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. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  3. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View