GoCar GPS-Guided Driving Tour

A tiny car, a talking GPS and a city of hills

⏱ Varies by route👤 All ages$$$

Why do people choose it? Because it is playful. Instead of sitting on a bus or following a guide, you steer, stop for photos when the view is right and enjoy the novelty of a car with a convertible top and a quirky design. The GPS commentary triggers as you reach landmarks, so you get information without needing a guide in the car. Different routes are available, from shorter loops that focus on the bridge and Lombard Street to longer drives that include parks and neighborhoods.

Be realistic about the experience. The GoCar is small and slow on steep hills, you will be sharing the road with cars, buses and cable cars, and traffic and parking affect the pace. Driver requirements, such as holding a valid license and meeting minimum age or experience rules, apply, so check the booking page before you book. Wear layers, since the cars are open to the weather, and bring a hat and sunglasses on sunny days. In fog and rain the open design can feel chilly.

Practical advice: allow extra time for traffic, particularly on weekends and around the waterfront. Take the briefing seriously, especially about hills, brakes and parking, and follow normal traffic rules. If you are traveling with a group, you can often rent several cars and drive in a convoy. If you are nervous about city driving, a bus or walking tour may be a better fit.

GoCar works well as a fun afternoon on a short trip, especially for those who like gadgets and small adventures. It is less suitable for travelers who want in-depth history or deep local knowledge, since the commentary is recorded rather than live. Combine it with a stop at Crissy Field or the Palace of Fine Arts, where parking is easier and the views are excellent.

A little preparation makes the ride smoother. Look at the route map before you start, decide where you want to pause for photos and agree in advance who will drive which stretch. Keep your phone charged, since you may want it for navigation backup and pictures. The GoCar is street legal but small, so leave a generous following distance, signal clearly and be careful around cable car tracks, which can be slippery in wet weather. Keep the volume of the commentary at a level where you can still hear traffic around you.