Private Tour
A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Auburn
This self-guided driving tour passes through the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma.
Gold Rush Museum
On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gold Rush Museum, a stamp mill, and a blacksmith shop.
What‘s Included
VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Food/Drink
Smartphone and headphones
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Transportation
Options
A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Frustrating, did not help us enjoy the trip.
Y7250GCjoanneb,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We 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.
worth it
Laura M,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Once 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.
Fabulous Exploration of Gold Mining Territory
Dani R,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Start to finish this audio tour was easy to follow, wonderfully informative and articulated for the entire journey.
HWY 49 - Aurburn to Placerville
695reneeb,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice 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 !
Great tour
Richard S,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Great tour and full of interesting facts. I did struggle to find the start as no parking but once we got going all ok. Good to be able to stop and start the tour. It a very good way to learn as you go.
Gold Country Drive
Patricia P,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Finding the starting point in Auburn was frustrating. But after we finally located it, the trip was wonderful. Lovely drive. Lots of interesting places to stop and visit. Be sure to spend time in Placerville.
Auburn to Placerville-Great Trip!
rhondasJ8510DY,Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very informative and the directions were great. Was able to pause when needed or stop and start up again after a lengthy visit in Coloma.
A very distracting tour
Vanessa O,Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Too many winding roads and traffic. Construction/ road work was taking place and had cars including myself back up for about a half a mile. Not my ideal tour.
Scenic Auburn to Placerville drive
Lorren R,Apr 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This audiotour made it easy to experience a beautiful back country drive and learn the history of the area at the same time.
Scenic, informative drive
Global750721,Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Software wasn’t perfect as far as knowing your location but I fast forwarded to the close location. It was interesting and we enjoyed the audio and beautiful drive.
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