USA · CHARLESTON TOURS

15 Charleston Tours That Still Read Well a Year On

55 tours  ·  from $29

The 15 charleston tours below are the ones worth your free day, each with its price, its running time and the detail that decides it. The top entry is top for a reason.

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour - Charleston’s route lottery changes what you see
Carriage Rides, Carriage Rides in Charleston, Charleston Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Charleston, Horses, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

1.Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10,023 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $50Our pick

Board at Old South Carriage Company on Anson Street for a one-hour narrated ride through Charleston’s historic district. A certified Palmetto Guild guide, such as Wendy, Ro, or Carol, shares stories of mansions, churches, gardens, and the city’s Civil War era. The route is assigned by the city, so sights vary. Carriages hold up to 16 people.

“You would truly enjoy the experience, and everyone was so nice and professional. The tour guides are very friendly and informative. Great overall experience 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour - Beginning at the Four Corners of Law
Charleston Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Charleston, Sightseeing Tours, Sightseeing Tours in Charleston, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Charleston

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

2.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Start at Charleston City Hall and walk with a licensed local guide through the French Quarter, past the Dock Street Theatre, churches, Rainbow Row, and the Battery. Guides such as Al, Dennis, Duggar, and Evans bring strong storytelling and local detail. Expect a flat, moderate walk, outdoor stops, and a group of up to 20.

“Learned a ton about the city. AL, our tour guide, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the architecture and culture as well as the overall history. Great start to a first time visit as we got a ton of recos for how to plan rest of stay. 10/10 in my opinion.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston - The Mills House and Charleston’s haunted streets
Carriage Rides, Carriage Rides in Charleston, Charleston Tours, Ghost Tours, Ghost Tours in Charleston, Horses, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

3.Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,678 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Settle into a covered horse-drawn carriage for a 40-minute evening ride through Charleston’s old walled city. A certified Palmetto Guild guide, such as Holly, Miles, or MacKenzie, tells spooky tales while horses like Brian, Wayne, and Aiken pull you past graveyards, churches, the Mills House, and the Provost Dungeon. It is wheelchair accessible and returns to 14 Anson Street.

“Very fun. Our guide Holly and Liam the horse were delightful and knowledgable. Holly had a sense of humor and grace under pressure.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston - Meeting the horses at the Big Red Barn
Carriage Rides, Carriage Rides in Charleston, Charleston Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Charleston, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

4.Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,561 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $49

Ride through historic Charleston for about an hour in a covered, open-sided carriage pulled by a gentle horse. Certified guides such as Jim, Luke, Jenny, and Jason Looney share stories about pirates, war, architecture, and local life. Routes vary by city lottery, so landmarks are not guaranteed.

“Brianna was excellent and the staff was friendly and professional. Brianna was knowledgeable on the history of Downtown and her delivery was great. Multiple tours are required to see it all. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry - Choosing Between Liberty Square and Patriots Point
Charleston Tours, Ferry Rides, Self-Guided Tours, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

5.Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,343 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Ride from Liberty Square or Patriots Point to Fort Sumter on a narrated 30-minute harbor cruise. A National Park Service ranger introduces the fort, then you have about an hour to explore the ruins, museum, bookstore, and souvenir shop. Expect stairs, changing weather, and no elevator service.

“We were from out of town and I booked the trip about an hour before the event. When we arrived at the place to get on the ferry the parking had to be paid for and it was a quarter mile away from the ferry. There weren't any clear signage dictating where the ferry was. We had to be directed by a employee. Im 5 months pregnant and dont walk very fast so we missed the ferry by 2 mins it was pulling away as we were trying to get to it. When we talked to the ticket clerk she was rude and coarse. Said she couldnt refund us for…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry - The ferry ride from Charleston or Mount Pleasant
Charleston Tours, Ferry Rides, South Carolina Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

6.Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours · from $43

Take a narrated ferry from Liberty Square or Patriot’s Point to Fort Sumter. You’ll pass Rainbow Row, Battery homes, the Ravenel Bridge, or USS Yorktown, then spend about an hour exploring the fort with National Park Rangers before returning by boat.

“interesting history and tour. Boat ride was lovely on a hot day.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard - Starting at Buxton Books on King Street
Cemetery Tours, Charleston Tours, Evening Experiences, Ghost Tours, Ghost Tours in Charleston, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Charleston

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

7.Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,835 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Meet your licensed guide at Buxton Books for a 90-minute walk through Charleston’s haunted old town, ending with after-hours access to the 1772 Unitarian Church Graveyard. Guides such as Simon, Jerry, Liz, and Jake bring different storytelling styles. Expect local history, supernatural tales, dark paths, cobblestones, and plenty of standing.

“Jake was a great tour guide! Was very knowledgeable about the history and the ghost stories. The graveyard had a lot of history and was cool to walk through at night!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise - Choosing between daytime and sunset
Boat Tours in Charleston, Charleston Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Charleston, South Carolina Tours, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

8.Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,788 reviews · from $44

Board the 80-foot Carolina Belle at Charleston Maritime Center for a 90-minute narrated cruise along the Cooper River. You’ll pass Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, Fort Johnson, the Battery, Waterfront Park, and the Ravenel Bridge. Choose a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure. Drinks and snacks cost extra.

“I want to start by saying that the staff was great and narration was enjoyable. It was a Saturday night so maybe fuller than other reviewers experienced. I was disappointed that there is maybe 20-30 seats on the top deck and at least 150+ people on the boat. You can stand on the top deck at the railings but can hardly walk around because it is so packed. I also doubt the people who did get seats had a great view with people standing on either side of the boat. The downstairs portion is musty and outdated and has multiple blind spots so you can’t really see what they are…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour - South of Broad: quiet lanes and residential Charleston
Charleston Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Charleston, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Charleston

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

9.Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,335 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $34

Walk Charleston’s South of Broad and French Quarter areas with a licensed local guide such as Dennis, Duggar, Evans, or Al. Over two hours, you’ll explore four to six alleys, see Rainbow Row and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, and hear stories from the colonial era through the Civil War. The group is capped at 13 people.

“Interesting inside view of old Charleston, the private gardens and alleys. The historic explanations however were very whitewashed. There was no mention of native people that would have been there when the British arrived. No mention of slavery but an emphasis on confederate history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour - The French Huguenot Church and Charleston’s religious layers
Charleston Tours, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Charleston

Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

10.Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,206 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Walk Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad with a guide such as Bill Harris or Vanna, stopping at St. Philip’s Church, Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and the Old Exchange. Expect about two hours outdoors, with sharp historical context, local stories, and time for questions. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.

“A fantastic fully engaged guide offering a grand historical perspective based on the groups understanding and goals. We fully felt like we left with a full understanding of the history, culture, and modern preservation of the city.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse - Why the ride matters as much as the island
Boat Tours in Charleston, Charleston Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lighthouse Tours, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews

Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

11.Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,111 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Leave Bowens Island aboard a small Carolina Skiff bay boat with a naturalist captain such as Chris, George, Jacob, or Tripp. Cruise through salt marshes and tidal creeks, watch for dolphins and birds, then spend about an hour on Morris Island collecting shells and viewing the inaccessible lighthouse. Bring water, sun protection, and shoes that can get sandy.

“Great experience! Check-in was easy! Boat was nice and clean. Captain was knowledgeable of the area and its marine life. LOVED seeing so many dolphins! Definitely made a special memory during our visit to Charleston!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket - The nine cabins and Black History in America exhibit
Charleston Tours, Plantation Tours, South Carolina Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

12.Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,736 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $36

Spend two to four hours at Boone Hall Plantation, walking the Avenue of Oaks, touring the first floor of the 1930s home, visiting nine cabins with the Black History in America exhibit, and joining a Gullah culture presentation. A tractor ride, gardens, stable tour, Gin House Museum, and history talks are included. Presentations are in English.

“Highly recommend this great experience. There is so much to do and so much to learn. The plantation is a massive, well-maintained, historical property. You definitely need 4 hours if you want to cover everything they have to offer. You can also buy the tickets directly from Boone Hall's website with a small fee or directly from the gate, which will save you the online fees.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - Meeting at Henry’s on the Market
Charleston Tours, Ghost Tours, Ghost Tours in Charleston, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Charleston

Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

13.Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,569 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Spend about 2.5 hours walking central Charleston with a costumed pirate guide, mixing local history, ghost stories, and stops at historic bars. Guides such as Vanna, Jo, Blakely, and Brandon lead small groups of up to 14. You buy your own drinks, must be 21 or older, and receive a commemorative cup or cooler.

“Wear comfotable shoes for walking. Bring lts of cash, drinks are rather pricy. Guide was a blast, very enjoyable”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour - St. Michael’s Church and Charleston’s old churches
Bus Tours, Charleston Tours, City Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Sightseeing Tours in Charleston, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

14.Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,422 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Spend about 90 minutes on a small, air-conditioned Charleston minibus with up to 14 people. A professional guide introduces Rainbow Row, the Battery, White Point Gardens, historic churches, and grand homes. Guides such as Neal, Nick, Benjamin, and Smitty are praised for lively local storytelling, though commentary styles can vary.

“Our guide Noel Cook was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We learned a lot about Charlston. Enjoyed the ride definitely recommend it to visitors.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Downtown Charleston Food Tour - Stop one: getting oriented on East Bay Street
Charleston Tours, Food Tours, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Downtown Charleston Food Tour

15.Downtown Charleston Food Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,376 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Spend 2.5 hours walking downtown Charleston, stopping at four restaurants for Lowcountry dishes, Southern favorites, and dessert. Guides such as John, Simon, Georgia, and Dana pair food with stories about Charleston’s culture, architecture, and past. The route is compact, the group is limited to 12, and the tastings amount to a full meal for most people.

“The guide is very knowledgeable and the tour was easy for walking (even in the rain). It was a great time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Charleston Tours

★ 4.5Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour473 reviews
★ 5.0Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture422 reviews
★ 5.0Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class948 reviews
★ 5.0Charleston Harbor Sunset CruiseFrom $60905 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston954 reviews
★ 4.5Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston HarborFrom $45620 reviews
★ 5.0Private Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Charleston340 reviews
★ 5.0Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins395 reviews
★ 5.0Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)From $35724 reviews
★ 4.5Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food TourFrom $110881 reviews
★ 5.0Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking TourFrom $39412 reviews
★ 4.5Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from CharlestonFrom $90836 reviews
★ 4.5Charleston Horse & Carriage Historic Sightseeing TourFrom $45460 reviews
★ 4.5Charleston Haunted Jail Night-Time Walking Tour with Admission to Old City JailFrom $40570 reviews
★ 4.5Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston HarborFrom $45418 reviews

Keep browsing

National Parks52Cruises & Boat Tours286Walking Tours124Tickets137Museums47Sightseeing Tours91
Scroll to Top

The American map

Start with a shoreline, a rim or a river.

On the water

Boat TripsSnorkelingWhale WatchingAirboat ToursKayak Trips

Parks and rock

National ParksGrand CanyonAntelope CanyonZion & BryceYellowstone

Cities on foot

Walking ToursHistory WalksGhost WalksFood ToursArchitecture

Tickets and shows

Attraction TicketsMuseum TicketsShowsBroadwayLuaus