USA · HISTORICAL TOURS

History Tours in the USA: The 15 That Put You on the Ground

102 tours  ·  from $18

Revolution in the northeast, the Civil War through the middle, the Gold Rush out west. The 15 below are the guided days that put the story in the right street, priced and timed, with the sites each one actually enters.

New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket - The dinosaur halls: the museum’s biggest crowd-pleaser
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New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

1.American Museum of Natural History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15,447 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Explore more than 40 permanent halls at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, including the dinosaur fossils, Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, Rose Center, and new Gilder Center. Choose general admission or add ticketed experiences such as the butterfly vivarium, planetarium show, giant-screen film, or Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs.

“very informative and extremely well presented lots of amenities which made the experience better. Overall a great family experience.”

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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour - Following the old trading path on Essex Street
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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

2.History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14,564 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $36Top rated

Walk Salem’s historic center with guides such as Lisa, Michael, Sean, Ryan, and Diane, learning the truth behind the 1692 witch trials, colonial architecture, local hauntings, and modern witchcraft. Choose a daytime or lantern-lit departure, but expect to remain outdoors for up to two hours and 15 minutes.

“This was a great way to learn about the city. Our tour guide Michael I believe is his name, was amazing. I Loved his mood and enthusiasm for what he does. 10 out of 10 would recommend.”

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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour - Charleston’s route lottery changes what you see
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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

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

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

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 😊”

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Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour - Three underground spaces from the 1890s
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Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

4.Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,006 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $29Best value

Walk through Pioneer Square with a local guide, then descend into three historic underground passageways built in the 1890s. Beneath the Streets covers Seattle’s early city, the Great Fire, the Klondike Gold Rush, Skid Row, and Coast Salish history in about an hour. Guides such as David, Patti, Sarah, and Imogen add humor and personal storytelling.

“The tour was incredible. Learned a lot about the history of Seattle and how it came to be the city that it is today. David was really funny and knowledgeable, giving us amazing facts. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and cover well if you go in the winter.”

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Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - From Kona royalty to Parker Ranch
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Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

5.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264

Spend about 11 hours touring the Big Island from Kona or Waikoloa in a small Mercedes Sprinter van. Visit a Kona coffee farm, Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, Rainbow and Akaka Falls, and Waipio Valley. Guides such as Chris, Drew, Kevin, and Kawika are known for lively storytelling, Hawaiian history, and local insight.

“Long day in the van but we covered a lot of territory! Our guide, Dreu, was very informative, fun, and also very passionate about the island he lives on!”

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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour - Boston Common sets the scene
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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

6.Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,450 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Follow Boston’s 2.5-mile Freedom Trail from Boston Common to Copp’s Hill Terrace in a group of no more than 16. Guides such as Jon, Maura, Mark, and Alejandro explain the years leading to the Revolution, answer questions, and add stories at landmarks including Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s house, and the Boston Massacre site.

“Jon was very knowledgeable and excited about his subject. It was clear that he had a love for his job, which made it an enjoyable experience.”

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour - Beginning at the Four Corners of Law
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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

7.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.”

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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Boarding at Pier 78 in Hudson River Park
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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

8.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,666 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

Cruise New York Harbor and both rivers from Pier 78, with views of Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, DUMBO, and the Brooklyn Bridge. English-speaking guides such as Molly, Darius, Al, and Ryan add facts and humor. You get indoor and outdoor decks, restrooms, a snack bar, and a digital photo service.

“The cruise was amazing very memorable and the guide was brilliant with the information he gave out. I would highly recommend this cruise.”

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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston - Meeting the horses at the Big Red Barn
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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

9.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.”

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Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour - Starting at Chippewa Square
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Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

10.Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,235 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Walk Savannah’s historic center for about 90 minutes with guides such as Dan and Kel, hearing true history, ghost stories, legends, and tales of executions and murder. The tour begins near Chippewa Square and ends at Colonial Park Cemetery. Expect cobblestones, outdoor standing, a group of up to 30, and a calm, story-first approach rather than jump scares.

“This was an awesome tour! Dan was a great, GREAT guide! It was freezing cold out and it didn’t even matter because he kept us moving and engaged!!”

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Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark - Red Sox legends and eight championship seasons
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Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

11.Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,013 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $45

Spend about an hour inside Fenway Park with a professional guide such as Steve, Matt, Jack, or Mary Ella. See the Green Monster, Pesky’s Pole, roof deck, press areas, and Living Museum, with access to rare Red Sox artifacts. Spanish and Japanese tours can be arranged in advance.

“Totally worth time and cost. We learned about the sox, Boston, Baseball and Fenway. We sat on the green monster and wanted to sit there the next day to watch a game but my husband is a “don’t change the schedule guy”. If I had to criticize I would want more Boston accents! I live in the south and that accent just makes me happy hearing that familiarity is soothing.”

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Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History - Reaching Coral Crater Adventure Park
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Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

12.Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,013 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145

Spend about four hours at Coral Crater Adventure Park for an all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast, hula, Maori games, weaving, war stories, and a large fire-knife show. The evening centers on the Battle of Kipapa and King Kamehameha I. Hotel pickup is available for an added fee, and the outdoor venue serves up to 350 people.

“The venue is outside but well laid out. The dancers are amazing and the story is true to the Polynesian history. The event was well organized, including the transportation. A luau is a pivotal stop while in Hawaii!”

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Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia - Washington, Adams, and Philadelphia’s first presidential residence
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Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

13.Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,944 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Spend two hours walking through Old City Philadelphia with a guide who has a history degree. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court, Carpenters’ Hall, Congress Hall, and other founding-era sites. Guides such as Josh, Kyle, Ted, Joseph, and Vince bring the past to life with stories, questions, and occasional character work.

“This was an entertaining tour of historic Philadelphia. The guide, Joseph was knowledgeable about the history of the city. I appreciated the information about some neighborhoods, and Ben Franklin and Carpenters Hall. I recommend taking this tour, and if possible, experiencing this with Joseph.”

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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour - Four squares and the design of old Savannah
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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

14.Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,918 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Walk Savannah’s Historic District for about two hours with a local guide such as Pierce, Champ, Mike, or Savannah. Expect four historic squares, cobblestone lanes, Forsyth Park, River Street, Factors Walk, Colonial Park Cemetery, and the former Girl Scout headquarters, with audio equipment to help you hear every story.

“Savanna (tour guide's real name) was friendly, extremely knowledgeable and well organized in her presentation of the history.”

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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour - Starting at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

15.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Spend about two hours with a local guide in New Orleans’ Garden District. You’ll study antebellum homes, hear stories about former residents and film locations, and learn why the city uses above-ground tombs. Guides such as Caroline, Angie, Shawn, and Carol are praised for lively storytelling. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is viewed from outside its gates.

“Our guide, Caroline, was very knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. I would have taken another tour from her if I had the time. The homes we saw were well chosen and the stories were entertaining. If standing still makes your back ache then load up on pain meds but it is worth it.”

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