San Diego GoCar Tour: Early Bird Special

Planning a trip to San Diego? If you’re after a way to see the city that’s both flexible and a bit different from the usual tourist buses, the San Diego GoCar Tour: Early Bird Special might catch your eye. It’s a 3-hour adventure that combines sightseeing with the thrill of driving your own storytelling vehicle. While not perfect, it offers some real perks for travelers looking for a quick, fun, and engaging way to explore.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s affordable and flexible, letting you explore key sights at your own pace. Second, the informative detours and scenic stops mean you won’t just be rushing through San Diego—you’ll have chances to snap photos and soak in the views. That said, there’s one consideration to keep in mind: the tour is limited to returning the vehicle by noon, so if you want a more relaxed experience or longer sightseeing, you might need to look elsewhere.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and learning, especially those keen on seeing iconic spots like Balboa Park and Petco Park, plus some hidden gems. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with a partner or a friend, as the GoCars seat two. If you’re a family with kids, note that the vehicles don’t accommodate car seats, and drivers need to be at least 21 with a valid license. All in all, it’s a casual, fun way to get a quick feel for San Diego.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with stop options and detours along iconic locations
• Affordable price point, offering excellent value for a 3-hour experience
• Self-guided adventure, with GPS technology to help you navigate
• Limited to morning hours, with vehicle return by 12:00 PM
• Great for couples or small groups wanting an active way to explore
• Not suited for children under 21 or those needing car seats

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the GoCar Tour

We’re talking about a three-hour adventure that takes you off the usual tourist trail. The tour begins with a safety briefing and orientation, so you’re comfortable behind the wheel of your storytelling vehicle. These little cars seat two, so it’s an intimate experience, perfect for couples or friends. While the vehicles are fun and quirky, it’s important to remember they are not electric—these are fuel-powered motorbikes with a distinctive look.

Once on the road, you’ll first cruise through Balboa Park, a lush hub of gardens, museums, and cultural attractions that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. From there, the route takes you past Petco Park, home to San Diego Padres baseball, which offers a great photo op from the street. One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to drive along the coast and snap pictures of the Pacific Ocean, especially near La Jolla or other scenic viewpoints.

Throughout the drive, the GPS-enabled GoCars provide informative detours. These are perfect moments to learn about the city’s landmarks, and some stops are designed for snapping memorable photos. If you want to extend your exploration, you can choose to add the Old Town loop at the end, though the main tour is about two hours of leisurely cruising.

The tour also passes through Hillcrest, a vibrant neighborhood known for boutique shopping, trendy cafes, and lively streets. During the return journey, you can choose to park and stroll around these districts if time allows. The overall pace is slow and relaxed, suited for enjoying the sights without feeling rushed.

The Experience: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes everything you need to hit the road: a GoCar for two people, GPS technology to guide your way, helmets for safety, and a driver orientation. The price covers all of this, but you’ll need to consider optional extras like insurance.

Not included is hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to get yourself to the departure point. There’s also mention of an optional insurance purchase, which could be worth considering depending on your comfort with the vehicle.

The cost is $86 per GoCar, which essentially covers two riders. This makes it a pretty good deal, especially if you’re traveling with a partner or a friend—you get the vehicle and a guided experience for the price of a couple of hours in a regular rental.

Practical Details for Travelers

• Age & Licensing: You must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license (no need for an international license).
• Vehicle Details: The GoCars seat two people, and there’s no provision for car seats—so not suitable for young children.
• Time & Flexibility: The tour lasts around 3 hours, with a return deadline of 12:00 PM for the early bird special. You can extend your rental, but extra time is billed in 15-minute increments.
• Reservation & Payment: You can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
• Security & Safety: A security deposit is held on your credit card during the rental, and you’ll sign a participant agreement. Helmets are provided for safety.

What Do the Reviews Say?

From the handful of reviews available, the feedback is generally positive. A perfect 5-star review talks about how much fun it was and highlights that their young child loved the experience—”my little 8-year-old from Dallas enjoyed the GoCar the most.” That suggests it’s a hit with families, at least for older kids who can drive.

Others appreciate the value for money—“the value was great,” and mention that they learned a lot about the city’s history during the tour. One reviewer pointed out a small issue: GPS was not working in one of the cars, and the accelerator was a bit finicky. These are common pitfalls with rental vehicles, but it’s good to know that the staff was helpful when problems arose.

A common theme in reviews is the scenic variety—from city sights to ocean views—and the helpfulness of the staff, especially when issues happened, like confusing start locations. Some mention creating their own route on their smartphones to avoid GPS problems, which could be a tip if you’re tech-savvy.

The tour seems to be praised for its fun factor, knowledgeable guides, and stunning views, making it a memorable way to see parts of San Diego quickly.

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The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a fun, quick, and flexible way to explore San Diego, especially if you enjoy driving small vehicles and don’t mind a more active sightseeing style, this tour could be just right. It’s particularly well-suited for couples or friends wanting an affordable adventure with scenic stops and some local insights.

However, if you’re looking for a longer, more relaxed experience or traveling with young children who need car seats, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind the morning-only schedule, which could be limiting if you prefer a leisurely start to your day.

In summary, this GoCar experience offers good value and fun, especially for those who love the idea of driving themselves through the city with informative commentary. It’s a lively, engaging way to introduce yourself to San Diego’s highlights without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the GoCars do not accommodate car seats, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers. The driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid license.

Can I extend the tour?
Yes, you can add extra time on the day of rental, billed in 15-minute segments, if you want to explore longer or visit more spots.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, a major credit card for the deposit, and maybe a smartphone for navigation if you want to create your own route as some reviews suggest GPS can be inconsistent.

Is alcohol allowed during the tour?
The tour is a driving experience, and safety is a priority, so alcohol consumption is not recommended during the ride.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

Is parking available at the departure point?
While specific parking info isn’t detailed, you’ll need to get yourself to the starting location, so checking nearby parking options beforehand is wise.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Many find the scenic drives along the coast and through iconic parks like Balboa to be the most memorable parts, combined with learning about San Diego’s neighborhoods.

How does this compare to other sightseeing options?
It’s a quick, guided-style experience at a reasonable price, offering more interaction and fun than a standard bus tour but less depth than full-day excursions.

If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and budget-friendly way to get a taste of San Diego, this GoCar tour might just fit the bill. Just remember to plan for the morning, and be ready for a bit of a driving adventure—it’s worth the fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: