San Francisco: GoCar GPS Tour with Iconic Landmarks

Summary

San Francisco’s stories unfold as you drive a talking car past the bridge, crooked streets and ocean air

You’ll slip into a quirky yellow GoCar for a self-guided San Francisco tour that talks back as you drive past landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. Expect easy pickup, flexible stops whenever curiosity strikes, stories from your GPS guide—and plenty of chances to laugh at yourself along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Fumbling with the helmet straps, I heard the little yellow GoCar chirp out its first directions — not quite the voice I expected, but it made me laugh. We squeezed in (it’s cozier than it looks) and rolled into San Francisco traffic, feeling a bit ridiculous and somehow bold at the same time. A couple walking their dog near Fisherman’s Wharf grinned and waved. The car started telling us about crab shacks and old ships, like it was letting us in on secrets only locals knew. I didn’t expect to feel so much part of the city right away.

Our local guide at check-in had warned us: “Don’t try to race Muni buses.” Good advice — these streets are steeper than they look on Google Maps. The GPS voice nudged us toward Crissy Field where runners zipped by under eucalyptus trees, and the air smelled faintly salty-sweet. At Fort Point we parked (so easy in this thing), craned our necks up at the Golden Gate Bridge towering above, wind tugging at my jacket. There was a moment of quiet there, just seagulls overhead and distant foghorns — I still think about that view sometimes.

Lombard Street was pure chaos — people filming, tourists laughing as we zigzagged down what felt like a toy track. The GoCar kept up its chatter about history and odd facts (I forgot half of them already), but honestly I was too busy trying not to hit the curb. Somewhere near Ocean Beach we stopped for coffee; sand stuck to my shoes after a quick wander looking for shells. The car waited patiently, engine clicking as it cooled off in the misty air.

I’m not sure if everyone needs a GPS-guided storytelling car to see San Francisco, but for this day trip from downtown it felt like having both a guidebook and a mischievous friend along for the ride. You can go at your own pace — stop wherever you want, listen or ignore the stories, take silly photos by the Palace of Fine Arts or just sit quietly by Sutro Baths watching waves crash. So yeah, if you want something different that lets you actually feel how weird and wonderful this city is… well, here you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore San Francisco landmarks by GoCar

• Drive through Fisherman's Wharf
• Pass Crabby shacks and shops
• Visit Palace of Fine Arts
• Explore Presidio views and sites
• Stop at Fort Point for photos
• Drive past Crissy Field
• View Golden Gate Bridge
• Take photos at Baker Beach
• Visit Ocean Beach and Seal Rock
• Explore Sutro Baths ruins
• Tour Golden Gate Park attractions
• Pass Legion of Honor sculpture
• Drive down Lombard Street

Top questions

How many people fit in one GoCar?

Each GoCar seats two people maximum due to size and safety regulations.

Can I cross the Golden Gate Bridge in a GoCar?

No, but you can drive right up to Fort Point beneath the bridge for great views.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup; you choose your pickup location when booking your GoCar rental.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need a motorcycle license to drive a GoCar?

No motorcycle license required—just a valid driver’s license and credit card.

Can children join this San Francisco GoCar tour?

Yes; passengers must be 4 years or older and able to safely wear an approved helmet.

How fast does the GoCar go?

The top speed is 35 mph but average speeds are around 30 mph or less within city limits.

Can I stop wherever I want during the tour?

Yes! You set your own pace—park anywhere legal and continue when ready; stories resume automatically.

What’s included

Your day includes rental of a GPS-guided storytelling GoCar (for two), helmets for safety—even tiny ones if needed—a full tank of gas so you won’t stress about refueling mid-tour, plus orientation from staff before heading out. Pickup is at your chosen location in San Francisco; just bring your driver’s license (no motorcycle license needed) and get ready to explore at your own pace.