Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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

   Passes by

2. Watch our peaceful Monterey bay

   Passes by

3. See all the shops, restaurants and attractions on the historical Cannery Row

   Passes by

4. Zoom past Lover's Point and it's lovely park

   Passes by

5. Drive by the coast and witness the beautiful Asilmoar State Beach

   Passes by

6. 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.)

   Passes by

7. 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

   Passes by

8. 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

   Passes by

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

   Passes by

10. 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.

    Passes by

11. 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.

    Passes by

12. 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.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 179 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Great 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.

  Road26709730515September 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5It 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.

  Sandra_VSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Fun 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.

  annmarie42394September 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5A 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!

  Blenda_HAugust 2026via Viator

• 5Monterey 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!

  243ameepAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5What fun!

  What a fun experience! My daughter and I went out on the two hours for the price of one tour and had a blast! Lots of great info, fun “detours” and lots of opportunity to see the bay in a unique way. Alex was fantastic and so helpful! Would highly recommend!

  X4357FQjesssJuly 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Monterey & Carmel

• Its from-price is 43% below the median of the 13 city tours we list in Monterey & Carmel.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 3 of 13.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Monterey & Carmel

Monterey and Carmel share a rugged California peninsula of cypress-lined coast, a famous aquarium, an old Spanish capital and an artists' seaside village.

Monterey stands on the south shore of Monterey Bay in California and was the capital of Alta California under Spain and Mexico. Its historic adobe buildings, including the Custom House, line the old streets near the harbour, while Cannery Row, the former sardine-canning street made famous by John Steinbeck, is now lined with restaurants and shops. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, in a converted cannery, shows the kelp forests and open-sea life of the bay.

Top-ranked sights in Monterey & Carmel: 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay.

See all 98 experiences in Monterey & Carmel