Drive a Vanderhall Blackjack through scenic mountain roads to Julian, explore a gold mine, and indulge in the famous Julian apple pie on this unique 8-hour adventure near San Diego.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, but a basic level of mobility for entering and exiting the vehicle and touring the mine is recommended.
Wildlife
History
Julian played a significant role during California's gold rush era and retains its historic charm through preserved landmarks.
Conservation
The region prioritizes preserving natural habitats and promotes responsible tourism to minimize environmental impact.
GoCar Tours San Diego
Drive a Vanderhall Blackjack through scenic mountain roads to Julian, explore a gold mine, and indulge in the famous Julian apple pie on this unique 8-hour adventure near San Diego.
GoCar Tours San Diego provides self-drive and guided sightseeing experiences around San Diego, California, using GPS-guided storytelling vehicles and specialty driveables. Based in San Diego, the company operates a wide range of timed tours — from one-hour Harbor & Gaslamp Quarter routes to full-day Everything Tours — that let travelers explore downtown neighborhoods, historic sites, coastal landmarks, and nearby islands at their own pace. Tours highlight iconic attractions including the USS Midway, Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, the Maritime Museum, Old Town, Little Italy, Shelter Island, and Point Loma. Coronado excursions include the ferry ride, Hotel del Coronado, and beachside vistas. Scenic coastal itineraries visit Sunset Cliffs, tide pools, Cabrillo National Monument, and Ocean Beach, while Downtown routes showcase Hillcrest and Spanish architecture in Balboa Park.
Specialty experiences include the GoCar After Dark holiday lights route featuring a built-in navigation system; a Land & Sea combo that pairs GPS-driven cars with a helm-yourself speedboat on San Diego Bay; and an Exotic Driving Experience that uses a Vanderhall Blackjack for an eight-hour road trip to Julian with a gold mine tour and local apple pie. Multi-hour options cover three- and four-hour city explorations and a focused three-hour Coronado scooter tour. Each trip description specifies duration and primary sights, enabling visitors to choose experiences that match interests, pace, and schedule. Reservations accommodate solo travelers, couples, and families, with options ranging from quick drives to extended adventures. The fleet includes specialized vehicles for scenic coastal drives, urban exploration, and high-performance exotic runs.
Tours Offered
11 Tours
Short to full-day routes across San Diego
Tour Durations
1–8 hours
Options from quick drives to full days
Family Friendly
Family-friendly
Suitable for families and friends
Navigation Tech
GPS-guided
Built-in storytelling and route navigation
Reserve a timed experience — from one-hour Gaslamp drives to full-day scenic adventures and speedboat combos.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Dressing in layers ensures you stay comfortable as temperatures can vary between the coast and mountains.
Bring a Camera
There are stunning photo opportunities along the route, especially in Julian and the mountain vistas.
Book in Advance
The GoCar driving experience is popular, so secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Closed-toe footwear is safer and more comfortable for driving and touring the gold mine.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from bright sunlight during open-air driving.
summer
Layered Clothing
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures can change throughout the day.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning views and memorable moments.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Provides safety and comfort during driving and during the gold mine tour.