USA · HISTORY TOURS IN CHARLESTON
Good history tours in Charleston fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Explore Charleston’s historic district by horse-drawn carriage, with 300 years of stories, grand homes, gardens, churches, and expert guides.
“Horse was rough very rough sstarts and got a crappy ping pong ball never fun to tour the public housing”
Explore Charleston’s historic district on a two-hour guided walk covering City Hall, Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Fort Sumter views.
“Duggar gave an excellent tour, and even provides a list of recommended restaurants. He is a highly knowledgeable and personable guy, and we would definitely recommend booking him for a tour.”
Explore Charleston’s historic streets by horse-drawn carriage, with certified guides, landmark views, flexible departures, and practical tips.
“Very informative and entertaining. Looney did a great job! The buggy ride is definitely worth the time.”
Review of Charleston’s 90-minute harbor cruise, with Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, sunset views, history, seating tips, price, and practical advice.
“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+ peoplRead more”
Explore Charleston’s hidden alleys, Rainbow Row, and colonial history on a small-group walking tour with local guides.
“Lots of obscure alleyways with a lot of detail and history. Dennis was a great guide. We highly recommend this tour of 2 hours.”
Review the $49 Charleston Harbor cruise for Fort Sumter views, 75 landmarks, dolphin spotting, sunset scenery, and practical tips.
“Really enjoyed watching the dolphins surfing the bow wave and the sunset. Only negative was the drink prices were high.”
Review of Charleston’s 3-hour history walk with Citadel professor Eric Lager, covering the French Quarter, Civil War sites, architecture, and more.
“Eric is an excellent tour guide for his adopted city of Charleston. Like the tour says, he is a bona fide history professor at the Citadel, and it shows! We had a very detailed and extensive tour which gave context and depth to a broad survey of the city’s history. We covered a lot of ground and I left the tour knowing a lot more about a really interesting place. That’s a thumbs up from me!”
Review of Charleston’s one-hour horse-drawn carriage tour, with historic sights, live storytelling, route tips, seating notes, and value advice.
“I loved riding in the carriage it was a very special experience. Jessie our horse was gorgeous. The horses are very well cared for. The pace of the tour was perfect”
Explore Charleston through Lowcountry food, history, a chef-led walk, cooking demonstration, three-course lunch, wine pairings, and recipes to take home.
“This is the best experience you can do on your trip to Charleston. Chef was great, hilarious quips through the entire time. The food was amazing and your will learn so much from this tour! It was perfectly balanced amount of time and wondering as the food you got to endive in at the end. I would recommend this tour to anyone !!”
Review of Charleston’s 90-minute Gray Line bus tour, covering 100 historic sights with local guides, air conditioning, and useful city context.
“The guide was very knowledgeable about Charleston history, its neighborhoods and the governmental zoning and codes necessary to maintain the architectural character of the city. It was well worth the time and money.”
Explore Charleston’s old walled city on a two-hour history walk with local guides, landmark stops, vivid stories, and practical tips.
“Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the history of charleston. He kept us cool choosing a path that led us thru shade and took his time explaining things. Loved it!”
Review of Charleston’s two-hour walking tour, with Rainbow Row, churches, mansions, the Battery, Fort Sumter views, and the Powder Magazine.
“Our tour guide, Diane, was amazing! She was a wealth of information and very amusing She shared many wonderful stories that really brought historic Charleston to life. We can highly recommend this tour!”
Review of Charleston’s one-hour horse and carriage tour, with historic homes, expert commentary, small groups, pricing, tips, and booking advice.
“Our carriage driver was very funny & informative. Was a pleasure! Learned many new things about Charleston.”
Review of Charleston’s one-hour horse and carriage tour, with historic sights, guide tips, route limits, pricing, and practical booking advice.
“Sit up front to get better experience, Caroline and Amigo (The Horse), were amazing. She was very entertaining and knowledgeable.”
Explore Charleston’s landmarks, difficult past, and grand architecture on a two-hour walking tour led by an engaging local guide.
“Our guide was Fin - and he was TERRIFIC!! It happened that is was just the two of us with Fin. He was not only knowledgeable about Charleston and its history, but was an enthusiastic teacher! He put to use his 30 years of teaching high school history and his 15 years as a guide to Charleston. A 90-minute tour turned into well over 2 hours!! An excellent way to see and get to know this lovely city!! Thanks, Fin!!”
Every kind of American day out, and the best of each.
