The 21 Best Historical Tours in Charleston, SC You Have to Book

This highly-rated historical tour in Charleston is an exciting way to experience this enchanting city with a touch of elegance. Accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide and a beautiful horse, indulge in a 1-hour carriage ride through the city's fascinating history. Sit back and relax as you take in the sights, sounds, and stories of historic downtown Charleston in a comfortable carriage. It's the classic way to discover the captivating charm of Charleston! Check Carriage Tour Availability. Tours book up fast, reserve your spot! 

Pricing

• $50 / adult (ages 12+)
• $40 / child(ages 4-11)
• $0 / infants(ages 0-3)

Use Code EARLYBIRD and save $5 on the 9 am tour.

Duration & Times

• 1 hour
• Available daily 9 am - 5 pm

Other Info

Charleston's BEST Cancellation Policy— Cancel for free with 1-hour notice.

The charming alleyways of Charleston provide an intriguing glimpse into the city's rich history. Despite being overshadowed by grand homes and iconic landmarks, these cobblestone, brick, and stone pathways offer an intimate and immersive experience of Charleston's unique allure. On this Charleston history tour, you can explore the lesser-known alleyways, as well as some well-known points of interest in the popular historic district. The tour typically includes four to six different alleyways and passages, along with intriguing historical insights. Admission to Powder Magazine Museum is included in your tour. 

Pricing

• $30/person 

Duration & Times

• 2 hours 
• Mon-Sat  9:30 am & 2 pm

Join the Charleston History Tour, where each adventure spans over 18 city blocks in the historic area of the city. Your journey traces Charleston's earliest days as a fortified walled city protecting itself from 18th-century pirates. Discover the story of how the Carolina Colony attracted its first settlers. As you walk, enjoy glimpses of the city's magnificent gardens and grand homes, a testament to our commitment to preserving Charleston's past. 

On this tour, see St. Michael's Church, The Battery, Rainbow Row, and more.

Pricing

• $25 /person 

Duration & Times

• 2.5 hours 
• Mon-Sat 10:30 am & 2 pm

Discover the wonders of the Holy City with this relaxing Charleston historical tour— an informative 90-minute bus tour. The professional guides will take you through Charleston's historic district in cool, air-conditioned comfort while sharing 350 years of the city's history. The tour highlights stunning architecture, the Citadel, the Old City Market, lush gardens, exquisite wrought iron art, and the city's 210 churches. The journey will take you around the Battery and provide a photo opportunity with Fort Sumter in the background. It's the perfect summary of Charleston.

Pricing

• $29/ adult (ages 12+)
• $18/ child    (ages 4-11)
• Free (ages 3 & under)

Duration & Times

• 1.5 hours 
• Daily tours between 10 am - 3:30 pm

Experience the modern-day charm and rich history by foot on this Charleston historical tour. Beyond just a collection of dates and facts, this tour presents a captivating narrative of the city's founding in 1670, its economic progress, and the evolution of the preservation movement that resulted in the establishment of the historic district in 1931. Walk through the city's historic buildings and neighborhoods, and discover the stories of the people and cultures that make Charleston unique. You'll leave this tour with a newfound appreciation of Charleston's vibrant history.

Pricing

• $40 / adult (ages 18+) 
• $35 /Active Military or Veteran
• $35/ First Responder (Police, Firefighter, Paramedic, EMT)
• $30/ child (ages 7-17) 

Duration & Times

• 2.75 hours
• Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:30 am & 2 pm

Embark on a Charleston history tour that immerses you in the past of the original walled city and beyond while also bringing you into its architectural and natural extravagance. You’ll learn how power and money shaped Charleston's evolution, explore various styles of architecture, and discover the origins of the iconic houses while uncovering captivating stories about the individuals who constructed and lived in them. Along the way, witness the remarkable diversity of flora and learn about their arrival in Charleston.

Pricing

• $30/ person

Duration & Times

• 2 hours 
• Sat, Sun 9:30 am

Experience the charm and history of Charleston's downtown district with a $10 discounted bundle offer of two Charleston tours, a history tour, and a food tour, that can be booked on different days. 

Charleston history tours like this take you on a walking journey through 300 years of alluring stories that have shaped the city's rich past. 

During the food tour, you’ll indulge in the best of Charleston's culinary scene, savoring mouth-watering Lowcountry cuisine from top culinary innovators in the ever-evolving restaurant district of Upper King Street. 

Pricing

• Starting at $122/person

Duration & Times

• 2h History Tour
• 2h 30m Food Tour
• History tour - daily starting 10 am to 2 pm 
• Food tour - daily starting 10 am to 2 pm 

This unique half-day journey, Charleston Historical Tour & Cooking Class, is led by chef/guide Forrest Parker. Charleston's intricate history and culinary evolution earned it a spot among the world's top food destinations. Explore both well-known and hidden landmarks and discover how recipes continue to define the local menus. The tour concludes at the cozy Bistro A Vin, where the Chef teaches you how to cook three Lowcountry classics. Savor your dishes with a wine pairing or sweet tea and take home the chef's recipes.

Pricing

• $222/person 

Duration & Times

• 4 hours 
• Mon, Thu, Fri-Sun 9 am to 1 pm 

The Upper King Street neighborhood is bursting with vitality, highlighting imaginative cuisine, cutting-edge design, and lively nightlife. On this 2.5-hour Charleston historic tour through food,  you'll sample delectable dishes from restaurants that lead the way in the city's culinary scene. These trailblazers push boundaries with their inventive menus, fueled by their unwavering passion for cooking. Experience the modern and diverse side of the Lowcountry cooking while gaining valuable insight into the city's ever-evolving gastronomic landscape.

Pricing

• $95/person 

Duration & Times

• 2.5 hours 
• Fri, Sat at 3 pm 

Discover the charm of Charleston's captivating history firsthand by exploring architecturally significant buildings, gardens, and historic homes. On this tour, you’ll be able to take part in the tradition of sweetgrass basket weaving and hear tales of the city's 300 years. Afterwards, you’ll embark on a ride to McLeod Plantation - which focuses on the story of enslaved people and their path to transformation as well as the purpose of the plantation after the Civil War. Experience a Charleston historical tour with knowledgeable local guides, and witness the transformation of a city.

Pricing

• $550 /up to 4 people (includes transport) 

Admission to McLeod Plantation:

• $20/adult (ages 12+),
• $15 /senior (over 60+),
• $6 child (ages 3-12)
• Free (ages 2 & under)  

Duration & Times

• 4 hours
• Tue-Sun 9 am to 12 pm

Experience a piece of American history at the Drayton Hall Plantation, a stunning example of Georgian-Palladian architecture. Built in 1738, Drayton Hall has not only survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars but remains one of the best-preserved historic sites in the US. Join the tour to explore the main floor and cellar of the house, as well as the beautiful grounds and galleries. You’ll love learning the history of Drayton Hall and its inhabitants and discovering furniture, artwork, manuscripts, and botanical plantings that call the plantation home.

Pricing

• $87/person - transportation included

Duration & Times

• 3.5 hours
• Wed-Mon Afternoons

Middleton Place has survived numerous historical events, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, economic hardships, and natural calamities. Discover the life experiences of generations of enslaved individuals who lived and toiled at Middleton Place by embarking on this Charleston historical tour. This program invites guests to partake in a thought-provoking dialogue on the topic of slavery in American history, complete with tales of both suffering and resilience. This is not a walking tour. The experience will start with a presentation, and then you stay to tour the plantation.

Pricing

• $29 /adult (ages 14 & up) 
• $15 /student (ages 14 & up) with student ID 
• $10 /child (ages 6-13) 
• Free/ child (ages 5 & under) 

Duration & Times

• 40 minutes 
• Daily 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Discover the impact and legacy of African Americans from the dark era of slavery to the civil rights movement. The tour delves into the community's struggles and triumphs. During this engaging walking tour, you'll visit important landmarks such as the Aiken Rhett House, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and the Philip Simmons Prayer Garden. Your participation in this African American History and Heritage tour also helps support the International African American Museum, as a portion of the proceeds go towards the institution's efforts. 

Pricing

• $37 /adult
• $27/child
• Free /child (ages 3 & under) 

Duration & Times

• 2 hours 
• Contact for times

This Charleston tour explores a side of the city you never knew existed. Experience "The Other Charleston" with a historical stroll through the antebellum section of Wragg Borough, also known as the 5th ward of colonial Charles Town. This Black History Tour, inspired by Franklin Williams' frustration with the exclusion of enslaved Africans in traditional historical accounts, dives deeper into Charleston's Black History. Don't miss out on this eye-opening journey.

Pricing

• $33.25/adult (ages 13 to 65)
• $31.25/senior (ages 65+)
• $31.25/veteran
• $23.25/child (ages 7 to 12)
• $28.25/group of five adults 

Duration & Times

• 2 hour
• Daily at 10 am

The Shem Creek kayak adventure is a unique Charleston historical tour, offering a brief history of the culture and nature of the Lowcountry. This beloved Mount Pleasant experience is a great option for families and small groups who want to get away from the streets and onto the water to enjoy views of the Holy City skyline. You’ll also get a chance to see local wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, manatees (in the warmer months), and even sea turtles! Marvel at the Charleston Peninsula, Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney from the Charleston Harbor. 

Pricing

• $58/adult 
• $48/child 

Duration & Times

• 3 hours 
• Daily  8:30 or 9:30 am

Embark on a voyage aboard the Carolina Belle and marvel at the mesmerizing splendor of the Charleston Harbor, while gaining insight into the city's past. This picturesque Charleston historical tour will sail past 75 prominent landmarks and places of interest, such as Fort Sumter, USS Yorkton, St. Michael's Church, and grand mansions on The Battery. Watch for aquatic life, including dolphins gliding through the water and pelicans swooping down for their next meal. The knowledgeable and professional captain will enlighten you with the history, stories, and interesting facts about the harbor. 

Pricing

• $45 /adults (ages 12+)
• $31/children (ages 4-11)

Duration & Times

• Mon - Sun 11:30, 1:30, & 3:30 pm
• 90 minutes 

Cruise the Tidal Creeks outside Charleston and Folly on a Bottlenose Dolphin tour for an unforgettable eco-adventure. You’ll board the Carolina Skiff Bay boat and navigate the calm inlets, creeks, and marshes behind Folly Beach. The area is home to more than 300 residential wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, who eat, play, and raise their calves in the creeks. While enjoying the wind on your skin, be entertained with stories of the local ecosystems, various wildlife, and waterways. 

Pricing

• $44/adult (ages 13 & up)
• $32/child (ages 3-12)
• $10/infants (ages 3 & under)

Duration & Times

• 1.5 hours
• Mon- Sun 9:30 am, 12:30 pm

Charleston's Only Haunted Carriage Tour!

Uncover the dark side of Charleston on a Haunted Carriage Ride! Charleston's most thrilling twilight tour will show you a world of spine-tingling stories as you ride through the streets of America's most haunted city. You’ll be amazed by the enthralling tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots that are hidden on every corner of Charleston. This is one of the historical tours in Charleston, SC, that you can't miss! Tours are popular, check 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

Charleston's BEST Cancellation Policy— Cancel for free with 1 hour notice.

Experience one of the most interesting Charleston historic tours in the ground level of the Old City Jail, once home to notorious criminals, pirates, and prisoners during the Civil War. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the Haunted Jail Tour will explore the cells, hallways, and living quarters of some of Charleston's earliest wrongdoers and the primitive forms of torture that were used to mistreat the incarcerated. You’ll hear the tales of infamous inmates, such as the notorious female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher, which are sure to captivate you on this tour.

Pricing

• $ 37/adult (ages 12 & up) 

Duration & Times

• 45 min
• Daily from 6 pm -10:30 pm 

Other Info

Not recommended for young children.

The Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour was crafted by Mike Brown, an experienced guide who has led tours for more than two decades. Mike's expertise has been showcased on local, national, and international platforms, including South Carolina ETV, HGTV, the BBC, and Destination America's Ghost Asylum. He also hosts the Pleasing Terrors Podcast, boasting listeners from all 50 states and 73 countries worldwide. Join this Charleston historic tour to experience the spine-tingling tales of the city's notorious haunted history.

Pricing

• $28.00/adult, online 
• $15.00/child

Duration & Times

• 90 minutes
• Daily  7:30 pm & 9:30 pm

The Nightmares and Nightcaps tour will walk you through the heart of historic Downtown Charleston with a knowledgeable costumed guide. The tour kicks off at a haunted bar, where you have the option to purchase a nightcap while learning about the spirits that refuse to leave. The journey will take you through the charming Charleston French Quarter, where every corner is filled with shadowy nightmares and historic buildings. To cap off your Charleston historic tour, we recommend a visit to one of our favorite haunted bars. 

Pricing

• $29.95/adult

Duration & Times

• 1.5 hours 
• Friday- Sunday 8:30 pm 

Other Info

All tour guests must be 18+ years