Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 179 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour worth booking?
Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour is a 1-hour experience in Monterey & Carmel, United States, from $99 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 179 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (179)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $99 per person
Monterey GoCar Tour: See it all from 1 to 3 hours. IF BOOKING MORE THAN ONE CAR MAKE SEPARATE RESERVATIONS. Zip past traffic and dive into Monterey’s must-see sights at your own pace in a sleek, GPS-narrated GoCar—the fun, open-air vehicle that’s both guide and ride. Roll down historic Cannery Row, pause for unbeatable photo ops of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and cruise the coast toward Pacific Grove’s dramatic shoreline, all while the GoCar’s smart narration shares insider stories and turn-by-turn directions. Why Book: Skip crowded buses, park anywhere, and explore hidden gems most tours miss Perfect For: Families, couples, and adventurers looking for flexible, on-your-own-schedule fun Discover why a GoCar Tour is the most exhilarating way to experience the aquarium, the bay, and beyond—book today and make Monterey your playground!
What you get
About this experience
Monterey GoCar Tour: See it all from 1 to 3 hours. IF BOOKING MORE THAN ONE CAR MAKE SEPARATE RESERVATIONS. Zip past traffic and dive into Monterey’s must-see sights at your own pace in a sleek, GPS-narrated GoCar—the fun, open-air vehicle that’s both guide and ride. Roll down historic Cannery Row, pause for unbeatable photo ops of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and cruise the coast toward Pacific Grove’s dramatic shoreline, all while the GoCar’s smart narration shares insider stories and turn-by-turn directions. Why Book: Skip crowded buses, park anywhere, and explore hidden gems most tours miss Perfect For: Families, couples, and adventurers looking for flexible, on-your-own-schedule fun Discover why a GoCar Tour is the most exhilarating way to experience the aquarium, the bay, and beyond—book today and make Monterey your playground!
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
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
Watch our peaceful Monterey bay
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Cannery Row
See all the shops, restaurants and attractions on the historical Cannery Row
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Lovers Point Park
Zoom past Lover's Point and it's lovely park
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Asilomar State Beach
Drive by the coast and witness the beautiful Asilmoar State Beach
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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 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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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 here carries a $1,000 fine!) Even outside monarch season, the quiet grove is a peaceful nature stop. 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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The strip features interactive attractions like Treasure Hunt: The Ride – a pirate-themed dark ride through hidden caverns and mysteries.
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San Carlos Beach
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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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.
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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
The expansive bay itself is a star attraction, protected as part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and teeming with marine life. Travelers often spot sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, or even migrating whales from the shore. Whether you pause at a scenic lookout or cruise along the water, the bay’s calm, clear waters offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities in an open-air setting. (The GoCar’s GPS narration will even point out where to look for frolicking otters or harbor seals in the kelp beds.)
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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
Options you can book
2-Hr Coastal Explorer
2-Hr Coastal Explorer: Aquarium to Pacific Grove, Lovers Point & Asilomar—tide pools, butterflies, epic shore views.
Wake Early: Save Big!
Early Bird Tour: Our two hour tour for the price of one hour!
1 HR Monterey Bay Sprint
1 Hour Monterey Bay Sprint: Wharf to Aquarium in a GPS-guided GoCar—bay views, Cannery Row stories, photo stops.
3-hr Ultimate Loop
3-hr Ultimate Loop: Monterey Bay, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, Point Pinos & Monarch Sanctuary—immersive coast ride.
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
- 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
- Price is per car (which seats up to 2 passengers)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 179 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
179 verified traveler reviews for Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great way to see the sites.
This was a great experience. Well worth the money and time. We will definitely do this again. I’m glad we chose the 2 hour option. The narration was very informative and helpful.
via Tripadvisor
It was a fun experience...
It was a fun experience and the instructor was good at demonstrating how to drive the go cars and very helpful.
via Viator
Fun and a great way to see the highlights of Monterey!
Kahlo greeted us immediately, the video and his introduction to the go cart was well presented… we climbed in and away we went! Two 71 year old women having Blast! The two hour tour showed us so much more than if we’d been on our own. We had considered e-bikes but found this to be more convenient for chatting and commenting on the sights.
via Tripadvisor
A must do when in Monterey!
Such an amazing way to see Monterey even if you’re a local or a tourist! The scooters feel really safe and the two hour scenic route is amazing!
via Viator
Monterey Tour
The tour was so fun! The GPS was easy to follow and the car was easy to drive. I went with my husband and child and we drove 2 separate go cars. It was a really great experience and I recommend it to friends and family!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $99 to $229
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 63
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by GoCar Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.5.
See everything GoCar Tours runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ultimate Monterey Bay, 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 Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour cost?
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Prices start at $99 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 Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour 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 Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 179 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 Ultimate Monterey Bay, 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 Ultimate Monterey Bay, 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 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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Around 63 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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ultimate Monterey Bay, 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, 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided 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.
What is included in Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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Included: Map; Tank of gas; Helmet; Rental of GPS-guided GoCar; and Safety Orientation. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Optional: Collision Damage Waiver for $19.00 (covers up to $500 in damages). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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Beside El Cantaro Restaurant Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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Across 179 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including 2-Hr Coastal Explorer, Wake Early: Save Big!, 1 HR Monterey Bay Sprint, 3-hr Ultimate Loop. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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