Silicon Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour for Tech Lovers

San Jose , United States

Silicon Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour for Tech Lovers

Active

(24 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Explore the birthplace of tech with a self-guided audio tour! Drive through Silicon Valley while checking out the headquarters of tech giants like Apple, Google, Facebook, Tesla, and more. Learn about the visionaries who’ve shaped the world around us, from the feud between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs to the controversies around Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos to the eccentricities of Elon Musk.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Available options

Silicon Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour for Tech Lovers

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

Formerly the Facebook HQ, now the Meta HQ, this imposing complex is home to the company that drove much of the social media revolution. As you circle the campus, you'll learn about the origins of Facebook, eccentric CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and the many controversies which have surrounded the company for years.

NOTE: The tour is over 38 miles long, with more than 56 audio stories, and takes about 2-4 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Though humble on the outside, this building is the brain behind the most important part of Amazon's business model: Amazon Web Services. Here, workers manage the globe-spanning cloud computing service which gives Amazon dominance not only over the retail scene but over huge swaths of the internet itself.

Google's Android Garden is filled with strangely charming foam sculptures of lollipops, marshmallows, cupcakes, and tons of other sweets. Each represents a different software update to the Android operating system.

The Googleplex is the headquarters of Google, the search giant known for its catchphrase "Don't be evil." As you drive by this enormous complex, you'll get the full story behind the company's creation and its braniac founders.

Microsoft might not have been founded in Silicon Valley, but you can’t talk about tech without it. Here at their California HQ, you'll hear the whole history of this influential company, from Bill Gates to its ongoing feud with Apple.

Stop 6

The Computer History Museum houses the largest collection of computing artifacts in the world. The collection comprises nearly 90,000 objects and photos, 4,000 feet of cataloged documentation, and hundreds of gigabytes of software. If you're a major techie, this place will be right up your alley.

Apple has three separate campuses in Silicon Valley, but this one is the original. As you drive around the loop, you'll hear how Apple became the company it is today, and how they continue to shape the future of technology around the world.

If you'd like to take a break and check out the latest Apple tech, this Apple store is the place for you. There's also a cafe here if you need a snack.

Up until the end of 2021, this building was the headquarters of Tesla, the electric car company famous for stirring up the automotive industry for better or for worse. As you drive, you'll hear plenty more about its divisive leader, Elon Musk, as well as his other ventures, such as SpaceX.

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

DE EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.1

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Meeting point

Begin from 1401 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, or listen from your phone speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t supported yet.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-315-291-0634
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About San Jose

San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, a bustling city known for its technological innovations, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. It offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure, making it a compelling destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Top Attractions

San Jose Museum of Art

The San Jose Museum of Art is a renowned institution showcasing contemporary and modern art. It features a diverse collection of works by local, national, and international artists.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($10-$20)

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a family-friendly amusement park and zoo that offers a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike. It features a variety of rides, animal exhibits, and play areas.

Family/Entertainment Half-day to full-day Moderate ($20-$40 per person)

Computer History Museum

The Computer History Museum is a fascinating institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of computing and technology. It features a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($10-$20)

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a beautiful natural area that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a historic mercury mine and features scenic trails and views.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a unique institution that houses a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, sarcophagi, and hieroglyphic texts. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of ancient Egypt.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate ($10-$20)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gourmet Pizza

San Jose is home to a variety of pizzerias offering gourmet and artisanal pizzas with unique toppings and high-quality ingredients.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Mexican Cuisine

San Jose has a large Mexican community, and the city is known for its authentic and delicious Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Sushi

San Jose is home to a thriving sushi scene, with many high-quality sushi restaurants offering fresh and innovative dishes.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Surfing Kayaking Whale watching Spa treatments Beachcombing Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Jose is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety, such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas

Getting there

By air

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport • 6.4 km (4 miles) from city center
San Francisco International Airport • 64 km (40 miles) from city center

By train

San Jose Diridon Station

By bus

Downtown San Jose Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

The VTA Light Rail system is a convenient and affordable way to get around San Jose and the surrounding areas. It consists of multiple lines that connect key destinations within the city and beyond.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown San Jose Willow Glen Cisco Systems Campus Almaden Valley

Day trips

Santa Cruz

48 km (30 miles) • Full day

Santa Cruz is a charming coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historic boardwalk, and outdoor activities. It offers a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages.

Monterey

113 km (70 miles) • Full day

Monterey is a historic coastal city known for its beautiful coastline, marine life, and cultural attractions. It is home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic drives.

San Francisco

72 km (45 miles) • Full day to overnight

San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city known for its iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and unique neighborhoods. It offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all interests.

Festivals

San Jose Jazz Festival • August San Jose Earthquakes Matches • March to October San Jose Pride • August

Pro tips

Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation to learn about the latest technological advancements and innovations in Silicon Valley.
Explore the diverse culinary scene in San Jose, with a focus on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.
Take a day trip to nearby destinations, such as Santa Cruz, Monterey, or San Francisco, for a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.
Check out local events and festivals, such as the San Jose Jazz Festival or San Jose Pride, for a unique and culturally rich experience.
Use public transportation, walk, or bike to get around the city, as it is an affordable and convenient way to explore San Jose.