America · CHARLESTON TOURS
The good charleston tours fill up early and the best go first. Below: the 15 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ.
Ride 30 blocks of Charleston in a one-hour horse-drawn carriage, guided by Palmetto Guild experts, with Belgian or Percheron horses.
“The tour guide Wendy had great humour and is a beautiful story teller. Loved going through the charming streets of the city.”
A 2-hour guided walk through historic Charleston, from City Hall and the French Quarter to Rainbow Row and Battery views of Fort Sumter.
“Really informative, lots of history and information on architecture, why houses were designed like they were, famous people who lived there, and so much more”
A 40-minute Charleston ghost tour by horse and carriage, narrated by certified guides. You’ll see key haunt spots fast, with no walking.
“Aiken was the new horse and he was great, along with his guide Miles. We loved the ghost tour and enjoyed the historical facts he gave us.”
Horse-drawn carriage through historic Charleston with a certified guide, classic landmarks, and great photo angles for one hour.
“Loved the historical information..very interesting and friendly staff! Bill was fantastic! I received a nice education!”
Prebook Fort Sumter admission with a round-trip ferry from Charleston, plus a narrated harbor cruise and a ranger welcome on the island.
“Good experience. Boat was older. Rangers knowledgeable. We had plenty of time at the Fort. Would recommend.”
Walk Charleston by night with a licensed guide, then get after-hours access to the 1772 Unitarian Church Graveyard.
“Historical ghostly stories of Charleston. The dark cemetery experience was the most eerie. Unfortunately, I stepped on a mound of fire ants and got bit.”
Ride the Carolina Belle on a 90-minute Charleston Harbor cruise with live captain narration, Fort Sumter views, and Cooper River bridge passes.
“We were running behind to get aboard the boat. All the seats on the upper deck were full so get there early for a good seat. The captain was very knowledgeable and friendly. Someone got engaged on the boat on the way back. Memorable trip for sure. The sunset was beautiful!”
Charleston hidden alleyways on a 2-hour small-group walk with Rainbow Row and Old Exchange views from the street, $34.
“This was an absolutely fantastic tour of downtown Charleston … a little over 2 hours and I felt like I walked away with a real understanding of the history and the culture of the city. It was an easy walk filled with a lot of stories an interesting anecdotes by a tour guide that is part of the city’s history. So glad we did this tour!”
French Quarter and South of Broad guided walking tour in about 2 hours. See Rainbow Row, historic churches, and major landmarks.
“Bill was an extremely knowledgeable and entertaining tour guard who provided a very unique experience for us.”
Charleston eco boat cruise to Morris Island Lighthouse. Spot dolphins and sea turtles, then beach-shell with a naturalist guide.
“Hang on to your hat. It gets windy. It was a beautiful day. We saw a few dolphins and had time to walk on the beach and admire the beautiful scenery. Matt was a good guide.”
3-hour Charleston French Quarter or Upper King brunch tastings with 7+ bites, she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, secret dish, local guide.
“Plenty of food and nice pace. Perry was knowledgeable and friendly. Great way for first day in Charleston to learn some history and food places!”
All-access admission to Boone Hall Plantation, with guided home rooms, enslaved-cabins exhibits, Gullah culture talk, and more for about 2 to 4 hours.
“I enjoyed my visit, especially the guides that were friendly and informative. I loved the main house which was beautifully decorated”
Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos is a 2.5-hour small-group walk with a pirate guide, ghost tales, and bar stops for 21+.
“Jo is fantastic! Great tour; she is entertaining & very knowledgeable about the history of Charleston.”
Air-conditioned Charleston minibus tour with wide windows. See Rainbow Row, the Battery, St. Michael's and more in 90 minutes.
“This Pineapple tour was the highlight of our stay in Charleston. We scheduled it for the morning of our first full day in town, and it helped set the stage for the rest of our visit. Our driver, Neal, was exceptionally personable and informative. His non-stop narration and answers to our questions included facts and stories about the town’s history, customs, climate, architecture, politics, food, flora, and fauna. Very comprehensive without a dull moment. His comments regarding which restaurants deserved our consideration were also immensely helpful. The small airconditioned bus was also a plus. Charleston was hot and humid with intermittent rain during our early October visit. It was impos...”
A 2.5-hour Downtown Charleston walking food tour with four restaurant tastings, dessert, and history in the French Quarter and Market.
“It was a lot if fun, a great guide and great food. Simon was very knowledgeable about Charleston as a whole.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
