• Cannery Row - Cannery Row is a must-visit destination: a “famous waterfront street” rich in history, ocean views, shops, and dining options. Once a thriving sardine canning hub immortalized by John Steinbeck, its renovated cannery buildings now host seafood restaurants, boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, and hotels, all while preserving its historical essence. As you explore in your open-air GoCar, absorb the vibrant history – you’ll encounter landmarks like the old Pacific Biological Lab (Ed “Doc” Ricketts’ marine lab at 800 Cannery Row) and Steinbeck’s Spirit honored in the Cannery Row Monument at Steinbeck Plaza. This lively street seamlessly combines historic charm with modern allure, truly the cultural heart of Monterey’s waterfront.

• Old Fisherman’s Wharf - A historic wharf brimming with seafood restaurants, gift shops, and tour boats, set against stunning bay views. Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World,” this bustling pier is a top visitor attraction offering whale-watching cruises, fishing trips, and renowned clam chowder tastings. It’s considered a “must-do” for every visitor to Monterey, blending history with family-friendly fun in a picturesque setting.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium - The world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium is the highlight of Cannery Row and a must-visit for all ages. Located in a former cannery building on the waterfront, this 20,000-square-foot aquarium immerses guests in marine wonders – 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.)

• San Carlos Beach - The Cannery Row area offers some of the best shoreline views of Monterey Bay. Stop at San Carlos Beach (at the Row’s south end) to explore tide pools filled with starfish and crabs, or watch scuba divers exploring the kelp beds just offshore.

• Lovers Point - Pacific Grove’s most cherished seaside park, offering breathtaking ocean views and a hub of outdoor activities. 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.

• Asilomar State Beach - A stunning 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 tranquil 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 unparalleled 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.

• 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.

• Point Pinos Lighthouse - Rich 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Map
• Tank of gas
• Helmet
• Rental of GPS-guided GoCar
• Safety Orientation

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Optional: Collision Damage Waiver for $19.00 (covers up to $500 in damages)

If Booking More Than One Car, Make Separate Reservations

Exchange crowded tour buses for the liberty of a vibrant-yellow, open-air GoCar and explore the entire Monterey Peninsula at your own pace. This extended, three-hour route combines the region’s most popular highlights—Monterey Bay, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove—with hidden coastal treasures you wouldn’t discover on a typical tour.

Why You’ll Love It

• GPS-Narrated Storytelling – Your GoCar’s built-in narrator provides turn-by-turn directions along with interesting facts about marine life, maritime history, and local legends, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.

• Stop Anytime, Anywhere – Pull over for sea-otter selfies, tide-pool explorations, or a bowl of clam chowder. Parking is easy with the compact vehicle.

• 360° Ocean Views – Feel the Pacific breeze as you navigate coastal roads and photo-op viewpoints that larger vehicles cannot reach.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.