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The 15 best charleston tours of 2024.

See everything this historic South Carolina city has to offer on one of these guided excursions.

The Best Charleston Tours

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History and culture lovers will relish a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for its variety of historic churches, forts and mansions that rank as Charleston's most popular attractions . Or, perhaps you're most interested in its cuisine or the sea creatures that populate its waterways. Either way, these tours – identified by U.S. News using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment – offer just what you need for a fulfilling visit to the Holy City.

Palmetto Carriage Works – Daytime Group Carriage Ride – Charleston Residential District

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $40 Duration: 1 hour

This tour with Palmetto Carriage Works focuses on the residential district of downtown Charleston. During the ride, the horse-drawn carriage winds through 25 to 30 city blocks, passing houses, mansions, parks and gardens, while the driver shares information regarding architecture, the landscape and regional history. Patrons consistently laud the guides for their knowledge, friendliness and good humor. They also appreciate how well the company cares for its horses. Palmetto Carriage offers a variety of "add-ons," such as a plantation tour at Middleton Place or a harbor boat tour.

Daytime tours leave every 30 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the month. Carriages hold up to 16 people; children younger than 4 may ride as a lap child for free. The company also offers evening carriage tours.

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Two Sisters Tours

Price: From $25 Duration: 2 hours

Take the name of the Two Sisters Tours literally: sisters, who are seventh-generation Charleston natives, lead every tour. Along the 2.5-mile walking tour, you'll traverse 18 city blocks and visit St. Michael's Church, the Battery and various centuries-old houses, among other attractions. The sibling guides earn effusive praise for the historical information and colorful anecdotes they share with travelers.

Groups are limited to 20 participants. Tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. An additional 2 p.m. tour may be offered, depending on the month.

Adventure Harbor Tours – Morris Island Boat Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $36 Duration: 3 hours

To reach the uninhabited Morris Island, hop on this boat tour offered by Adventure Harbor Tours. After setting sail from the Charleston Harbor, you'll head to Morris Island where you'll have 90 minutes to explore. You can roam the island on your own for a self-guided visit, or heed the advice of previous tourgoers and follow your guide to learn more about the island's ecology, animals and tidal mechanics. Your guide will also help you spot interesting shells and shark teeth that you can take home with you – a particular highlight for reviewers.

Due to unpredictable tidal conditions, tour times and daily availability may vary. You can see the various departure times when booking. Adventure Harbor Tours also offers private charters, as well as sunset cruises.

Old South Carriage Company – Historic Charleston Carriage Tour

Old South Carriage Company's Historic Charleston Carriage Tours cover about 30 blocks of the city. During the excursions, guides provide facts about the churches, mansions and gardens passed on the approximately 2.5-mile route (which may vary from tour to tour). Tour-takers enjoy the guides' personality and extensive knowledge of the city. Visitors also say both guides and horses are friendly.

Tours take place multiple times daily between 9 or 10 a.m. and 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on the month). Groups are limited to 16 passengers. Old South Carriage Company also offers a haunted carriage tour.

Courtesy of Lowcountry Walking Tours

Lowcountry Walking Tours – Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Go behind the scenes, as it were, with Charleston's Hidden Alleys and Passages tour. You'll explore unique cobblestone and brick pathways that are largely inaccessible by car and often overlooked. Tour guides consistently receive fulsome praise for their insight and enthusiasm. Even Charleston residents report they learned something new about their hometown and its history. Plus, since the tour takes place mostly in the shade, reviewers say the stroll offers a nice reprieve from the city's sweltering heat.

Outings depart from the Old Exchange Building daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lowcountry Walking Tours also leads a Historic Downtown Tour, among others.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures – Dolphin Eco Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $32 Duration: 1.5 hours

If you hope to see dolphins in their natural habitat, then Charleston Outdoor Adventures has a tour for you. Its Dolphin Eco Tour takes visitors over the creeks, inlets and marshes near Folly Beach , where approximately 300 wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins reside. During the boat rides, the captain imparts information regarding the local environment, wildlife and history. Reviewers frequently report learning quite a bit about dolphins and Charleston's ecosystem.

Tours depart several times daily (including around sunset on select days). Charleston Outdoor Adventures also offers a Morris Island Lighthouse boat tour and several kayak tours.

Charleston Harbor Tours – Historic Charleston Harbor Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27 Duration: 1.5 hours

This boat tour offers views of many of the city's popular landmarks, including forts Sumter , Moultrie and Johnson, St. Michael's Church and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. During the sightseeing ride aboard the Carolina Belle, the captain provides commentary on the various sights and Charleston's history, which reviewers find informative and entertaining. Plus, many report seeing dolphins during the ride.

Charleston Harbor Tours depart several times daily; exact times vary by season. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board. Charleston Harbor Tours also offers sunset cruises.

Charleston Culinary Tours – Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Price: From $95 Duration: 2.5 hours

The Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour focuses on the city's historic French Quarter and City Market, and includes visits to a handful of local restaurants. Samples during the walking tour may include classic Southern fare like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, or shrimp and grits. Guides share their knowledge of regional food and Charleston history along the way. Reviewers enthusiastically describe guides as equally entertaining and informative. Travelers also praise the food, calling it delicious.

Tours are offered daily at a variety of times. Specific restaurants visited and meeting points vary by tour time. Tickets include all food and nonalcoholic beverage tastings. Charleston Culinary Tours also offers a pub tour, as well as a food tour of Upper King Street, among other options.

Courtesy of Coastal Expeditions

Coastal Expeditions – Shem Creek Kayak Tour

Price: Adults from $58; kids from $48 Duration: 3 hours

Coastal Expeditions' Shem Creek Kayak Tour, which travels its namesake waterway into Charleston Harbor, affords views of Castle Pinckney, the Charleston Peninsula, Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Along the trip, you may also spot creek residents like pelicans, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. The company's guides and staff regularly receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism.

Tickets include use of all necessary gear (including a kayak and paddle). Tours typically depart Tuesday through Sunday at 9 a.m. from Shem Creek, just across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant. (Offerings may vary by month.) Coastal Expeditions also offers kayak tours to Isle of Palms , along with boat and paddleboard excursions.

Walks of Charleston – Charleston History Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 2 hours

The Charleston History Tour promises to take visitors to some of Charleston's most significant structures. While the walking routes may vary, sites typically include St. Michael's Church, St. Philip's Church and the Battery. Patrons say guides have wonderful historical insight, humor and storytelling abilities. Reviewers also say this tour is especially suited to first-time visitors to Charleston, as it passes by top sights and features a broad overview of the city's history.

Tours run from city hall multiple times daily, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children 6 and younger can tour for free. Walks of Charleston also conducts tours of the city's alleyways and also offers private excursions.

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. – Group Carriage Tours

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $35 Duration: 1 hour

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co.'s group tours show visitors the historic streets and structures of downtown Charleston. Guides offer information regarding the various gardens, homes, parks and churches on display. Routes vary, but specific attractions may include the Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House , the Old Exchange building and the Nathaniel Russell House Museum . Patrons say guides are informative and entertaining.

Horse-drawn carriages, which carry a maximum of 16 riders, depart from the Charleston City Market every 30 minutes or so between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Planning a special outing? The company also offers private tours.

Courtesy of Tour Charleston at Buxton Books

Buxton Books – The Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 1.5 hours

The Ghosts of Charleston Tour walks through the Unitarian Church graveyard. On the outing, guides recount tales from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book, written by the company's founder, Julian T. Buxton III. No two tours are alike, as guides change up the stories shared during each experience. The storytellers receive accolades for being both entertaining and informative.

Tours depart nightly at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Participants interested in Charleston's Black history will also want to check out the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

Bulldog Tours – Savor the Flavors of Charleston Tour

The Savor the Flavors of Charleston Tour takes up to 12 foodies to various bakeries, markets and eateries to sample local Lowcountry fare like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, grits and sweet tea. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Tourgoers appreciate the quality and quantity of food. They advise future participants to eat light (if at all) before the excursion to take full advantage of the food on the tour.

Tours are offered at multiple times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Tickets cover all tastings and must be reserved in advance. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately at some stops. Bulldog Tours also offers food tours through Upper King Street, as well as ghost tours.

SpiritLine Cruises – Charleston Harbor Tour

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $25 Duration: 1.5 hours

The Charleston Harbor Tour directs tour-takers' attention to some of the city's significant historical landmarks, including the Battery, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown and more. As you glide through the harbor, your onboard guide will share details of Charleston's history and former residents. Patrons generally praise the guides for their knowledge and humor. Many also reported spotting dolphins during the cruise. What's more, snacks and beer are available for purchase on board.

Cruises depart from two sites multiple times daily (except in the winter). Children 3 and younger ride for free. SpiritLine also offers dinner cruises.

Charleston Footprints Walking Tours

Price: From $28.50 Duration: 2 hours

Charleston Footprints Walking Tours spotlight many of the city's unique characteristics, including its old churches, graveyards, parks and gardens, wrought iron gates, distinctive architecture, cobblestone streets and alleys. Among the specific destinations on these 18-block walks are the French Quarter, the Charleston harbor and the Battery. Tours are led by licensed guides, who receive praise from recent travelers for their extensive knowledge of Charleston's art, history, architecture, nature and more.

Tours are available daily in the morning and afternoon. Exact times vary by month, but in general, morning tours take place at 9:30 or 10 a.m. and afternoon tours take place at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Best Charleston Walking Tours
• The Best Hotels in Charleston
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• The Best Cheap Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Charleston, South Carolina , South Carolina Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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WE'RE OPEN! COVID-19 Information .

Explore Charleston by Land and Sea

Tour updates & safety information.

Charleston Tours & Events is excited to be able to continue our long tradition of creating memorable Charleston experiences form tours to private events. The health and well-being of our guests and crew members is our number one priority. Our policies are designed to keep everyone safe, while also allowing for an enjoyable experience.

• All unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 are requested to wear a facial mask while indoors on the vessel.

We are running at up to full capacities which does not allow for much distancing on a passenger vessel. Please bring your mask if you are uncomfortable in what could be a crowded environment or if you are unvaccinated.

Small Group PRIVATE CHARTER & HARBOR TOUR options are available!

More Questions? Call or text our sales department at 843-722-1112 . Live support office hours are 7 days a week 8am-5:30pm

WE'RE OPEN AND SAFELY CRUISING. See our COVID-19 Safety Information.

CHARLESTON TOURS & EVENTS

The best way to experience all of the beauty, history, and romantic appeal of the largest and most storied city in South Carolina is with Charleston Tours & Events. Offering a wide variety of cruise options on Charleston Harbor to an array of sightseeing tours and carriage rides on land, Charleston Tours & Events shows you all of the best of Charleston.

Tours & Cruises

Enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn the rich history of the Holy City on one of our relaxing Sightseeing Tours.

Take in all the incredible sights and sounds of Charleston from a comfortable and climate-controlled bus.

We make it fun and easy for vacationers to see and experience the best that South Carolina has to offer with day trips between Myrtle Beach and Charleston.

Private Events

Turn your private event into the party of the season by hosting it on one of our unique, on-the-water venues.

Charleston’s Best

Combo tours.

Save time and money with Charleston Tours & Events Combination Tours! With so many historical landmarks and places of interest, it’s impossible to take in everything Charleston has to offer on just one tour. That’s why we offer a variety of combination tours that let you pick and choose what you want to see when you want to see it.

Experience all the Charm of Charleston

City bus tours.

Get the ultimate close-up look at the history and grandeur of the holy city on Adventure Sightseeing Bus tours in Charleston. Our tour guides will take you through the best Charleston sightseeing in our air-conditioned, comfortable buses. Offering more sights than any other tour, we offer the top sightseeing in Charleston!

See the Best of the City on a

Exploring the historic and beautiful city of Charleston is the perfect group activity! Take your group—school class, senior home, church group, book club, or any social group and experience Charleston in an up-close-and-personal way that the group will cherish forever. We offer a variety of group tours to choose from.

Private Events That Make A

Lasting impression.

Whatever your private event is, make it the party of the year by hosting it aboard The Carolina Belle or The Charleston Princess on the scenic Charleston Harbor and enjoy a Sunset Buffet Dinner. What better way to WOW your guests than taking them out for dinner on one of America’s most amazing harbors. See the skyline of the “Holy City” and dine and dance under the stars. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding event, hosting a corporate outing, or hosting a private celebration with family and friends, give it the extravagance and touch of class it deserves with a private cruise.

Rehearsal Dinners

Corporate Events

Birthday Parties

Special Occasions

Day Trips from Myrtle Beach to Charleston

Plan the perfect day trip from Myrtle Beach to Charleston—the gem of a city that readers of both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast voted the #1 destination in the U.S.! We’ll pick you up at your hotel, bring you to Charleston and bring you back after you experience the best of the city on tours including Palmetto Carriage Works, Boone Hall Plantation, and more.

What People Are Saying About Charleston Tours & Events

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December 15, 2023

In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the top 10 holiday festivities that make Charleston a must-visit destination during the most wonderful time of the year.

April 21, 2023

Charleston is a popular vacation spot in the Summer. Don't wait for June, learn about the top 5 spring break activities in Charleston!

February 6, 2023

Charleston is still brimming with events and things to do downtown, such as carriage tours and expeditions. Learn more here!

Charleston Tours & Events is the one-stop solution for the top-rated Charleston experiences through harbor cruises, historic tours, day trips & more!

Latest Updates

Charleston Charm: Unwrapping the Top 10 Holiday Festivities in the Holy City

Top 5 Spring Break Activities in Charleston

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CORPORATE OFFICE Charleston Tours & Events 11 Isabella St. Unit B Charleston, SC 29403 MAILING ADDRESS Charleston Tours & Events P.O. Box 21360 Charleston, SC 29413

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THE 10 BEST Charleston City Tours

City tours in charleston.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

2. 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

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

4. Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour

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

6. Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston

7. Evening Haunted History Carriage Tour in Charleston

8. Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

9. Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

10. Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall

11. Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

12. Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour

13. Manager's Special Early Bird Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston

14. Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef's Challenge

15. Charleston's Historic Residential Horse and Carriage Tour

16. Charleston Horse & Carriage Historic Sightseeing Tour

17. Historic Charleston Tour, Civil War in Charleston Tour

18. Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour

19. Charleston History and Architecture Walking Tour

20. Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

21. Private Historic Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston

22. Charleston's Best History Walking Tour - 10 AM

23. Private Daytime or Evening Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Historic Charleston

24. Charleston Historical Walking Tour: Pirates, Patriots, and More

25. Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour

26. SMALL group Historic Walking Tours with certified guides

27. The Best Walking Tour in Charleston!

28. Private Chauffeur & Admission to Middleton & Magnolia Plantation + Box Lunch

29. 2-Hours Roaring 20s Premium Cocktail Walking Tour

30. Historic Charleston: 2-hour Private Highlights Walking Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Kirsti H 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles History and plants brought to life The tour guide really brought his knowledge of history and of plants to share with us. Made the tour that much more interesting. Read more Review of: Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour Written April 27, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
• Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
• 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour
• Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Tours Charleston
• Folly Beach Adventures
• Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
• Lowcountry Walking Tours
• Free Tours by Foot
• Pineapple Tour Group
• Charleston Pirate Tours
• Heart Of Charleston Walking Tours
• Miss Alice Tours
• Charleston Sole Walking Tours
• Crafted Travel

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Historic Walking Tours of Charleston, SC

Walks of Charleston offers the best behind-the-scenes cultural history tours. Our walking tours take you to the Holy City’s most intriguing destinations.

Our Charleston Walking Tours

From its well-preserved architecture to its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking views, you can’t help but fall in love with Charleston, South Carolina’s oldest city.

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Charleston History Tour

Discover the essentials of historic Charleston on this leisurely walking tour with our knowledgeable tour guides.

• Small Group!

Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages

This is the most popular tour offered by our sister company, Lowcountry Walking Tours, which specializes in small-group tours for a more intimate experience.

• Hour Glass Varies

Private Tours

Take a private tour of Charleston to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy City. Allow us to create the perfect tour for your group!

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Charleston’s Best Tour Guides

Our walking tours feature some of the best tour guides in Charleston , and they can’t wait to share the stories that date back as far as the city’s 1670 birth. Our tours feature stops such as Rainbow Row, the French Quarter, and the Battery. We also delve a little deeper into the city’s history, divulging information you won’t find in many history books.

All of our tour guides at Walks of Charleston have taken the rigorous Charleston Tour Guide Exam and are licensed by the City of Charleston and are extremely passionate about the past. They’re experienced storytellers who make the lore ripe in your imagination. Our guides are one of the best sources you can find in the city for history — and the best in the city for a guided walking tour of the Lowcountry.

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We Are Charleston's Best Walking Tour Company

"The historic tour of Charleston was an enjoyable, informative experience. The guide was very knowledgeable on the area and was able to show us some of the more quirky parts of Charleston. She also made a strong effort to ensure there was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and answered all of the questions asked. I would recommend this tour!"

"Our walk started at the beautiful city hall building. Amy, our tour guide, was adorably sweet, dressed in all shades of pink and beige from her hat to her boots. She's very very knowledgeable and friendly and answered all of our questions with grace and authority. You can tell she really loves her city and loves sharing it with visitors. My husband is so convinced that he now wants to move here. Great job Amy! Thank you for an amazingly insiteful tour."

"Second walking tour of Charleston and I would say amazing. Our guide, Evans, is a born and raised Charleston guy. He knows everything, I actually took notes so I could take my husband on the walk the next day. Good stories. Only one thing is 2 hours is enough by then everyone is brain dead. I would highly recommend this tour, plus he guided several of us to a restaurant with a fabulous lunch, Poogan’s porch."

"I have been on several tours of Charleston, but Amy walked us by and through places I had never been as well as a few of the places other tours include. After finding out where your members were from and their interests, she included information in her tour that touched on those. She also provided a list of favorite places both downtown and in nearby areas. Though we saw many places, I didn’t feel like I was rushed from one place to the next."