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. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

    View
  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View
  3. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

    View
  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

    View
  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View