A Highway 49 Drive: a Self-Guided Audio Tour From Auburn to Placerville

Setting out on a self-guided audio tour along Highway 49 promises an engaging exploration of California’s iconic Gold Rush history. From the charming town of Auburn to the historic Placerville, this immersive experience allows travelers to uncover the region’s captivating past at their own pace. With offline accessibility and detailed maps, the tour offers a seamless way to discover notable landmarks, charming architecture, and picturesque landscapes, all while immersing oneself in the rich heritage of this remarkable route.

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Key Points

A self-guided audio tour that takes visitors along Highway 49 from Auburn to Placerville, focusing on the history of the California Gold Rush.
The tour is accessible through the VoiceMap app and can be started, paused, and restarted at any time.
The tour is designed for private groups and is suitable for strollers, but not wheelchairs.
The tour includes maps, geodata, and offline access, but participants are responsible for food, drinks, and attraction entrance fees.
The tour has received positive feedback from reviewers, with highlights including historic sites, scenic viewpoints, and immersive experiences along the route.

Overview of the Tour

This self-guided audio tour from Auburn to Placerville allows visitors to explore the rich history of the California Gold Rush at their own pace.

The tour focuses on historic sites in Auburn, Placerville, and Coloma, which can be accessed through the VoiceMap app. The tour is available offline, with no cell reception required, making it convenient for travelers.

The tour can be started, paused, and restarted anytime, giving participants the flexibility to explore at their own rhythm. The tour is accessible to strollers but not wheelchairs, and it is a private experience for your group only.

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Tour Details

The tour is available from July 30, 2020, to March 4, 2026.

The meeting point is 1650 Lincoln Way in Auburn, California, and the tour ends at 247 Main St in Placerville, California.

The self-guided audio tour is accessible to strollers but not to wheelchairs.

The tour is designed for private groups only.

Travelers will need a smartphone and headphones to access the audio.

Food and drink are not included, and tickets or entrance fees to attractions are additional.

The tour is priced from $11.99 per group of up to 15 people, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance.

What’s Included

Lifetime access to the self-guided audio tour in English is provided through the VoiceMap App, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Travelers will need to bring their own smartphone and headphones to access the tour. Food and drink are not included, and any tickets or entrance fees to attractions along the route are the responsibility of the participants.

The tour allows for private, self-paced exploration, with the flexibility to start, pause, and restart the experience at any time.

No cell reception is required, as the tour can be accessed offline with all necessary maps and geodata.

Pricing and Booking

The self-guided audio tour from Auburn to Placerville is priced from $11.99 per group, with a maximum group size of 15 participants.

Customers have the option to:

Reserve now and pay later.
Cancel their reservation for free up to 24 hours before the experience.
Access the tour for life through the VoiceMap app on their smartphone.

Food, drinks, and any entrance fees to attractions are not included in the tour price.

Travelers will need to bring their own smartphone and headphones to access the audio content during the self-guided experience.

Traveler Feedback

Reviewers have provided a range of feedback on the self-guided audio tour from Auburn to Placerville. The tour has a 4.3 rating based on 15 reviews.

Positive comments highlight the navigation experience and scenic views along the route. However, some reviewers noted difficulties with navigation and service issues.

It is recommended to check the opening hours of stops before the trip, as this was mentioned as a point of improvement.

The tour provides a convenient self-guided option to explore the California Gold Rush history at one’s own pace, though some practical considerations should be kept in mind.

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Exploring Auburn

Auburn, the starting point of the self-guided audio tour, offers a rich tapestry of California’s Gold Rush history.

Visitors can explore:

The Old Town Auburn, featuring restored 19th-century buildings, antique shops, and the Placer County Museum, which showcases the region’s mining past.
The Auburn State Recreation Area, providing hiking trails and scenic viewpoints overlooking the American River Canyon.
The Auburn Courthouse, an iconic landmark dating back to 1864 and now housing the Placer County Museum Annex, which delves into the local Native American history and early settlement.

With its well-preserved historic sites, Auburn sets the stage for an immersive Gold Rush experience along the self-guided tour.

Discovering Placerville

As the self-guided audio tour continues, visitors will find themselves in the historic town of Placerville, the end point of the journey.

Founded during the California Gold Rush, Placerville is rich in Gold Rush-era architecture and attractions. The tour encourages exploring Main Street, browsing local shops and museums, and visiting historic sites like Hangtown Fry Cafe and Placerville Hardware.

The audio guide provides directions and background information to help make the most of the Placerville experience.

With its charming small-town atmosphere and connection to California’s past, Placerville offers a fitting conclusion to this self-guided tour.

Highlights of the Coloma Region

The self-guided audio tour next explores the highlights of the Coloma region, the historic site where James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush.

Visitors can:

Visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and learn about the early days of the Gold Rush at the exhibits and interpretive trails.
Stop by the Coloma River and pan for gold, just as the original prospectors did.
Tour the Sutter’s Mill reconstruction, the very location where the famous discovery took place.

These historic landmarks provide a glimpse into the excitement and hardships of the California Gold Rush era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour’s details do not mention allowing pets. Generally, pets are not permitted on self-guided audio tours to avoid disruptions and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. It’s best to leave pets at home for this particular tour.

What Are the Payment Options for the Tour?

The tour can be paid for through multiple options, including reserving now and paying later, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. The price starts at $11.99 per group of up to 15 people.

Is Audio Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is currently only available in English via the VoiceMap app. There is no option for audio in other languages. The tour is designed for English-speaking visitors to explore the California Gold Rush history at their own pace.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Full Tour?

The full self-guided tour from Auburn to Placerville is designed to be completed at the visitor’s own pace. The tour duration is not specified, as it allows users to start, pause, and restart the experience as needed.

Are Guided Tours Available in Addition to the Self-Guided Option?

Based on the overview, this tour is a self-guided audio experience. There is no mention of a guided tour option being available. The tour focuses on allowing visitors to explore the historic sites at their own pace.

The Sum Up

The "A Highway 49 Drive: a Self-Guided Audio Tour From Auburn to Placerville" offers an immersive exploration of California’s Gold Rush history. With offline access, included maps, and an affordable price, this tour allows private groups to navigate the scenic route at their own pace, discovering notable historical sites, charming architecture, and beautiful landscapes along the way. Suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual travelers, this tour provides an engaging and practical way to experience the rich heritage of the region.