Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour

If you’re considering a way to explore Baltimore’s streets and stories without the fuss of group tours or waiting in line, the Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour might catch your eye. It’s designed for those who prefer to steer their own adventure and dive into the city’s history behind the wheel. While it’s not perfect, it offers some notable perks that can make your visit engaging and flexible.

We like that this tour provides unlimited access for a whole year—meaning you can take your time, revisit your favorite spots, or use it on multiple trips. The cost per group is quite reasonable at just $16.99, which makes it an affordable option for small groups or families traveling in a single car. Plus, the downloadable offline maps promise that you won’t need a perfect Wi-Fi connection to keep the storytelling going.

That said, a possible drawback is the GPS and app navigation, which some travelers found frustrating. Several reviews mention that following the directions can be tricky, especially if you miss a turn or go too fast. So, this experience is likely best suited for those comfortable with using their phone and willing to navigate some quirks.

Overall, if you enjoy driving tours with detailed historical tidbits and are okay with some technical hiccups, this tour offers a good way to see Baltimore at your own pace. It’s especially appealing for history buffs or travelers wanting a flexible, budget-friendly experience.

Key Points

• Self-guided and flexible: Drive your own route and explore at your own pace.
• One-year access: Purchase once, enjoy for a full year—ideal for multiple visits.
• Cost-effective: Just $16.99 per car, which is a good deal for up to 4 people.
• Rich content: Over two dozen stops with stories about notable Baltimoreans like Frederick Douglass and Edgar Allan Poe.
• Offline maps: No cellular signal needed, making it reliable even in less connected areas.
• Mixed reviews on app usability: Some find the navigation challenging, so it’s best for tech-savvy users.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour spans more than 10 miles, guiding you through Baltimore’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems. You start at the Baltimore Visitor Center, setting the stage with an overview of the city’s culture and history. From there, the route takes you along the vibrant Inner Harbor, the city’s lively heart, where you’ll see ships like the USS Constellation and the National Aquarium. While many visitors love these spots, note that attraction entry tickets are not included—so plan accordingly if you want to go inside.

Next, the tour visits the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, a charming maritime relic, and the National Katyn Memorial, which offers a sobering reminder of history. One of the high points is the Frederick Douglass – Isaac Myers Maritime Park, where you learn about African-American maritime history and Douglass’s influence beyond abolition, including his support for women’s rights. Several reviews highlight that the stories about Douglass and Poe add depth to the experience, making each stop more than just a photo op.

The itinerary continues with stops at historic downtown sites like the Baltimore City Hall—the site of a notorious 1883 pistol duel—and the Washington Monument, which happens to be the first major monument dedicated to George Washington. Poe’s grave is also included, with one of the more mysterious and talked-about traditions—the Poe Toaster—adding a dash of intrigue.

For history lovers, the Fort McHenry stop is particularly compelling. Known for defending Baltimore during the War of 1812, it’s where the iconic flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write what became the national anthem. Travelers often find Fort McHenry a highlight, although some noted that the availability of attractions varies (for example, some sites might be closed at certain times).

The route wraps up passing by the Mother Seton House, the Walters Art Museum, and the B&O Railroad Museum, giving you a well-rounded glimpse of Baltimore’s cultural and industrial past. The tour ends near the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, deepening your appreciation for the city’s patriotic history.

What It’s Really Like to Drive This Tour

The biggest appeal of this tour is the ability to go at your own speed. You can start whenever you want, pause for breaks, take photos, or skip over parts that don’t interest you. Many reviewers appreciate the value for money—paying once for a full year means you can repeat the experience or share it with friends or family in the same car.

However, navigating Baltimore’s streets isn’t always straightforward. Several users mention that the app’s directions can be tricky; missing a turn might cause the audio to cut out or the route to become confusing. Some find that driving at a leisurely pace and following the recommended route and speed limits helps improve the experience. One reviewer even said, “Great historical stories. Interesting points of interest. The app for the tour is NOT user friendly. Would not recommend,” which highlights that the app might require patience.

Another challenge is GPS reliability. While some say it works well, others report that it can struggle in downtown areas with tall buildings. A few have experienced loss of signal or misdirections, but most agree that, with some patience, you’ll still get a good overview of Baltimore’s highlights.

The storytelling itself is often praised. Reviewers like Joseph mentioned, “This was a fun experience even if the GPS function isn’t the best. Would do this again in different cities.” The narration is generally engaging, bringing to life the stories of figures like Poe and Douglass, which makes the drive more meaningful.

Price-wise, this tour is quite accessible. For $16.99, you’re essentially paying for unlimited use for a whole year, which makes it more economical than guided bus tours or museum tickets. Keep in mind that attraction entry fees are not included, so if you want to visit museums or historic sites, you’ll need separate tickets.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history buffs, curious travelers, or anyone comfortable with smartphone navigation. If you’re planning a leisurely drive through Baltimore, want to learn about its past without joining a group, or are on a tighter budget, this could be a good fit. It’s also ideal if you’re staying in Baltimore for several days and want a flexible way to explore different neighborhoods and landmarks at your own pace.

However, if you’re looking for a highly reliable navigation system or prefer guided tours with a live guide, you might find the app’s quirks frustrating. It’s also not tailored for those who want a fully guided experience with entry tickets included—so plan for some extra time and money if you want to go inside attractions.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
Since this is a driving tour that involves a lot of historical storytelling from your phone, it can be suitable for families with older children who enjoy history and are comfortable in the car. However, it’s not specifically designed as a family or kid-focused experience.

Do I need to buy tickets for attractions on the route?
Yes, the tour covers many sites like the USS Constellation, National Aquarium, and Fort McHenry, but entrance tickets are not included. You’ll need to purchase those separately if you wish to go inside.

Can I use the tour multiple times?
Absolutely. You purchase the tour once for $16.99, and it’s valid for an entire year. Perfect for repeated visits or sharing with friends in the same vehicle.

What device do I need?
You’ll need a smartphone with the Actions Tour Guide App downloaded beforehand, and you’ll receive a password to access the tour. The maps and narration work offline after download, making it convenient in areas with poor signal.

How reliable is the GPS navigation?
Reviewers have mixed opinions. Some say it works well, while others experienced difficulties, especially if they missed turns or drove too fast. Following the suggested route and speed limits can help minimize issues.

What if I face technical problems during the tour?
Support is available from 5 AM to 5 PM EST. If you encounter issues, reach out for assistance. Many users found that simple steps like enabling airplane mode or reloading the app can fix common glitches.

Final Thoughts

The Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour offers an affordable, flexible way to explore Baltimore’s streets while soaking in stories about its notable figures and landmarks. Though the app’s navigation can sometimes be a bit finicky, most travelers appreciate the wealth of information and the freedom to explore on their own terms.

If you’re a history enthusiast eager to learn about Baltimore’s past at your own pace, and don’t mind handling a few technical bumps, this tour provides a budget-friendly option that can be reused over a year. Its focus on storytelling and historical context makes it especially suitable for those who enjoy a more relaxed, self-directed sightseeing experience.

However, if you prefer guided tours with seamless navigation or want all entrance fees included, you might want to consider other options. As long as you’re comfortable with the occasional navigation hiccup and are planning to explore Baltimore over several days, this app-based tour can add a fun and educational layer to your trip.

Happy exploring!