Monterey: 2-Hour GPS Guided Tour

Exploring Monterey in a GoCar: A Practical Review

If you’re considering a way to see Monterey that’s a little different from the usual bus or walking tours, a 2-hour GPS-guided GoCar might just be worth looking into. We’ve seen plenty of reviews and descriptions about this experience, and it seems like a fun, flexible way to soak up the coast’s highlights.

What really catches the eye is how this tour combines the thrill of driving a quirky little open-top car with the convenience of GPS navigation and an audio guide. That means you get to explore at your own pace without worrying about following a big group or sticking to a rigid schedule. Plus, the stunning ocean views along the route are hard to beat.

But, a quick heads-up: although this experience promises a lot of scenic moments, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you’re after a highly structured tour with a guide leading the way, this might feel a bit too loose. Also, it’s primarily designed for adults or older teens, so families with young kids might want to consider other options.

This tour suits those who enjoy a bit of independence, love scenic drives, and want to see both top sights and hidden gems in Monterey. It’s especially good if you’re comfortable driving a small vehicle and want a more personalized experience.

Key Points

• Flexible, self-guided experience with GPS navigation and narration.
• Great for scenic ocean views and iconic landmarks like Lovers Point and Cannery Row.
• Accessible for all who meet age and health requirements (no back problems or under 4 years old).
• Cost reflects a private or small-group experience, making it good value for a couple or small family.
• Weather can impact plans, so it’s worth checking the forecast.
• Duration is just right for a quick, relaxed exploration without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Monterey with a GPS-guided GoCar

If you’re after a way to see Monterey that is both fun and practical, this 2-hour GPS-guided tour offers a fresh perspective. We’ve noticed from reviews that the combination of a talking car guide and the freedom of a self-directed route makes for a memorable experience—especially if you’re keen to avoid overly structured group tours or prefer a more personal adventure.

The Unique Appeal of a GoCar Tour

First things first, the GoCar is a little two-seater scooter-like car with an open top. This means you’ll be enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific coast during your drive, which is a huge plus if you love scenic vistas. It’s a playful way to travel, and many find it more engaging than sitting in a bus or car with no interaction.

The GPS-guided aspect is another highlight. It’s pre-programmed with a route that takes you past key sights and lesser-known spots. As the car narrates interesting facts and stories, you get a sense of discovery without the need to constantly check your phone or worry about missing turns. The tour starts at Friendly Plaza, where you’ll find the Monterey Museum of Art, and then meanders past landmarks like the Old Whaling Station, the Monterey Mural, and the historic Colton Hall Museum.

What You’ll See and Experience

The route is designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Monterey’s charm. You’ll cruise past the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and as the GPS guide offers insights, you might find yourself more engaged with the stories behind the sights. Then, the journey continues along the coast to spots like Sister City Park, San Carlos Beach, and Cannery Row.

One of the standout features is the ocean vistas at every turn—from the Lovers Point to the Kissing Rock Viewpoint. These scenic stops are perfect for photos and just soaking in the atmosphere. If you’re lucky, the weather will cooperate, and you’ll enjoy clear views of the Pacific.

The route also includes cultural and natural highlights like the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, and John Steinbeck’s Cottage. The inclusion of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History rounds out the experience, giving you a glimpse of local wildlife and natural surroundings.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

The price of $187 per group up to 2 is pretty reasonable considering it’s a private, tailored experience. You’re paying for the novelty, flexibility, and scenic access. The two-hour duration is just right—you won’t feel overwhelmed or rushed, and you have plenty of time to stop for photos or a quick snack.

A few things to keep in mind: you need a driver’s license, and you’ll be provided with a helmet for safety. The tour is available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, giving some flexibility. Weather can influence the experience—if there’s heavy rain or unsafe conditions, the activity might be canceled or rescheduled.

The group size? Small. It’s limited to just two participants, making it quite intimate. This is good news if you like avoiding large crowds or just want a quiet, personal adventure.

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What Are the Downsides?

No experience is perfect, and here are a few points to consider. The cost might seem high for some, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple splitting the fee. Also, the two-hour window is enough for a quick visit, but if you’re craving a deeper dive into Monterey’s history or more in-depth storytelling, this might feel a bit light.

Some travelers have mentioned that weather can impact the tour, which is true of most outdoor activities. Severe weather conditions can lead to cancellations, so it’s smart to have a backup plan or be flexible with your schedule.

Finally, since this isn’t a guided group tour, it requires a bit of comfort with driving a small vehicle in traffic and navigating on your own. It’s not ideal for very young children or anyone with back problems, as the vehicle is designed for comfortable driving but not necessarily for prolonged periods in a sitting position.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Let’s get into what you can expect as you cruise through Monterey. Starting at Friendly Plaza, the tour gives you a chance to explore some cultural sites like the Monterey Museum of Art and the historic Colton Hall Museum. From there, the route takes you past the Old Whaling Station, a reminder of Monterey’s bygone days as a whaling hub.

As the GPS narrates, you’ll pass the Monterey Mural—a fun spot for photos—and the Casa Serrano, an old residence that hints at the city’s history. The route then heads toward the coastline, giving you excellent views of San Carlos Beach and the lively atmosphere of Cannery Row, famous for its history and now lively shops and eateries.

One of the highlights is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which you can admire from afar as your guide shares facts and stories. From there, the tour winds along the coast to Harbor Seal Lookout and Lovers Point, both prime spots for appreciating the ocean and people-watching.

The route continues to the Kissing Rock Viewpoint, which is exactly what it sounds like—a romantic spot offering sweeping views of the water. Then, it’s a quick trip to Point Pinos Lighthouse, one of the oldest on the West Coast, and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, a peaceful natural space.

Finally, the tour wraps up at Lovers Point, where you can linger or explore further if you wish. Throughout, the GPS guide adds value with interesting tidbits, making the drive both scenic and educational.

What People Are Saying

Many reviews highlight how much they enjoyed the ocean views. Several mention that the GPS narration made the experience more engaging, offering insights they wouldn’t have discovered on their own. One reviewer said, “The views are amazing, and having the car narrate stories made it feel special.” Others appreciated the flexibility—being able to stop and explore sites at their pace.

Some noted that the cost felt justified given the privacy and personalized experience. However, a few pointed out that weather impacted their plans, emphasizing the importance of checking forecasts before booking.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love scenic drives, want a personalized approach, and aren’t overly concerned with a tightly scheduled tour, this GPS-guided GoCar experience could be a great fit. It suits those who enjoy a bit of adventure, don’t mind driving themselves, and appreciate having the freedom to explore at their own pace.

It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a structured, guided group experience or traveling with very young children. Also, keep in mind the potential for weather disruptions and the slightly higher price tag, which reflects the private, flexible nature of the tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s designed for participants over 4 years old who can comfortably operate the vehicle. It’s not recommended for very young children or those with back problems.

What do I need to bring?
Bring your driver’s license, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes. Helmets are provided for safety.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reschedule if needed, depending on availability.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s $187 per group (up to 2 people). This price covers the GoCar rental, GPS-guided tour, and helmets.

What’s included in the experience?
Your rental car, GPS narration, and helmet are included. Optional insurance is available for an extra fee.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, it’s limited to just two participants, making it an intimate and personalized experience.

What if the weather is bad?
Severe weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling. The activity is typically able to operate in light rain or wind, but safety is the priority.

In Summary:

If you’re after a fun, scenic way to explore Monterey that balances independence with informative narration, this GPS-guided GoCar tour hits the right notes. You’ll enjoy ocean vistas at every turn, visit the city’s top landmarks, and have the flexibility to pause and explore as you like. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy self-guided adventures, are comfortable driving, and want to see both the well-known sights and some hidden gems.

While it might be a bit pricey compared to standard tours, many find the privacy, flexibility, and unique experience make it worth the investment. Just remember to check the weather forecast and bring your driver’s license. If that sounds like your kind of fun, this could be a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in Monterey.

You can check availability for your dates here: