historic homes tour charleston

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

South Carolina Chevron

Charleston Chevron

10 Best Historic House Tours in Charleston

By Allston McCrady

Charleston's history is central to its experience, and the city's Historic Charleston Foundation, along with several other organizations, maintain several historic homes and properties that will give you a deep dive into the area's background. Here, our list of some of the most informative, professional, and enriching ones to check out.

Joseph Manigault House Arrow

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Arrow

Heyward-Washington House Arrow

Nathaniel Russell House Arrow

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

McLeod Plantation Historic Site Arrow

Aiken-Rhett House Arrow

Philip Simmons Foundation Arrow

This is certainly an unusual house museum in Charleston, but it is one absolutely worth visiting. Not only does it provide a pleasing contrast to the grand residences South of Broad, it also tells the story of those whose skills and determination formed the backbone of Charleston’s built environment.

Edmondston-Alston House Arrow

Drayton Hall Arrow

Middleton Place Arrow

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

6 Historic Homes in Charleston You Can Actually Visit

January 3, 2020 By Caroline Eubanks Leave a Comment

Many visitors to Charleston come to see the historic buildings that date back to the early days of the city’s founding. While the plantations along the Ashley River are popular, you can also get a look inside some of the lavish homes downtown.

While many are private residences, some are now house museums in Charleston, run by the Charleston Museum, Historic Charleston Foundation, or through independent trusts. Others are open during the seasonal tours of homes . Add these Charleston house museums to your next trip itinerary.

A Note On Plantations:  These homes have a dark history that shouldn’t be ignored. Only you can decide whether this is something you’re interested in doing. Read  this post  for more perspectives on both sides of the debate.

This post contains affiliate links.

Charleston House Tours and Tickets

Each of these homes has its own ticketing process, but you can also purchase combination tickets. For example, the Heyward-Washington and Joseph Manigault houses have combined tickets with the Charleston Museum .

You can also get entry during promotions for Charleston’s Museum Mile like Mile Month. The TourPass Charleston also provides entry into many of these homes at one price. And tours like Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages give a glimpse into the streets behind the famous mansions.

Historic Charleston House Museums

Aiken-rhett house.

The Aiken-Rhett House was built in 1820 in what is now the Mazyck-Wraggborough neighborhood of Charleston for merchant John Robinson.

It was later acquired by William Aiken Sr., a railroad magnate, who passed it on to his son William Aiken, Jr., who was later the South Carolina governor.

Aiken Jr. and his wife expanded the home in the 1830s and it continued to pass down through his family for over 140 years. Around 1975, it was sold to the Charleston Museum and it subsequently opened as a museum. The Historic Charleston Foundation now oversees it.

The Aikens owned slaves and their stories are told on the tours. Among the outbuildings are a kitchen, the original slave quarters, and a carriage block. A number of the original furnishings also survive.

Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased in combination with tickets to the Nathaniel Russell House. Tours are self-guided and offered daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The Aiken-Rhett House is located at 48 Elizabeth Street, a short walk from the visitor’s center.

Calhoun Mansion

The Calhoun Mansion was built in 1873 for businessman George W. Williams in the Victorian style. It was constructed with over 30 rooms and a large ballroom.

After Williams’ death, it was inherited by his son-in-law Patrick Calhoun, the grandson of statesman John C. Calhoun. In 1914, it operated as a hotel and in 1932, portions of the property were subdivided. In 1976, it was purchased and restored.

In 2004, it began operating as a museum. It’s also been used in films like North and South and The Notebook . It is decorated in the Gilded Age style and contains artifacts from the period.

Tickets are $17 for adults while children under 11 are free. Tours are held from 11 am to 5 pm every half hour, lasting around 30 minutes. The Calhoun Mansion is located at 16 Meeting Street near The Battery.

Visit the home on the High Society of Charleston tour , which ends at the Calhoun Mansion.

Edmonston-Alston House

The Edmonston-Alston House was built in 1825 for Scottish immigrant Charles Edmondston on the ruins of a fort alongside a sea wall. The modified single house was purchased by rice planter Charles Alston in 1838 and the third story was added.

A number of the Alston family details still remain, including the family crest on the rooftop railing and the dining room table. There are brief mentions of the enslaved people that lived here but the focus is on the high society family.

On the brink of the Civil War, General P.G.T. Beauregard watched from the house as shots were fired from Fort Sumter. The home later passed to Alston’s daughter Susan, who then gave it to cousin Henry Augustus Middleton Smith in 1922. It became a museum in 1973, operated by Middleton Place Plantation. It was recently featured on Outer Banks .

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and children and combination tickets are available with Middleton Place. Tours are held on Sunday and Monday from 1 to 4:30 pm and Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm and last 30 minutes. The Edmonston-Alston House is located at 21 East Battery.

Get your Edmondston-Alston House Admission before you go or book a spot on The Edmonston-Alston House Walking Tour .

Heyward-Washington House

The Heyward-Washington House was built in 1772 for Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington was even hosted here during his 1791 tour.

Heyward and his family lived here until 1794 and his descendant, DuBose Heyward, wrote the novel Porgy that George Gershwin developed into Porgy and Bess .

He sold it to the Grimke family in 1794 and it became home to soldier John and his family, including daughters, and future suffragettes and abolitionists, Sarah and Angeline. The home was purchased by the Charleston Museum in 1929 and opened in 1930 as the city’s first historic house museum.

Among the pieces of Charleston-made furnishings in the house is the Holmes Bookcase, a fine example of colonial furniture. There’s also a 1740s kitchen building and formal gardens.

Tickets are $12 and combination tickets are available with the Charleston Museum and the Joseph Manigault House. Tours are offered Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. The Heyward-Washington House is located at 87 Church Street, a block from the Nathaniel Russell House.

Visit this home on the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour , but entry is not included.

Joseph Manigault House

The Joseph Manigault House was built in 1803 in the Adams style and designed by brother Gabriel Manigault. Joseph was a wealthy rice planter and French Huguenot who came to America to escape religious persecution. He inherited many plantations and hundreds of slaves from his grandfather, securing his wealth.

It contains intact outbuildings like the kitchen and slave quarters, stable, and privy as well as fine furniture from Europe and beyond. The dramatic staircase is another incredible feature.

After Manigault’s death, the home was sold in 1852 to George N. Reynolds Jr. before passing to John S. Riggs in 1864. By 1920, the home was slated for demolition, but a group of locals formed the Preservation Society of Charleston to save it. The Charleston Museum purchased it in 1933.

Tickets are $12 and combination tickets are available with the Charleston Museum and the Heyward-Washington House. Tours are offered Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. The Joseph Manigault House is located at 350 Meeting Street alongside the Charleston Museum.

Visit on the Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour .

Nathaniel Russell House

The Nathaniel Russell House was built in 1808 for slave trader and merchant Nathaniel Russell in Neoclassical design. The townhouse was home to Russell, his wife, two daughters, and likely eighteen slaves to run the household.

Russell wanted only the finest home and had a number of architectural details installed like elaborate plasterwork, heart pine floors, formal gardens, and a grand three-story cantilevered staircase.

In 1857, it was purchased by Robert Allston, governor of South Carolina, and he lived there until his death. From 1870 to 1905, it operated as a boarding school before again becoming a private residence.

In 1955, the Historic Charleston Foundation was created to save the property. It remains one of the best house museums in Charleston.

Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased in combination with tickets to the Aiken-Rhett House. Tours are offered daily from 10 am to 5 pm and are led by docents. The Nathaniel Russell House is located at 51 Meeting Street, around the corner from Rainbow Row.

Visit the home on the Badass Broads of Charleston tour , which ends at the house.

Looking for a place to stay during your trip to Charleston’s house museums? The Wentworth Mansion and the John Rutledge House Inn are both historic homes turned inns with modern amenities like daily breakfast and WiFi.

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This Is My South is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees at no cost to the consumer by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For further information, visit our Privacy Policy page.

This site is managed by Reggio Digital .

• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

This site uses cookies. Opt out at any time. More details

Home › Things To Do › Historic Houses

Charleston Historic Home Tours

Charleston has many dozens of historically-significant properties, the great majority of which are privately owned and occupied and not open to the public.

Several of the city’s most important historic homes, however, are operated as historic house museums, allowing a view into the lives of some of Charleston’s wealthiest residents – and the people they enslaved – in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Most of the houses offer guided tours of around 30-40 minutes duration, usually discussing the history of the house, its occupants and architecture. If you expect to want to visit more than one historic house museum during your visit, look out for combination tickets, which offer admission to two or more properties at a discounted rate.

See also: – Museums in Charleston – Plantations near Charleston – Other things to do in Charleston – Things to do near Charleston – Charleston events and festivals by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Historic Charleston Foundation’s House Tours

Aiken-rhett house.

48 Elizabeth Street, 843-723-1159

The Aiken-Rhett House, constructed by William Aiken around 1820, remained in the hands of a single family and its descendants for a century and a half. Preserved rather than restored, the house offers an insight into the decline in fortunes of its owners in the years since the Civil War.

Unusually among Charleston’s historic house museums, the Aiken-Rhett House has retained its enslaved people’s quarters and other outbuildings, including stables and kitchens, portraying the other side of life in one of the city’s great antebellum houses.

Self-guided app-based audio tours of the house are made at your own pace, and will usually take around 45 minutes. Combination tickets including admission to the Nathaniel Russell House are available.

Open daily. Adults $15, children (6-16) $7. More details

Nathaniel Russell House

51 Meeting Street, 843-724-8481

The Nathaniel Russell House is considered to be one of the best Neoclassical townhouses in the country, constructed for a wealthy Rhode Island merchant who established himself in Charleston in the mid-18th century.

The house, with formal gardens, is restored to its appearance in 1808. It is furnished with objects of fine and decorative art from the 18th and 19th centuries, including several items owned by the family, and others created in Charleston.

Tours take around 30 minutes, and discuss the lives of family members and the people they enslaved as domestic staff, and the process of restoring the home. Combination tickets allowing admission to the Aiken-Rhett House as well are available for a discount.

Charleston Museum’s House Tours

Heyward-washington house.

87 Church Street, 843-722-2996

The Heyward-Washington House, built in 1772, is one of the oldest surviving residences in Charleston.

It is named for two of the house’s most distinguished occupants: Thomas Heyward, Jr, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and George Washington, who rented the home during a week-long stay in the city as part of his 1791 tour of the South.

Beautiful antique Charleston-made furniture, formal gardens and an 18th-century kitchen building are among the highlights of tours of this historic house. Combination tickets offering discounted admission to the Charleston Museum and/or the Joseph Manigault House are also available.

Open daily. Adults $12, youth (13-17) $10, children (3-12) $5. More details

Joseph Manigault House

350 Meeting Street, 843-722-2996

The Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, is an excellent example of the Federal style of architecture, formerly owned by one of Charleston’s wealthiest rice planting enslaving families, the Manigaults, descended from a group of French Huguenots who settled the city in the late 17th century.

The restored property features early-19th-century and other antique furniture from the collection of the Charleston Museum, with gardens too restored to the style of the period.

Tours of the house take around 30 minutes, and focus on the history of the family and architecture of the house, in the context of the social history of the period. Combination tickets to see the Heyward-Washington House and/or the Charleston Museum as well are available at a discount.

Charleston’s Other Historic Home Tours

Edmondston-alston house.

21 East Battery, 843-722-7171

The Edmondston-Alston House was built in 1825 by Scottish merchant Charles Edmondston. The house was one of the first of the grand houses to be erected along what is now the city’s East Battery, commanding fine views over the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.

Edmondston lost the house in the panic of 1837, with some alterations to the Federal-style home undertaken by new owner Charles Alston. It remains to this day in the hands of his descendants.

30-minute tours visit the Edmondston-Alston House’s public rooms and piazzas. Combination tickets with the Middleton Plantation, who manage tours of the house, are available.

Open Monday-Saturday. Adults $15, children and students $10. More details

Williams Mansion

16 Meeting Street, 843-722-8205

The Williams Mansion (formerly known as the Calhoun Mansion) was built by George Williams in 1876, and is regarded as one of the finest postbellum houses on the East Coast. It is the largest historic private residence in Charleston.

The Williams Mansion is still occupied by its current owner, who has filled the house to the brim with an eclectic mixture of furnishings, paintings and objects from all periods and corners of the world.

The basic tour of the house takes about 25-35 minutes, seeing several of its rooms and discussing the history of the home and its antiques. An alternative longer tour visits the entire mansion and its cupola.

Open daily. Basic tour $17 per person, children under 12 free. More details

© Melanie K Jones 2024

Entries on This Tour

Charleston, like the rest of western Virginia, was contested territory during the early years of the Civil War. Confederate troops attempted to capture and hold the city at several points during the course of the war. A marker at this location tells the history of the first engagement in Charleston. In July of 1861, Henry Wise's Confederates attempted to build a small fort at this location in anticipation of a battle with Union troops under the command of General George McClellan. The owner of the property, Rebecca Littlepage, reportedly denied Wise's demands and successfully compelled the Confederates to both leave and spare her home from destruction as they had originally promised.

Designed as his private home by Charleston, WV's first African- American architect, John Clavon Norman, Sr, the craftsman structure is a good representation of his work. Norman would design many buildings throughout West Virginia and especially the Kanawha Valley. Segregation was a reality that Norman had to accommodate in completing several designs.John C. Norman, Sr., is the father of the African- American medical pioneer, John C. Norman, Jr.

One of Charleston's oldest homes, this beautiful antebellum residence is located on the West Side directly across the street from Stonewall Jackson Middle School. It is possibly the only antebellum home with slave quarters still standing in the Kanawha Valley, a structure that is located directly behind the home and known as "The Quarters."

Breezemont, also known as the General C.C. Watts House is located at 915 Breezemont Drive in Charleston, West Virginia. The historic home was built circa 1905 by Cornelius Clarkson Watts and sits on the top of Watts Hill in Charleston. Watts was a noteworthy person in Kanawha County and West Virginia history.

Mattie V. Lee was the first African American woman physician from the state of West Virginia, and was heavily involved in efforts to provide housing for female students and as a center for social events. The Mattie V. Lee house was established in 1915 as a safe haven for African American girls who relocated to Charleston, WV in search of employment. Historically, the home served as a social, religious, and cultural center, as well as helping in the process of residents becoming employed. Today the Mattie V. Lee Home is an addiction treatment center for the Prestera Center.

Elizabeth Harden Gilmore was a Charleston funeral director and a pioneer in the civil right movement in West Virginia. Gilmore was a leader and one of the founders of the local chapter of Congress for Racial Equality (CORE) that led sit-ins throughout Charleston. She also worked to secure the admission of African American Girl Scouts into the previously all-white Camp Anne Bailey. Gilmore led the first sit-in against the Diamond Department Store’s lunch counter in Downtown Charleston. Thanks to her leadership, the store opened the lunch counter to African American patrons in 1960. In 1988, Gilmore's home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Efforts continue to restore the home and operate it in a way that honors Gilmore's legacy.

This site was home to Samuel Starks, a prominent African-American leader in the Knights of Pythias organization. Built in 1908 in what was largely a historically Black community, Samuel Starks was only able to live in the house for a number of months, for he died the same year the house was completed. Under his tutelage, Starks and the Knights of Pythias were successful in acquiring properties to assist Black business owners and entrepreneurs nationwide with aspirations of land ownership. Sam Starks became West Virginia’s first Black state librarian in 1901. The house was severely damaged by fire in 1981, but was repaired and restored. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. In 2018 the abandoned home caught fire twice in a week, causing the structure to be demolished.

Sunrise was built 1905 for West Virginia's ex-governor, William A. MacCorkle. The estate stands on a sprawling 15-acre property, and is connected to the Sunrise Carriage Trail that runs from the nearby South Side Bridge to the mansion. Along the trail to the mansion there are two historic markers, one for two women spies who were shot and killed during the Civil War and one for MacCorkle’s daughter who died from injuries sustained in a car accident. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

This Charleston home was built in 1895 for Israel N. Johnston, who served as state ornithologist for many years. Owing to Johnston's nickname of "The Bird Man" owing to his work, ownership of many birds who shared this home, and his authorship of the 1923 book "Birds of West Virginia, this home became known as "Bird Haven." Johnston also owned and operated a tailor shop at 308 Virginia Street in Charleston. The home is one of the oldest frame-built houses in the area and exhibits late Victorian features such as a 3-sided front bay window and a front and back parlor area. It is a bungalow-style home with painted clapboard and multiple gables.

The Barnes-Ford House was built in 1923 by Fred Crowthers for Bernard Barnes. Crowthers was an English born architect who plied his trade in the Charleston area and is known for the Manor Place Apartments located in the East End Historic District. He also constructed the Merrill house located in South Hills.

Dalgain is an early 20th century home in the South Hills neighborhood of Charleston, WV that was designed by H. Rus Warne. It is an American four square design featuring Italianate influences. The house was built as a wedding gift for Robert McCabe and his wife Margaret Fleming Ward.

Bougemont is an historic home constructed ca. 1916 and located on Bougemont Drive in Charleston, West Virginia.

Justus Collins (December 14, 1857-October 18, 1934) made a lasting impression on West Virginia as a coal operator. Known for his octagonal company stores, he brought work to the "smokeless coalfields" of West Virginia. His house stands at 1116 Kanawha Blvd. E. in the Charleston (WV) Downtown Historic District.

This historic home, constructed for W.A. Ohley, is typical of the "American foursquare" style popular between 1890 and 1930. As part of incoming West Virginia governor Aretas Fleming's cabinet, Ohley witnessed the infamous "Four Governors" episode during the most contested election in the state's history.

An exemplary sample of American Queen Anne architecture, this house overlooking the Kanawha River was commissioned by powerful businessman Frank Woodman in 1891. Woodman had a hand in most of the industries of the Kanawha Valley by the 1890s, and was even a director of the Charleston Clendenin & Sutton Railroad alongside future West Virginia governor William MacCorkle.

The MacFarland-Hubbard House was built in 1836, and is one of seven remaining homes built in Charleston prior to the Civil War. The home has housed four prominent Charleston families since its construction, including the MacFarlands, the Rubys, the Crowleys, and the Hubbards. In 1861, the home was temporarily used as a Federal medical hospital, even though it was owned by a family with Confederate sympathies. Today the MacFarland-Hubbard House has been restored by the West Virginia Humanities Council, whose offices reside on the second floor.

Built in 1889 by Samuel and Cynthia Stephenson, this lovely Queen Anne Victorian style home stands on Bradford Street in Charleston, West Virginia, between the intersection of Kanawha Boulevard and Virginia Street. The house has been fully restored internally and externally. It retains many classic features of a Queen Anne Victorian home, such as wood siding, a corner turret, large porch and slate roof.

Children's Home Society of West Virginia advocates for children in a variety of ways, attempting to educate the people of West Virginia about the problems encountered by children and trying to find solutions to these problems. Children's Home Society is the largest adoption agency in West Virginia and has been serving the state's children for over 100 years. The agency is a non-profit organization that relies on donations, grants, and other funding.

One of the last remaining homes built prior to the Civil War in Charleston, the Augustus Ruffner House was constructed in 1834 by lumberman and farmer Augustus Ruffner. The Ruffner family maintained ownership of the home for several generations. The family named the estate "Cedar Grove” in reference to the beautiful stand of trees that surrounded the property. Today, the home is known as one of Charleston's "Seven Sisters," the name residents assign to the seven remaining pre-Civil War homes. Henry D. Ruffner inherited the house upon Augustus’s death in the mid-1850s, though he was forced to leave it while serving in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. The house remained in the Ruffner Family until the 1940s.

Holly Grove Mansion, also known as the Ruffner Mansion, was built in 1815 by Daniel Ruffner, the brother of David, Joseph Jr., and Tobias Ruffner. All were the sons of Joseph Ruffner Sr. and were instrumental in developing a thriving salt industry to the Kanawha Valley in the early 1800s. The Ruffner Mansion served as the home for the family who helped develop the Kanawha Valley while also being a center of industry and commerce during the early 19th Century. Holly Grove Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and now sits on the West Virginia State Capitol Complex.

The second executive mansion built for the governor of West Virginia in the state's history, this structure was completed in 1925 at a cost of $200,000. The mansion was designed by Walter Martens, a Charleston architect who designed several other buildings on Charleston's East End. The Georgian-Colonial-style home has welcomed national and global dignitaries, ambassadors, public officials, and hosted numerous events to encourage business, support education, and promote the preservation of West Virginia history and culture.

This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour .

Historic Homes of Charleston

Get a QR Code for this tour

Description

This tour guides users to over twenty of Charleston's historic homes. Explore a wide variety of sites ranging from important African-American homes, to political residences, to twentieth century mansions. For a more focused tour, see the Seven Sisters tour of Charleston's antebellum houses here: https://theclio.com/tour/323.

Historic Homes Walk

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Historic Homes Walk - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Charleston Historic Homes: A Journey through Time and Architecture

History buffs will know Charleston, South Carolina, is a tapestry of American history. The past is woven through its streets and the very bricks and mortar of its buildings. As one of America's oldest cities, its array of architectural styles is the history storyteller. From the sturdy, practical designs of Colonial homes to ornamental Victorian mansions, the historic homes in Charleston, SC, are a journey through time and architecture. You’ll explore the history hiding behind the Georgian symmetry, Federalist elegance, Neoclassical grandeur, and the pointed arches of the Gothic Revival. For those who love the evolution of American architecture and the historical contexts that shaped it, Charleston is the place for you!

Visit Charleston to see the many well-preserved homes unique to this fascinating city. Let’s explore some of the best ways to see them and which ones should be on your list.

The Best Ways to See Charleston Historic Homes

Self-guided tours of historic homes in charleston, sc.

If you like to set your own pace or split up your sightseeing over multiple days, consider embarking on a self-guided tour. This approach allows you to explore and dive deep into the fabric of Charleston’s historical and architectural majesty at your leisure. You can map out your must-see spots or simply walk around downtown Charleston, traveling at your own pace and lingering at your favorite places.

Guided Historical Tours Led by an Expert

For those with an insatiable appetite for stories, a guided tour may be your perfect adventure. With expert guides, you will learn more than you would on your own, allowing you to ask questions about what you see and discover all the history behind each home.

If you are looking for a great overview of the city, the Historic Carriage Tour can take you through it with an enchanting ride on a horse-drawn carriage. This tour is a fantastic way to see the architecture throughout the city and hear notable stories about the historic homes, the people who owned them, and so much more. A tour can give you a good perspective of where you will want to visit again during your stay

The Charleston Festival is a great way to experience multiple historical homes in one event. From March 14 to April 14th, this festival opens doors to charming private houses, meticulously manicured gardens, and more by offering street tours, garden tours, and historical architectural tours. Check out our spring blog post for more seasonal activities.

Charleston's Historic Homes You Simply Can't Miss

The Aiken-Rhett House: A Preservation of Antebellum Life

The Aiken-Rhett House , unaltered since the 1850s, is a captivating snapshot of antebellum society. This historic home in Charleston, SC, invites visitors into the world of William Aiken Jr., a key figure in the city's history. Its preservation offers an authentic look at a bygone era, including intact slave quarters, stables, and carriage blocks, which are essential for understanding the full scope of Charleston's past. Architecturally, it harmonizes Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles, reflecting the prevailing tastes of its time. This house serves not only as a monument to the wealth and social prominence of its original owners but also as a poignant reminder of the complexities of pre-Civil War Southern life.

Ticket Pricing: $15.45 Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 am-5 pm Address: 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403

Want to learn more about its owners and history? Read our blog on Charleston's 19th-century Gem, The Aiken Rhett House.

Heyward-Washington House: Where the Revolutionary Era Comes Alive

Nestled within the heart of Charleston, the Heyward-Washington House stands as a testament to the city's deep revolutionary roots. This Georgian-style residence, which once welcomed George Washington during his 1791 tour, links directly to the nation's fight for independence. Thomas Heyward Jr., the site's namesake, signed the Declaration of Independence, giving this home a vital historical significance. Visitors stepping into this house are greeted by an impressive collection of Charleston-crafted furniture, highlighting the local craftsmanship of the era. The very walls of the Heyward-Washington House echo with stories of early American valor and vision, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of the Revolutionary Era. Ticket Pricing: $15.00 Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am-5 pm Sun: 12 pm-5 pm Address: 87 Church St, Charleston, SC 29403

Nathaniel Russell House: A Masterpiece of Federal Architecture

The Nathaniel Russell House , completed in 1808, stands as a pinnacle of Federal and Neoclassical architecture, renowned for its iconic grand elliptical staircase that spirals through the heart of the home. This architectural gem reflects the opulence and refined taste of its original owner, Nathaniel Russell, a prominent merchant of his time. The home’s interior is carefully preserved, displaying beautiful ornamentation and a variety of period furniture that captures the essence of early American sophistication. Visitors can explore the elegant rooms, each telling a part of the Russell family’s story, while the surrounding garden offers a tranquil retreat, echoing the home's neoclassical elegance.

Ticket Pricing: $15.45 Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 am-5 pm Address: 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Williams Mansion (Formerly Calhoun Mansion): The Largest Single-Family Residence in Charleston

The Williams Mansion , once known as the Calhoun Mansion, is a testament to the grandeur of Victorian architecture in Charleston. Constructed in 1876, this opulent home stands as the city's largest single-family residence, making it one of the most well-known Charleston, South Carolina historic homes. It showcases an elaborate exterior and an interior made of intricate woodwork, stained glass, and timeless furnishings. Its rooms are a gallery of the Gilded Age's luxury, each space lavishly decorated to reflect the wealth and tastes of the era. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mansion has served multiple roles throughout its history, from a private residence to a public space that echoes the cultural and social complexities of post-Civil War Charleston. This historic home embodies the Victorian era's extravagance and is a highlight for those exploring the architectural diversity of Charleston.

Ticket Pricing: Prices will be released in Spring 2024 Hours: Reopening Spring 2024 Address: 16 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Edmondston-Alston House: A View into Charleston's Maritime History

Overlooking the Charleston Harbor from its prestigious position on The Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House merges its architectural elegance with a storied maritime past. The house was erected in 1825, and enhancements were made in 1838 when Charles Alston purchased it. Inside, visitors are treated to a rich display of the family's original silver furnishings and artworks, encapsulating the lifestyle of Charleston's sea-linked aristocracy. The house serves as a historical landmark and a narrative vessel, charting the course of the city's naval heritage through its preserved interior and panoramic vistas. This residence is more than architecture, though—it stands as a silent witness to pivotal Civil War moments, notably General P.T. Beauregard's observation of Fort Sumter's bombardment in 1861 from its piazzas.

Ticket Pricing: $15.00 Hours: Mon: 1 pm-4 pm Tues-Sat: 10 am-4 pm Sun: Closed Address : 21 E Battery, Charleston, SC 29401

Drayton Hall: The Oldest Preserved Plantation House in the U.S.

Drayton Hall's construction dates back to the 1740s by John Drayton, a prominent rice planter. The home has been remarkably preserved and is now under the stewardship of the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. The Trust's mission emphasizes the importance of understanding colonial America and the South's evolving narrative through meticulously guided tours of the estate. These tours encompass the main house, the historic African American cemetery, the Lenhardt Garden, and more. The main house itself presents a collection of original family pieces, decorative arts, and artifacts, offering a tangible connection to the past. Drayton Hall is also a hub for education, hosting a variety of programs, workshops, and special exhibitions. All of these efforts exist to spark dialogue and interest in the preservation of historic structures and artifacts, highlighting the ongoing efforts to conserve this integral piece of American history.

Ticket Pricing: $31.00 Hours: Wed-Mon: 9 am-5 pm Tues: Closed Address: 3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414

Joseph Manigault House: A Reflection of Charleston's French Influence

Constructed in 1803, the Joseph Manigault House epitomizes the French influence permeating Charleston's architectural landscape. Designed for a wealthy rice planter of French Huguenot descent, this home showcases the Adam-style Federal architecture, marked by elegance and symmetry. Inside, the opulent decor and furnishings reflect the refined lifestyle of Charleston's early 19th-century elite. The Joseph Manigault House is a testament to the blend of French architectural heritage and Southern charm that defines Charleston.

Ticket Pricing : $15.00 Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am-5 pm Sun: 12 pm-5 pm Address: 350 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403

This unique city is bursting with history just waiting to be retold, so let Charleston's Historic Homes transport you into different eras as their architecture tells a story. Consider a guided tour if you want to learn even more about the historical events that took place within their walls!

Ready to find the best places to explore, dine, and more in Charleston? Our blog articles will help you create the perfect itinerary for your interests.

Transportation

Daily 9am - 9pm (Varies seasonally)

Where History Meets Hospitality ™

Coupons & combos, book today & save $2 per person, we are no longer offering the ft. sumter tour combo.

• Advocacy for Charleston
• Growth + Development
• Tourism Management
• Advocacy Toolkit
• Preservation Initiatives
• Climate Resilience Guidelines for Charleston
• Carolopolis Awards
• Charleston Justice Journey
• Cemetery Restoration
• Mapping Charleston’s Black Burial Grounds
• Oral History
• Historic Markers
• Preservation Resources
• History, Staff & Board
• Career Opportunities
• Centennial Campaign
• Advocacy Alerts
• Media Coverage
• Press Releases
• Email Newsletter Signup
• Programs + Events
• Preservation Month

The Fall Tours

• Charleston Symposium
• The PSC Shop
• Ways to Give
• Become a Member
• Cornerstone Society
• Corporate Sponsorship
• Gift Membership

ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY, AND GARDENS

October 9 – november 2, 2024.

• Tours and Tickets
• Directory of Supporters
• Digital Brochure

Tickets on sale July 1

Each Saturday from 2 – 5 PM, guests have the opportunity to experience some of Charleston’s exceptional homes and gardens. Enjoy going from site to site at your leisure, where volunteer docents are stationed to interpret the history, architecture, and gardens. Each tour includes a unique set of 6-8 properties and features a variety of interiors and exteriors.

The Insider’s Architecture series takes guests inside some of Charleston’s finest buildings, seldom open to the public. These tours are led by noted professionals such as architects, contractors, or architectural historians, with interpretation focused on Charleston’s unique architectural styles, preservation ethic, and interior design. Each tour includes a unique set of 3-4 properties and lasts approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

The Insider’s History series is designed for avid history buffs and are led by noted professionals such as historians, researchers, and scholars. These tours will explore various private homes of Charleston and will focus on the history of the site and neighborhood, as well as the stories and people behind the place. Each tour includes a unique set of 3-4 properties and lasts approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

Insider’s Garden tours are designed for garden enthusiasts and are led by notable professionals such as landscape architects, garden designers, and horticulturalists. In addition to visiting some of the city’s most beautiful private gardens, guests will also learn about subjects ranging from the latest gardening trends to Charleston’s vast horticultural history, and its diverse flora and fauna. Each tour includes a unique set of 4-5 gardens and lasts approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

Explore the streets of Charleston while learning more about the historical events, people, and cultures that have shaped our city. PSC walking tours are designed and led by professional, certified tour guides and scholars. Offerings change from day to day. Walking tours last approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

Now in its 47th year, this year’s Fall Tours offerings are designed to maximize the educational experience for guests while minimizing impacts in the historic district. Join us as we venture into the city’s storied streets, landscapes, and buildings.

Fall Tours Presenting Sponsor

PSC Annual Sustaining Sponsors

Fall tours gold sponsor, fall tours silver sponsor.

Historic Charleston Tours

Charleston's Premiere Tour Company

What We Offer

There are plenty of reasons why travelers gravitate towards Charleston — it’s a great place that allows you to enjoy a sunset sail and soak up the sun at neighboring beaches, admire the city’s colorful architecture, and sample the city’s finest southern fare. With centuries-old traditions and so much history, it’s important to choose the right tour guide to make your experience truly memorable.

Our licensed city guide, Mike Frederick, has lived in the old and historic district for over two decades. This allows him to give you a perspective that few others can. Mike will help you visit obscure pathways and learn 350-year-old traditions that are still exercised today. Anyone that meets our city guide will be able to witness how much he truly adores Charleston through the enthusiasm he brings to every tour he offers.

A few things you should know when choosing your guide. At one point it was illegal for an unlicensed person to give a tour in Charleston. That law was challenged and now anyone can give a tour. Also, you should know that tour guide companies are allowed to have tours with up to 20 people. We feel that’s too many both for the person taking the tour and for the neighborhood. Finally, the larger tour guide companies have wonderful guides, of course, but the turnover is high and you have no way to choose your guide. Our licensed city guide, Mike Frederick, has lived in the old and historic district for over two decades. This allows him to give you a perspective that few others can. Mike will help you visit obscure pathways and learn 350-year-old traditions that are still exercised today. Anyone that meets our city guide will be able to witness how much he truly adores Charleston through the enthusiasm he brings to every tour he offers. As one of Charleston’s best tour guide, Mike’s main priority is to ensure you truly familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of this beautiful city before the tour comes to an end.

-Mike Frederick

Pleasantly surprised! Tripadvisor review: Historic Charleston Tour, Civil War in Charleston Tour Mike was extremely friendly and well informed about the area we were in. His stories mixed with the history was great at showing the character and history of Charleston and some of its unknown facts. Was a nice and easy tour and you would never of known of so...

Get in Touch

Send an email and we'll get back to you soon.

Thanks for reaching out! We'll be in touch soon.

BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! (CODE: 2OFFWALK)

• Most Popular!

Charleston History Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Map Marker Departure Location: In front of City Hall at 80 Broad St. on the corner of Meeting St. and Broad St.

Enjoy a Walking Tour Through Historic Charleston

On our walking tour through this wonderful city, we encounter hundreds of historic homes and buildings and stately churches as well as perfectly manicured lawns and impressively designed gardens. From 1670 through the Civil War and up to the Charleston Modern Renaissance period, our licensed guides entertain you with Charleston’s rich and colorful history.

Please note that stops along the tour vary depending on the tour guide, but you can generally expect to see some of the following points of interest on the tour:

• Rainbow Row
• French Quarter
• Old Exchange Building
• St. Philip’s Church
• St. Michael’s Church
• Views of historic Fort Sumter
• White Point Gardens, the “Battery”

Admission to the Powder Magazine Museum is included with the price of your walking tour!   Just show them your ticket at the door.  Visit the museum at your leisure before or after your walking tour.  Located at 79 Cumberland St.  Click here for more info and opening hours:   The Powder Magazine Museum

Charleston’s Finest History Tour

Our Charlestonian tour guides tell you everything you want to know about the history of Charleston — and more. Whether you need directions to your next tour, recommendations on where to get the best grits, or just a few cool facts about Charleston history, we’ve got you covered. Our licensed guides have over 130 years of combined tour guiding experience. Most of us are Charleston natives, and some of our guides are even accomplished historians and docents. What we all have in common? A passion for Lowcountry history.

Related Charleston Walks

• Small Group!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

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!

• Most Popular!

Historic City Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Map Marker Departure Location: 375 Meeting St. Charleston SC

Checkmark Easy Cancellations!

Discover Over 300 Years of City History

Take a journey through Charleston’s 300 years of living history with our licensed tour guides. Experience the Old Market area and the historic homes and churches where generations of Charlestonians worked, lived, and worshiped. Step out of the air-conditioned minibus onto the famous Battery Seawall.

• Charleston’s Historic Homes
• The Battery Sea Wall
• Historic Churches
• Old Market Area
• The Four Corners of Law
• Rainbow Row

Please Note

• Please confirm date and times before submitting reservation.
• Please note that booking times are exact and not an arrival window.
• Changes may be made on a space-available basis.
• Departs from the Visitors Center at 375 Meeting Street.
• Must cancel scheduled tour 24 hours prior to tour departure time in order to receive a full refund.
• Please note the City of Charleston does not allow hop-on-hop-off services.
• Daily tours begin at 10:00 a.m.
• We are committed to responsible tourism and traveler safety.

Related Sightseeing Tours

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Historic City Tour and Fort Sumter Tour

Tour Fort Sumter, “where the Civil War began,” plus visit historic areas around Charleston on this combo bus tour. Points of interest include Battery Seawall & more.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Historic City Tour & Charleston Museum

Enjoy your tour of Charleston as your guide points out important sights, and visit the Charleston Museum to learn all about the South Carolina Lowcountry and natural history.

Historic City Tour & Southern Mansion Combo

See historic Charleston’s many points of interest and tour the interior of a fully restored southern mansion on this exciting combo tour with Gray Line.