USA ·HISTORICAL TOURS IN CHARLESTON
The good 14 historical tours in Charleston go weeks ahead in season and the rest sit empty for a reason. Below: which is which, and what you get for the money.
Review of Charleston’s Old South Carriage Tour, with route details, horse care, guide quality, price, tips, and booking advice.
“Great way to see the city and learn about the history. Ro was an excellent tour guide; informative, funny and great with the mix of older and younger passengers.”
Explore Charleston’s French Quarter, Rainbow Row, and White Point Garden on a well-paced two-hour history walk.
“Our guide was very nice and super knowledgeable. The pace was comfortable. For a quick visit to Charleston, I would recommend people do a walking tour.”
Ride through historic Charleston by horse-drawn carriage, with certified guides, grand homes, gardens, and city history for $49.95.
“Lovely experience. We went early in the day and had an almost private tour. Jim was a great guide and Donald, the gorgeous Belgian draft horse, did a great job leading us around. Palmetto takes such good care of their horses!”
Review of Charleston Harbor’s 90-minute history cruise, with Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, sunset views, 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 historic sites on a two-hour small-group walking tour for $34.
“Our guide was so passionate and was committed to telling stories of unsung heroes. He also pointed out trees and plants. We had a few dog pet stops too.”
Review the $49 Charleston Harbor cruise, with Fort Sumter, 75 landmarks, live history, dolphins, sunset views, and practical tips.
“Captain of the boat was safety conscious and was informative about the local area history and its importance.”
Explore Charleston’s past on a three-hour small-group walk led by Citadel history professor Eric Lager, from St. Michael’s Church to the Battery.
“Our high expectations were met and even exceeded by our tour guide, Eric. With a PhD in American and European 19th century history, his knowledge depth and ability to answer detailed questions were excellent. Eric was friendly, got to know the group, and keeps it capped at 12 people, which is what also helped us select him. We highly recommend Eric to anyone coming to Charleston and interested in the 400 year history of this unique American city.”
See Charleston’s historic core by horse-drawn carriage, with live stories, harbor views, Rainbow Row, and practical tips for this one-hour tour.
“Madison the guide was outstanding and Milo the horse was wonderful!”
Explore Charleston’s food history with Chef Forrest Parker on a 90-minute walk, cooking class, three-course lunch, wine pairings, and recipes to take home.
“Unique tour. My wife and I were looking for a food tour but this pairing of history and a great fun meal afterwards was great. we have never even heard of such a tour. Forrest was well informed and interesting on his history tour but even better with the food part. Excellent chef, food was delicious, overall one of the best tours I have ever taken.”
Explore Charleston’s Battery, Rainbow Row, churches, markets, and historic homes on a comfortable 90-minute guided bus tour.
“Loved the guide and narration. It can be hard to appreciate the history of a place in 90 minutes, but he did a great job introducing everyone to Charleston. I enjoyed the experience, so did my 14 yr old. I definitely recommend this tour!”
Review of Charleston’s Old Walled City walking tour, with historic sites, local guides, practical tips, price, pace, and honest drawbacks.
“Tour was excellent! Our guide, Eric was superb and extremely knowledgeable. From history to architecture to restaurant recommendations! A must do if you’re new to Charleston and need the lay of the land!”
Review of Charleston’s two-hour walking tour with Rainbow Row, the Battery, churches, mansions, and Powder Magazine admission.
“You will be standing and walking for 2 hours. The guide was very knowledgeable and informative about Charleston. It is a worthwhile tour. I am so glad we did it.”
Review of Charleston’s one-hour horse and carriage tour, with historic homes, expert storytelling, small groups, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“It was fine but $190 was a little much for what it was for 4 people. The tour guide was nice but not super entertaining. He knew the history but it was a lot about real estate and how expensive everything is now.”
Review of Charleston’s one-hour horse and carriage tour, with historic sights, guide tips, route details, pricing, and practical advice.
“This particular carriage company does not operate past 5pm - this app does not indicate a close time. We showed up a little past closing time and Caroline informed us that we would have to come back the next day as the tickets would be honored. Inconvenient, however the tour of the historic downtown area was great. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable! He also explained how the horses were very spoiled and well taken care of.”
Start on a coastline and work inland.
