Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour

This self-guided audio tour of St. Louis offers a fantastic way to see the city’s highlights without the pressure of a group or guided tour schedule. Best suited for travelers who prefer flexibility and independence, this tour takes you through some of the most iconic sites, stories, and landmarks that make St. Louis special. For just $16.99 per group, you get access to a detailed, engaging narration that works offline, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

What really stands out about this experience is how it combines driving and walking segments, making for a well-rounded exploration with minimal hassle. The accessibility—since you only need to purchase once per car—is a big plus, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t an entry ticket to any attractions, so you’ll need to check opening hours beforehand. This tour offers great value for those wanting a personalized, educational adventure around the city’s most famous sights.

Key Points

• Flexible and independent: You choose when to start, pause, and explore.
• Cost-effective: One purchase covers a group of up to 4 people for a full year.
• Rich content: Engaging storytelling enhances sightseeing and learning.
• Offline navigation: No signal? No problem—maps and directions work without Wi-Fi.
• Ideal for leisurely explorers: Enjoy walking, driving, and breaks whenever you want.
• Great for repeat visits: Use it multiple times over the year, making it good value.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Itinerary

Gateway Arch National Park: The Iconic Landmark

The tour kicks off at Gateway Arch National Park, where you’ll learn about the design process behind the arch, which was born from over 170 entries and ultimately designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen. His bold, unconventional design, resembling a giant stainless steel ribbon, was revolutionary at the time and aimed to symbolize modernity as well as westward expansion.

Expect a quick 10-minute stop here, with the option to learn about the arch’s significance and history. While admission isn’t included, the narration provides context that enhances your visit. Reviewers mention that the app and audio guidance make the experience effortless, letting you enjoy the views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline without feeling rushed.

Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France: A Historic Religious Site

Next, the tour takes you to the Old Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Louis, a key fixture in St. Louis’ community for centuries. This site has stood the test of time amidst development and expansion, offering a glimpse of the city’s French roots. The stop here lasts about 15 minutes, and admission is free.

Travelers have appreciated the way the narration adds depth to the visit, making it more than just a quick glance at a church. This spot is for those interested in architecture, religious history, or simply soaking up the local culture. The fact that this site remained untouched by the park development makes it stand out as a historical anchor in the city.

Kiener Plaza Park: A Green Space with a Personal Touch

Your next stop is Kiener Plaza, a lively urban park with a story of its own. Named after Henry Kiener, a local sportsman who competed in the 1904 Olympics, the park provides a casual setting for photos, quick strolls, or just relaxing. It’s free, and about 10 minutes are allocated here.

The reviews note that the app makes it easy to learn about local figures like Kiener, adding a personal layer to the experience. The park’s location also makes it a natural transition point into the downtown area, perfect for a quick break or some light sightseeing.

French Second Empire Architecture: A Historic Reassurance

Just past Kiener Plaza, you’ll see a striking building with twin pillars and a fortress-like façade. Built in the French Second Empire style, this structure was part of a post-Civil War effort to restore local pride by referencing St. Louis’ French heritage. It’s an interesting contrast to the modern skyline and gives a sense of the city’s layered history.

Though it might feel out of place amidst the contemporary surroundings, it’s a reminder of how the city has evolved while maintaining its roots. The appointment lasts about 10 minutes, giving you time to appreciate the architecture and its significance.

St. Louis Public Library: A Grand Civic Monument

The Central Library of St. Louis is a highlight, especially for architecture lovers. Sitting at the intersection of Locust and 13th, the library’s grand stone façade is impressive, and the narration details its history since opening in 1865. The stop here lasts about 15 minutes, perfect for absorbing the building’s grandeur.

Reviewers mention that the app’s clear directions and the visual cues make exploring this site straightforward, and many appreciate the chance to admire the library as an emblem of civic pride.

New Masonic Temple: A Fraternal Landmark

On the way, you’ll see an imposing multi-layered stone building that once served as a Masonic temple. Since being sold in 2017, it now stands as a testament to local fraternal societies. With large columns and bronze doors, it’s a fine example of fraternal architecture, and the narration gives context to its historical significance. Expect around 10 minutes here.

Forest Park: A Verdant Urban Oasis

Entering Forest Park is like stepping into a different world. Covering 1,300 acres, it’s almost 60% larger than New York’s Central Park and a hub for recreation, culture, and nature. The park’s size means you could spend hours exploring, but on this tour, we only get about 10 minutes, enough to take in some scenic views and appreciate the green space.

Many reviews highlight Forest Park’s accessibility and how it’s the heart of St. Louis, hosting major attractions like the zoo and art museum within its grounds. The narration here points out that the park was created for the 1904 World’s Fair, and its history is woven into the city’s fabric.

St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum: Cultural Gems

The St. Louis Zoo was originally part of the 1904 World’s Fair and has remained a beloved free attraction. Originally just an aviary and exotic animal exhibits, it’s now a major zoo, giving visitors a chance to see animals from around the globe. The tour allocates about 10 minutes here, enough to enjoy the history and possibly plan a longer future visit.

Adjacent is the Saint Louis Art Museum, featuring the replica of the statue “The Apotheosis of St. Louis”—a nod to the city’s French origins. It’s a peaceful stop, and the narration adds stories behind the statue and the art collection. Again, about 10 minutes are suggested for this stop, giving you a quick cultural boost.

Emerson Grand Basin & the 1904 World’s Fair

The Grand Basin served as a focal point during the 1904 World’s Fair, with its surrounding exhibition halls and gardens. The narration describes how visitors enjoyed views of this beautiful water feature, making it a perfect photo opportunity. It’s a brief stop of around 10 minutes, but one that encapsulates the grandeur of the fair.

Wrap-up at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor Center

Finally, the tour concludes at Forest Park’s visitor center, where you can grab a map, relax, and plan further exploration. The center is well-positioned to extend your visit into more sightseeing or a relaxing day in the park. The recommended 15-minute stop offers a good chance for reflection and planning.

Why This Tour Works

From the reviews, it’s clear that knowledgeable narration and easy-to-use app are key to making this tour a success. Travelers like that they can wander at their own pace, and the app’s offline capability means no worries about lost signal in the city’s more remote spots.

The price—just under $17 for a group—makes it an affordable alternative to guided tours or multiple attraction tickets. Plus, since it’s valid for a full year, it’s perfect for anyone planning multiple visits or wanting to revisit certain areas.

Most reviewers found it to be “a fun tour” with “great app”, appreciating how the stories added depth to their sightseeing. The flexibility to skip, pause, or spend extra time at spots is especially valued.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This self-guided tour is ideal for independent travelers, families, or groups who want a cost-effective, flexible way to explore St. Louis. It’s perfect if you enjoy learning on the go and don’t mind doing a bit of walking and driving yourself.

While it doesn’t include entrance tickets, it complements visits to attractions like the zoo or museums that you might want to explore further. If you’re looking for a rich, personalized experience that combines history, architecture, and parks, this tour delivers plenty of value.

It’s especially suited for those who value offline access and pay once/use for a year. If you prefer guided groups or curated tours, this might not be your best fit, but for a relaxed, self-paced adventure, it’s a winner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a self-guided tour that you can pause and adjust, making it flexible for families. Just consider the walking and driving involved.

Do I need to purchase tickets for attractions separately?
Correct, the tour does not include attraction entry tickets. You’ll need to check opening hours and buy tickets separately if required.

How do I access the tour?
After booking, you’ll receive an email with setup instructions and a password. Download the Action Tour Guide App, enter your password, and the tour will be ready to go.

Can I do this tour over multiple days?
Absolutely. The tour is valid for one year after purchase, so you can explore at your own pace across several visits.

Is this a group tour?
No, it’s designed as a private, self-guided experience for your group only. Purchase per car, not per person.

What kind of device do I need?
A smartphone with internet for downloading the tour initially, but once downloaded, it works offline for navigation and narration.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is 1 to 2 hours, but it can be longer if you choose to explore stops in more detail or take breaks.

Is there a recommended start time?
You can start anytime during operating hours (6:00AM–10:00PM). It’s flexible and designed for your convenience.

What if I face technical issues?
Support is available if you experience audio or app issues—just follow the contact instructions provided after booking.

Final Word

This self-guided driving and walking audio tour of St. Louis offers a practical, engaging, and flexible way to experience the city’s highlights. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace, dive into local stories, and enjoy some of the best views and landmarks without the fuss of guided groups. With its affordable price, offline accessibility, and detailed narration, it’s a solid option for both first-timers and repeat visitors eager to deepen their understanding of this vibrant city.