If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Monterey’s stunning coastline and charming neighborhoods, the Full-Day GoCar Tour offers an imaginative twist on sightseeing. This GPS-guided, two-seater scooter car allows you to traverse scenic routes at your own pace while soaking in incredible ocean vistas and discovering hidden gems along the way.
What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the self-guided nature provides complete freedom; second, the open-air design ensures you won’t miss any of the spectacular views; third, the compact size and GPS system make navigating easy and fun. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour suits those comfortable with outdoor driving in a small vehicle, and it might not be ideal for very young children or those with certain health considerations.
This tour is best for travelers who crave an active, engaging, and personalized way to see Monterey, especially if you’re looking for something more dynamic than a typical bus or boat tour. Now, let’s get into the details of what makes this experience special—and whether it’s worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- Flexible Self-Guided Tour: You control the pace and stops, making it highly customizable.
- Breathtaking Coastal Views: Experience the Pacific coastline from an open-top vehicle.
- Ease of Navigation: GPS guidance simplifies exploring scenic routes and landmarks.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for couples, families, or small groups (up to 2).
- Value for Money: At $299 for a full day, it offers a comprehensive way to see Monterey.
- Comfort & Safety: Helmets provided, with gas included, ensuring a worry-free adventure.
An Overview of the Experience
The full-day GoCar tour is designed for those who want to see Monterey in a fun, relaxed, and flexible manner. Unlike guided bus tours, you’re behind the wheel of a GPS-guided scooter car, which combines the thrill of a motorcycle with the comfort of a car. It’s open-air, so you get unobstructed views of the coast and scenery, making it ideal for capturing photos and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Duration-wise, the tour lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. You can choose from morning and afternoon slots, which makes it adaptable to your schedule. The price of $299 per group (up to 2 people) is quite reasonable when you consider the full day of exploration, gas, helmets, and the GPS-guided experience included.
The small group setting (limited to 2 participants) ensures personalized attention, and reviews mention that the process of driving the GoCar is straightforward—almost like steering a scooter but with the stability of a car. This balance makes it accessible even for first-timers, provided you’re comfortable with open-air vehicles.
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What to Expect on the Tour
Once you arrive, you’ll receive a full-day scooter car rental, helmets, and your GPS-guided route. The GPS is intuitive, pointing you toward scenic spots and points of interest along the coast and through charming neighborhoods.
Expect to cruise along the iconic 17-Mile Drive, renowned for its stunning ocean vistas and lush golf courses. Reviewers note that the views from the GoCar are particularly striking, with many capturing memorable photos of the rugged shoreline, sea stacks, and dramatic sunsets.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the freedom to stop at your leisure—whether that’s to snap photos, explore a local café, or simply soak in the scenery. Past guests mention that the unobstructed views and the open-top design make it easier to appreciate the natural beauty of Monterey’s coast.
Most landmarks are accessible via the GPS route, and the compact size of the GoCar means you can navigate narrow roads and parking areas that larger buses can’t access. Drivers have described it as an effortless experience, noting that even those with little experience driving scooters or small vehicles found it manageable.
Authenticity and Hidden Gems
Many reviews highlight the chance to discover hidden spots outside the typical tourist trail. With the freedom to stop anywhere, you might find secluded beaches or vantage points that aren’t on standard tour itineraries. This personalized approach allows for a more genuine experience of Monterey’s coastal charm.
Reviewers also mention the balance of guided technology and personal exploration. While the GPS keeps you on track, you’re encouraged to take detours or linger at viewpoints, making the experience both structured and spontaneous.
Practical Details and Considerations
The price of $299 for a full day’s rental and guided route offers good value, especially when compared to traditional guided tours that might only cover a fraction of this area. Including gas and helmets removes additional worries, and the flexible schedule means you can tailor your day to your interests.
A few practical tips: wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for open-air driving, bring a camera to capture views, and don’t forget sunscreen and water—your exposure to the sun and fresh air will be considerable. Reviewers recommend arriving early to maximize daylight hours, especially if you want to explore longer or include stops at popular viewpoints.
This tour isn’t suitable for children under four, pregnant women, or people with back problems, due to the open-air seating and physical demands of driving the vehicle. Also, smoking and drinks are not permitted in the GoCar, in accordance with safety rules.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyWhy This Tour Works Well
What sets this experience apart is the combination of scenic beauty and personal flexibility. You’re not bound by a tight schedule or large tour groups, giving you the freedom to linger or skip sights based on your mood. The GPS guidance simplifies navigation, while the open environment makes sightseeing more immersive.
Reviewers particularly enjoy the stunning ocean views and the chance to drive along one of the world’s most beautiful coasts at your own pace. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or families with older children who are confident drivers.
The 7-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see key sights but not so long that it becomes tiring. Plus, the small group size and personal nature of the tour mean you can ask questions or customize your route as you go.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who want to explore Monterey actively and authentically. It’s ideal if you prefer self-guided adventures, love scenic drives, and want the flexibility to stop whenever something catches your eye.
It’s also excellent for those seeking a fun, memorable way to enjoy the coast without the constraints of a traditional tour. However, it’s best suited for individuals comfortable with open-air vehicles and who don’t mind a bit of physical activity.
If you’re traveling with very young children, pregnant, or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. But for those ready to enjoy the outdoors in style and comfort, it’s a fantastic choice.
The Monterey Full-Day GoCar Tour offers an engaging, personal way to explore the coastal beauty of Monterey. With stunning ocean views, the freedom to stop and explore at will, and a GPS-guided route designed for ease of use, it turns sightseeing into an adventure.
Priced reasonably for a full day of exploration, it provides excellent value—especially for those who want to avoid large groups or rigid itineraries. The open-top vehicle immerses you in the scenery, making every stop more memorable.
This tour suits curious travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of fun and physical activity. It’s perfect if you want a flexible, scenic, and memorable Monterey experience that you’ll remember long after the day ends.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old. It’s designed for older children and adults comfortable with driving a small vehicle and exposed to outdoor conditions.
How long does the tour last?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 7 hours, providing plenty of time to explore Monterey’s highlights at your own pace.
What is included in the price?
The cost of $299 covers the full-day scooter car rental, GPS-guided route, helmets for both driver and passenger, and a tank of gas.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Is the GPS guidance easy to follow?
Absolutely. The GPS system is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you seamlessly along scenic routes and points of interest.
Do I need any prior driving experience?
While no special experience is required, you should be comfortable driving a small, open-air vehicle and following GPS directions.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, water, and sunglasses. Dress appropriately for outdoor, open-air driving.
This full-day GoCar adventure offers a compelling mix of scenic beauty, personal freedom, and fun, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see Monterey in a dynamic and memorable way.
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