hand car tours marina ca

Handcar Tours

Review Highlights

“ Even with the electric assist , it is definitely a workout, so be prepared, but it is so worth it. ” in 4 reviews

“ They feel secure and safe, while still providing a good burst of speed going downhill . ” in 5 reviews

“ ). As a family, we have a basic level of fitness so you don't have to be super fit to use th e hand c a ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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3071 Del Monte Blvd

Marina, CA 93933

Serving Marina Area

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Pedal your way across six miles of historic Monterey Bay railroad tracks aboard one of our electric assist railbikes. For those looking for more of a physical challenge we also have our fleet of handcars for a truly unique experience available nowhere else in the world. …

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Are you open on Friday's?

We just went on a Friday! Right now there is a 10% Friday discount. It all depends on the season. Check out their live reservation schedule for which Fridays they run or not.

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Overall rating

Book online for either a duo/couple pedal OR 4 person hand car tour for a 6 mile (1.5 hr) experience, site seeing the greenery/ sand dunes & Pacific Ocean in Marina, CA. Less than 20 minutes north of Monterey! ** GPS WILL TELL YOU TO GO ACROSS THE STREET... but as you approach the location & see the Handcar Tour Sign, drive toward that area**

See all photos from Laurajane R. for Handcar Tours

I like to dedicate my first review of 2024 to Handcar Tours. My visit took place mid-November and it was just perfect. I made reservations online for the (easy) Electric Assist Railbikes. Showed up early to sign waivers on the day of, and then one of the staff rallied everyone to go over safety rules, as well as its history, before breaking people into pairs. The excellent sunny/not too windy weather made this experience even more memorable. Dress in layers as it may get cold. There was a lot of spacing in between each railbike. Believe it or not, my legs were slightly sore after the exursion. One of my favorite aspects is the ability to take a group break and take many photos. The owner joined us at the group break and answered questions. I got to ask him how his business started and he shared the challenges and joys. So great that his son was more the engineering side of designing the handcar railbikes and he was more on logistics/operations. Easy parking and portable potties available. No restrooms available during the break. Time flew by quickly. I'd love to visit again and try their harder experience. #1/2024

See all photos from Jean L. for Handcar Tours

I highly recommend the handcar tours in Monterey. It was such a fun, unique, and beautiful way to experience a piece of Monterey. We got the electric assist pedal car so it was also quite relaxing. The cool weather felt great while doing some easy pedaling (although gloves are a good idea). If you have a bigger group and want to stay together multiple cars can be linked. This is a small family run business & passion project. They were all very friendly and excited to talk about their work.

Amazing opportunity to get physically active and enjoy the beautiful ocean views. The staff was welcoming and provided detailed information about how to use the handcars and what to expect on your ride/tour. The weather was perfect for this fun activity!

Unique, fun outdoor activity that you can do with almost anyone who is reasonably in shape. (You don't have to be in amazing shape because the electric assist helps a lot, but at least one of you in a bike will need to peddle continuously). Family owned, really good service, and very safe. They're very good about explaining all the things you should or shouldn't do. Logistically, bring a small bag/crossbody with a zipper, so you don't drop anything. There is a basket in the middle of the cart if you need to store things like a bag/water bottle.

I saw an ad for this on Instagram and decided to give it a try. It's an interesting concept to enjoy the view along the coast. People working there were very friendly and knowledgeable of the cars. This is a family business. The owner's son is the own that designed the cars and they build all the cars themselves. They said it cost them $29,000 to build an electric car. The hand cars were created first. A hand car can hold up to 4 people, you have to use your arms/hands to drive it. The electric cars were added very recently and only 2 people can occupy it. You use your legs to pedal it We reserved an electric car and I'm glad we did because I don't like the arm motion of the hand car. I much prefer pedalling. You don't have to pedal much because it's electric assisted. I enjoyed the ride but it felt quite short. I wished it was longer and there was less waiting/idle time. Support small business!!

If I could give 0 stars I would. Honestly not worth $150. I was expecting good views and things to look at along the way. You are between 2 mountain sides so all you see is grass You don't see the ocean or anything pretty until you reach the top point and you sit there for 10 minutes on top of a railroad so no room to walk down or see anything. There are homeless people living along the side and one was like 2 feet away from us trying to grab the car. It's cool to experience being on the train track but you can rent an electric bike and go on the trails right next to this for cheaper and better views. Don't waste your money.

This is all you see the whole way. No views just freeway and dirt.

My group of 4 went on a random Saturday. We drove from the Bay Area, which during the weekdays estimated 1 hour even to Handcar Tours' location. It took us 1.5 hours- almost late to our reserved time of 1pm. They do have some leeway, so we didn't feel rushed. There is a small parking lot. Since reservations are timed, there was ample parking. There's also a porta potty for those who need to unleash whatever's boiling deep inside. You have to sign a short waiver upon arrival. The staff will brief everyone on safety features, what to expect, how to get the handcars moving, etc. There are several groups loading up and going at the same time. Each group will have to slow down / speed up to keep all cars moving without hitting each other. At 1:30pm, we were loaded up on the "cars" and cleared for launch! I thought Handcar Tours was like a guided walking tour on rails.. but it is not! I was just invited for a good time, so I didn't take the responsible route of reading the brochures before agreeing to go. Each car is a group of 4 people, all pulling with their upper body and pushing the "pedals" with their legs to keep the car moving. The track is a loop that runs along the freeway on one side and with the Pacific Ocean on the other. The first half of the track has some uphill. But I bear good news! Before the "halftime break", all riders are rewarded with an amazing view of the ocean. The entire group gets to take a break in the halfway point. The break area has the best views of the ocean. Everyone gets to stand around, take photos, and ask the staff to help with photos! The second half of the track loops back into the check in point. It's mostly downhill from there! We clocked out at 2:30pm and went our merry way. It was a fun, unique experience. The logistics were smooth. It didn't feel like we had hiccups or uncertainty. The workers were trained and friendly. Thank you Handcar Tours! PS - It's physical activity but hardly a workout. Caveats: The bathroom is just one lone porta potty. It would be nice if the check in area was a tiny little building with bathroom and vending machines, maybe some fun facts about the tracks or the city. They do have this available on their website, but where's the fun in that? Riders are seated facing each other, with 2 people (front seat) facing backwards, and the other 2 (back seat) facing forwards. The staff recommend the stronger people take the front seats. However! Front seaters are not rewarded with good views for their disproportionate efforts in propelling the cars. People in the back seat can enjoy the views without having turning their heads. I don't think this is Handcar's fault, I am just stating my experience. Each group rents an entire car, so you need to fill up your car or each person pays more! Pricey at almost $50 a person for a full car. And it's going up in July 2023! Even with the Early Bird discount, it's rough on the wallet. Not a "guided tour" unlike what the website implies. "These are guided tours with the handcars and rail bikes traveling together as one unit with trained guides leading on a handcar to the front and to the rear of the group". Apparently this just meant the guides herd the group so they know if a car gets derailed, group too fast/slow, and not a "guide" to tell us fun facts about the place. Maybe "tours" in the name "Handcar Tours" was misleading..

See all photos from Noel B. for Handcar Tours

very fun handcar experience - a great alternative to outdoor trail exploration. The reservation process was a breeze. On the day of, checking in early to watch demonstration on how to operate is a must. The manual is a definite workout and you should have 3-4 people to fill up. The electric-assisted is very comfortable. Would love to take other family here another day!

What a fantastic time! Came here with some friends so we had a full car. 4 people max per car. But we saw some 2 and 3 person groups. All groups seemed to be able to enjoy the experience. This is very much a small family business and they are working hard to make sure everyone has a good time. Good explanation of what the experience will be and how to operate the cars. It's pretty straightforward. It's a bit of a workout on the way up with some slight uphill spots. But the way back is downhill and if you get some speed, you can go pretty fast. It was an overcast, slightly cool day. We did the 1-3pm window. I felt it was perfect weather as the sun was peaking out a bit but still shady to keep it from being too warm. They tell you to dress in layers and it's great advice. We brought some water and snacks. Snacks were probably overkill. But definitely bring something to drink. They also had water bottles for $1 so that was convenient. We brought gloves and 3 of us used them. It was nice to keep your hands from getting a little blister but probably not totally necessary. The views are awesome! You see the ocean, dunes, flowers, etc. We were even lucky enough to see whales at the halfway point. Definitely a fun experience for locals or tourists.

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Handcar Tours

3071 Del Monte Blvd, Marina, CA 93933

• Phone (831) 204-5000

Handcar Tours offers guided handcar tours across the Monterey Branch Line through Fort Ord Dunes State Park. These are handcars, meaning you provide the physical effort using your legs and arms to propel the rail vehicle. When you book one of our handcars, you are booking a car with four seats. Each handcar can carry up to four participants, but we require at least two participants over 16 years of age. Each participant must be at least 50 inches tall and under 275 pounds. Closed toed shoes are mandatory for all participants. Cycling gloves are helpful, but not required.

Tours begin at the corner of Palm Drive and Marina Avenue, in the City of Marina. We are about 15 minutes north of famous Cannery Row. After you receive a personalized safety briefing, our tour group consisting of 12 handcars will depart south towards Fort Ord Dunes State Park. You will be led by trained guides to the front and rear, with speeds varying between 7 and 10 mph for the duration of the excursion. The experience runs about 1.25-1.5 hours, and covers six miles of the Monterey Branch Line along Monterey Bay.

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Highly Recommended! - Handcar Tours

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This handcar tour was super fun today. The electric assist made the cycling easy. Would highly... read more

Very unique activity. Family run business that really care about your experience. Pedal bike... read more

Highly Recommended!

The Clark family has created an amazing experience here in Marina! We were blown away by the handcar’s quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design. The track is a wonderful 6 mile loop through dunes and ocean views. There’s an exciting climb and decent on the tour and you get to control your speed based on your effort and teamwork. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I couldn’t recommend it more!!!

Our group of four had such a fun time doing this! The tour is unique, the scenery is beautiful, and the hand cars are a blast! The staff were wonderful as well! I believe they are only doing this through the summer so I highly recommend you check this out soon.

Saw the rail cars while driving down hwy 1 and had to check out. Family owned and operated, you ride hand built rail cars on a historic section of rail line. The cars are propelled by your arms and legs. Great upper and lower body work out. The route is 6 miles round trip and passes through some pretty areas with scenic views. The tour guides are awesome and the rail cars are incredible. Recently opened, this attraction is only in Marina until Sept

Handcar Tours bringing new activity to the…

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Highway 1 closure: public can convoy in and out of big sur starting monday, things to do, handcar tours bringing new activity to the monterey peninsula, monterey branch line rails through fort ord dunes state park being cleared for summer venture.

MARINA — This summer a new kind of recreational activity will be introduced on the Monterey Peninsula bringing old technology into the 21st century and breathing life into a long-dormant stretch of rail line, at least for a time.

“We surveyed a lot of different rail lines,” said Todd Clark, a principal of Handcar Tours, part of the Museum of Handcar Technology. “We looked at Marina before the prototype was completed.”

Clark, along with his son Mason, and the rest of the family, own and operate the business that manufactures and exhibits historic replica handcars.

Mason Clark built his first railroad handcar when he was 12, and developed a business building and selling handcars to customers around the world by the time he was 16. He graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Program at Cal Poly Pomona where he designed an all-new touring handcar currently manufactured for Handcar Tours. The handcar venture is a side business for the younger Clark, who is employed as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace field.

This is the first Handcar Tours project of its kind for the Clarks. The company has been working on this venture since August 2019 when it first approached the Transportation Agency for Monterey County to lease the tracks. It decided on the branch line for its beautiful scenery, manageable grades and the unique loop that brings the handcars back to the starting point.

Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado said he has been part of a volunteer force of about 20 community members that have been helping to clear the tracks. Recently, “about a dozen volunteers finished the loop area.”

The Museum of Handcar Technology manufactures human-powered railroad vehicles and operates an interpretive educational venture called Handcar Tours.

In February, the Transportation Agency for Monterey County approved a lease for the company to demonstrate its handcar concept across the Monterey Branch Line for a 30-day trial run. Since then, the company and volunteers from the city of Marina have been busy clearing trees, brush, and ice plant from the more than 3 miles of track that has not seen use in many years.

The lease is for 90 days and the company plans to take people on its Handcar Tours for 30 days.

“The endgame is to demonstrate to the community if this is something they’d like to see on the branch line on a regular basis,” said Clark. “We would love to have a permanent enterprise with a museum but for now we’re just looking at a demonstration event.”

The Handcar Tour would begin in Marina at the corner of Palm Drive and Marina Avenue on the oldest portion of the Monterey Branch Line that dates back to 1875. The handcars are propelled by the physical effort of the occupants’ arms and legs. Each can carry up to four participants, two of whom are required to be over 16 years in age with each participant being at least 46 inches tall and under 275 pounds.

Each handcar will cost about $130 to tour on, divided among a group of four that works out to be $32.50 a piece.

After a safety briefing, the tour group of 12 handcars will be led by trained guides at the front and rear through the excursion of about 50 minutes in duration.

Clark said that the start date is tentatively planned for Aug. 1, “however, if we can get ahead of schedule we could start mid-July.”

The Clarks are investing about $75,000 in this labor of love, and Todd Clark said “it’s very fulfilling to do this.” He said that when you are building something you love, bringing it to Marina and seeing people’s faces and reactions to the handcars, “it was golden and what we’re after … sharing the joy it has brought to my family over the years.”

Delgado said working and riding the handcar was exhilarating, and he was glad so many community members have taken an interest in the venture.

The Clarks will be returning to the area at the end of April to work on repairing the rail switches, among other work that still needs to be done to make sure the route is safe and passable.

For more information, visit www.handcar.com.

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Monterey Branch Line Here We Come!

• Post author: tclark
• Post published: March 10, 2021
• Post category: Uncategorized

On February 24, 2021 the Transportation Agency of Monterey County approved our lease for demonstrating our handcar concept across the Monterey Branch Line.  On March 4 we performed a walking assessment of the route so we can prepare for the task of clearing trees, brush, and ice plant from 3.5 miles of track.  It has been 20 years since a train polished the rails and we have to undo 20 years of natural encroachment.

We have our work cut out in readying the line for tours:

Leaving Marina we have invasive ice plant over the track. We will have to tear this off the track.

After passing under Highway 1 we enter a heavily grown over segment of tracks. This is about 2500 feet of old track with railroad ties that date back to the great depression.  We know this because there are dated nails in the ties.

Marina is known for its thick fog and we can see the results of the salty sea air on the joint bars.  You can’t run a train over this, but this is not a problem for handcars.

About a mile into the trip the route enters the modern rebuilt section of track from 1971 when the railroad was moved to accommodate the construction of US 1.  We get to enjoy about a mile and a half of this.  Thankfully, the heavily ballasted track has mostly resisted overgrowth and ice plant.

At the top of the grade the routes proceeds around the balloon loop.  It looks and feels like a holiday tree farm as the pine forest has encroached into the right-of-way.

Finally, the grand view offered as the route rounds the Balloon Loop. This was built to turn military trains to operate in the opposite direction so they could proceed towards the mainline at Castroville.

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New handcar attraction coming to marina by august.

Old-school handcars you might have seen in cartoons are being re-designed and making their way to an under-used train track in Marina.

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A Southern California family wants to bring a new attraction to the Central Coast.

Old-school handcars like those you might have seen in cartoons are being re-designed and making their way to an under-used train track in Marina.

"We want people to come away with a smile on their face," said Mason Clark, designer and engineer for Handcar Tours and the Museum of Handcar Technology in Santa Clarita, California.

Clark and his family are from Santa Clarita, and they have worked more than three years building, designing and bringing handcars to communities to have some fun with. They are bringing the attraction to the train track inside Fort Ord Dunes in Marina.

"We want them to feel they got a good workout. You get a workout. It's not terribly difficult," Clark said.

He also said he wanted people to have "satisfaction, enjoyment, some nice pictures to put on their Instagram and Facebook."

The railway hasn't been used in several decades. The Clarks plan to have the handcar ready by this August, for a trial run.

But first, the tracks need to be cleared.

Mason said the family negotiated a lease with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County to rent a section of the rail line. The Clark family is providing 100% of the funding for the project. People will soon be able to strap in and pump their way down three miles of uninterrupted railroad.

"It was refreshing. I feel giddy when I'm on it, because you are moving on your own power," said Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado.

The mayor said he is excited about the new attraction but knows people have concerns. Some of those concerns center around parking, the additional noise from the handcar and native plants in the area, such as the wild leaf buckwheat used by the endangered Smith's blue butterfly to lay eggs.

"There is only about eight of those buckwheats on the railroad tracks. And they are all so small, they don't need to do anything with them," Delgado said.

The mayor said the noise shouldn't be an issue because there is no motor. The noise from the hand-car will not travel far, according to Delgado. There are also plans to deal with the parking. It's a wait to open, but worth it for some.

"I was super excited. The child inside me kind of jumped up with joy, and it's definitely what's been motivating me to come out and help with this," said Marina Hernandez, a cleanup volunteer.

To learn more about Handcar, click here to visit their site.

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SURF Project proposal may lead to shutdown of Marina Handcar Tours program

MARINA, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Marina's Handcar Tour program could be impacted by a proposal to remove two miles of railroad track and replace it with elements of the county's SURF Project.

If the Transportation Agency for Monterey County moves forward with the proposal, it could spell the end for the Marina Handcar Tours program.

Staff at Handcar Tours say Prop 116 "specifically prohibits funds to be used for busways but the agency chose to ignore that."

The SURF Project aims to offer a rapid transit busway system from one side of the Monterey Peninsula to the other.

The thought of trading tracks for a bus transit project does not sit right for people like Monterey resident, Brian Jacobson.

"It's disappointing. I think there are other ways to solve the traffic problems. I don't think it'll help, particularly to build a bus lane on top of the railroad bit. I think this railroad bridge should be preserved," said Jacobson.

Staff at Handcar Tours say thousands of people have been able to "ride the rails" as part of their program.

But plans for the mass transit "SURF project" system could soon force the rails to be removed.

Todd Clark with Handcar Tours says the removal of the track is not ethical and has brought legal concerns up to the California Department of Transportation.

"They purchased it with state Proposition 116 rail bond funds, which restricted the line to be used for rail use only," said Clark.

TAMC's Director of Planning, Christina Watson, disagrees.

"The question mark of whether removing the tracks is a problem for the Proposition 116 funds. We don't think that this is a problem. We just are working with our legislators to confirm it's not a problem," said Watson.

Clark said they weren't notified about the possibility of the rails being removed for the SURF project.

TAMC showed us an initial lease agreement with Handcar Tours saying there were plans for the property, which included the SURF project and the possibility of removing the rails used by the business.

"TAMC and MST have been saying that they were not going to be removing the tracks. The tracks are going to remain in place. But we reviewed, the engineering plan that was submitted to the Coastal Commission that shows the tracks were being removed ," said Clark.

There is no set timeline for when the removal process will begin, but Clark acknowledges the business he and his family were dedicated to may be in its final days.

"It's hard for us, but we know that it may come to an end."

We asked TAMC if there is a way to work around the tracks to add the bus project.

They said the engineers they're working with said the area the track sits on is the best alignment so the bus does not run into any highway pillars.

TAMC said after a legal determination from the transportation agency, they are hoping to start construction for the bus project by the end of the year.

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Dania Romero

Dania Romero is an reporter at KION News Channel 46.

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