A GoCar is a tiny, open, three-wheeled car that you drive yourself, and in Monterey it comes with a GPS that narrates the route as you go. The tour rolls from the waterfront through Cannery Row, past the aquarium and out along the Pacific Grove shoreline, with stories about Steinbeck, the sardine boom, monarch butterflies and the bay's wildlife triggered at each landmark. It is a lighthearted way to cover more ground than walking allows, with no guide to follow and no schedule beyond your own. Most drivers love the novelty, and passengers get the best seat in the house for sea views.
Monterey packs a surprising amount into a small area, and the question for many visitors is how to see it all without spending the day parking and walking. A GoCar tour answers with a fun, slightly silly solution. These compact three-wheeled cars are open to the air, easy to drive and fitted with a GPS unit that plays commentary as you reach each point of interest.
You choose the pace, stop for photos wherever you like and follow the route at your leisure. The result feels more like a playful road trip than a formal tour.
Several route lengths are usually offered, from shorter loops through the Cannery Row area to longer outings that continue along the Pacific Grove shoreline. The typical route passes the aquarium and the old canneries, heads along the Ocean View Boulevard waterfront past Lovers Point, tidepool rocks and the Victorian houses of Pacific Grove, and loops back by way of downtown Monterey.
Along the way, the narration explains Steinbeck's Cannery Row, the story of the sardine industry's rise and collapse, the monarch butterfly sanctuary and the harbor seals and otters you may glimpse offshore. Because the commentary is GPS-triggered, it matches where you actually are, even if you stop for ice cream.
Practical details matter more than usual here. Drivers must meet license and age requirements, and a valid driver's license will be needed at the start; check the operator's rules when you get tickets. Wear layers, because open cars on the coast mean wind and fog, and consider a hat that stays on and sunglasses.
The cars are small and low, so keep your belongings secured, follow the traffic rules like any road user and stay alert; they are legal on public roads but slower than regular traffic. Parking for the cars is usually handled at the starting point, and the staff will give a short driving lesson before you set out.
The tour works for couples, friends and families with teenagers or older children who can ride as passengers, though seating is limited and each car holds a small number of people. It is a good way to cover the waterfront on a clear afternoon, or on a day when you have limited energy to walk. For something quieter, pair it with a visit to the aquarium or the Coastal Trail on foot.
If you want to see the peninsula's coast in a way your friends will remember, the GoCar delivers. Ask the staff about the best photo stops on your chosen route, and plan a snack break in Pacific Grove or on Cannery Row so the driver gets a rest. Mornings tend to be calmer for traffic, while afternoons offer warmer light on the water.
What to expect
The experience
A self-driven, GPS-guided tour in a small open three-wheeled car, with narrated stops through Cannery Row, past the aquarium and along the Pacific Grove shoreline.
Best time
Mid-morning to mid-afternoon on clear days. Fog can make the open car chilly in the early morning.
How long
One to three hours depending on the route you choose.
Tips
Bring a valid driver's license, dress in layers and secure loose items. Check age, license and seating rules when you get tickets.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to cover the waterfront with a fun, self-paced tour.
- Families
- Good with teens and older children as passengers; check seating and age rules.
- Couples
- A playful afternoon with sea views and no walking required.
- Pair with
- Monterey Bay Aquarium, Lovers Point or the Coastal Trail.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours including the briefing.
Good questions
Do I need a driver's license?+
Yes. The driver must hold a valid license and meet the operator's age requirements. Check the rules when you get tickets.
Is the GoCar hard to drive?+
No. The staff gives a short briefing, and the cars are easy to handle, though they are small and slower than regular traffic.
Does the commentary work if I stop?+
Yes. The GPS plays stories as you reach each landmark, so stopping for photos or a snack does not disrupt it.
What should I wear?+
Layers and sunglasses. The cars are open, and the coast can be breezy and foggy even in summer.
How many people fit in one car?+
Cars hold a small number of passengers, so larger groups use more than one car. Confirm seating when you get tickets.
