Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

4.1 (179 reviews) 1–3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

179 reviews

4.1

Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Vespa, Scooter & Moped Tours City Tours Adventure Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 1–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: GoCar Tours

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Optional: Collision Damage Waiver for $19.00 (covers up to $500 in damages)

Itinerary

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Passing by

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
Monterey Bay

Passing by

Watch our peaceful Monterey bay
Cannery Row

Passing by

See all the shops, restaurants and attractions on the historical Cannery Row
Lovers Point Park

Passing by

Zoom past Lover's Point and it's lovely park
Asilomar State Beach

Passing by

Drive by the coast and witness the beautiful Asilmoar State Beach
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Passing by

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.)
Monarch Grove Sanctuary

Passing by

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
Point Pinos Lighthouse

Passing by

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
Stop 9

Passing by

The strip features interactive attractions like Treasure Hunt: The Ride – a pirate-themed dark ride through hidden caverns and mysteries.
San Carlos Beach

Passing by

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.
Dennis the Menace Park

Passing by

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

Passing by

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.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Passing by

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.)

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Beside El Cantaro Restaurant

End point

Beside El Cantaro Restaurant

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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)

Options

2-Hr Coastal Explorer

2-Hr Coastal Explorer: Aquarium to Pacific Grove, Lovers Point & Asilomar—tide pools, butterflies, epic shore views.
3-hr Ultimate Loop

3-hr Ultimate Loop: Monterey Bay, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, Point Pinos & Monarch Sanctuary—immersive coast ride.
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.