Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour

Discover St. Louis with Ease: A Self-Guided Drive and Walk Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the city known as the Gateway to the West, this self-guided driving and walking audio tour offers an excellent way to see the highlights at your own pace. For just $16.99 per car (up to four people), you get about one to two hours of engaging stories, stunning views, and a comfortable route through some of St. Louis’s most iconic sites.

What we love about this tour is the combination of interactive storytelling and flexibility—you can pause for photos, take extra time at each stop, or skip ahead if something doesn’t interest you. Plus, the offline maps mean you don’t need constant internet, which is perfect if you’re on a data plan or traveling away from Wi-Fi.

A small consideration is that this tour isn’t an entrance ticket to attractions, so you’ll want to check opening hours if you plan to go inside any buildings. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy self-paced exploration, are comfortable using a smartphone app, and want a budget-friendly way to learn about St. Louis without a guided group or bus.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want to explore at their own pace—it’s especially appreciated by those who enjoy a mix of walking and driving with engaging audio stories along the way.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration allows you to start, pause, and revisit stops at your leisure.
• Great value for the price, covering multiple attractions with one purchase for a whole car.
• Offline maps and audio make it easy to navigate without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
• Rich, engaging storytelling brings the history and beauty of St. Louis to life.
• No attraction tickets included, so check opening hours before visiting inside any site.
• Ideal for repeat visits — you can use the tour for up to a year after purchase.

A Close Look at What This Tour Offers

The Gateway to the West: Gateway Arch National Park

The tour kicks off at one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks—the Gateway Arch. Designed by Finnish-American Eero Saarinen, this bold, stainless steel monument broke traditional design rules when it was built. Its unique, soaring shape symbolizes modernity and westward expansion, making it a must-see for visitors. We love the story behind its design, which was chosen from over 170 submissions, and how it’s not just a monument but a symbol of opportunity.

Expect about 10 minutes here, with the story explaining not only the arch’s architecture but also the park that surrounds it. Remember, your ticket to go up the arch is not included, so if you want to ride to the top, you’ll need to purchase that separately.

The Old Cathedral and Religious Heritage

Next, you’ll visit the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, affectionately called the Old Cathedral. It’s a link to St. Louis’s French roots and has sat prominently in the city for decades. The tour’s narrative offers insights into this historic church, which remains free to enter. You’ll want about 15 minutes here to appreciate its architecture and significance—a peaceful contrast to the busy park outside.

Kiener Plaza Park and Local Pride

A quick stroll through Kiener Plaza reveals a bit of local pride. Named after Louis Kiener, a native who excelled in multiple sports, including boxing and Olympic track. The park is a nice spot to pause, soak in the city vibe, and maybe snap some photos of the surrounding architecture. The story about Kiener’s multi-sport background adds a personable touch that makes the city feel more relatable.

French Second Empire Architecture and Local Restoration

Just past the park, you’ll see a grand building with twin pillars and a fortress-like facade—an example of French Second Empire architecture. Built in 1873 to restore pride after the Civil War, it reflects St. Louis’s French origins. The design can seem a bit out of place amidst modern surroundings, but that’s the point—this building tells a story of recovery and local identity.

The Central Library and the Masonic Temple

The St. Louis Public Library on Locust and 13th is an impressive stone structure that has been part of the city’s intellectual fabric since 1865. Nearby, the New Masonic Temple with its imposing columns and bronze doors hints at the city’s fraternal history. While the Masonic Temple was sold in 2017, the building remains a striking reminder of St. Louis’s historic social organizations.

Entering Forest Park

The tour’s highlight for many is Forest Park, a sprawling 1,300-acre green space—larger than New York’s Central Park. Opened in 1876, it’s the city’s crown jewel for outdoor activities, cultural institutions, and family fun. We loved how the tour takes you directly into this lush space, setting the scene for several attractions.

The Zoo and Art Museum

As you stroll through Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum are easily accessible. The zoo was originally built to host exhibits for the 1904 World’s Fair and remains free today—an incredible value considering its reputation. The Art Museum, with its famous replica of King Louis IX’s statue, offers a peaceful cultural stop. Both are free, which makes this part of the tour particularly budget-friendly.

Emerson Grand Basin and the 1904 World’s Fair

The grand basin was at the heart of the 1904 World’s Fair, and it’s easy to see why with its scenic water views. The tour explains how the fair put St. Louis on the map globally, and the basin remains an elegant spot for photos.

The Visitor Center and Final Recommendations

You’ll finish at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center, where parking is available. The guide suggests spending additional time exploring Forest Park—there’s plenty to see and do, from walking trails to museums to the zoo.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer described the experience as “quite a good experience,” appreciating how the app “did its job” and allowing them to wander at leisure. They added, “The tour was perfect for a day of exploring,” emphasizing its suitability for flexible sightseeing. Another praised the tour for showcasing beautiful monuments and engaging stories, noting that “the app worked fine and the map really helped a lot,” making navigation smooth. Both reviews highlight how this tour is especially good for those who enjoy learning at their own pace and appreciate well-placed audio stories.

How the Experience Feels

From the architecture to the scenic park, this tour combines urban and outdoor highlights, making it ideal for a variety of interests. The stories about French heritage, the design of the arch, and the history of Forest Park all add layers of context that deepen your appreciation of the city.

Value for Money

Considering this tour covers a number of major sights—many of which are free or require separate tickets—it offers great value. For just $16.99 per car, you get a customizable sightseeing experience, perfect for families or small groups. Plus, the ability to use it for a whole year means you can revisit or extend your exploration without extra cost.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is perfect for self-sufficient travelers who prefer to set their own pace and enjoy the flexibility of a DIY tour. It’s also a good choice for families or small groups wanting a budget-friendly way to see key sights without a guide or bus. If you’re comfortable using a smartphone app and want to learn about St. Louis’s landmarks and history in a relaxed way, this tour will suit you well.

The Sum Up: Why Choose This Tour?

For those seeking a cost-effective, flexible, and engaging way to explore St. Louis, this self-guided audio tour hits the mark. It’s especially valuable for visitors who enjoy listening to stories rather than reading plaques or following a guidebook. The mix of historic landmarks, scenic parks, and cultural sites makes it a well-rounded introduction to the city.

Travelers who appreciate authenticity—from the stories of French roots to the modern design of the arch—will find this tour adds depth to their sightseeing. The ability to pause and explore at will makes it perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers eager for a personalized experience.

If you want an affordable, fun, and informative way to get a good feel for St. Louis without the pressure of group tours or timed tickets, this is an excellent choice. Just remember to check the opening hours of the attractions you want to visit inside, and enjoy your personal journey through “The Gateway to the West.”

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
The tour provides engaging storytelling, an easy-to-use app, offline maps, and a comprehensive route covering major sights. It does not include attraction entry tickets.

How many people can participate in one purchase?
One tour purchase covers up to four people in the same vehicle. Everyone listens together, making it a good value for groups.

Do I need internet connection during the tour?
No, the maps and audio are available offline after downloading, so cellular or Wi-Fi is only necessary during initial setup.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop and whether you explore additional sites.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can begin whenever you like. Just open the app on-site, and the stories will play automatically as you reach each stop.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, this is a self-guided tour, not an admission ticket. You’ll need to purchase tickets separately if you want to go inside any attractions.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, and the flexibility means children can enjoy the stops at their own pace.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring smartphones or tablets with headphones for best sound quality. A charger or power bank can also be helpful if you plan multiple days.

Is parking available at the start and end points?
Yes, parking is available at the final stop, and the tour starts at 698 Chestnut St. Parking options are nearby.

How do I access the audio tour?
Once booked, you’ll receive an email and text with setup instructions and a password. Download the Action Tour Guide app, enter your password, and start exploring.

This self-guided audio tour offers a fantastic way to enjoy St. Louis’s highlights without the hassle of schedules or guides. With its engaging stories, scenic routes, and flexible pace, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to learn and explore on their own terms.