Monterey GoCar Tour: Is a Full Day Trip Worth It? [Review]
Picture this: you’re cruising down the scenic 17-Mile Drive, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and a quirky little yellow car zipping along beneath you. Sound appealing? Well, that’s exactly what a Monterey GoCar tour hopes to deliver. So, is the full-day GoCar trip genuinely all that it’s cracked up to be, or is it just another touristy gimmick? Let’s get into what I discovered, sharing my thoughts on whether it’s worth your hard-earned dollars.
What Is a GoCar, Anyway?
Alright, before we go any further, let’s tackle the big question: what exactly is a GoCar? Basically, it’s a tiny, three-wheeled, GPS-guided vehicle that serves as your personal tour guide. That little thing, really, tells you where to go and shares neat tidbits about the different spots you’re checking out. It’s designed to be super easy to operate – so even if you’re not, say, a race car driver, you can totally handle it. You simply hop in, follow the spoken directions, and the car does a nice job of showing you around.
Choosing the Full-Day Tour: Why Bother?
Now, you might be thinking, “A full day? Seriously?” I had exactly that thought, too. GoCar provides various tour lengths, yet the full-day option genuinely offers the chance to explore Monterey and the surrounding areas at a relaxed tempo. So, you have time to visit places that are, maybe, a little further afield, take breaks when you wish, and really experience what the region has to offer. That sounds attractive, doesn’t it?
Pros of the Full-Day Tour: Freedom and Flexibility
- See More, Much More: Let’s face it, Monterey has, you know, a ton to offer. With a full day, you’re really not rushed. You’re able to venture beyond the main tourist spots and find hidden gems that a shorter trip simply wouldn’t allow.
- Your Schedule, Your Way: Among the best parts about a GoCar tour is, seemingly, the ability to stop whenever and wherever you want. Feel like lingering at a certain spot for an extra half-hour? Absolutely go for it! That flexibility is especially helpful with the full-day tour.
- Deep Dive Into History: The GPS commentary gives interesting details about the spots you visit, yet with a whole day, you’re more likely to really absorb what it’s saying, soaking in the history and the anecdotes without feeling pushed for time.
Cons of the Full-Day Tour: Potential Drawbacks
- Price Tag Alert: Alright, the truth is, the full-day GoCar tour, honestly, is not the cheapest option around. Be prepared to shell out a decent amount of money for the experience.
- GoCar Fatigue?: Alright, while cruising around in a GoCar is lots of fun, driving for a full day can become tiring. Those tiny seats aren’t exactly designed for comfort, so factor in regular breaks to stretch your legs.
- Weather Woes: Now, Monterey can have pretty unpredictable weather. What starts out as a bright, sunshiny morning can turn into a foggy afternoon in no time. Remember to check the forecast and dress appropriately.
What You’ll See on Your Full-Day GoCar Adventure
Okay, now for the good stuff: what sights are you actually gonna see on a full-day GoCar escapade? Expect to visit many of Monterey’s most well-known destinations, alongside some truly under-the-radar gems.
Must-See Spots: The Classics
- Cannery Row: Really, immerse yourself in the literary history of John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. The area, literally, brims with shops, eateries, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- 17-Mile Drive: Get ready for those stunning coastal views and iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress. It might be busy with other sightseers, yet it’s stunning for a reason.
- Pebble Beach: Alright, glimpse the world-famous golf courses, and maybe, you know, even spot a celebrity or two. The meticulously manicured greens, actually, are something to see, whether or not you’re into golf.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasures
- Pacific Grove’s Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary: During migration season, actually, thousands of monarch butterflies gather in this cozy spot, generating an unforgettable experience.
- Point Pinos Lighthouse: Discover the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The lighthouse, alright, provides amazing ocean views and a dose of maritime history.
- Asilomar State Beach: Now, step away from the crowds at this beautiful beach, which is perfect for a relaxed stroll, tide pooling, or simply taking in the wild beauty.
GoCar Full Day: Planning Your Day
A full day means, naturally, you’ve got to plan just a little. Okay, here are my pointers to ensure you actually get the most out of your experience:
Booking Smart: Timing and Deals
- Book Ahead: GoCars can be mighty popular, so book your tour, arguably, well in advance, specifically if you’re visiting during peak season.
- Look for Discounts: Explore GoCar’s site and third-party sites for promo codes, package offers, or seasonal discounts. The savings, potentially, can add up.
- Consider Weekdays: Alright, to dodge some of the crowds, think about going on your GoCar adventure during the week, instead of on a weekend.
What to Bring: Gear Up for Adventure
- Comfy Clothes: Now, dress in comfy layers. Monterey’s weather, literally, can change on a dime, so it is good to be prepared.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat really are must-haves to protect yourself from the sun, even on foggy days.
- Snacks and Drinks: Alright, while you will find spots to eat along the way, packing snacks and drinks can truly save you some cash, especially if you have picky eaters with you.
Pro-Tips: Making the Most of It
- Charge Up: Remember to completely charge your phone. You are going to be using it for pics, possibly songs, and staying on course with where you are supposed to be heading.
- Know the Rules of the Road: Get acquainted with GoCar’s security guidelines and rules just before starting off on your trip. This includes things like remaining on certain roads and not exceeding speed limits.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Veer Off: While the GPS commentary provides good suggestions, remember to be spontaneous. See a cool-looking road or viewpoint? Check it out. After all, you’ve got a whole day to do your thing.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
So, following my day-long jaunt around Monterey in a bright yellow GoCar, will I suggest it? To a degree. If you wish to see plenty of destinations on your own terms, and also love that little bit of journey mixed with sight-seeing, this might very well be a hit with you. Just take note of the charge, weather worries, and the real ability of spending an entire day in that modest-size seat. In case you go in geared up, this trip can prove extremely fun.
Whether a Monterey GoCar full-day tour actually proves well worth it usually is determined by what you expect and even the way you want to travel. To many individuals, freedom as well as the ease is definitely well worth the charge, for others, most likely, a shorter journey or even a conventional method for sight-seeing is definitely a far better fit. Irrespective of what you decide, bear in mind the golden principle of travel : take pleasure in!