Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

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Monterey Cannery Row & Pacific Grove GoCar Tour — 3-Hour GPS-Narrated Coastal Drive

Monterey Cannery Row & Pacific Grove GoCar Tour — 3-Hour GPS-Narrated Coastal Drive

Trade the bus for a bright-yellow GoCar and steer your own three-hour coastal story through Cannery Row, Lovers Point and Asilomar. GPS narration, easy pullovers, and ocean-side views make this a compact, marine-minded way to see Monterey Peninsula.

Monterey, California
3 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Bring layers

Marine fog can chill summer mornings—pack a windbreaker and a fleece for comfort during stops.

Watch local traffic

These cars are small but public streets are shared—yield to pedestrians and follow posted speed limits.

Protect tide pools

Observe tide-pool life from the rocks or boardwalk; do not remove creatures or disturb kelp beds.

Charge for images

Battery power for phones drains quickly when shooting coastal scenes—bring a spare or a power bank.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • San Carlos Beach tide pools at the south end of Cannery Row
  • Asilomar Dunes boardwalk and low-tide coves for quiet sunset views

Wildlife

  • Sea otters
  • Harbor seals

Conservation Note

The route skirts the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary—respect marine life and stay on designated paths to protect kelp forests and tide-pool communities.

Cannery Row grew from a booming sardine industry immortalized by John Steinbeck; Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855) marks the peninsula’s long maritime past.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour (sunrise/sunset), Morning (calmer waters), Overcast midday for even light
Key viewpoints:
  • Cannery Row boardwalk near the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Lovers Point overlook in Pacific Grove
  • Asilomar dunes boardwalk at low tide
Subjects to capture:Kelp forests and wave-swept rocks, Sea otters and seals, Historic Point Pinos Lighthouse

What to Bring

Windbreaker or light waterproof jacketEssential

Blocks chill from ocean fog and wind during coastal stops.

Comfortable walking shoesEssential

Necessary for navigating tide pools, boardwalks and uneven shore access.

Binoculars or telephoto lens

Makes spotting sea otters, seals and distant whales much easier.

Small daypack with water and sunscreenEssential

Keeps hydration and sun protection accessible during pullovers and short hikes.

Common Questions

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes—drivers must be 18+ and present a valid government-issued driver’s license at pickup.

Can I stop wherever I like?

You can pull over at public viewpoints and designated parking areas; private property and restricted areas are off-limits.

Is fuel included?

Yes—the tank of gas for the rental GoCar is included in the booking.

Are helmets provided?

Helmets are supplied and required for all drivers and passengers as part of the safety orientation.

Can children ride in the GoCar?

Minimum passenger age is 7; infants can travel in specialized infant seats if requested in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure; weather cancellations may also allow refunds.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

3 hours

Location

Monterey, California

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Light activity—suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and easy steps to viewpoints.

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Monterey?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

Check Availability & Book Now