Charlene LaskyThere’s nothing truly like go-karting. To me, it’s like bumper cars, but I actually have to drive well. Aside from that, it’s exhilarating racing through the tracks and beating your friends to the finish line.
Thankfully, in San Diego, there are quite a lot of go-karting experiences for us to enjoy. From private ones that are great for parties to public ones where you can race with strangers, there’s enough for everyone’s tastes.
I’ve gone ahead and handpicked my favorite go-karting venues in San Diego. These are some of the best of the best, and they’ll definitely have your heart racing as you speed through the tracks.
1. K1 Speed San Diego
Website: https://www.k1speed.com/san-diego-location.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K1SpeedOfficial
Address: 1709 Main St, CA 92113
Contact Details: +1 619-241-4740
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
For a cleaner experience, I’d always suggest trying out indoor go-karting. K1 Speed San Diego removes a lot of the dirt and grime that the sport is known for, without skimping on top speeds and an exhilarating race experience.
The karts here are electric, and the track is suitable for both adults and teenagers. There’s even a track specifically made for kids, so everyone can have fun. Prices here are based on a per-race basis, so I’d recommend going for as many as you can to have a memorable time.
After you’re done racing, it’s best to head to their arcade. There are numerous activities available, including billiards and arcade games. They even serve pizza and a bunch of other food here, so you won’t go hungry.
| Pro Tip: K1 Speed San Diego is perfect for parties. They can host almost any event, and I’ve personally seen birthdays and corporate events hosted here. If you’re looking for a memorable time, call their event specialist at 1-855-517-7333. |
2. Boomers Vista
Media credit: Boomers Vista Instagram
Website: https://boomersvista.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boomers.vista
Address: 1525 W Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083
Contact Details: +1 760-457-4737
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Boomers Vista is best for kids and families. The main attraction here is the go-karts, which have a substantial track to race around with fellow guests.
A unique offering they have is their two-person go-karting, which is great for parents and their children. If you’re adventurous, try it out with a stranger.
Another great experience here is their bumper boats. There’s nothing like being soaked underneath the San Diego sun while shooting cold water at other guests. Additionally, there is a laser tag experience and a miniature golf course, both available for $15.99.
| Pro Tip: I would recommend the 4-hour unlimited package when visiting here. It allows kids and adults to experience the entire park as much as they want without the need to pay for another ticket. It’s also quite cheap at around $28.99. |
3. GoCar Tours
Media credit: GoCar Tours Instagram
Website: https://gocartours.com/san-diego/?utm_campaign=gmb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCarTours
Address: 3918 Mason St, CA 92110
Contact Details: +1 855-591-1161
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking to tour the city in style, then GoCar Tours is the place for you. They have modified go-karts that are allowed to travel across the city. Don’t worry, there’s audio commentary and the vehicle has GPS, so you won’t get lost during the trip.
The best part about GoCar Tours is that I was able to explore the city at my own pace. While touring, I was able to stop for pictures and take small detours along the way.
I highly recommend trying this tour out at night with one of their After Dark Packages. The cars can seat two people, and the tour lasts for two hours. For a more affordable option, I suggest touring Balboa Park and Downtown instead.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking for some thrill while still being green, then go for the GoCar E-Sport. This is their fastest model, essentially a small electric vehicle. This isn’t available for the beach tours, though, so keep that in mind. |
4. RSF Kart Club
Media credit: RSF Kart Club Instagram
Website: https://rsfkartclub.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RanchoSantaFeKartClub
Address: 18029 Pacifica Ranch, Dr. Rancho, CA 92091
Contact Details: +1 858-437-3741
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
For those who want to join a club dedicated to go-karting, the RSF Kart Club is for you. Their members enjoy the full experience and can use the tracks as often as they like. Some even bring their own go-karts to use, which have the wackiest builds.
The best part about this track is their events. Some of which are held periodically at the club, and members can participate for a fee. Additionally, you can rent the kart track for up to 8 hours, although this is quite costly, and it’s best to split the cost with friends.
Since this is a private race track, members can see actual cars being raced through it. These aren’t just any cars, since I even saw luxury cars speeding through those tracks.
| Pro Tip: For family events, they have the wonderful Olive Grove, available to members and guests. It’s a small garden inside the compound, and dining here feels lovely and rustic. There’s even a yellow buggy nearby for you to take photos. |
5. Kart1
Media credit: Kart1 Instagram
Website: https://kart1.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kart1Electric
Address: 5861 Edison Pl, CA 92008
Contact Details: +1 760-707-8615
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Since we’re talking about private tracks, let’s talk about a place to buy go-karts. Kart1 offers quite a wide range of customizable go-karts that can be taken on any private track. They’re even known as the world’s most trusted go-kart distributor.
Customers can buy and customize old and new karts here. If you have private land, they can even construct an entire track for you, complete with barriers and lights. If you have a broken kart, they can easily repair it and make it run as good as new.
Aside from karts, they even sell gear and spare parts here. Of course, there are also trophies here for those hosting their own tournaments. Personally, although I don’t own a track or my own kart, I bought myself some gear here so I can be safe and clean.
| Pro Tip: When designing your own track, go and work closely with their experts. With them having designed hundreds of tracks around the world, they can surely create a unique track for you that’s both fun and safe to race on. |
6. K1 Circuit
Media credit: K1 Circuit Instagram
Website: https://www.k1circuit.com/winchester
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K1CircuitOfficial
Address: 32240 Grand Ave, CA 92596
Contact Details: +1 951-686-0485
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
A race at K1 makes anyone feel like a pro. Whether you’re renting a kart or driving your own, there’s nothing better than experiencing outdoor go-karting. Don’t fret, there’s also a teaching program here, so everyone can get a chance to experience their tracks.
When racing here, I wasn’t just racing with fellow enthusiasts. Pro go-karting veterans come here all the time to race, as the track is considered a semi-pro league track. I even joined in on some semi-pro races just for the fun of it.
Additionally, the track often hosts shows. These are typically full of pro and semi-pro racers who battle it out against one another for fame and glory. These matches are fun, and don’t worry, there’s food served here.
| Pro Tip: If you think you have what it takes, then I’d suggest joining one of the three circuits. The Semi-Pro Mini is best for kids, while the Semi-Pro Junior is great for young teens. Adults have the Semi-Pro Senior, so it’s fun for everyone. |
7. HRT Driver Development
Media credit: HRT Driver Development Instagram
Website: https://hrtdriver.com
Address: 1657 N Glassell St, CA 92867
Contact Details: +1 714-716-5200
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
HRT Driver Development is another great racetrack for those willing to become champions in the sport. This is a training track designed to test your skills and strengths, and it helped me become a better all-around racer on the track.
Racers here are taught all the basic forms of transporting their vehicles, as well as storing them. There’s also trackside support here to keep drivers safe. Additionally, data analysis is available, allowing one to optimize my performance to the very second.
If you’re looking for a chiller experience, they have rentals that you can use at private tracks. This is significant because these go-karts are similar to what their racers use, and they’re the fastest and most stable karts in the game, second only to pros.
| Pro Tip: To get the most out of your time here, I recommend applying during January. There are only a couple of races per month, and the rest are practice races. The early months are the best since they’re a mixture of both, so you can truly test your skills. |
8. Adams Motorsports Park
Media credit: Adams Motorsports Park Instagram
Website: https://adamsmotorsportspark.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Adams-Motorsports-Park-100064865400890
Address: 5292 24th St, CA 92509
Contact Details: +1 951-686-3826
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Adams Motorsports Park is the longest-running kart racing facility in the world. They have several circuits and tracks here that test my skills as an avid fan of the sport. It’s not limited to go-karts, as cars and bikes can also race on these tracks.
For those who want to get into competitive karting, there’s the 3-day karting clinic available during the summer. This is ideal for those who want to practice with numerous races. They even provide you with karts (you can also bring your own).
There are also karting leagues here that racers can partake in and experience. Each season has a dedicated race, and there are different classes for all tiers of experience. For a chill experience, karting lessons are available for both adults and kids.
| Pro Tip: They offer courses for individuals who want to learn how to ride a motorbike for recreational purposes. These are far more intense than go-karting classes, but their teachers are patient and can help anyone get the hang of the sport. |
9. Belmont Park
Media credit: Belmont Park Instagram
Website: https://www.belmontpark.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BelmontParkSD
Address: 3146 Mission Blvd, CA 92109
Contact Details: +1 858-488-1549
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
For a family activity, it’s never a wrong option to head to Belmont Park. It’s here where we go back to a calmer form of go-karting, where you’re racing for fun rather than for sport. But this isn’t for adults because the Speedway is actually for the little ones.
Rather than a fast-paced experience, this one is a chill ride that simulates the experience of go-karting. If this isn’t for your kid, there are bumper car experiences here, like Krazy Kars and Overdrive Bumper Cars that are fast-paced.
There are also the big thrill rides for adults and teens. I found them to be just as fun as go-karting, but without the hassle of driving. There’s the Giant Dipper Rollercoaster that’s speedy and exciting, and the Beach Blaster that turns your world upside down.
| Pro Tip: For kids who love to experience a ride multiple times, there’s a universal ride ticket that lets them ride all the attractions. Additionally, for those looking to experience the arcade, you’ll need a separate ticket for that. |
10. Mulligan Family Fun Center
Media credit: Mulligan Family Fun Center Instagram
Website: https://mulliganfun.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MulliganMurrieta/#
Address: 24950 Madison Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562
Contact Details: +1 951-696-9696
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re willing to drive a bit, then head to Murrieta for a gander at the Mulligan Family Fun Center. This place is perfect for families who want to experience go-karting without reaching the scary speeds that most professional go-karts get to.
There are two different types of go-karting experiences available here. One is a duo-kart experience perfect for parent-child experiences. When it comes to a solo experience for the little ones, there are the Rookie Go-Karts that race down a small track.
These aren’t the only attractions here, as kids can also go down water slides and play baseball here. For a simpler time, there is an arcade and a mini golf track. Lastly, for a group activity, I’d suggest trying your hand at laser tag.
| Pro Tip: Parents can host parties at the Mulligan Family Fun Center. Families in the Inland Empire can take advantage of these parties, which often include food and drink. Additionally, there are either 6 or 12 single-use tickets per person. |
