Speed through the curvy streets and along the shores of San Francisco in a GoCar tour. Zip through parts of town that you won’t see in a tour bus in this three-wheeled vehicle, making short work of San Francisco’s many hills.

The GoCar seats two people and navigates for you by GPS, telling you where to turn and stop, while providing audio commentary about attractions on your tour. These vehicles are handicapped-accessible and great for kids, too.

If you want a cutting-edge way to visit the City by the Bay, take a GoCar tour, one of the most fun outdoor activities in San Francisco!

What are the most popular GoCar tours in San Francisco?

Full-day GoCar San Francisco tours

Make a circuit of the major sights in San Francisco with a GPS-guided GoCar for you and a friend. You can opt for a set itinerary or customize a tour according to your interests and have the independence of discovering places on your own. Many tour companies offer 8-hour GoCar rental for the price of 5 hours.

San Francisco City streets GoCar tours

Spend 2 to 3 hours checking the most famous places from your San Francisco bucket list. You will tour on your own rather than in a large group, having the freedom to spend the time you’d like in each area.

City streets tours do not include crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, but views from Land’s End in Golden Gate Park are perfect photo ops of the famous Bridge and the Marin Headlands across the water. Your itinerary will depend on the duration of your tour and if you’d like to create your own plans for sightseeing.

Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito GoCar tours

Here is your chance for the thrill of riding over the Golden Gate Bridge in an open-topped GoCar, taking in majestic views on all sides during the 2.5-kilometer ride above the straight. Start in Fisherman’s Wharf like other tours and enjoy all the sights along the Barbary Coast and Golden Gate Park before you arrive at the bridge.

After crossing the bridge, drive downhill to Sausalito with the rolling Marin Headlands to your left and the bay to your right. Cruise the colorful lanes, shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy local food and drink in one of the many restaurants and cafes. At the end of your tour, you can return to Fisherman’s Wharf by way of Lombard Street’s many curves.

How much do GoCar tours in San Francisco cost?

GoCars cost around US$70 per hour per car, with decreasing costs for longer time periods. Tours of more than 5 hours cut costs per hour by almost half, making these affordable and efficient ways to see the best of San Francisco.

Each GoCar accommodates up to two people. Most tours require a deposit of US$300 to US$500 per car that you will claim after you return the GoCar. Some tours have you sign an optional damage waiver that lowers the deposit to around US$150.

What is included?

Your GoCar tour package includes a two-seater vehicle, helmets, a map, a full tank of gas and a carbon offset fee. GoCars have a small trunk for storage. Some tour companies offer a choice of gas or electric GoCars.

Sites typically visited include the Presidio, a former Army base founded in 1776, the Painted Ladies, which are colorful Victorian houses made famous in the TV show “Full House,” and Lombard Street, the “most crooked” street in the world.

You will also drive around Haight and Ashbury Streets, the hub of 1960s hippie counterculture, Chinatown, Twin Peaks, a viewpoint perched nearly 300 meters above the city, and Ghirardelli Square and its famous chocolate.

What is the starting point of GoCar tours in San Francisco start?

You will begin your GoCar tour in Fisherman’s Wharf, which is centrally located and a great place to start an excursion. This is also where you end your tour and return the cars.

How long do GoCar tours in San Francisco last?

GoCar tours in San Francisco last from 1 hour to 8 hours. Many tour companies offer 8-hour tours for the price of a 5-hour tour, making for a great full-day experience. Most tours last 2 to 3 hours and encompass the most famous sites in the city.

When is the best time to book a GoCar tour in San Francisco?

The best time for a GoCar tour in San Francisco is fall (September to November) and spring (mid-March to May) when the weather is pleasant and mild. Summer high temperatures are in the low 20 degrees Celsius, and winter high temperatures average around 15 degrees Celsius. Summer is the foggiest season, so you may not have the best views during those months.

Is it safe to take a GoCar tour in San Francisco?

Yes, it is safe to take a GoCar tour, and you get a safety briefing and helmet included in the price of your tour is . All participants are legally required to wear helmets in California.

People in San Francisco tend to drive about 50 kilometers per hour, a comfortable speed for GoCars. They are legal for freeway driving and can reach speeds of 120 kilometers per hour.

GoCars are registered as motorcycles, so check your personal insurance before booking to see if you have coverage in case of an accident.

Are children allowed on GoCar tours in San Francisco?

You can take children aged 4 and above as passengers on GoCar tours as long as they are big enough to fit into a regulation helmet. Booster seats or car seats are not usable in GoCars.

Do I need a driving license to go a GoCar tour in San Francisco?

Yes, the driver must have a valid driver’s license and be over 21 years old. If your license is from outside the United States, there is no need for an international license as long as your government-issued permit is up to date. Drivers must also have a major credit card.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Tour companies offer a refund or a chance to reschedule your reservation in case of bad weather.

What other outdoor activities can you do in San Francisco?

Travel tips

Drivers must bring a valid driver’s license and a major credit card.
Dress in layers in case of cool weather. GoCars are open-topped, making it cooler in the breeze while driving.
Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
Bring rain gear in case of showers.
Carry cash or credit cards for gratuities and extra purchases.
Bring a smartphone or camera for taking pictures.

GoCar Tours in San Francisco