Welcome to the St Louis Tour
Explore the Gateway to the West with this self-guided driving and walking audio tour of St. Louis! First, you’ll stroll through Gateway Arch National Park, take in amazing views of the arch and the Mississippi River, and learn all about the rich history of this monument and the lush park surrounding it. Then you’ll take a drive through downtown St. Louis to Forest Park, a sprawling green space featuring museums, a zoo, and more land than New York’s Central Park!
About the Tour
Your journey begins in Kleiner Plaza Park, just a few blocks from the Gateway Arch. From there, you’ll walk toward Gateway Arch National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Old Courthouse, where important cases like Dred Scott have been argued.
Upon arriving in the park, you’ll first head to a viewing platform to take in the whole sweeping structure while learning about its origins and how engineers built it. Then, you’ll stroll through this riverside park, past shimmering reflection pools and beneath shady tree canopies, all while hearing more about the city’s history.
Next, learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition as you visit “The Captains Return” sculpture by the river, commemorating their return to St. Louis after their historic journey. Then you’ll walk to the base of the arch itself. If you have tickets for the tram to the top, this is a great time to make the ascent.
A short walk away is the Basilica of Saint Louis, the oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi, filled with historical significance and beautiful architecture. You’ll then head back to Kleiner Plaza Park and begin the driving portion of the tour.
As you cruise through downtown, you’ll pass grand structures like the St. Louis Public Library and a now-defunct Freemason lodge.
Then you’ll arrive at Forest Park, the heart of this beautiful city. Here, you’ll find an open-air theater, a free-of-charge zoo, and plenty of museums and remnants of the 1904 World’s Fair. Your tour concludes here in Forest Park.
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Where To Start?
We Recommend Starting From: 698 Chestnut St
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
St. Louis is renowned for its iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, including institutions like the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Saint Louis Art Museum. It’s also famous for its unique style of pizza, characterized by a thin crust and Provel cheese.
- Gateway Arch: A 630-foot stainless steel monument offering expansive city views.
- Forest Park: Larger than New York’s Central Park, it features museums, walking trails, and the St. Louis Zoo.
- City Museum: A unique, interactive museum housed in a former shoe factory, offering tunnels, slides, and art installations.
- St. Louis Art Museum: Home to a diverse collection spanning various cultures and time periods.
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: An opportunity to explore the brewing process and sample various beers.
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer mild temperatures and numerous festivals. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild but can experience occasional cold snaps.
Our St. Louis Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour is a great way for families to explore together! Kids and adults alike can enjoy learning about the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Gateway Arch, while moving at your own pace. It’s a fun, screen-free activity that fits easily into a day filled with zoo visits, parks, and museums.
Getting around St. Louis is easy with a car or even on foot in certain areas. Our Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour is designed to work with both — so you can drive between highlights and explore major landmarks on foot at your own pace. It’s a flexible way to see the city without relying on tour groups or transit schedules.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours. Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever. Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators. At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace. Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction. Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems. Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks. Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route. Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station. 