Windy coastal roads beat tour buses. This two-seater GoCar tour is a fun way to see Monterey and Pacific Grove with unobstructed ocean views and photo stops built into the drive. You’ll pass classic waterfront spots and then roll toward quieter stretches where Cypress trees, sand dunes, and the shoreline feel made for the camera.

I also like the hands-on “you drive” format. With a GPS-guided route, you can set your own pace while still getting the important sights—Harbor views near Fisherman’s Wharf, historic Cannery Row, and Lover’s Point—without needing to do research or navigation on your own. One thing to consider: you’ll be driving right away in city streets, and you might want a bit more practice time than what’s offered.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Open-top GoCar comfort: scooter feel, car stability, and room for two people riding side by side
• GPS-guided coastal route: you follow the plan but still control the stops for photos
• Monterey + Pacific Grove highlights: Wharf, Cannery Row, Lover’s Point, and Pacific Grove’s scenic points
• Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary stop: a nature break that changes the pace from ocean driving
• Real-world driving considerations: open-air wind, plus you should be comfortable sharing the road

The Big Idea: A Two-Seater GoCar Along Monterey Bay

This tour is built around a simple concept: trade a bus seat for the driver’s seat. You’ll ride in a two-person, open-top GoCar scooter car that drives like a scooter but aims for the comfort and stability of a car. It’s the kind of setup that makes you pay attention—wind noise, ocean air, and the quick turn from “I’m looking” to “I’m there.”

For me, the value is in the mix of control and guidance. You don’t have to navigate from scratch, but you also aren’t stuck watching a guide point out landmarks from a fixed position. The GPS-guided tour gives structure, while the open road gives you freedom—especially along Monterey Bay where the best views are often at roadside pull-offs and overlooks.

Getting Oriented in Monterey: Wharf, Cannery Row, and Lover’s Point

Monterey is where this tour gets fun fast, because the route threads you through the most recognizable parts of town. You’ll drive past Fisherman’s Wharf, which means you’ll get a front-row perspective on the harbor area without having to park and walk through crowds. From the car, you can soak in the waterfront vibe and then keep rolling instead of spending time finding a parking spot.

Then comes the historic feel of Cannery Row. Even if you’re not stopping, passing it by car matters—because you’re getting motion plus context, and it’s easier to connect what you’ve seen on maps with what’s really in front of you. It’s also one of those stretches where you can slow down briefly, take a couple photos, and move on.

Finally, you’ll head toward Lover’s Point, another classic Monterey shoreline stop. This is where the “two people side by side” setup really helps: you can coordinate photos without passing a phone back and forth, and you can compare what you’re both seeing across the water.

What to watch for here

Open-top driving changes how you experience coastal areas. Light breeze becomes constant wind in your face, and that’s part of the charm—but it’s also why you’ll want sunglasses and sunscreen. If you’re sensitive to noise or wind, plan for it rather than fighting it.

Pacific Grove Driving: Historic Stops and Wind-Swept Views

Once you’re out of central Monterey, the tour shifts into a more scenic rhythm. You’ll continue toward Pacific Grove, where the atmosphere feels quieter and more coastal. The route is designed so you’re not just looking at ocean water—you’re also seeing the shoreline details that make this area feel distinct, like Cypress trees and sand dunes.

Pacific Grove is also where the “historic points” element shows up. You’ll pass by places that reflect the town’s character rather than just commercial waterfront. The payoff is that the scenery starts to feel more layered: buildings and streets give you the human scale, while the coastline keeps stretching your view outward.

The drawback you should plan around

The style of tour assumes you’re comfortable driving in real conditions. One issue that can pop up for riders is a desire to test driving first. If you’re new to the feel of a scooter-car setup, you may want a little more practice before committing to street driving. You can reduce stress by arriving ready—comfortable clothes, steady pace, and no rushing.

What You’ll See Between Stops: Dunes, Cypress Trees, and Lake El Estero

This route isn’t just “drive from A to B.” It’s stitched together with visual variety, and that’s a big reason it works as a 2-hour experience instead of a quick photo drive.

Here are the scenery themes you’ll notice along the way:

• Ocean views with fewer obstructions than you’ll get standing still
• Windswept Cypress trees, which look great in wind and light
• Sand dunes, giving you that classic Monterey Bay texture
• Lake El Estero, adding inland-coastal contrast

That mix matters because it changes your brain’s pattern. If you only see ocean cliffs, after a while everything starts to look similar. With dunes, trees, and a lake on the route, you keep getting new visual cues—and you’re more likely to capture different kinds of photos.

The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Stop: A Nature Pause

One of the standout moments is the stop at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. This is where the tour slows down in a good way. Instead of focusing only on coastal driving, you get a nature-focused break that feels meaningful compared to a quick roadside pull-off.

Even if butterflies aren’t your main interest, the sanctuary stop adds variety to your time budget. It gives you a chance to step away from driving, take photos that aren’t just coastline shots, and reset before you finish the route.

A practical note: because you’re coming from an open-air ride, you may want to have your camera accessible and your hat ready. Coastal wind is one thing; the sanctuary area is where you’ll actually want to take your time and look around.

Timing and Pace: How a 2-Hour GoCar Tour Works

This is a 2-hour tour, and the format is key to enjoying it. You’re not trying to cram Monterey into a full day. You’re getting the best “drive-by plus photo-stop” combination, which keeps the experience moving without feeling rushed in a chaotic way.

Because it’s GPS-guided, you’re always moving toward a next viewpoint or attraction. But because you’re driving, you can decide how long you want to pause for a photo—especially at panoramic viewpoints. It’s a smart time length for first-timers: long enough to feel like a mini-adventure, short enough to keep it from dragging.

Also, the tour is limited to small groups, with the listing indicating a small group of up to 2 participants. That matters because it reduces waiting and crowd pressure. In a place like Monterey, where traffic and parking can be a hassle, the “just drive” model saves real stress.

Price and Value: What $112 for Two People Actually Buys

The price is $112 per group up to 2 for a 2-hour scooter-car rental with GPS guidance, a helmet, and a full tank of gas included. The CDW insurance is optional (listed as $12), so you’re not automatically paying extra beyond the base fare.

Where the value really shows up is in the combination of:

• Transportation that’s part of the entertainment
• GPS that reduces planning and confusion
• Access to multiple viewpoints without the parking headache

If you were to try to stitch this together yourself, you’d still need a car rental (or costly rideshares), time to drive between coastal stops, and effort to figure out the best pull-offs. Here, you’re buying convenience plus a vehicle experience that’s genuinely different from “normal driving.”

One more practical angle: because the cost is for the group up to two, it’s easiest to use the value if you’re riding with someone you’d want to share the road and photos with.

Safety, Comfort, and What to Bring

You’ll get a helmet and a full tank of gas as part of the experience. You’re also driving an open-top vehicle, so comfort planning matters more than it does for a closed car.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes

Wear:

• Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for driving

If you run hot or get windburn easily, treat this like a coastal day outdoors even if you’re only moving through neighborhoods. And because it’s open-air, you’ll feel the weather more than you expect—so plan for wind and sun.

Not allowed: smoking. Simple rule, but it’s worth noting if anyone in your group is used to doing it on the road.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a good match if you want a coastal experience that feels playful and personal, not scripted. It’s especially appealing if you like:

• driving yourself
• quick photo stops
• seeing both Monterey and Pacific Grove in a short window

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 4
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems

Also, consider your comfort with wind and open-air riding. If you’re prone to motion discomfort or you dislike open-air driving, this might feel like too much.

Should You Book the Monterey Early Bird Special (2 Hours)?

Book it if you want the “best hits” of Monterey Bay without spending hours on logistics. The open-top GoCar format makes the ride itself part of the attraction, and the route ties together familiar landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row with scenic nature elements like dunes and Cypress trees. The stop at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is a solid change of pace within a short time.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable driving in traffic right away or you know open-air wind will bug you. Also, if you fall into the listed unsuitability categories, you’ll want a different kind of tour.

If you’re flexible and can handle the driving setup, this is one of those rare short tours that doesn’t feel small—it feels like you “got the area” in a couple hours.

FAQ

How long is the Monterey Early Bird Special GoCar tour?

It runs for 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s $112 per group for up to 2 people.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the scooter car rental for 2 hours, a GPS-guided tour, a helmet for safety, and a full tank of gas.

Is CDW insurance included?

No. Optional CDW insurance is listed as $12.

Is there a helmet included?

Yes, a helmet is included.

Do I need to bring anything?

You should bring sunglasses, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen, plus wear comfortable clothes suitable for driving.

Is the tour open-top?

Yes. You should be prepared for open-air driving.

Is smoking allowed?

No, smoking is not allowed.

Is it okay to bring a young child?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 4 years.