credentials make it a compelling choice for those wanting to explore the city in a personal and engaging manner.