GPS Talking Tour Cars: Downtown & Old Town

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego and want a fun, flexible way to see the city’s highlights, the GPS Talking Tour Cars might just be worth considering. This experience offers a chance to explore at your own pace in a quirky yellow car that’s guided by GPS and storytelling technology. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, want to skip the large tour buses, and prefer a more personal, interactive sightseeing experience.

What really caught our eye about this tour is how it combines modern tech with a sense of discovery. First, the self-guided aspect gives you the freedom to linger where you want and skip what doesn’t interest you, while the storytelling element enriches the experience with local history and anecdotes. Secondly, the compact two-hour duration makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule, giving you a taste of San Diego without feeling overwhelmed.

That said, there are some things to keep in mind. For example, the price point of $86 per vehicle may seem a bit steep for some, especially since it only seats two people, so if you’re traveling as a family or group, you’ll need multiple vehicles. Also, if you’re expecting a guided tour with a live guide or a larger group, this isn’t quite that. It’s more about the independence and the novelty of the car itself.

This tour seems best suited for adventurous travelers, couples, or friends who want a memorable way to see San Diego’s neighborhoods and sights while enjoying some independence. If you love quirky tech experiences or are traveling light and want to avoid crowds, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: You control how long you stay at each stop, with GPS guiding you.
• Unique storytelling: The GPS provides interesting insights into San Diego’s evolution.
• Compact and fun: The yellow Storytelling GoCar is easy to drive and perfect for a quick city tour.
• Scenic route options: Highlights include historic neighborhoods, sports venues, and scenic residential areas.
• Cost per vehicle: At $86, it’s ideal for two people; consider whether sharing the cost makes sense.
• Eco-conscious: The company is CarbonNeutral®, offsetting all emissions from operations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose the GPS Talking Tour Cars?

This experience offers a fresh way to see San Diego without the constraints of a traditional tour. We like how it blends tech and storytelling, allowing you to learn about the city’s past and present while roaming freely. The GPS guidance means you won’t get lost, and the stories add context to what you’re seeing — from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the elegant neighborhoods of Mission Hills and Bankers Hill.

The two-hour duration is ideal for those with limited time or who want a quick but thorough glimpse of key sights. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer something less structured than a bus tour but still want to maximize their sightseeing.

What the Tour Covers

Starting in the lively Little Italy, you’ll first get a sense of San Diego’s Italian roots before heading into the Gaslamp Quarter. Once known as a red-light district, this area has been reinvented as a bustling nightlife hub that’s full of character. The GPS cars will narrate stories about how this neighborhood transformed, making the experience more engaging than simply walking around.

Next, you’ll cruise past Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, giving sports fans a chance to appreciate the city’s vibrant sports culture. The route then takes you through Bankers Hill, a charming neighborhood with beautiful homes and sweeping city views, and into Hillcrest, a lively, diverse community known for its food scene.

As you head into Mission Hills, you’ll notice the historic architecture and affluent ambiance. The tour continues into Presidio Park — where the old Spanish mission once stood — and then into Old Town San Diego. Here, the storytelling really shines, providing insights into the city’s early days and its blend of Spanish and American influences.

What to Expect During Your Ride

The GoCar itself is a small, yellow, open-air vehicle designed for two people. You’ll receive a safety briefing and get helmets, which adds a nice touch of practicality. Since the GPS is fully integrated, the car “knows” where you are and directs you through the route, telling stories as you go. This makes it perfect for those who prefer to experience the city without an assigned guide but still want to learn little-known facts.

The full tank of gas and easy handling mean you won’t have to worry about complicated controls or extra costs beyond the initial price. If you want to explore further or linger longer, you can rent additional time, but be aware that extra minutes are billed in 15-minute increments.

The tour timings are flexible, with availability in the morning, afternoon, or evening, allowing you to choose what suits your schedule. The meeting point at 3918 Mason St is straightforward to access, and the company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance — a plus for flexible travelers.

The Experience from the Reviews

Looking at what others have said, this tour gets high marks across the board. Several reviews mention how fun and easy it is to drive the GoCar — “a lot of fun,” and “easy to drive,” are common phrases. Travelers also appreciate the informative storytelling, with comments like “great way to spend an afternoon,” and the fact that it offers a more personal, intimate exploration compared to larger guided tours.

One reviewer from Switzerland mentioned it’s “an excellent alternative between walking or a bus,” highlighting the convenience and efficiency of this method. Another praised the stunning views and noted how the GPS guided storytelling made the experience more engaging.

While most reviews are positive, it’s worth noting that some may find the cost per vehicle a little high if traveling solo or as a couple, since the price is per vehicle, not per person. The limited seating means you’ll need to coordinate with your travel partner to make the most of it.

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Practical Details and Tips

• Cost: $86 per vehicle, seats 2 people. Consider sharing if you’re traveling as a couple or with a friend.
• Duration: 2 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace.
• Meeting point: 3918 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110. Make sure to arrive during the designated hours — Monday through Thursday (9 am – 5 pm), Friday to Sunday (9 am – 12 pm).
• Requirements: Valid driver’s license, 21+ years old, major credit card. No international license needed.
• Extras: Helmets provided, full tank of gas included, optional insurance available.
• Environmental commitment: The company is CarbonNeutral®, which is a nice touch for eco-conscious travelers.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for couples or friends who want a fun, flexible, and informative way to see San Diego. It’s perfect if you enjoy self-guided adventures and want to steer clear of large tour buses. If you’re traveling light but want to maximize your sightseeing with a bit of storytelling thrown in, this fits the bill.

Since it’s not a traditional guided tour, it’s less suitable for those who prefer to have a guide speaking directly to them or are uncomfortable driving unfamiliar vehicles. Also, if you’re traveling with small children or need booster seats, note that the GoCar doesn’t accommodate small children.

The Sum Up

The GPS Talking Tour Cars in San Diego offer a unique blend of independent exploration and storytelling, wrapped into a fun, easy-to-drive vehicle. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating from visitors, it’s clear that many find this a memorable way to discover the city’s neighborhoods, historic sites, and scenic spots. Whether you’re a history buff, a casual traveler, or someone looking for a novel experience, this tour provides a fantastic way to see San Diego on your own terms.

The two-hour format is perfect for a quick introduction or an afternoon activity, and the GPS-guided stories add depth to what you’re seeing, making it more than just a drive. It’s especially appealing for those who want to avoid the crowds of larger tours and prefer a more personalized adventure.

While the price might seem high for some, remember that you’re paying for a fun, eco-friendly, guided experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you’re comfortable with a small vehicle and enjoy a bit of quirky tech, this could be one of the more memorable ways to spend part of your trip to San Diego.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up the vehicle in the morning?
Yes, the tour offers pickups starting at 9:00 AM, Monday through Sunday, with exact times depending on the day.

Is the tour suitable for first-time drivers?
Absolutely. The GoCar is designed to be easy and fun to drive, with a driver orientation included.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included as part of the rental, ensuring safety during your ride.

What is included in the price?
Your rental includes the 2-hour use of the GoCar, GPS technology, driver orientation, helmets, a full tank of gas, and sales tax.

Can I extend my tour?
Yes, additional rental time can be purchased in 15-minute increments, but be aware that extra time will be billed separately.

Are there any restrictions for drivers?
You must be 21 or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and have a major credit card. International licenses are not necessary.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Since the car doesn’t accommodate booster seats, it’s best suited for adults or older children comfortable with driving or riding in small vehicles.

The GPS Talking Tour Cars provide a charming, interactive way to experience San Diego that balances independence with storytelling—perfect for travelers eager to see the city in a unique, personal way.

You can check availability for your dates here: