car safari new york

Adventure Awaits At This Drive-Thru Safari Park In New York

Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: [email protected]

More by this Author

As New Yorkers, one of the many perks that we get to enjoy while living here in the Empire State is the fact that no matter what region you call home, you’ll always find yourself surrounded by incredible wildlife. With that said, stepping outside your front door and running into a furry but friendly face isn’t the only animal encounter that you’ll be able to experience within New York! While at this point you’ve most likely visited one of our many zoos, it’s now time to cross off one of our state’s newest attractions from your bucket list — take a look.

Related Stories

The Great Farm Sanctuary Tour Is Coming To Two New York Farms This Summer

The Endless Fields Of Sunflowers At Frederick Farms In New York Are An Unforgettable Sight

If You Want To See Animals Up Close And Personal, Head On Over To Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary In New York

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more New York in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around New York!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• You Don't Even Have To Leave Your Car At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure A Unique Safari Experience In New York
• Enjoy An Awesome Weekend Adventure At New York's Seneca Park Zoo
• This New York Nature Center Will Keep You Occupied For Hours
• These Are The 3 Best Trails For Viewing Wildlife At New York's Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
• The Aquarium Of Niagara Just Experienced Its First Humboldt Penguin Hatching In 14 Years
• The Former Catskill Game Farm Is Up For Sale In New York And It Could All Be Yours
• Drive Out To Blue Hill At Stone Barns, A Farmhouse Restaurant In New York That's Worth The Scenic Trip
• Spend The Day With Gray Wolves And Arctic Foxes At The Wolf Mountain Nature Center In Smyrna, New York

Explore New York

• Arts & Entertainment
• Farms & Wildlife
• Fun Adventures
• Shops & Boutiques
• Sights & Landmarks

Featured Addresses

ESC a PE TO THE W i LD!

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime with a guided tour or self-drive thru safari and meet our incredible animals. The adventure is closer than you think!

PARK iS OPEN

Saturdays and sundays, now through june 23, tours run 10:30am - 3:30pm, park grounds open 10:00am - 5:00pm, june 24 - labor day (september 2) open daily, september 7 - october 13 open saturdays and sundays, open columbus day, monday, october 14, take a great adventure through our valley, safari bus guided tours.

Take a ride on the wild side as you drive your vehicle through the Safari Park, or take one of our guided bus tours.

Self-Drive Thru Tours

In the comfort of your own vehicle take a trip through the wild side and meet our animals as they roam through the sanctuary!

Small Animals

Continue your adventure at the Small Animal Adventure, feed the koi fish, and soak up the beautiful views!

Get Some Grub

Stop at the Trailside Grill for delicious food and beverages. Visit Bessie’s Creamery for tasty ice cream treats.

SAFARI BUS TOUR

Book ONLINE in advance for reserved seating (non-refundable) or purchase onsite based on availability (seating is limited).

SELF-DRIVE THRU

Self-drive thru tickets may be purchased online or onsite.

SMALL ANIMAL ADVENTURE WALK-THRU

Small Animal Adventure Walk-Thru tickets may be purchased online or onsite.

Follow the Adventure with Us!

Follow us to see more of what happens at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.

TICKET RATES

*prices shown do not include taxes and booking fees

COMBO SELF-DRIVE THRU AND SMALL ANIMAL ADVENTURE WALK-THRU

Combo safari bus tour and small animal adventure walk-thru.

COME VISIT US TODAY FOR A WILD TIME!

Located on 14 acres just north of the Village of Chittenango in New York State, The Wild Animal Park is a zoo that provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about a variety of animals. With a wide range of domestic and exotics animals from all over the world, it's a great place for adventure, learning, and hours of family fun!

©2024 The Wild Animal Park • Design by Attractions Print The Wild Animal Park • 7621 Lakeport Rd  • Chittenango, New York 13037 • Phone (315) 510-3347

• Kenny Chesney Flyaway
• Summer Sizzle Win $500
• World's Largest Yard Sale
• First Responder Friday
• CNY Online Job Fair
• Half Off Thursday

Drive-Thru Safari Opens in CNY for One Wild Adventure

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

Take the kids on a wild adventure when the drive-thru safari opens for the third season in Central New York.

Cars can begin driving through the Wild Drive-Thru Safari in Chittenango, New York on Saturday, May 14. Meet and feed the newest additions to the park. "We have made lots of changes this year and can’t wait for you to see them," said park owner Jeff Taylor.

Take on 'The Beast' for a memorable safari experience. The new and exciting way to enjoy the Safari arrived late last summer. "It'll drive where cars can't, even through the water," said Taylor.

Along the way, you'll learn all about the amazing animals, as well as the history of The Wild Animal Park, which actually began when Taylor bought his kids a few goats for their birthday. The next year, they got a camel. Now we all get to enjoy the exotic animals inside the Wild Animal Park and Drive-Thru Safari.

Beast of a Tour

If that's not cool enough, your beast of a tour will end with an up-close encounter with the beautiful safari tigers. There may even be a possible quick feeding.

The Wild Animal Park is located at 7621 Lakeport Road in Chittenango. You can learn more about both The Wild Animal Park and the Drive-thru at Thewildpark.com .

Take a virtual tour of the Wild Drive-Thru Safari to see all the amazing animals and make plans to see the newest additions in person.

Take a Virtual Trip Through the Wild Drive-Thru Safari

17 wild & fun activities to do at the wild park in chittenango, more from big frog 104.

The Wild Animal Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The Wild Animal Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Dino Safari drive-thru adventure extended at NYS Fairgrounds due to popular demand

• Updated: May. 24, 2021, 8:55 a.m. |
• Published: May. 24, 2021, 7:47 a.m.

Dinosaurs run amok at the Dino Safari at the New York State Fairgrounds Orange Lot from Friday to May 31 as visitors can explore over 40 dinosaurs from the safety of their cars. N. Scott Trimble | syracuse.com

• Geoff Herbert | [email protected]

The Dino Safari drive-thru adventure at the New York State Fairgrounds has been extended for another week due to popular demand.

Organizers announced over the weekend that the fun, educational and socially distanced experience will now continue through Sunday, June 6. The event was originally scheduled to end on Memorial Day weekend, but producer Imagine Exhibitions, Inc. cited “overwhelming demand” for a longer run.

Dino Safari turns the NYS Fairgrounds into “Pangea National Park” with a nearly 60-minute driving tour featuring more than 40 full-size, moving and scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs — including “Jurassic World” favorites like the T. Rex and Triceratops — with smooth, quiet and realistic movements.

Attendees can also listen to an in-car audio guide for an entertaining storyline as they drive through the park, featuring educational information about the prehistoric creatures. The journey may also include earthquakes, dinosaur battles and in-car interactive elements, like helping save a baby dinosaur’s life.

Every car also receives a “Survival Pack” with take-home activities related to the experience, with options to purchase a “Mystery Bag” of more souvenirs.

Dino Safari began May 14 and now runs through Sunday, June 6 at the New York State Fair’s Orange Lot. The event is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12-8 p.m., and Fridays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., plus Monday May 31 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Last ticket is sold 30 minutes before closing.

Tickets are $49.95 per vehicle, which can allow up to seven people inside, or $59.95 for larger capacity vehicles with more than eight people.

The event will follow Covid-19 restrictions, including face coverings for staff at all times and social distancing. Attendees must wear masks when car windows and sun roofs are open; tickets can be scanned in a touchless manner.

For more information, visit dinosafari.com .

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Used GMC Safari for Sale in New York, NY

2000 GMC Safari SL Passenger Minivan

• 6000lb Towing Capaci...

Located in Brooklyn , NY / 6 miles away from New York, NY

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Accident Free Vehicle : No

Personal Use Only : Yes

History Provider : AutoCheck

Title Details : Clean Title

Salvage Vehicle : No

Frame Damage : No

Theft History : No

Lemon Status : No

Free History Report : No

Features and Specs:

16 Combined MPG ( 15 City/ 19 Highway)

Listing Information:

VIN: 1GKDM19W0YB524062 Stock: 524062 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-17-2024

1995 GMC Safari

Located in Mt Sinai , NY / 51 miles away from New York, NY

WE HAVE NO HIDDEN FEES - The Price You See Is The Price You Pay!! Most of our cars come with a 3 month warranty!!!!

Accident Free Vehicle : Yes

VIN: 1GKDM19W0SB561149 Stock: 561149 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 12-01-2023

• 5000lb Towing Capaci...

Located in Johnson City , NY / 139 miles away from New York, NY

Southern PA Vehicle ***AWD*** Alloy Wheels Black Roof Rack Front Bucket Seats Rear Bucket Seats 6-Passenger Leather Steering Wheel Power Windows Power...

Personal Use Only : No

15 Combined MPG ( 13 City/ 18 Highway)

VIN: 1GKEL19W6YB514840 Stock: 5956 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-20-2024

1999 GMC Safari SL Passenger Minivan

Located in North Easton , MA / 175 miles away from New York, NY

16 Combined MPG ( 14 City/ 18 Highway)

VIN: 1GKDM19W4XB523253 Stock: 523253 Certified Pre-Owned: No

2002 GMC Safari SLE Passenger Minivan

• Third-row seating
• Rear Bench Seats
• Fold Flat Rear Seats

Located in Colonial Heights , VA / 303 miles away from New York, NY

Runs great. Well maintained. One owner. . This is a firm no haggle cash price, we do not finance. Comes with a 90 day engine and transmission war...

VIN: 1GKDM19X32B511581 Stock: 7 PASSENGER ASTRO Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 01-03-2024

2003 GMC Safari Base Passenger Minivan

• Power Driver Seat
• Power Liftgate/Trunk
• Trip Computer

Located in Center Line , MI / 483 miles away from New York, NY

2003 GMC SAFARI SLE This is a one owner with zero accidents extremely well maintained. This Safari has 8 passenger seating, with rear heat and air con...

16 Combined MPG ( 14 City/ 19 Highway)

VIN: 1GKDM19X93B511571 Stock: 044596 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-31-2024

Located in Chicago , IL / 718 miles away from New York, NY

clean van no rust new van trade in 80% tires cold ac all the toy s 3 seat

VIN: 1GKDM19W9XB521496 Stock: 521496 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 10-12-2022

2005 GMC Safari Base Passenger Minivan

Located in Mokena , IL / 722 miles away from New York, NY

FLEET KEPT, 1 OWNER, All wheel drive , previously used by government organization in Virginia, Recently brought to IL so its been away from the harsh ...

14 Combined MPG ( 12 City/ 16 Highway)

VIN: 1GKEL19X65B500876 Stock: 6710 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-10-2023

Located in Duluth , GA / 729 miles away from New York, NY

16 Combined MPG ( 14 City/ 20 Highway)

VIN: 1GKDM19X25B500415 Stock: 500415 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 02-14-2024

1997 GMC Safari SLX Passenger Minivan

Located in Port Orange , FL / 897 miles away from New York, NY

15 Combined MPG ( 14 City/ 17 Highway)

VIN: 1GKEL19W2VB515723 Stock: 10433 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 04-07-2024

Located in Tampa , FL / 1,006 miles away from New York, NY

VIN: 1GKDM19X05B507377 Stock: 507377 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 01-17-2024

Located in Columbia Heights , MN / 1,017 miles away from New York, NY

Hop into this vibrant blue 2000 GMC Safari and get ready to cruise in style! This spacious van is perfect for your next road trip or daily errands. Wi...

VIN: 1GKDM19W8YB522690 Stock: 11631 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-09-2024

Located in Oklahoma City , OK / 1,330 miles away from New York, NY

One Owner, Clean Carfax, Clean Title, Well Serviced, And Taken Care Of, Non Smoker, and Much More!!! Very Good Looking You Must See!! For More Info An...

VIN: 1GKDM19X33B504826 Stock: 504826 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 04-05-2023

Located in El Paso , TX / 1,898 miles away from New York, NY

VIN: 1GKDM19W1SB556137 Stock: A-135 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-15-2024

Located in Edmonds , WA / 2,401 miles away from New York, NY

VIN: 1GKEL19X25B509462 Stock: 10614 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-09-2024

Located in Seattle , WA / 2,402 miles away from New York, NY

Introducing a 1999 GMC Safari SLE in Brown with a Tan interior. Powered by a 4.3L V6 190hp 250ft. lbs. engine, this vehicle boasts great mileage with ...

15 Combined MPG ( 14 City/ 18 Highway)

VIN: 1GKEL19W3XB525048 Stock: 12127 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 12-17-2023

Located in San Diego , CA / 2,430 miles away from New York, NY

AUTO FINANCE CENTER TRADE INS ARE WELCOME! 1464 Morena Blvd. WE BUY CARS! San Diego CA. 92110 www.autocentersd.com Call or Text us Now and ask for Lan...

VIN: 1GKDM19W1YB506802 Stock: 894CS Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 09-01-2022

1998 GMC Safari

Located in Portland , OR / 2,435 miles away from New York, NY

VIN: 1GKDM19W7WB509099 Stock: 3907 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 12-02-2023

Located in Milwaukie , OR / 2,438 miles away from New York, NY

1997 GMC Safari SLT *** AWD *** ( Like: Chevrolet ASTRO ) 4.3L V6 190hp 250ft, 7 Passenger, Leather, Quad Buckets, Front and Rear Ac, V6, High Output,...

VIN: 1GKEL19W0VB547022 Stock: L4276 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 06-24-2023

Located in San Leandro , CA / 2,553 miles away from New York, NY

GREAT AWD,AWD,AWD,INSPECTED,SAFETY,SMOGG ROAD READY TO WORK AWD,AWD,AWD,Ford (Specific): ford, ford f-150, f150, ford f-250, f250, ford f-350, f350, f...

Title Details : Title issue reported

VIN: 1GKEL19X43B507810 Stock: 034 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-06-2024

2001 GMC Safari SLE Passenger Minivan

Located in Byron , GA / 781 miles away from New York, NY

17 Combined MPG ( 15 City/ 20 Highway)

VIN: 1GKDM19W71B507796 Stock: 9714 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-18-2024

Consumer Reviews for the GMC   Safari

• 5 star ( 42 %)
• 4 star ( 35 %)
• 3 star ( 14 %)
• 2 star ( 9 %)
• 1 star ( 0 %)

gas and go these van s are the best

• Certified Pre-Owned
• Home delivery available
• Only show local listings

Make & Model

• Used ( 23 )
• Certified Pre-Owned ( 0 )

Price & Payment

Vehicle history.

• One Owner ( 9 )
• No Accidents ( 19 )
• Personal Use Only ( 13 )
• Exclude vehicles with Major Issues Reported ( 1 )

Engine & Drivetrain

Transmission.

• Automatic ( 20 )

Engine Type

• Rear Wheel Drive ( 12 )
• All Wheel Drive ( 8 )
• 6 cylinders ( 20 )

Exterior Color

• White ( 4 )
• Silver ( 2 )
• Dark Red ( 1 )
• Off White/Cream ( 1 )

Total Seating

• 8 Seats ( 10 )

Comfort & Convenience

• Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel ( 1 )
• Auto Climate Control ( 1 )
• Automatic Doors ( 1 )
• Fold Flat Rear Seats ( 1 )
• Multi-zone Climate Control ( 1 )
• Rear Bench Seats ( 1 )

Engine & Exterior

• AWD/4WD ( 5 )
• Towing Hitch ( 1 )

Options & Packages

• 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio ( 2 )
• AM/FM Radio w/CD Player and TheftLock ( 1 )
• AM/FM Radio w/CD Player, Cassette Deck and TheftLock ( 4 )
• Adjustable Roof Rack ( 3 )
• Base Equipment Group ( 3 )
• Dual Illuminated Sun Visors ( 3 )
• Federal Emissions ( 3 )
• Locking Rear Differential ( 2 )
• Overhead Console ( 3 )
• Rear Air Conditioning ( 7 )
• Rear Auxiliary Heater ( 3 )
• Rear Dutch Doors ( 4 )
• Remote Keyless Entry ( 4 )
• Running Boards ( 2 )
• SLE Equipment Group ( 2 )
• SLE Equipment Group 2 ( 2 )
• Trailering Equipment ( 1 )
• Two Tone Paint ( 7 )

Vehicle Listing Details

• Recently added listings
• Listings with recent price drops
• Hide listings without photos
• Hide listings without price
• Hide in transit listings

Related GMC Safari info

Shop used vehicles by model.

• Used GMC Acadia 2022
• Used GMC Acadia 2010
• Used GMC Acadia 2013
• Used GMC Acadia 2016
• Used GMC Acadia 2019
• Used GMC Acadia 2020
• Used GMC Acadia Limited 2017
• Used GMC Acadia 2012
• Used GMC Acadia 2015
• Used GMC Acadia 2017
• Used GMC Acadia 2021
• Used GMC Acadia 2018
• Used GMC Canyon 2019
• Used GMC Acadia 2011
• Used GMC Acadia 2014

Shop used models by city

• Used GMC Yukon in Hartford, CT
• Used GMC Yukon in Newark, NJ
• Used GMC Sierra 1500 in Allentown, PA
• Used GMC Envoy in Paterson, NJ
• Used GMC Terrain in Bridgeport, CT
• Used GMC S-15 Jimmy in Elizabeth, NJ
• Used GMC S-15 in Elizabeth, NJ
• Used GMC HUMMER EV in Brooklyn, NY
• Used GMC S-15 Jimmy in Allentown, PA
• Used GMC Sierra 1500 in Elizabeth, NJ

Shop used model years by city

• Used GMC Jimmy 2013 in Philadelphia, PA
• Used GMC Sierra 1500 2011 in Bridgeport, CT
• Used GMC Sierra 2500HD 2011 in Long Island City, NY

Other models

• Used Subaru Xv-Crosstrek in Hot Springs National Park, AR
• Used Toyota Tacoma in Manassas, VA
• Used Chevrolet HHR in Tarpon Springs, FL
• New Chevrolet Colorado for Sale in Portage, MI
• Used Lotus Evora in Thomasville, NC
• Used Toyota Supra in Raeford, NC
• Used Bentley Continental-Supersports-Convertible in Conover, NC
• New Nissan Pathfinder for Sale in Media, PA
• Used Hyundai Santa-Cruz in Parker, CO
• Used Kia Spectra in Stockton, CA

Join Edmunds

Receive pricing updates, shopping tips & more!

January 1, 1970

April 24, 2022

2022 New York International Auto Show

Location: Jacob Javits Center 429 11th Avenue New York City, New York 10001

>>> With a host of innovations and fresh new experiences, the  2022   New York Auto Show  will open its doors to the public to kick-start the springtime automotive selling season. The Show opens to the public  April 15-24  (press days:  April 13  &14) at the fully expanded Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in  Manhattan .

The  New York Auto Show  will include innovative new displays from dozens of car companies including hundreds of new 2022 and 2023 models. Also for ’22, the Show has lined up a host of new engagements for the public including a dedicated multi-brand  Electric Vehicle Test Track , an all-new  Automotive Aftermarket Experience  and for the first time a personal  Micro Mobility Expo  to showcase the latest in electric ‘last mile’ transportation.

WEBSITE:  AUTOSHOWNY.COM       FACEBOOK:  @NYAutoShow TWITTER:  @NYAutoShow.               INSTAGRAM:  #NYIAS YOUTUBE:  AUTOSHOWNY

Admission: Adults: $17, Childen 12 and under: $7

Registration Fee: See website

Event Website: Event Website

Contact Info: Phone: (718) - 746 - 5300 Email: [email protected]

All Vehicles

Get Directions

Request for more info.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Cars for Sale >
• GMC Safari >

Used GMC Safari for Sale in New York, NY

Recent studies.

2003 GMC Safari Passenger Van AWD - 71,971 mi

Similar Cars To Consider We searched and found the closest matches to the radius (distance) you selected.

1998 GMC Safari SLX - 208,307 mi

1995 GMC Safari

1992 GMC Safari

2001 GMC Safari SLE - 299,999 mi

1999 GMC Safari Passenger Van - 178,081 mi

2003 GMC Safari Passenger Van - 240,521 mi

2000 GMC Safari - 223,090 mi

1995 GMC Safari SLX

2000 GMC Safari 2WD

2005 GMC Safari SLE - 118,000 mi

Please enter a five-digit zip code to find cars for sale near you.

What is the average price for Used GMC Safari for Sale in New York, NY? How many are for sale and priced below market?

• 1 cars for sale found, starting at $8,900
• Average price for Used GMC Safari New York, NY: $8,900
• 0 deals found. Average savings of
• Save up to below estimated market price

Similar Models

Popular gmc models.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

San Francisco’s Hot Tourist Attraction: Driverless Cars

Cable cars are still trundling up the city’s hills, but robotaxis from Waymo are shaping up as the city’s latest must-do for visitors.

By Lauren Sloss

When David De Clercq traveled to San Francisco last year, he had a few musts on his itinerary: Go to Alcatraz. Try new restaurants. And ride in a self-driving car.

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles or, colloquially, robotaxis, have been driving the streets of San Francisco in some form since 2009 and have been operating commercially since last August. The cars are also shaping up as the city’s latest tourist attraction.

Mr. De Clercq, 42, who splits his time between New Jersey and Sardinia, where he owns restaurants and bars and rents villas, is an avid traveler.

“I love exploring and doing new things,” he said. “I knew that I definitely wanted to get a ride while I was in town.”

What, where and how to ride

Conversations abound on Reddit and X , with visitors seeking advice on how to secure a ride while in San Francisco, or be well positioned to spot a driverless car on the go.

Some basics are necessary when plotting your own robotaxi ride. First, while A.V. companies like Cruise and Zoox have proliferated in recent years, Waymo , which is owned by Alphabet (Google’s parent company), is currently the only company offering rides for the public in San Francisco.

Waymo also operates in the Phoenix metro area, including offering rides to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and is currently slowly rolling out rides in Los Angeles and testing rides on the San Francisco Peninsula and in Austin, Texas. In Phoenix, you can hail a Waymo using the Uber app; in all other locations, downloading the Waymo app is required. (The app is very similar to other ride-hailing services; pricing is comparable, too.) And in almost all service areas, there is a waiting list to be granted access.

Anjelica Price-Rocha, a public relations manager for Waymo, was not able to provide specific estimates for waiting list times in various cities, but she did say that the wait is shorter in San Francisco than in Los Angeles. (I signed up for the app in San Francisco in late April and was off the waiting list just over a week later.)

“For anyone visiting San Francisco, I would suggest that you get on the wait list as soon as you book your trip,” Ms. Price-Rocha said. Looking to spot a Waymo car on the go? According to Ms. Price-Rocha, popular pickup and drop-off locations include tourist attractions like the Ferry Building, Pier 39, Coit Tower and the Japantown Peace Plaza.

A futuristic attraction

Not able to get direct access in time? Try asking friends, family or colleagues if they’ll invite you on a ride. Jason Karsh, a 38-year-old San Francisco resident who works as a tech marketing executive and consultant, regularly “hails” Waymo cars and suggests riding in them as a tourist activity.

“San Francisco has gotten a bad rep for visitors recently,” Mr. Karsh said. “This is a reminder that San Francisco also is a place that’s living a few years into the future technologically.”

Waymo vehicles are all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs outfitted with radar, lidar, sensors, and internal and external cameras. You use the app to unlock the car when it arrives and to play music during your ride. Four seats are available to passengers — you can sit up front, but you’re not allowed to sit in the driver’s seat (if you try, the car will not move). A real-life customer support team remotely monitors your ride for unsafe activity and is available should you require assistance.

Mr. Karsh described a recent ride with a group of colleagues: “They immediately got out their phones and began filming, almost like they were taping a celebrity or a concert.”

Indeed, riding in a Waymo can turn you into the main attraction. On a recent trip through San Francisco with my visiting in-laws, we not only filmed much of our ride, but spotted a group of tourists who pointed and stared at our driverless vehicle, even pulling out phones to snap footage of their own.

Mr. De Clercq, visiting from New Jersey, described his ride home from a night out in Chinatown as “very interesting and futuristic. It was extremely cautious and quite slow.”

According to safety data from the company, Waymos are significantly safer than human drivers. That hasn’t prevented public backlash over A.V.s — California suspended Cruise vehicles from operating on the streets of San Francisco after an incident in which a pedestrian was hit and dragged under a vehicle. There have been regular complaints of Waymo cars blocking traffic and emergency vehicles Crashes, largely involving stationary objects, have led to a federal investigation of Waymo.

However, in Mr. Karsh’s experience, Waymo rides are sometimes less than seamless because they’re too cautious.

“If there’s a car stopped with the hood up on a two-lane street, a human driver will know to go around. A Waymo might just sit there,” he said.

From awe and delight to near normalcy

But perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of a first-time Waymo ride is how quickly it feels normal.

“For the first couple of minutes, there’s this giddiness,” Ms. Price-Rocha said. “But we see that, really quickly, people just ease into the experience.”

Mr. Karsh saw this shift happen firsthand on a recent trip to New York City, when his family opted for a ride in a yellow cab.

“My 3½-year-old son turns to me and my wife and says, ‘Look, Daddy, a driver!’ He was kind of shocked.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation

A Very Slow Restart: An incident that seriously injured a pedestrian in San Francisco led Cruise, G.M.’s driverless car subsidiary, to take all of its cars off the road. The question now is when they will return .

An Appetite for Destruction: A wave of lawsuits argue that Tesla’s Autopilot software is dangerously overhyped. What can its blind spots teach us about Elon Musk, the company’s erratic chief executive ?

Along for the Ride: Here’s what New York Times reporters experienced during test rides in driverless cars operated by Tesla , Waymo  and Cruise .

The Future of Transportation?: Driverless cars, once a Silicon Valley fantasy, have become a 24-hour-a-day reality in San Francisco . “The Daily” looked at the unique challenges of coexisting with cars that drive themselves .

Stressing Cities: In San Francisco and Austin, Texas, where passengers can hail autonomous taxis, the vehicles are starting to take a toll on city services , even slowing down emergency response times.