Charleston Tours: The 21 Best Tours To Experience The City

Discover the fascinating history of Charleston in style with our top-rated tour! Join our friendly and knowledgeable guide and lovable horse for an exquisite horse-drawn carriage tour. We'll take you on an unforgettable 1-hour journey through the city's captivating past.

Sit back and relax as you soak up the sights and sounds of historic downtown Charleston - it's the ultimate way to experience the city's charm and character!  Check Carriage Tour Availability

Pricing

• $50 / Adult (ages 12+)
• $40 / Child (ages 4-11)
• $0 / Infants (ages 0-3)

Duration & Times

• 1 hour
• Available daily 9 am - 5 pm

Other Info

• Upgrade your tour to a private row, private carriage, or Vis à Vis Carriage if you wish. 

Hear the echoes of history  at the world-renowned Fort Sumter, perched atop an island in Charleston Harbor. On April 12, 1861, the first shots of the Civil War rang out when Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter.  You'll board a tour boat and take a narrated 30-minute cruise to the historic fort; then, you will be greeted by a National Park Service ranger, who will provide an introduction  and answer questions. You’ll have an hour to explore the fort and museum store on your own.

Pricing

• $35.00/Adult  
• $31.00/Senior/Active Military 
• $21.00/Children (4-11)
• Free - Children 3 and under 

Duration & Times

• 1-hour tour, 30 min cruise 
• Daily departures from Downtown Charleston and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant at 10:30 am and 1 pm

Other Info

• Fort Sumter is only accessible by boat 

It's named the Holy City for a reason! Spend a Sunday morning with us and visit the oldest churches of the South on a 15-stop guided Church Walking Tour. Discover these historical landmarks and the wartime heroes buried in the adjacent cemeteries. If the timing is right, visit the inside of these magnificent structures.

Pricing

• $20 per person

Duration & Times

• 2 hours
• Sundays, 9:30 am

Join Professor Damon Fordham on an incredible journey through the Lost Stories of Black Charleston! This walking tour is a history lesson and a captivating adventure by Professor Fordham's talents as a storyteller, educator, published author, and historian. Uncover the secrets of Charleston's fascinating and complex past through the expert knowledge of one of its greatest scholars. 

Pricing

• $34/Adults, Ages 13+
• $25/Students All ages. Must bring student ID.
• $22/Children, 12 years & under 
• $30/Seniors 65 years + 
• $30/Military /AAA members must provide ID.

Duration & Times

• 2 hours 
• Daily 3:30 pm weekdays, 10 am weekends

Charleston's Only Haunted Carriage Tour

Discover the dark side of Charleston on a Haunted Carriage Ride! Step into a world of spine-tingling stories as you embark on Charleston's most thrilling twilight tour. Ride through the most haunted streets of America's most haunted city and be amazed by the fascinating tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots that are hidden in every corner of Charleston. Check Haunted Carriage Tour Availability

Pricing

• $50 / Adult (ages 12+)
• $40 / Child(ages 4-11)
• $0 / Infant(ages 0-3)

Duration & Times

• 40 minutes
• Available most nights, starting early evening

Other Info

• Private and public tours available
• Private row and carriage upgrades available

Embark on an eerie Ghost and Dungeon walking tour through Charleston's haunted Historic District. Wander through the dimly-lit streets, hidden alleyways, and sacred churches of the Holy City as you hear the unsettling tales of ghostly apparitions, haunted dwellings, and Lowcountry legends. Explore the infamous Provost Dungeon—a cavernous chamber that once held prisoners accused of acts of treason or sedition. Enjoy this exclusive access only on a Bulldog Tour.

Pricing

• Starting at $37/Adults
• Starting at $27/Child (4-12)
• Free - Ages 3 and under

Duration & Times

• 1.5 hours 
• 7pm & 9pm

Ride in a comfortable 45ft catamaran as you navigate through Charleston's eerie waterways and hear its chilling stories of naval battles and pirate attacks. This Ghost and Pirate Cruise of Charleston will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Pricing

• $40 Adults Ages 13+
• $30 Children 4-12 years

Duration & Times

• 1.5 hours 
• 7:45 pm on select dates, check availability

Get ready to take the helm of your very own speed boat and experience the thrill of a fully narrated, 13-mile Charleston Harbor Tour. On this adventure, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of iconic landmarks and you'll also get to soak up the city's stunning skyline from a truly unique vantage point.

Pricing

•  $150.00  Single Passenger Boat
•  $178.90  Double Passenger Boat 
•  $224.70 Triple Passenger Boat 

Duration & Times

• 2 hours 
• Every day at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm

Other Info

• Tour route subject to change depending on weather and water conditions.

Board this Carolina Skiff Bay Boat and embark on a cruise through breathtaking tidal creeks, marshes, and the untouched Morris Island. Spot dolphins and immerse yourself in the beauty of coastal wildlife while admiring views of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. This eco-tour is the perfect way to learn about the ecology of the area while experiencing it firsthand. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey!

Pricing

• $52/Adult (13 and older)
• $32/Children (3-12 years)
• $10 Infant (under 3)

Duration & Times

• 2.5 hours 
• Tour times are based on the tides. There is at least one tour every day and sometimes that falls during sunset.

Step back in time and discover the captivating living history of Charleston on a Sightseeing Bus Tour with a licensed tour guide. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this vibrant city as you step out of the air-conditioned minibus. From the charming Old Market area to the awe-inspiring historic homes and churches, this journey is sure to leave you enchanted. 

Pricing

• $31/Adult (ages 12-61)  
• $29/Senior (ages 62+)  
• $21/Child (ages 4-11)    
• Free/Infant Ages 3 & Under - Free  Must Book 1 Adult or Senior First

Duration & Times

• 90 Minutes
• Daily tours begin at 10:00 a.m.

Other Info

• Please note the City of Charleston does not allow hop-on-hop-off services.

Experience the fascinating history of Charleston come alive on a captivating Sightseeing Bus Tour plus Charleston Museum Tour! Immerse yourself in the culture and charm of this historic city as you journey through time visiting the historic homes, Charleston Harbor, and more. 

Pricing

• $39/Adult  (Ages 12+) 
• $26/Child  (Ages 4-11) 
• Free/Infant (Ages 3 & Under Must Book 1 Adult First)

Duration & Times

• 90 minutes
• Daily tours begin at 9:30 a.m 

Other Info

• Please note the City of Charleston does not allow hop-on-hop-off services.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Charleston on a bus tour that will whisk you away to all the must-see sights. This tour includes visits to the picturesque Battery, the colorful Rainbow Row, and the iconic White Point Gardens. You'll travel in style and comfort in a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned van. Your guide will share fascinating facts and hidden gems that you'd likely miss on your own.

Pricing

• $37.50/Adults (Ages 13+)                     
• $35.50/Children (Ages 12 & under)          
• $35.50/Seniors (65 and up) / Veterans with valid ID at check-in

Duration & Times

• 90 Minutes 
• Daily  10:15 am - 3:15 pm

Join one of the most highly coveted Secret Food Tours in North America and discover the mouth-watering delights of Charleston's French Quarter.

The tour takes you on a journey to the best food that the city's picturesque and historic streets can offer. Along the way, experienced guides will passionately share the fascinating stories behind every delicious dish. Try authentic local dishes at five-star rated eateries and enjoy a surprise Secret Dish selected by your expert guides.

Pricing

• $99/person 

Duration & Times

• 3-3.5 hours

Get ready to experience the mouth-watering delights of Charleston's Downtown Food Tour! This walking food tour includes the Historic French Quarter and City Market and will leave you craving more! Step back in time as you stroll down some of the oldest and most historic streets in America while indulging in the city's tastiest bites and sips. Discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks that blend history and gastronomy in the best possible way.

Pricing

• $85/Per person
• $840/Small Private Tour up to 6 guests
• $1140/Large Private Tour up to 12 guests 

Duration & Times

• 2.5 hours 

Journey down one of the "Great Streets" of America, Broad Street, on this Brunch and Broad Food Tour. This historic street boasts some of the best architecture in the city, all thanks to the gallant preservation efforts of its inhabitants.

But it's not just the beautiful buildings that make this street so special -it's the delicious brunch spots that will help tell Charleston's interesting stories.

Pricing

• $79/person 

Duration & Times

• 3-3.5 hours

Tour Charleston through history with celebrated chef Forrest Parker. This half-day Food, Wine & History Tour comes with a live cooking demonstration at a local bistro and a wine-pairing lunch. Explore Charleston's rich culinary influences and learn how to cook Lowcountry classics from the chef himself.

Pricing

• From $200/person + Fees and Gratuity

Duration & Times

• 4 hours 
• 9 am – 1 pm every day except Tuesday & Wednesday

It's the tour of Charleston that combines the finest sips and scenic views. This Wadmalaw and Johns Island Tour is a wine-tasting, tea-sipping, and tree-hugging tour! Visit Angel Oak Park where you'll see the majestic 500-year-old oak tree on Johns Island. Then, make your way by trolley ride to the tea-growing fields at Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island. Top off the day with a wine tasting on the island's Deep Water Vineyard. 

Pricing

• $135/Adult (Ages 21+) 
• $40/ Youth (Under 21)

Duration & Times

• 5 hours
• 10:30 am or 12:30 pm

Take a journey through time and beauty as you embark on a guided tour of the breathtaking Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of America's first tourist attractions and first public gardens. This beautiful plantation dates back to 1676 and has been open to the public since 1870. This tour includes transportation to and from the plantation. 

Pricing

• $74/Adult (Ages 12+)  
• $43/Child (Ages 4-11) 

Duration & Times

• 4.5 hours
• 10:30 am - 3 pm 

Are you ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Boone Hall Plantation? With its founding dating back to 1681, this estate has witnessed centuries of captivating stories. Experience it with an all-access admission ticket and an unforgettable walk through the world-famous Avenue of Oaks.

Pricing

• $28/Adult 
• $25/Seniors-Military-AAA          
• $12/Children (6-12)                        
• Free/Children 5 and under admitted free with adult

Duration & Times

• Duration: 2–4 hours
• Check availability for tour times

Step back in time and experience the rich history of America's oldest landscaped gardens at the Middleton Place Plantation including the stableyards, Eliza's House - a freedman's dwelling, and the house museum. Your tour includes a mouth-watering Low Country meal that will have you savoring every bite.

Pricing

• $99 per person 

Duration & Times

• 4.45 hours 
• 9:30 am to 2 pm or 12:45 pm to 4:45 pm