America · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
The shortlist to send a friend: 15 self-guided tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you pay.
Prebook Fort Sumter admission with a round-trip ferry from Charleston, plus a narrated harbor cruise and a ranger welcome on the island.
“Good experience. Boat was older. Rangers knowledgeable. We had plenty of time at the Fort. Would recommend.”
Ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz with a self-guided app audio tour. See Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly cells, plus skyline views.
“a really great tour, needs more about the escape of the 3 men who made paper mache heads”
See Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA from an open-top bus. Switch routes with 9-language audio for up to 3 days from $51.
“Wear sun screen and hats! Amazing trip but was totally unprepared”
Hop on, hop off Los Angeles by open-air bus with audio earbuds. Choose routes, explore stops, and connect Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
“I enjoyed riding around Hollywood and Beverly Hills sightseeing. The ridecwas easy, driver was pleasant , and the toyr itself was in a timely manner.”
Medieval Torture Museum Chicago ticket with audio guide and ghost-hunting app, mobile entry, interactive exhibits, spooky 90 minutes.
“It is good, not quite worth it for the self guided tour. Bring headphones if you want to be able to hear about what you want to learn about through an ap on your phone.”
Self-guided Gettysburg driving audio tour with GPS-triggered stories, offline maps, and 60+ stops from the Heritage Center to the cemetery.
“The self tour does not keep up with the roads. We had to travel the same routes more than once. Found the app somewhat cumbersome.”
Drive Joshua Tree with location-triggered audio, offline maps, and a bonus Hidden Valley Nature Trail in your own car.
“We had difficulty at the beginning. There was a big delay due to driving to the entrance and we were not sure if it was working. I think we would have enjoyed a bit more history”
Alcatraz by official ferry from Pier 33 plus start-to-finish audio for the Cells and beyond, with an optional night visit.
“Absolute blast! Guided audio tour was super cool and well done. I wish cafeteria and other parts were open, but still a great experience.”
A self-guided, GPS-triggered drive with smart stop-by-stop audio through Acadia, from Hulls Cove to Cadillac Mountain, for up to 4.
“This was very informational and we enjoyed it. We had it playing through apple car play and commentary cut off 2-3 seconds at the being and end of each stop. That was frustrating.”
Self-guided Class 1 e-bike tour on Acadia’s carriage roads from Hull’s Cove. Helmet, lock, and map included, ride 1 to 6 hours.
“Wonderful experience exploring Acadia NP. E bikes were very fun and Gilbert? Instructed us on their use. Perfect fall color. It was cold and rainy but we still enjoyed it. Highly recommend !!”
Middleton Place from downtown Charleston with van transport, a narrated house tour, self guided grounds, and a 3 course Lowcountry lunch.
“Great tour. Great lunch. Great bus ride. Great other things. Great, great. Did I say great? Hmmmmmm.”
GPS audio driving tour through Great Smoky Mountains NP with offline maps, 40+ stories, iconic overlooks and waterfalls, $16.99 per car.
“Even after downloading the tour from the app as instructed, the narration was still off. Not worth the price, this could have been done for free.”
Guided hike from Honolulu through Manoa rainforest to Manoa Falls and a Pu'u Ualaka'a lookout, with select Waikiki hotel pickup for $79.
“The hike wast too hard. The guide Arlane was amazing, funny and very informative. Really enjoyed this tour hike 5/5 ⭐”
Self-guided GPS audio walks the Freedom Trail from Boston Common to USS Constitution with pause-anytime history and an in-app GPS.
“Easy. Great to go at my own pace. I needed to go quick due to an upcoming flight. Would do this at other places.”
Self-guided Manoa Falls rainforest hike from Waikiki, with shuttle, water, bug spray, and a walking stick for the 150-foot payoff.
“I brought my grandkids to Hawaii and we took this hike and being 70-year-old. It was a little tough on me but they had a fabulous time and I would take any of them back anytime. If you’re older, be sure you get a walking stick.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
