USA · CHARLESTON HISTORIC TOURS
53 tours
Carriage routes in Charleston are assigned by lottery on the morning, so nobody can promise you a street in advance. Below are the carriage rides, the walking tours and the house museums, with running times, what the lottery means for your route, and which guides go deepest.
Ride through historic Charleston on a horse-drawn carriage with draft horses and certified guide stories, covering 30 blocks in about an hour.
“We thought we would go right by rainbow Row and the battery according to the description on the website, but we didn’t. The tour was interesting. Cold today, blankets would’ve been great.”
Walk Charleston in 2 hours with a licensed local guide, from City Hall and Dock Street Theatre to Rainbow Row and Fort Sumter views.
“Comprehensive walking city tour with background history provided for each landmark covered. Highly recommend.”
Haunted horse and carriage tour in Charleston with a certified guide, 40-min narrated spooky stops, and no walking through old streets.
“Being hearing impaired, I should have requested upfront seating. It would be nice if they provided a printed version of what the narrator is saying. I missed a lot because the weather was cold and I had to cover my ears.”
Ride a horse-drawn carriage through historic Charleston with certified guides, small groups, and classic stops like St. Philip’s Church.
“They were friendly and accommodating for everyone. Our guide was full of knowledge of all the local history. Very up beat and you could tell he loved his job.”
Night-time walking ghost tour in Charleston with after-hours entry to the 1772 Unitarian Church Graveyard.
“Liz was a great storyteller and kept us engaged the whole time! We really enjoyed her enthusiasm and energy throughout the tour. 10/10 recommend!!”
90 minutes on the Carolina Belle with narrated Cooper River history, Fort Sumter views, and bridge passes. Pick day or sunset times.
“Had a great time! Learned about Charleston, saw a beautiful sunset. Great crew, friendly and informative. A great deal too!”
Walk Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad with a live guide, hitting Rainbow Row, Old Slave Mart, and more in about two hours.
“Wonderfully entertaining tour guide! Buckle up for a cherished learning experience that will leave you yearning to delve more into the rich history of not just this lovely city, but the history of this nation, world and society at large. Very grateful to have had this opportunity. Many thanks!!”
2.5-hour eco boat cruise from Bowens Island to Morris Island Lighthouse, with dolphins, birds, and beach shelling.
“Lovely experience. The captain was fun and kind and knowledgable. We saw bottlenose dolphins and he gave us some fossils he has found on the beach.”
3-hour Charleston food tour in the French Quarter or Upper King St, with 7+ tastings, local history, and a Secret Dish.
“Robin was fabulous! Her experience and knowledge gave us a really great tour. It’s not always easy to to entertain and to keep people focused and entertained for 3 hours. I will always remember her and the tour!! Thank you Robin! Becky and Janel Seattle Washington”
Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walk pairs pirate ghost stories with bar stops. Small group, 2.5 hours, 21+ only.
“Vanna is the BEST tour guide. So funny and knowledgeable!!!!! She truly made the whole experience and catered to what we wanted to do”
Air-conditioned 90-minute luxury minibus tour of Rainbow Row, the Battery, historic churches, and classic Charleston homes with a guide.
“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...”
Downtown Charleston Food Tour pairs four sit-down restaurant tastings and dessert with local history on a 2.5-hour walk. $110.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area history which made the tour more interesting. Great stops for food as well!!”
A 90-minute Charleston Harbor cruise on a replica 1920s steamer, with live narration, Fort Sumter views, and dolphin chances.
“It was a great time, interesting, fun and lots of beautiful photo opportunities. Highly recommend!”
A 90-minute night walk through Charleston with Mike Brown, mixing spooky ghost lore, local history, and eerie photo-supported storytelling for $29.
“Wonderful storyteller, captivating and well informed! Would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about Charleston’s ghost history!”
