2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park

Exploring San Diego’s vibrant downtown and iconic Balboa Park has never been easier. The 2-Hour GoCar Tour provides a unique, GPS-guided adventure allowing travelers to discover the city at their own pace. With a compact, eco-friendly vehicle and included helmet, visitors can customize their route, visiting must-see sights like the USS Midway and San Diego Zoo. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a local seeking a fresh perspective, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes it truly stand out?

This experience made our article of 13 Best 2 Hour Tours In San Diego (With Prices).

Key Points

• Unique GPS-guided GoCar experience to explore iconic sites in Downtown San Diego and Balboa Park over a 2-hour sightseeing tour.
• Tour covers significant landmarks like the Maritime Museum, USS Midway, Seaport Village, Petco Park, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.
• Rental includes a helmet, map, gas tank, and environmental fee for a seamless and eco-friendly experience.
• Tour begins and ends at the same meeting point, with optional hotel pickup and drop-off available.
• Drivers must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Overview of the GoCar Tour

The GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park provides visitors with a unique and efficient way to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.

Aboard the GPS-guided GoCar, participants can cover significant sites faster than walking, including Little Italy, the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway, Seaport Village, Petco Park, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.

The 2-hour tour includes a rider orientation, helmets, and a provided map, allowing travelers to customize their route using the car’s GPS.

With a tank of gas and an environmental fee included, the tour offers a convenient and eco-friendly sightseeing experience.

Highlights of the Tour Route

As participants embark on the GoCar tour, they’ll navigate through the bustling streets of Downtown San Diego, taking in the vibrant energy of the Gaslamp Quarter and the serene beauty of the San Diego Bay.

The tour then winds its way to the iconic Maritime Museum, where they can admire the historic ships docked along the waterfront.

Next, they’ll cruise past the towering USS Midway Museum and the lively Seaport Village, before arriving at the lush greenery of Balboa Park.

Here, they’ll explore the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and the many museums and cultural institutions that make this park a must-visit destination.

Rental Details and Inclusions

Renting a GoCar for the 2-hour tour includes a helmet and map, ensuring participants are equipped for their sightseeing journey.

The rental also covers a tank of gas and an 8.75% environmental fee to offset the carbon footprint, gasoline usage, and tire recycling. An optional collision damage waiver is available for approximately $19.

While gratuities aren’t included, hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged.

The tour begins and ends at the meeting point, allowing participants to explore downtown San Diego and Balboa Park at their own pace using the GPS-guided GoCar.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the GoCar tour is located at 3918 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.

After the orientation and preparing the GoCar, the tour takes you through the sights of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park.

At the end of the 2-hour experience, you’ll return to the same meeting point where the tour began. This allows for a convenient and seamless start and finish to your GoCar adventure.

With the GPS-guided vehicle, you can customize your route and explore the city at your own pace, covering more ground than walking.

Key Attractions and Sights

During the GoCar tour, riders pass by several notable locations in downtown San Diego and Balboa Park.

They’ll see the Maritime Museum, home to historic ships like the USS Midway. Next, they’ll cruise by Seaport Village and Petco Park, the baseball stadium.

Riders then enter the expansive Balboa Park, home to the famous San Diego Zoo.

The tour continues through the Gaslamp Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife.

Throughout the journey, the GPS-guided GoCar allows riders to customize their route and explore at their own pace, providing a unique and engaging sightseeing experience.

Traveler Information and Requirements

Confirmation of the GoCar tour is received at the time of booking.

Travelers should note this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. The tour is located near public transportation but isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license to operate the GoCar. Most travelers can participate in this unique experience, which allows for exploration of Downtown San Diego and Balboa Park at a faster pace than walking.

Helmets are provided for safety.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Reviewers generally praise the GoCar tour as a fun and informative way to explore Downtown San Diego and Balboa Park.

Many highlight the excellent customer service and the tour’s ability to cover significant sites quickly.

However, some express concerns about the vehicle’s alignment and safety on the road.

Despite these issues, the tour receives an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 42 reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Music or Audio Guide?

According to the tour overview, riders can customize their route using the GPS-guided GoCar. While the tour doesn’t mention if you can bring your own music or audio guide, it’s likely you can enjoy your own audio during the 2-hour experience.

Are the Gocars Easy to Operate for First-Time Drivers?

The GoCars are generally easy to operate for first-time drivers. The rental comes with a rider orientation to familiarize customers with the vehicle’s controls and features. As long as drivers follow the safety instructions, they should have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

There’s no minimum number of participants required for the GoCar tour. It’s a self-guided experience, so travelers can explore at their own pace. The tour can accommodate solo travelers as well as small groups.

Can I Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Yes, you can stop for photos along the way during the 2-hour GPS-guided GoCar tour. The tour allows customization of the route using GPS, so you can pause to take pictures at any of the key attractions you pass by.

Are the Gocars Suitable for Taller or Larger Travelers?

The GoCars can accommodate a range of traveler sizes, though taller or larger individuals may find the vehicles a bit cramped. The tour operator advises checking the car dimensions if you have concerns about comfort or fit.

The Sum Up

The 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park offers an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore San Diego’s iconic landmarks at your own pace. With a GPS-guided experience, you’ll discover the vibrant sights of the city, from the USS Midway to the San Diego Zoo, while enjoying the convenience of a rental that includes a helmet and map. This unique tour promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a comprehensive and customizable exploration of San Diego’s highlights.