GoCar, the Storytelling Car

A New Way to Tour Miami

We zipped all over town while our little yellow car took us on a GPS guided tour. Our peppy little car navigated us all over South Beach. As we cruised down Ocean Drive, we were told the stories behind all of the sites that we were seeing. It was even better than having a tour guide because we could stop whenever we wanted and then start again to continue our tour. We were touring on a busy Sunday afternoon and as we passed the noisy and crowded sidewalk bars and restaurants along the way, our “tour guide” would advise us to honk the horn and wave at the people. We did just that and everyone waved back and some even took our pictures. One scantily clad young lady, beer in hand, ran along beside us and wanted to know what a couple of “senior citizens” were doing in such an itty-bitty little car. We told her that we were having fun and seeing the sights.

Since we had never visited South Beach before, we pretty much stuck to the route recommended by our “GPS lady.” We got to see all the famous hotels, landmarks and favorite shopping areas. However, it is not necessary to stick strictly to one route. The little yellow cars will take you wherever you would like to explore. You can even stop for lunch or to walk down one of the “pedestrian only” shopping streets. You can make your tour last for one hour, as we did, or opt to explore the area streets, neighborhoods and parks for an entire day.

Time Magazine called the little cars “one of the coolest inventions of the year.” CNN Headline News suggests “it’s time to dump the map and jump inside a GoCAr.” We would agree on both counts.

In case you are still wondering exactly what a GoCar is, it can best be explained by saying that “A GoCar is the world’s first computer-guided, storytelling car. The clever talking car navigates for you and as you drive it points out the sights and tells you about them and their history. In Miami, you can rent a GoCar that will speak in English or Spanish. San Francisco has GoCars that speak in five languages.

Two people can ride in a GoCar and you must be at least 18 years old to drive one. The cars are powered by a gas engine and can travel up to 35 mph. They are usually not driven that fast The cars can travel on any street that allows cars and can go to many places that a bus cannot navigate. We felt at least as safe in our little car as we did in our larger SUV and we spent a lot less time looking for street signs and figuring out where to turn. As a “senior citizen” I would not hesitate to take my grandchildren.

For More Information: Call l-800-91-GoCar. Or visit gocartours.com