Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina (SC): The Best Tours

April 27, 2022 Myesha Cogley

Historic Charleston is bursting with Southern charm and hospitality. The city feels a bit like it’s suspended in time, thanks to its antebellum architecture and surrounding plantation landscapes. Take in incredible views of the Battery and the French Quarter as you stroll the Waterfront Park, then become inspired by the cultivated beauty of the gardens at Middleton Place. At night, try a ghost tour for an introduction to the spooky side of the city.
Restaurants in Charleston

1. Small Group History & Storytelling Tour of Historic Charleston

151 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Tour Charleston With Adam
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Most Tours in Charleston will take out 20 people on a tour. I keep my tours smaller and max out at 10 people. By having smaller groups it allows my guests to have a more personalized and unique experience. You get me, an experienced tour guide (Adam Moore) as your tour guide. I do every tour so you can be assured you will be getting the real deal :) So grab a coffee and get your day started off right with a morning history tour of beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. I will provide Intricate and detailed history, plus great storytelling and personality on our tour. Again, I like to keep these tours smaller in size to encourage conversations and questions.

Inclusions: Good Stories and a Great Time!, History From a Licensed & Experienced Tour Guide, History From a University Of South Carolina History Graduate, 10 People Or Less

Exclusions: Admission Inside The Old Ryan Slave Mart, Admission Inside The Old Exchange Building

Reviewed By travelingmikenc

We have been on a few of these tours before, but Adam's tour was the best by far. There was something for everyone (Ages 8, 13, 39 & 44) to like on this tour. It was fresh, interesting and entertaining. Adam truly has a passion for his city, for his state and for history in general. I would definitely take a tour with him again and I highly recommend him if you are in Charleston. Two BIG thumbs up!!!

2. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Undiscovered Charleston
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5.0 based on 336 reviews

Charleston's only chef led historic walking tour, cooking demonstration and lunch! Our experience begins with a 90 minute food history walking tour in the historic district, followed by a cooking demonstration, lunch & paired wine tasting at the popular local's spot Bistro a Vin. It's led by Charleston's only South Carolina Chef Ambassador & Palmetto Guild Certified tour guide, Forrest Parker. Leading the teams at some of Charleston's most iconic restaurants, Parker has been called a "visionary who calls upon the culture, history & flavor traditions of South Carolina to create heritage-infused experiences." Parker was recognized by then Governor Nikki Haley as a S.C. Chef Ambassador in 2016, a capstone for a culinary career that began in 1995. Chef Forrest invites you to take the path less traveled; to see, touch, sip and taste the Undiscovered Charleston!

Inclusions: Chef Forrest will demonstrate how to prepare three of his recipes with heritage Lowcountry ingredients then serve you lunch with carefully curated wine pairings from Bistro a Vin., Cooking Demonstration by Chef Forrest Parker, Bistro Au Vin provides wine tasting pours paired with Chef Forrest's recipes. (Additional wine available for purchase on consumption.), For those who do not wish to have wine, Charleston sweet tea and filtered water will be available., Each guest will leave with copies of Chef Forrest's recipes., 90-minute walking tour of Charleston's historic district

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 526sarahr

I can’t say enough about how awesome this tour is. If you love history and food, book it! Book way in advance. Chef Forrest is a gem. He is an amazing and knowledgeable chef. Best meal we had in Charleston was lunch on this tour. We refused to try shrimp and grits anywhere else because there is no way it could have surpassed his dish.

3. Charleston's Tidal Creeks Eco Boat Cruise with Stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USA Charleston Outdoor Adventures
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5.0 based on 500 reviews

Enjoy this 2.5-hour small-group boat cruise through the treasured tidal creeks of Charleston, South Carolina. This tour includes up to an hour long stop on the beautiful Morris Island, during which you can set out on foot and explore the pristine beach, collect seashells, hunt for sharks teeth, and enjoy the beautiful views of the historic lighthouse. On your way to and from the island, your naturalist captain will share information about the local ecosystems and history. Your captain will also point out and describe any wildlife seen along the journey, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, pelicans, sea turtles, and much more! 

Inclusions: 2.5-Hour Tidal Creeks Eco Boat Cruise in Charleston, 1-Hour Stop on Morris Island, See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, pelicans, sea turtles, and more, Learn information about the local ecosystems and history from your Naturalist Captain, Live Narration On Board

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Reviewed By jocelynd102

Kade was a FABULOUS tour guide. Knowable, well qualified, and a wonderful guide. He has a degree in marine biology and knew every question asked and more!! We feel so fortunate to have beenwith him he made our trip

4. Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

200 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 1,379 reviews

Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Not included in your ticket price are any parking fees if you choose to drive to your tour. Gratuity is optional, but gratefully accepted.

Reviewed By colinallin

Funny guy who tailored the tour to us. Took us a few ways he normally wouldn’t based on our preferences. Very knowledgeable local South Carolinian. No other option in town as good as him.

5. 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston

1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USA Charleston Outdoor Adventures
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4.9 based on 255 reviews

Enjoy a guided, eco-based kayaking adventure through Folly Creek and its maze of tidal creeks that wrap around uninhabited hammock islands. This 2-hour marsh kayaking excursion is paced for intermediate, novice, and young adult paddlers alike. You and a small-group (up to 12) will experience the pristine coastal marshes, laid back atmosphere, and stunning wildlife of Charleston's estuaries, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and assorted waterfowl.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston, Kayaking Equipment (Kayak, Paddles, Personal Floatation Device), Dry Bag to keep phone or other personal belongings dry, Professional Guide, See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and assorted waterfowl

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Reviewed By jocelynd102

Kade was a FABULOUS tour guide. Knowable, well qualified, and a wonderful guide. He has a degree in marine biology and knew every question asked and more!! We feel so fortunate to have beenwith him he made our trip

6. Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

Charleston in a Nutshell
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4.9 based on 89 reviews

Looking for a stress-free way to see Charleston? Join local guide Jeff Zimmerman on his 2 hour citywide private driving tour. Beat the crowds in a comfortable full sized weatherproof SUV. Experience Charleston your way as Jeff tailors your private tour to suit your own personal interests. As a licensed tour guide since 1997, Jeff provides a unique narrative on the city's history, eclectic architecture, culture, and even the natural world. You will not only visit the must-see places but also get off the beaten path and get closer to less touristy nooks that are off limits to carriage and bus tours.

Inclusions: Private transportation

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Reviewed By Peggy-thoughts

So nice to sit back and let someone drive you around the city to most of the historical sites. Lot of interesting info and history. Such a pretty city too. The air conditioning was a great break fome the humidity too!

7. Charleston's Alleys & Hidden Passages Guided Small-Group Walking Tour

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Lowcountry Walking Tours
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4.9 based on 566 reviews

Explore some of Charleston's enchanting alleys and hidden passageways on this small group, 2-hour walking tour. With our small group tours, you are guaranteed a more intimate and up-close experience. Charleston's alleyways are fortunately located within the popular historic district which allows us to include some well known points of interest on the tour and go a little "off the beaten path” while exploring the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways. Generally, we include between four to six different alleyways/passages as well as popular points of interest like Rainbow Row and of course, tons of history! These pedestrian passageways are often overlooked, but walking along these cobbled paths is an opportunity to appreciate Charleston's rich history and hidden, more intimate charms.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Hidden Alleyways & Passages Guided Walking Tour of Charleston, Small-Group for a more personalized experience, Go "off the beaten path" and explore the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways, See a few top Charleston sites along route such as Rainbow Row, Professional/Local Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By bctrvlers

We had an awesome tour with Evans and it sounds like one of his last (moving soon). Great stories, history and hidden views of Historic Charleston. He wove his stories with past and present characters, along with insights into Charleston’s social importance. Highly recommend !!!

8. Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA Pineapple Tour Group
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4.9 based on 306 reviews

Tour in comfort and safety as we show you the beauty of the Holy City. Let us do the driving as you relax and watch as 300 years of history pass by your window. Our guide will escort you and your group through the historic streets of Charleston. You will see the beautiful buildings and churches of the queen city of the south in air conditioned comfort.

Inclusions: Charleston Sightseeing Tour via luxury minibus, Professional Guide, Air-conditioned transportation, Complimentary bottle of water, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off offered by request ONLY (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By bethburns133

This was a lovely tour primarily because of the driver. He was pleasant, informative and knowledgeable. The gardens that we viewed were beautiful. The house was interesting. And the dining room had a wonderful ambience, even though the food was just mediocre.

9. 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Walks of Charleston
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4.9 based on 912 reviews

Join your knowledgeable and engaging licensed local tour guide for a relaxing 2-hour stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district, all the while learning about the people and events that shaped Charleston.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Charleston, Professional/Local Guide, Stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district, Learn about the people and events that shaped Charleston

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By kgkjgkjg

We took the historic walking tour with Dennis. We saw and heard plenty of interesting things and moved at a good pace. Well worth it.

10. Charleston Dark History and Ghost Tour

151 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Tour Charleston With Adam
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4.8 based on 13 reviews

I offer great stories and good times! What makes this tour unique is that I can promise that you will be getting me, Adam Moore, as your tour guide. With some of the other larger tour companies you never know who your guide could be. When you book this tour you can be reassured that I will be your guide. This makes sure that you will be getting a licensed and engaging tour guide here in Charleston. In addition to that, most tours in Charleston will take out 20 people on a tour. I keep my tours smaller and max out at 14-15 people. By having smaller groups it allows my guests to have a more personalized and unique experience.

Inclusions: Scary Stories and a Good Time!, A Tour of 1 of The Most Haunted Cities in America, Ghost Photos

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Reviewed By travelingmikenc

We have been on a few of these tours before, but Adam's tour was the best by far. There was something for everyone (Ages 8, 13, 39 & 44) to like on this tour. It was fresh, interesting and entertaining. Adam truly has a passion for his city, for his state and for history in general. I would definitely take a tour with him again and I highly recommend him if you are in Charleston. Two BIG thumbs up!!!

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