Charleston, South Carolina, is a city best explored with knowledgeable guides who can bring its rich history and culture to life. From horse-drawn carriage rides through historic streets to culinary adventures sampling Lowcountry cuisine, Charleston offers a wide variety of tours to suit every interest.
Key Highlights:
- Diverse tour options covering history, architecture, food, and ghost stories
- Mix of walking, carriage, boat, and bus tours
- Knowledgeable local guides providing insider perspectives
- Opportunities to access historic sites not open to the general public
- Culinary tours showcasing Charleston’s renowned food scene
Top 10 Tours in Charleston
- Historic Charleston Carriage Tour
- Operator: Palmetto Carriage Works or Old South Carriage Company
- Duration: 1 hour
- Highlights: Cover more ground than walking tours, learn about antebellum architecture
- Charleston Food Tour
- Operator: Charleston Culinary Tours or Bulldog Tours
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- Highlights: Sample local cuisine, visit acclaimed restaurants, learn about food history
- Charleston Harbor History Tour
- Operator: Charleston Harbor Tours
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Highlights: See Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and Charleston’s historic waterfront
- Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour
- Operator: Bulldog Tours
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Highlights: Visit the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, hear spooky local legends
- Charleston’s Old South Plantation Tour
- Operator: Gray Line Tours
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Highlights: Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, includes a nature train ride
- Charleston Architecture Tour
- Operator: Charleston Strolls
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Learn about various architectural styles, visit historic homes
- Gullah Tour of Charleston
- Operator: Gullah Tours
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Learn about African-American history and Gullah culture
- Charleston Brewery Tour
- Operator: Charleston Brews Cruise
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Highlights: Visit multiple craft breweries, sample local beers
- Charleston Photography Tour
- Operator: Charleston Photo Tours
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Capture Charleston’s most photogenic spots, photography tips included
- Charleston Civil War Walk
- Operator: Charleston Footprints
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Visit sites related to the Civil War, learn about Charleston’s role in the conflict
[Source: TripAdvisor – Charleston Tours]
Expert Insight
“The best tours in Charleston don’t just recite facts – they tell stories. Our city’s history is rich with tales of pirates, patriots, and everyday people who shaped the Holy City. A great tour brings these stories to life and connects visitors with Charleston’s living history.” – Al Ray, veteran Charleston tour guide and local historian
Choosing the Right Tour for You
With so many options available, selecting the right tour can enhance your Charleston experience significantly. Consider your interests, physical abilities, and the time you have available. Many visitors find that combining different types of tours – perhaps a carriage ride for an overview, followed by a focused walking tour – provides the most comprehensive introduction to Charleston’s many facets.
