San Diego: Downtown, Balboa and Old Town GoCar Tour

Exploring San Diego’s vibrant downtown, historic Balboa Park, and the cultural richness of Old Town has never been easier. This 4-hour GoCar tour offers a unique opportunity to navigate the city at your own pace, stopping at iconic landmarks like the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village. With a GPS-guided compact electric vehicle, you’ll experience the city’s diverse offerings, from savoring authentic cuisine to capturing stunning views. Prepare to learn about San Diego’s rich history and lively atmosphere, as you embark on an unforgettable journey.

Contents show

Key Points

This 4-hour private tour explores top attractions in downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, and Old Town via a GPS-guided GoCar rental.
The tour includes stops at historic sites, shopping, dining, and scenic viewpoints, with a flexible start time and free cancellation policy.
The electric-powered GoCar allows for easy navigation and sightseeing at one’s own pace, with turn-by-turn GPS directions.
Downtown highlights include the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and Seaport Village, while Old Town offers a glimpse into San Diego’s Spanish colonial heritage.
The tour begins and ends at the Drivewize LLC location in Old Town, with a driver orientation and safety briefing before departure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The San Diego: Downtown, Balboa and Old Town GoCar Tour offers a unique 4-hour private experience to explore the city’s top attractions.

Priced from $138.33 per person, the tour includes a 3-hour GoCar rental, GPS system, and orientation.

Guests can visit historic sites, shop, dine, and capture scenic views at stops like Little Italy, Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

The tour provides opportunities for photography and sightseeing, with flexible start times and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Reservations can be made online, with payment due later to secure the booking.

Looking for more options in San Diego? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the tour, guests start at the Drivewize LLC location in Old Town San Diego. The first stop is Little Italy for a photo op and sightseeing. Next, they visit the Maritime Museum, USS Midway Museum, and Seaport Village. Exploring Horton Plaza and passing by Petco Park, the tour continues to the Gaslamp Quarter for a guided tour. Highlights include Bankers Hill, Balboa Park with a guided tour and scenic drive, the Inez Parker Rose Garden, and a photo stop at the San Diego Zoo. The tour concludes back at the starting point in Old Town.

| Highlights | Activities | Photos |

| — | — | — |

| Little Italy | Sightseeing | ✓ |

| Maritime Museum | Sightseeing | ✓ |

| Balboa Park | Guided tour, scenic drive | ✓ |

The GoCar Experience

Guests embark on the San Diego GoCar tour with a driver orientation and safety briefing, familiarizing themselves with the compact, electric-powered GoCar and its GPS-guided navigation system.

The GoCar allows them to navigate the city at their own pace, stopping at key landmarks to snap photos and explore.

With the GPS providing narration and turn-by-turn directions, guests can focus on the sights, sounds, and unique vantage points of Downtown, Balboa Park, and Old Town San Diego.

The GoCar’s small size enables easy maneuverability through the city’s vibrant streets and neighborhoods.

Exploring Downtown San Diego

Venturing into the heart of downtown San Diego, the GoCar tour allows guests to discover the vibrant streets and iconic landmarks that define this bustling urban center.

The tour highlights include:

Exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, a historic district known for its Victorian-era architecture and lively nightlife.
Passing by the Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team.
Stopping for photos at the Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining destination.
Discovering the Horton Plaza, a unique open-air shopping mall with its modern, geometric design.
Admiring the Maritime Museum, which showcases the city’s rich naval history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Balboa Park

Next, the GoCar tour takes visitors to the sprawling Balboa Park, a picturesque urban cultural park known for its stunning architecture, verdant gardens, and world-renowned museums.

The tour stops at the Inez Parker Rose Garden, offering scenic views and photo opportunities. Guests then explore Balboa Park’s highlights, including the iconic California Tower and the impressive collection of Spanish-Colonial buildings.

The tour guides provide commentary, sharing the park’s rich history and cultural significance. With ample time to wander, visitors can discover the many museums, theaters, and attractions that make Balboa Park a beloved San Diego destination.

There's plenty more to explore in San Diego

Taking in Old Town San Diego

After exploring the scenic highlights of Balboa Park, the GoCar tour takes visitors on a journey to the historic heart of San Diego – Old Town.

This vibrant district offers a unique cultural experience, featuring:

Authentic Mexican cuisine at charming hacienda-style restaurants
Lively mariachi music and folk art performances
Quaint adobe buildings and historic sites like the Whaley House
Opportunities for shopping at local boutiques and artisan markets
Guided tours highlighting Old Town’s rich Spanish colonial heritage

Taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Old Town San Diego provides a captivating glimpse into the city’s past and present.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the tour, participants enjoy ample opportunities to capture scenic photos and soak in the diverse sights of San Diego.

The tour visits iconic locations like the Maritime Museum, Gaslamp Quarter, and Balboa Park, allowing guests to admire historic architecture and stunning vistas.

The tour visits iconic locations like the Maritime Museum, Gaslamp Quarter, and Balboa Park, allowing guests to admire historic architecture and stunning vistas.

Highlights include photogenic stops at Seaport Village, Petco Park, and the Inez Parker Rose Garden, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Whether it’s the lively atmosphere of Little Italy or the tranquility of Bankers Hill, the GoCar tour provides a comprehensive visual experience of San Diego’s most captivating neighborhoods.

Important Considerations

Participants must be at least 21 years old to rent a GoCar, and they’ll need to present a valid driver’s license and major credit card upon arrival.

A few other important considerations for this tour:

GoCars don’t accommodate booster seats, so the tour isn’t suitable for small children.
Be sure to reconfirm your reservation before the tour.
The tour includes a full tank of gas, but any additional fuel costs will be the responsibility of the participant.
While optional insurance is available, participants may be liable for any damages to the vehicle.
Riders are expected to follow all traffic laws and safety guidelines during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

The tour does not currently offer any discounts. However, customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance to get a full refund if needed.

Can I Bring My Own GPS Device Instead of Using the Provided One?

The tour provider requires guests to use the provided GPS system for the GoCar rental. Bringing your own GPS device is not an option, as it’s essential that all travelers follow the prescribed route and directions during the tour experience.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but there may be some flexibility for guests to adjust the schedule or explore additional stops based on their interests. Customers should consult with the tour operator for any customization options.

What Happens if I Encounter Any Technical Issues With the Gocar?

If there are any technical issues with the GoCar, the tour operator will assist you. They have staff available to address any problems and ensure you can continue your tour safely. The operator will provide a replacement vehicle if needed.

Can I Extend the Rental Time Beyond the 3-Hour Duration?

Yes, customers can extend the rental time beyond the 3-hour duration. They’ll need to contact the tour operator to check availability and any additional fees. Extended rentals are subject to the operator’s policies and availability.

The Sum Up

The San Diego GoCar tour provides a unique and immersive way to explore the city’s vibrant downtown, historic Balboa Park, and the cultural richness of Old Town. With a GPS-guided electric GoCar, travelers can navigate at their own pace, visit iconic landmarks, savor authentic cuisine, and capture stunning views, all while seeing San Diego’s rich history and lively atmosphere.