Self-guided tours in Virginia cut through the tourist fluff and let you experience the state’s treasures like a temporary local.
Three standouts deserve special attention: The Mount Vernon Trail offers an invigorating bike ride with stunning Potomac River views and historic landmarks.
At Shenandoah National Park, downloadable audio guides bring the wilderness alive while you hike at your own speed.
Old Town Alexandria’s audio walking tour connects you with centuries of American history through its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
Let’s explore the best self-guided adventures Virginia has to offer.
Key Points
The Mount Vernon Bike Tour offers a scenic ride along the Potomac River with the opportunity to explore the historical Mount Vernon estate.
The Shenandoah National Park Audio Tour provides an immersive and customizable experience with location-based commentary on over 170 points of interest along Skyline Drive.
The Old Town Alexandria Audio Tour allows for a flexible, self-guided exploration of the historic district, with offline audio, maps, and geodata enhancing the user experience.
The Shenandoah Valley Audio Tour focuses on the natural wonders and rich history of the region, including Shenandoah National Park, Native American tribes, and Civil War significance.
These self-guided tours offer the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace, with features like offline access, free cancellation, and customizable experiences.
Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-Guided Ride With Optional Boat Cruise Return
For those seeking an independent and leisurely way to explore Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington, the self-guided bike tour from Alexandria is an excellent option.
This scenic ride along the historic Mount Vernon Trail offers stunning views of the Potomac River. After locking up the bikes, visitors can explore the estate at their own pace, including the gardens, galleries, and historical exhibits at the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center.
An optional Potomac River cruise provides a convenient return to Alexandria. The tour, which is suitable for all fitness levels, includes bike rental, helmet, and the river cruise.
While there have been some mixed reviews on bike maintenance, most riders have enjoyed the ease of navigation and the overall historical significance of the experience.
With a duration of approximately 3 hours at Mount Vernon and 1 hour each way on the bike, this self-guided tour provides a unique and memorable way to discover this iconic Virginia landmark.
Read our full review: Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-Guided Ride With Optional Boat Cruise Return Review
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Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Shenandoah National Park
The self-guided audio driving tour of Shenandoah National Park, provided by GuideAlong, offers visitors an engaging and flexible way to explore the park’s breathtaking landscapes.
The tour features over 170 points of interest, with location-based commentary that automatically plays stories, tips, and directions as you drive along Skyline Drive. Whether you follow the suggested itineraries or create your own route, the tour provides a seamless and informative experience.
The tour is accessible and easy to use, with the ability to pre-download the content for offline access. Running from May 16, 2023, to September 28, 2025, the tour can be enjoyed any day of the week, 24/7.
While not wheelchair-accessible, most travelers can participate in this private group experience.
With a one-time purchase of $19.99 per group (up to 8 people), the tour offers excellent value. Booking is straightforward, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Shenandoah National Park Review
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Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Discover the historic charm of Old Town Alexandria with this self-guided audio tour. The tour, which provides lifetime access, allows you to explore the area at your own pace using your smartphone and headphones.
The VoiceMap app (available for Android and iOS) provides offline audio, maps, and geodata, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour starts at 300 King St, Alexandria, VA and ends at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Along the way, you’ll learn about the rich history and iconic landmarks of Old Town.
While entrance fees to museums and attractions aren’t included, the self-guided format offers the flexibility to start, pause, or restart the tour whenever you’d like.
Keep in mind that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
With an overall rating of 3.5/5 from three reviews, the tour is praised for its pace and flexibility, though some users found the street references confusing.
Read our full review: Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
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Shenandoah: Self-Guided Audio Tour
Explore the scenic Shenandoah Valley with this self-guided audio tour, taking you on a journey through the region’s natural wonders and historical landmarks.
The tour covers the Shenandoah National Park, a stunning stretch of the Appalachian Mountains with breathtaking vistas, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife-rich forests. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s rich history, from the Native American tribes who once called this land home to the pivotal role it played during the Civil War.
The tour is fully customizable, allowing you to explore at your own pace and focus on the sights that interest you most.
With the audio guide, you’ll gain insights and historical context that will bring the landscape to life. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the Shenandoah self-guided audio tour offers an immersive and enriching experience.
Discover the beauty and stories of this remarkable region at your own convenience.
Read our full review: Shenandoah: Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Virginia offers a diverse array of self-guided tours, from cycling around Mount Vernon to exploring the scenic Shenandoah National Park. Visitors can explore the historical charm of Old Town Alexandria or embark on an audio-guided journey through the stunning Shenandoah region. These tours provide travelers with the flexibility to discover Virginia’s remarkable attractions at their own pace, creating a personalized and enriching travel experience.