San Diego: Downtown Electric GoCar Rental

Imagine zipping around San Diego’s vibrant streets in a tiny, open-air electric vehicle, feeling the breeze and hearing nothing but the city’s hum. That’s exactly what you get with the Downtown Electric GoCar Rental tour. While I haven’t personally taken this ride, I’ve looked at what it promises—and honestly, it sounds like a pretty neat way to see the city, especially if you’re after something different from the usual walking or bus tours.

What really caught my eye are the eco-friendly aspect—driving an electric car that’s silent and clean—and the flexibility of exploring at your own pace. Plus, this tour’s compact size and personalized nature mean it’s more intimate and manageable than larger group excursions. On the flip side, it’s only 2 hours long, which might leave some travelers craving more time to soak in the sights. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, fun overview of downtown San Diego.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on adventures, love discovering local neighborhoods, and appreciate a greener way to explore. If you’re traveling with a partner or a friend, it can be a playful, memorable outing. However, it’s less appropriate for families with very young kids or anyone with mobility or health considerations—since it’s a small, driver-and-passenger setup.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly and quiet electric vehicle offers a unique, open-air sightseeing experience.
• Limited to two participants, making it intimate and personalized.
• Two-hour duration gives a quick but rundown of downtown San Diego.
• Includes a GPS system, safety briefing, and all taxes, simplifying your planning.
• Not suitable for children under 7 or pregnant women, so check the suitability before booking.
• Flexible rental time allows for extensions on the day of the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

If you’re considering this tour, the first thing to understand is what it involves. For $159 per group (up to two people), you’re renting a small electric GoCar that can reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. That’s enough to make navigating downtown San Diego feel lively, without the pressure of a big, noisy bus. You’ll be guided by a GPS system, which means you can enjoy the sights without worrying about getting lost—although a good sense of direction helps in these kinds of outings.

The Route and Highlights

The tour kicks off at a meeting point on Mason Street, a quiet cul-de-sac that’s easy to find. From there, you’ll head out into the heart of the city, with your driver (who receives a safety briefing and orientation beforehand). The main sights include the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, which is full of character with its Victorian buildings and lively bars. Seeing this area from your GoCar adds a playful twist—you’re closer to the action without the crowd noise.

Next, you’ll visit Balboa Park, a sprawling green space packed with museums, Spanish renaissance architecture, and beautiful flower gardens. The outdoor organ pavilion here is pretty famous, and touring it in an electric vehicle makes for a relaxed way to appreciate its charm. The tour also covers the Maritime Museum and other iconic landmarks, giving you a well-rounded sense of downtown’s diverse appeal.

Neighborhoods and Local Flavor

One of the best parts of this tour is the opportunity to experience San Diego’s neighborhoods firsthand. The guide will take you through areas like Hillcrest, known for its quirky shops and diverse restaurants. From your seat, you can get a feel for local life and perhaps plan a return visit for food or shopping.

The Experience and Reviews

Travelers who’ve gone on this tour consistently mention how much fun it is. One reviewer from Desiree in the US called it an “awesome time,” adding they “can’t wait to do it again,” which hints at how engaging and memorable this can be. Another reviewer appreciated the experience itself, simply stating, “Love the experience.”

What’s clear from these comments—and the overall 5-star rating—is that the tour delivers a playful, laid-back way to see the city. Because it’s small, it’s easy to ask questions and customize the route a bit if you want. It’s especially appealing if you value a green, open-air adventure over a more formal, enclosed bus tour.

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Practical Details

The two-hour ride is flexible in terms of timing—available mostly in the morning and afternoon—and you can extend your rental if you wish, with time charged in 15-minute increments. Keep in mind, each car seats two people, and drivers need to be over 21 with a valid driver’s license. The tour doesn’t include insurance or hotel pickup, so plan accordingly. Also, since the cars must be returned before dusk, schedule your ride to stay within daylight hours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a good fit if you’re after something fun, quick, and eco-friendly. It’s particularly suited for couples or friends traveling together who want a memorable way to explore downtown San Diego without the hassle of navigating on foot or in a larger vehicle. If you’re looking for a relaxed, guided experience with an element of adventure, this can fit the bill.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility issues, this might not be ideal—since it’s a small vehicle and not designed for young kids or those needing extra support. Pregnant women and anyone with back problems should also consider this, as comfort during the ride might vary.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Downtown Electric GoCar Rental offers an engaging and environmentally conscious way to enjoy San Diego’s sights. It combines the fun of a novelty vehicle with the practicality of a guided GPS tour, making it easy to see key landmarks without feeling rushed or lost. The small-group format and personalized pace mean you can enjoy a relaxed outing, soaking in neighborhoods and iconic sights alike.

While it’s not a full-day tour or a deep dive into the city’s history, it’s perfect for a quick, memorable exploration—especially if you’re short on time or want to try something different. The positive reviews suggest it really delivers on fun and convenience, making it a good choice for couples or friends who want a playful sightseeing adventure.

If eco-conscious travel and a bit of quirky fun appeal to you, this tour could be a highlight of your San Diego trip. Just remember to book in advance, plan for the weather, and enjoy cruising through one of California’s most lively cities in a way you won’t forget.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 7 years old, so if you’re traveling with young kids, this might not work. The car seats only two people and the driver needs to be over 21.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a 2-hour electric GoCar rental, a GPS system, a driver orientation and safety briefing, and all applicable sales tax.

Can I extend the rental time?
Yes, you’re free to extend the tour on the day of rental, with additional time charged in 15-minute increments.

Do I need a special license?
Yes, drivers must be 21 or older and need to bring their driver’s license.

Are there any hidden costs?
Insurance is not included, so consider whether you need additional coverage. The listed price is per group, not per person.

What should I bring?
Just your driver’s license and a sense of adventure. Since the vehicle is open-air, dress appropriately for the weather.

If you’re after a playful, eco-friendly way to see downtown San Diego, the electric GoCar tour offers a unique spin on sightseeing. It’s a small, intimate experience that lets you explore neighborhoods and landmarks without the hassle of larger tours—and it’s surprisingly fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: