49 Mile GoCar Special – All Day For The Price Of 5 Hours

Experience the Charm of San Francisco from the Driver’s Seat in a GoCar

If you’re looking for a fun, flexible way to see San Francisco’s most famous sights—and some lesser-known treasures—the 49 Mile GoCar Special might just be your perfect match. This all-day adventure offers a self-guided journey in a quirky, GPS-equipped yellow storytelling car, allowing you to explore at your own pace. With a route that covers the classic 49-mile scenic drive along beaches, parks, and iconic neighborhoods, it promises a memorable way to experience the city’s vibrant character without the stress of navigating in a traditional car.

What really sets this experience apart is the interactive GPS guide that speaks to you in nine languages, sharing stories and history as you go. We love the combination of freedom and structure—you’re free to pause and explore or stick to the route, all while soaking up fascinating tidbits. One thing to keep in mind is that the rental is only for five hours, but the full-day price really extends your exploring time. This tour suits those who enjoy a bit of adventure, want to beat the crowds, and appreciate a personal touch in their sightseeing.

A potential consideration is the limitations of GPS signal in some areas—some reviews mention signal loss in dense parts of the city like the Financial District. Also, since the experience is designed for two, it might not be ideal for larger groups, but it’s perfect for couples or friends wanting a more intimate outing. This tour is best for curious explorers, first-time visitors eager to see a broad swath of San Francisco, and those who love a bit of hands-on fun while discovering the city’s highlights.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility: You control your pace, with turn-by-turn GPS and storytelling, making it perfect for personalized exploration.
• Iconic sights on route: Cover all the must-see landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, and Alamo Square.
• Multiple languages available: The GPS guide is accessible in nine languages, making it traveler-friendly globally.
• Cost-effective full-day experience: For $309 per group (up to 2), you get nearly an entire day of sightseeing—a good value considering the access and fun.
• Reviews highlight guides and views: Guests consistently praise knowledgeable staff and the scenic vistas, emphasizing the quality of the experience.
• Potential GPS issues: Some reviews mention GPS signal loss in certain city parts, so patience or alternative navigation might be needed.

Exploring San Francisco in a GoCar: What to Expect

The 49 Mile GoCar Special offers a well-paced, engaging way to see San Francisco’s highlights in a fun, compact package. It’s more than just a drive—it’s an experience that combines sightseeing with storytelling, making it ideal whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or just in search of a new way to see the city.

The Itinerary: A Day in the City

Starting at the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, your adventure begins in the heart of tourist activity. Here, the GoCar can be picked up between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or until noon on weekends. The location at 431 Beach Street is conveniently situated near the historic F streetcar line, making it easy to access from many downtown hotels.

From the start, the GPS-guided narration introduces you to local lore, landmarks, and hidden gems. You’ll cruise past Fisherman’s Wharf, passing by Pier 39, and then head over to the Marina District and Crissy Field. These areas offer beautiful views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Next, the route takes you to see the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point, where the iconic span looms above. The narration provides context about the bridge’s history and architecture, making it a perfect spot to snap some memorable photos. The drive continues into the Presidio, a lush park that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike, leading you toward the Legion of Honor, an impressive museum that adds a cultural touch to your day.

Your journey then leads to the Cliff House and Ocean Beach, where the wild coast and historic restaurant make for a scenic stop. The tour also guides you through Golden Gate Park, full of gardens, lakes, and museums, before exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Haight-Ashbury—the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture—and finally reaching Alamo Square, famous for its “Painted Ladies” Victorian houses.

The Vehicle Experience: Quirky, Fun, and User-Friendly

The GoCar itself is a cheerful yellow car that’s surprisingly easy to drive, even if you’re not a seasoned motorist. The GPS system guides you with clear, turn-by-turn instructions and shares stories that bring San Francisco’s history to life. Available in nine languages, it’s especially handy if you’re traveling with international friends or family.

Guests rave about how accessible the cars are, with Tina mentioning, “It was quieter, went faster, and had reverse,” which added to their overall enjoyment. The electric GoCars, available as an upgrade, are quieter and can reach speeds of up to 85 mph, although most users stick to moderate speeds. The electric models also enable crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge without restrictions, which is a definite plus.

The full tank of gas and helmets are included, and a $500 security deposit is held on your credit card during the rental. It’s worth noting that insurance is optional but can reduce the deposit to $300 if purchased.

The Pros and Cons from the Reviews

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable staff and the scenic views as major plus points. Marlon appreciated the time spent with his daughter, saying, “I loved showing her the city and sharing the stories.” Tina enjoyed the electric model’s quieter operation, describing it as a blast. Many praised the freedom to explore—the GPS narration helps you learn while you cruise, and you can stop whenever you want.

However, some reviewers like Sara mention that GPS signal loss can occur in dense areas like the financial district, which might cause brief confusion. Plus, the tandem seating may not suit those seeking more space or traveling with small children, as booster seats aren’t accommodated.

Practical Details and Pricing: Is It Worth It?

At $309 for up to two people, the cost is fairly competitive for a full day of sightseeing in a city as expansive as San Francisco. Considering that the rental includes a full-day’s worth of exploration, helmets, and a full tank of gas, it offers good value—especially when compared to multiple individual tours or taxis.

The flexibility is a major advantage. You can tailor your day—stop for coffee, linger at a scenic overlook, or explore neighborhoods more deeply—without the constraints of traditional guided tours. Plus, the self-guided narration adds a layer of context and fun that enhances the experience.

The only extra costs are optional insurance and potential upgrades to a more powerful electric model. The $500 security deposit is standard, but can be reduced with insurance, which is worth considering for peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for couples, friends, or small groups who enjoy a hands-on adventure and want to see a lot in a short time. It’s perfect if you’re new to San Francisco and prefer to avoid the rigidity of hop-on-hop-off buses or guided groups. The interactive narration keeps things interesting, and the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist spots appeals to curious travelers.

It’s especially suited to those who don’t mind some slight bumps in GPS connectivity and who appreciate the ability to create their own schedule. If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys a bit of driving fun and storytelling, this tour could be just the ticket.

The Sum Up

The 49 Mile GoCar Special offers a lively, engaging way to discover San Francisco’s sights at your own pace. It combines the freedom of self-guided exploration with the convenience of GPS storytelling, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to maximize their time and experience. The electric model adds a quieter, eco-friendly twist, and the knowledgeable guides behind the narration make learning about the city’s landmarks a pleasure.

While GPS signal issues in certain areas are worth noting, most visitors find the experience smooth and rewarding, with the ability to stop and explore whenever something catches their eye. The cost is reasonable for a full-day adventure, especially considering the fun factor and the breadth of sights covered.

Ultimately, this tour suits adventurous, curious travelers who want to see the city’s highlights while enjoying some flexibility and personal discovery. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, the GoCar makes exploring San Francisco feel like a playful, memorable journey.

FAQ

Do I need a special driver’s license?
No, a valid driver’s license is sufficient. You don’t need an international license to rent a GoCar.

Can I rent the electric GoCar?
Yes, electric models are available as an upgrade for about $50 more, offering a quieter ride and faster speeds.

What languages is the GPS narration available in?
The GPS guide is accessible in nine languages: Spanish, Italian, German, English, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

What is the duration of the rental?
The tour lasts five hours, but the price covers a full day of exploration—so you can go at your own pace within that time frame.

Where do I pick up and return the GoCar?
You pick up your GoCar at 431 Beach Street, near Fisherman’s Wharf, and return it there at the end of your day.

Is insurance included?
Insurance is optional and can be purchased on the rental day. It reduces the security deposit from $500 to $300.

Can I customize my route?
Yes, the GPS provides turn-by-turn directions and narration, but you’re free to deviate from the route or stop where you like.

In summary, if you’re after a fun, flexible, and insightful way to see San Francisco—particularly if you enjoy storytelling and a bit of driving adventure—the 49 Mile GoCar Special is worth considering. It’s a memorable way to connect with the city’s sights and stories, all while enjoying the freedom to explore on your own terms.