
A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville worth booking?
A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville is a 2-hour experience in Sacramento, United States, from $15 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (26)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Experience California’s historic Gold Country on a driving tour from Auburn to Placerville with this affordable audio tour. • Find out the history of the California Gold Rush as you visit the gold rush towns of Auburn,
What you get
About this experience
Experience California’s historic Gold Country on a driving tour from Auburn to Placerville with this affordable audio tour. • Find out the history of the California Gold Rush as you visit the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma, where gold was first discovered in January 1848 • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, a California native with a penchant for telling stories • Do it all in 120 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
What's included
Included
- VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Not included
- Food/Drink
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Transportation
What you'll see and do
Auburn
This self-guided driving tour passes through the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma.
Pass by without stopping
Gold Rush Museum
On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gold Rush Museum, a stamp mill, and a blacksmith shop.
Pass by without stopping
The tour passes by the Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead.
Pass by without stopping
The tour passes by Hart 2 Hart Vineyards.
Pass by without stopping
Hike along the Gerle Loop trail at Magnolia Ranch Trailhead where you’ll catch glimpses of the American River.
Pass by without stopping
American River
Your drive from Auburn to Placerville takes you along the spectacular American River.
Pass by without stopping
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
See where gold was first discovered by James Marshall at John Sutter’s Mill while visiting Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
Pass by without stopping
See the Sutter's Mill Replica.
Pass by without stopping
See the James Marshall Monument and learn more about the man who first reported gold in the area.
Pass by without stopping
Explore Gold Bug Mine, an actual hard-rock mine from the late 1880’s.
Pass by without stopping
Placerville
This self-guided driving tour passes through the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sacramento
Starts at 1650 Lincoln Way, Auburn California. Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends in Placerville.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day
This was such an interesting narration. We learned a lot about the area and the gold rush . The only thing I would change is the directions to the starting point . It says to go to a parking lot which does not exist . It starts in the gas station. That was our only hiccup.
via Viator
Frustrating, did not help us enjoy the trip.
We are seniors and not tech savy so it was very frustrating. The app kept giving me "app permission denied" and "location unavailable" We wasted almost one hour trying to get to the exact location to start. I could not even force the start. We drove around the block about 3 times trying to get the app to connect. We decided to forget the app and just drive Hwy. 49 on our own. We finally found the highway and the app "magically" started. There was a lot of history at the beginning some of which I thought was unnecessary. Also the background sound effects were very distracting.
Response from the operator: Hi there, I'm sorry that the content wasn't as informative as you hoped. We will review the tour content and see where updates and improvements may be needed. Thank you for your honest feedback, as this helps us ensure that tour content remains valuable and that improvements can be made over time. I'm sorry you felt this product was not worth the cost. Regards, Alicia
via Tripadvisor
worth it
Once I found the beginning point (program won't let you start until you are EXACTLY at the location), it was great! GPS tracked me the whole way and the narrative led me to spots I would have never found by myself. Definitely recommend, thank you.
via Viator
Fabulous Exploration of Gold Mining Territory
Start to finish this audio tour was easy to follow, wonderfully informative and articulated for the entire journey.
via Viator
HWY 49 - Aurburn to Placerville
Nice drive, good points of interest. Lots to explore at the start location City of Auburn and end point, City of Placerville. Right at Placerville this time of year, apple & grape harvest. You have to explore Apple HIll, everything apple and many boutique wineries to visit. Shout out to High Hill Ranch, the Best Apple Pies !
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sacramento.
How much does A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville cost?
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Prices start at $15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sacramento usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sacramento is not rushed.
Is A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sacramento, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sacramento can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sacramento and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sacramento within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sacramento?
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Sacramento pairs Old Sacramento and Capitol history walks with river kayaking, farm-to-fork food tours and day trips into the Sierra foothills and Napa. On Outty we rank every Sacramento experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 60 Minute Adventures - The Escape Game at The Galleria, Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour, Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork from Auburn (Class 3-4). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sacramento?
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March to May and September to November, before triple-digit summer heat. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sacramento?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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