Top 6 Self-Guided Tours in the World

1.Self-Guided Plitvice Lakes Day Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,519 reviews · 12 hours · from $58Our pick

Travel from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park by comfortable bus, then explore its waterfalls and clear lakes at your own pace. Your English-speaking host, often Sanja, Luka, Lovro, or Antonia, explains the route and meeting times. The day includes a boat ride and electric train, but park entry costs extra in cash.

“It was amazing to see the views and the park lived up to the raving reviews about it! So glad we went. Our bus driver was efficient and safe and we enjoyed how the outline of the agenda was. There was enough time to go through the park and we had no issues with the timing of getting through the park. Our guide Luka was fantastic and enthusiastic. We appreciated the history and context that he shared with us. He is a great asset to the company and to sharing the culture of this cool country!”

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2.Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 762 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Explore Joshua Tree National Park in your own car with an English GPS-guided audio tour from Adventures with Action. Follow a 66-mile route with more than 60 stories, pause for hikes and photos, and use the included Hidden Valley bonus tour offline.

“Awful - there is no wifi in the park you cannot access the reservation or use the links they provide to play the tour. It was a giant waste of money. We relied on a physical copy of a map.”

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3.Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 521 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Drive Acadia’s 22-mile Park Loop Road with Action Tour Guide’s GPS-triggered narration. You’ll hear more than 36 stories covering Hulls Cove, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and walking detours. Download the app before arrival, since cell service is limited.

“First time using audio self guided tour. It was perfect for my family’s needs. We get to experience and learn Acadia National Park at our own pace. Didn’t experience any glitches hopefully it can be integrated into Apple CarPlay in the future.”

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4.Self-Guided Ebike Tours of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 427 reviews · 1 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $130Top rated

Pick up a class 1 e-bike at Hull’s Cove Visitor Center, learn the controls and suggested routes from Island Time staff, then pedal Acadia’s carriage roads at your own pace. You get a helmet, map, lock, basket, phone holder, and insulated bag for up to six hours of self-guided riding.

“This was absolutely the best way to see Acadia national Park! It was fun, easy, and allowed me to see so much!”

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5.Arches National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 288 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Drive more than 50 miles through Arches National Park with 40-plus location-triggered audio stories about geology, Indigenous traditions, settlers, arches, and stargazing. The tour works offline, lasts about 2 to 3 hours, and includes a bonus Delicate Arch Trail tour. Park entry is separate.

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6.Arches and Canyonlands NP Self-Guided Driving Audio Bundle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.)

Use Action’s GPS-based audio app to tour Arches and Canyonlands National Parks by car. You’ll hear stories about geology, Native cultures, settlers, arches, canyons, and hiking stops as you drive. Download everything before entering the parks, then follow the route offline at your own pace.

“Couldn’t get it to download for use at the park. Cell service was intermittent. Got tired of waiting for it so just went into the park.”

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