Best Tours in Charleston, SC
In downtown historic Charleston, there’s a lot to see and explore. While you can put your feet to the streets and try to see everything yourself, it is usually more effective and worthwhile to go on a scheduled tour to get the most out of your historical visit.
We’ve taken the time to list some of our favorite tours in town, so if you’re not sure what to do, why don’t you give one of these awesome tours a try? These tours give more depth and life to our city and your vacation.
Fort Sumter Tours
Perhaps one of the most significant historical sights in all of Charleston, Fort Sumter was a key fortification in the Civil War. This boat tour will take you to the grounds, where you’ll hear stories about key figures, ideas, and battles that took place in early American history.
Address: 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC
Prices
Adults: $32
Seniors: $29
Children (4-11): $19
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Adults: $59
Seniors: $57
Gullah Tours
There’s one tour that we find incredibly fascinating and important today—the Gullah slavery tours. It’s no secret that one of the great tragedies of American history was the issue of slavery, and on these tours, you can see the historical sites and learn about historical figures surrounding the heinous practice.
The tour guides are funny, insightful, and know their stuff. This is where you’ll learn about slavery and Black history in Charleston.
Address:
375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
Prices
Adults: $50
Children (12 and under): $40
Charleston Footprints Walking Tours
By far one of the most simple and affordable tours in Charleston, the Footprints walking tour will take you on a two-hour adventure through the streets of our city. Explore gardens, historical sights, and other interesting buildings. Refreshments are provided.
Address: 108 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
Prices
$25 per person
$400 for a private two-hour tour
Charleston Culinary Tours
People come to Charleston for many reasons, but the culinary scene has to be one of the best! By booking with Charleston Culinary Tours, you can explore some of the historical streets while lining your stomach with rich, delicious food along the way!
Some of these tours (like Dessert with Death), have some special “hook” to them that makes them more than your standard tasting experience. Check them out by clicking the button below!
Address: 46 State St Unit B, Charleston, SC
Prices
The S.O.B. Tour: $25
Dessert with Death: $55
Pubs, Taverns, and Taprooms Tour: $60
Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour: $75
Upper King Street Culinary Tour: $75
Farm-to-Table Experience: $85
Charleston Carriage Tours
Few things will give you nostalgia like riding a horse-drawn carriage through our historic district. These carriage tours are an affordable and magical way to experience Charleston while getting some historical insight into our beautiful city.
Old South Carriage Company
This quaint horse-drawn carriage offers an hour-long historical tour during the day, or a spooky stroll in the evening. Public rides cost less than private ones, but you can ask more specific questions and customize your ride more.
Address: 14 Anson St, Charleston, SC
Prices
Adults: $50
Palmetto Carriage Works
You have two options for carriage rides at Palmetto—-Daytime or Evening! The morning tour lasts around an hour, and you’ll be able to see over 20 blocks worth of architecture, curated gardens, and notable historical sights. The evening tour will take you down the same path, albeit for 35 minutes.
Address: 8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC
Prices
Daytime Tour: $50
Evening Tour: $40
Vacation Rentals in Charleston, SC
When you book with Historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast, your vacation will feel momentous and exciting—it will be historical. Browse our selection and book today!
Check out our
Ghost Tours article if you are wanting a tour that covers some of the creepier parts of Charlestion.