San Francisco A-Go-GoCar

San Francisco Little Yellow GoCar

You've seen them: those wily low-riders in small bright yellow cars, zipping right past you, sightseeing San Francisco, just … gleeful. Don't knock it till you've driven it: On your mark, get set, GoCar! Hop into one, follow normal traffic rules, and zip along the streets at speeds of 25 mph (45 mph if you upgrade to the sport edition). Feel the sea breeze blowing through your helmet as you depart Fisherman's Wharf with a GPS-guided audio track telling you and your passenger how to get to the city's hotspots: the chocolate fountains of Ghirardelli Square, the grassy pastures of Crissy Field, Fort Point underneath the Golden Gate. Ultimately, you get to choose your own adventure as the audio adapts to your route. Just don't get too cheeky—your GPS hollers when you've gone out of bounds or into a high-traffic area (tip: stay off Van Ness during rush hours). Learn tales about your town as you go, like where to stop for stellar cioppino at Fisherman's Wharf (Cioppino's!) or the oldest hardware store, on Fillmore Street (Fredericksen's, which opened in 1896). And for a grand finale: hold on to the wheel! GoCars are allowed to take the eight hairpin turns on tourist-famous Lombard Street (which is not San Francisco's crookedest street, that honor actually goes to … GoCar to find out!)

TIP: Don't deny your inner tourist. Park your wheels outside The Buena Vista; then pop inside to watch the snazzy white-coated barmen lining up rows of Irish coffees. The old-school joint claims to have perfected the drink in 1952; test that theory for yourself (within legal limits, of course!).

San Francisco GoCar Tours, (415) 359-9299, depart from 431 Beach St. in Fisherman's Wharf. First hour costs $56, second hour costs an additional $46. Upgrade to a sport GoCar for an additional $10/hr. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

    View
  2. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  3. Woman kneeling by the creek at Chino Creek Wetlands

    Wetland Wander-Fall

    Chino Creek Wetlands is proof you don’t always have to go far to find an escape in nature. Located in the heart of Chino in part of the Santa Ana River watershed, the Chino Creek Wetlands has 1.7 miles of trails, but really this is a place to explore without a lot of fuss.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View