3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour worth booking?
3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour is a 3-hour experience in Monterey & Carmel, United States, from $229 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (32)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $229 per person
IF BOOKING MORE THAN ONE CAR MAKE SEPERATE RESERVATIONS Swap crowded tour buses for the freedom of a bright-yellow, open-air GoCar and experience the entire Monterey Peninsula on your own schedule. This extended, three-
What you get
About this experience
IF BOOKING MORE THAN ONE CAR MAKE SEPERATE RESERVATIONS Swap crowded tour buses for the freedom of a bright-yellow, open-air GoCar and experience the entire Monterey Peninsula on your own schedule. This extended, three-hour route combines the region’s most searched-for highlights—Monterey Bay, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove—with hidden coastal gems you’d never find on a conventional tour. Why You’ll Love It GPS-Narrated Storytelling – Your GoCar’s built-in narrator delivers turn-by-turn directions plus fun facts about marine life, maritime history, and local legends, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Stop Anytime, Anywhere – Pull over for sea-otter selfies, tide-pool hunts, or a bowl of clam chowder. Parking is a breeze in the compact vehicle. 360° Ocean Views – Feel the Pacific breeze as you hug coastal roads and photo-op viewpoints unreachable by larger vehicles.
What's included
Included
- Map
- Tank of gas
- Helmet
- Rental of GPS-guided GoCar
- Safety Orientation
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional: Collision Damage Waiver for $19.00 (covers up to $500 in damages)
What you'll see and do
Cannery Row
Cannery Row itself is an attraction: an “iconic waterfront street” replete with history, ocean views, shops and eateries. Once a booming sardine canning center famously depicted by author John Steinbeck, today its refurbished cannery warehouses house seafood restaurants, boutiques, wine-tasting rooms and hotels while retaining echoes of the past. As you cruise in your open-air GoCar, soak up the colorful history – you’ll pass landmarks like the old Pacific Biological Lab (Ed “Doc” Ricketts’ marine lab at 800 Cannery Row) and Steinbeck’s Spirit commemorated in the Cannery Row Monument at Steinbeck Plaza. This vibrant street beautifully blends historic character with modern charm, truly the cultural heart of Monterey’s waterfront.
Pass by without stopping
Old Fisherman's Wharf
A historic wharf lined with seafood eateries, gift shops, and tour boats, set against gorgeous bay views. Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World,” this lively pier is a top visitor destination offering whale-watching cruises, fishing trips, and famous clam chowder tastings. It’s considered a “must-do” for every visitor to Monterey, combining history with family-friendly fun in a picturesque setting.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is the flagship attraction of Cannery Row and a must-see for all ages. Housed in a former cannery building on the waterfront, this 20,000-square-foot aquarium immerses visitors in marine magic – from towering kelp forests and glowing jellies to playful sea otters and hammerhead sharks. Its interactive exhibits and 360° ocean tank views captivate families and marine enthusiasts alike. (The GoCar’s GPS tour will likely highlight the aquarium as you pass by, and you might even catch glimpses of the building’s sparkling tanks from the road.)
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San Carlos Beach
The Cannery Row area offers some of the best shoreline views of Monterey Bay. Pull over at San Carlos Beach (at the Row’s south end) to peer into tide pools teeming with starfish and crabs, or watch scuba divers exploring the kelp beds just offshore.
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Lovers Point
Pacific Grove’s most beloved seaside park, offering spectacular ocean views and a hub of outdoor fun. This landscaped 4.4-acre park has it all: a sandy beach and cove for kayaking, surfing, and swimming, a large lawn for picnics, a rock pier, beach volleyball courts, and even a seasonal children’s swimming pool. A sunrise or sunset at Lovers Point is truly magical, with the sky painted over the bay. It’s often ranked the #1 thing to do in Pacific Grove, thanks to its mix of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities. Whether you’re snapping photos from the GoCar or stopping to explore on foot, Lovers Point embodies the quaint, romantic charm of Pacific Grove’s coastline.
Pass by without stopping
Asilomar State Beach
A wildly scenic stretch of coastline known for its white sands, rocky coves, and unforgettable sunsets. Asilomar is a very popular attraction for visitors to the Monterey Peninsula, prized for its serene beach atmosphere and a boardwalk-accented coastal trail that winds through sand dunes and tide pools. The ¾-mile walking trail along Asilomar’s shore offers inimitable views of crashing surf and Pacific vistas. It’s an idyllic spot to pull over your GoCar, breathe in fresh ocean air, and even do a little tide-pooling with the kids at low tide. Asilomar also borders the Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve, adding to the sense of untamed beauty. Come evening, this is the place to savor a quintessential California sunset over the water.
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Monarch Grove Sanctuary
A unique hidden gem of Pacific Grove, especially in the fall and winter months. Nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA,” Pacific Grove hosts one of America’s largest overwintering colonies of Monarch butterflies, and this free sanctuary is where they cluster by the thousands in the trees. From October through February, visitors can stroll the gentle path and gaze up as vibrant orange monarchs blanket the pines and eucalyptus – an unforgettable natural spectacle. (The site is so special that harming a butterfly). It’s a must-see for nature lovers and families, offering an educational, enchanting pause on your tour. Bring binoculars if you have them to appreciate these delicate creatures up close
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Point Pinos Lighthouse
Steeped in history and charm, Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the U.S. West Coast (first lit in 1855) and one of Pacific Grove’s signature landmarks. This gleaming white lighthouse sits on a windswept point surrounded by greens of the municipal golf course and dramatic shore. Visitors can take a brief self-guided or docent-guided tour inside to see the well-preserved light station and learn about its keepers and maritime history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Point Pinos is considered a “must-see” for history buffs and anyone who appreciates coastal panoramas. The GoCar route through Pacific Grove will pass near the lighthouse – it’s worth a stop to snap a photo and imagine the eras of sailors guided by its beam.
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Dennis the Menace Park
A renowned children’s playground and park near downtown Monterey, ideal for families to take a break during the tour. This large lakeside park features innovative play structures (including multiple slides, a hedge maze, and an old steam engine locomotive on display) and has been the city’s most famous playground for decades. It’s the “most popular” municipal playground in Monterey, inviting kids to burn off energy while adults relax by Lake El Estero – a great pit stop to complement the open-air adventure.
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Monterey Bay Recreation Trail
This scenic paved trail hugs the waterfront from Monterey to Pacific Grove, perfect for a self-paced exploration by foot, bike, or GoCar. The trail links Old Fisherman’s Wharf to Cannery Row with sweeping ocean vistas and interpretive signs. Along the way, you can pause to scan for wildlife like seals, pelicans, and otters, or explore tide pools at spots like San Carlos Beach. The coastal trail is extremely popular for its breathtaking views of the Pacific and easy access to attractions, making it an adventurous yet family-friendly highlight of Monterey Bay.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Monterey & Carmel
Beside El Cantaro Restaurant
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Beside El Cantaro Restaurant
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GoCar Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Drivers must be 18 years of age or older and must present a valid driver's license
- Minimum age is 7 years; children must be accompanied by an adult
- All renters must be able to read, understand and sign a liability release and waiver form
- Maximum passenger height is 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm)
- One member of each group must present a credit card and government-issued ID; this information will only be used in the case of damage or loss of property
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
32 verified traveler reviews for 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
You have got to experience this amazing fun.
Sooo much fun. Everyone should experience the beauty of Monterey and Pacific Grove with the GoCar.
via Tripadvisor
Do it!
So much fun in that little car! Learned things about Monterey I didn’t know. Alex and Brady were very patient and professional in the intake and when we return the car. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Cold but fun
It is very cold as the Go car can travel up to 35-40mph. The 17 mile is beautiful but I froze even with a blanket they provided.
via Viator
Confusion and disappointment.
Although the gentleman was very polite and informative, the experience itself was horrible. We paid for a 3 hour rental period with GPS guidance for the area. The GPS was at least 1-2 minutes behind in the narration, so we kept missing our turns and the appropriate descriptions of what we were seeing. We returned the vehicle after about 30-45 minutes of being lost and unable to re-route. I ended up using the GPS on my cell phone just to get us back to where we started.
via Tripadvisor
Worth it!
This is a fun activity, for both adult and my adult kid (almost 20). Know before you go—these are basically 3-wheeled low to the ground motorcycles, so you have to drive on the street with cars, and these are not allowed on the 17-mile drive. They go fast enough for street, but I noticed a little play at high speed where it acted like I was steering correcting back and forth just a smidge when I wasn’t. I’ve not driven motorcycles and did fine, but I’m a road cyclist, so I’m used to speed in a non/enclosed vehicle and have driven ATV’s a couple times. We did the 3 hour tour and the GPS verbal tour guide and iPad were super helpful and informative. The 3 hours allowed us to completely stop and order a panini at lovers point, use restroom, stop again at an overlook and at the butterfly grove, and we still had a bunch of time to kill at the end, so we drove around some adorable streets in Pacific Grove. The route (including optional detours) included all of historic Monterey, the wharf, through Pacific Grove along the coast, past the lighthouse, out to and around Asilomar, the butterfly grove, and back to where you started. Dress warm if it’s foggy. Be ready to wear a full helmet, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun and debris and do it! It was worth it.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monterey & Carmel.
How much does 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour cost?
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Prices start at $229 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Monterey & Carmel usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Monterey & Carmel is not rushed.
Is 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Monterey & Carmel, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Monterey & Carmel can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Monterey & Carmel and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Monterey & Carmel within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Monterey & Carmel?
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Monterey Bay is one of the best whale watching stretches in the world, alongside kayak tours over the kelp forest, 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur coastal runs, and Carmel wine walks. Boat size and naturalist quality decide the whale trips, and we score them accordingly. On Outty we rank every Monterey & Carmel experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr, Whale Watching Tour From Monterey, Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Monterey & Carmel?
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April to November for whales and calm seas. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Monterey & Carmel?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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