What to do and see in Charleston, South Carolina (SC): The Best Private Tours

April 8, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

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. Private Charleston Walking Tour

Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina Crafted Travel
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Crafted Travel is Proud to offer Private Historic Charleston Walking Tours. • Experienced Certified City of Charleston Tour Guides makes the biggest difference. • Private Tour specially for your group to leisurely enjoy at your pace. • We can meet your group anywhere on Broad Street or "South of Broad." • Learn Charleston's role in the American Revolution, Civil War and Modern Day Charleston and it's role in the United State's history. • We like to take clients to some of these following Historic Locations:  The Four Corner of Law, Washington Park, Saint Philips Church, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, The Battery, South of the "Old City Wall," Market Street, the Calhoun Mansion, the Nathaniel Russell House, the Powder Magazine, the tomb of the 7th Vice President of the United States, John C. Calhoun and much more!

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Toy232021

Valerie was a great driver/tour guide. She was patient, energetic and contributed to our wonderful experience.

2. Private Sunset Cruise

98 Ripley Point Drive Parking, 98 Ripley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407, USA Charleston Yacht Tours
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

We offer a Private Sunset Cruise for up to 20 passengers. You and your family or friends enjoy being on the water with a Licenced Captain and Crew to attend to your needs. We provide unique local knowledge of Charleston Harbor. You play the music you want. Bring anything you would like to eat or drink. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a beautiful Charleston Sunset.

Inclusions: Bluetooth Stereo, Bathroom, Coolers and Ice

Exclusions: All Food and Drink is excluded

Reviewed By loganlbrandt

Would've traded the last 10 years of my life for an extra hour on this boat. The vibes are immaculate. Captain Tom and Dan are top tier.

3. Charleston Walking Tours with Ann

108 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Charleston Walking Tours with Ann
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

"Private" Charleston Walking Tour with a certified/licensed guide who grew up in Charleston and will relate personal experiences as well as the city's history. This is your tour which gives you the flexibility of what day, what time, how long, any specific interests, and any modifications to address special needs.

Inclusions: Professional Guide

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4. Shoot My Travel- Experience Charleston With a Local Photographer

Charleston, SC, USA Shoot My Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Charleston’s welcoming embrace is one of salty air, Lowcountry living, Southern hospitality and rich history. Located on a peninsula near a harbor, this port city celebrates its coastal lifestyle. Walk out on the pier of Waterfront Park for a sweeping vista of Charleston Harbor at sunset. In between, ferry across the harbor to Sullivan Island to explore the lighthouse and enjoy a lazy day of beachcombing. You’ll definitely want to visit the historic churches, along with the still bustling City Market and the grand homes on Broad Street. Also wander the French Quarter, admire the colorful Georgian houses of Rainbow Row, and tour Fort Sumter where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. Book one of our Charleston photographers and accept the invitation. You may never want to leave!

Inclusions: photography ( 30 pictures)

Exclusions: Admissions and fees, No food and drinks included

Reviewed By gabriellapQ9358KZ

I would have loved to review how our photoshoot went, but unfortunately we just were told it wont be happening! We booked ours through the website with Alexa months ago. After booking her available date, she asked if we could move it from a Friday to a Thursday as she would be leaving town that weekend. Although this is would move our photoshoot to the day we are arriving - just an hour after our hotel checkin - we wanted to remain flexible and agreed to the change. Alexa was in contact with us throughout the months to follow, including within the last 48 hours to confirm our meeting time, yet we woke up today to an email cancelling our photoshoot from a random customer service representative. The cancellation was due to the photographer "leaving town earlier than expected". Barring personal emergencies or COVID scares, this is completely unacceptable. With just a week before our scheduled shoot, we are now tasked to find a photographer who is available. There have been so many expenses that have gone towards this photoshoot, i.e. hair, makeup, spray tan, manicures, pedicures, clothing, etc. We're obviously so disappointed at what once was supposed to be the highlight of our trip, and are completely disheartened to have not even been told by the photographer herself. Although the customer service agent offered to help us book one of our "2-3 other choices" (suggesting we may end up paying hundreds of dollars for our 4th choice in photographer? No thanks.), we no longer trust this company and are requesting a full refund ASAP. Maybe we'd feel different had the photographer reached out themselves with an apology and possible solutions. I would not advice anyone to book with Shoot My Travel or Alexa.

5. Private 2-3 Hour Charleston Sailing Charter (Sunsets & Day Sails)

33 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Blue Life Charters
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5.0 based on 111 reviews

We are a family owned sailing charter business. Come enjoy a day of sailing and seeing the historic sites of Charleston from the water in a 36' Beneteau Sailboat. We offer hourly, daily, or customized tours according to your desires for up to 6 guests maximum (USCG Rules & Regulations). Sit back and relax while a professional crew caters to your every need on your private yacht. Most tours are 2-3 hours in length and circle the entire Charleston harbor before returning to the docks where you boarded the vessel. Bring your favorite beverages, a picnic, or you can also request gourmet catering to fit your desires. A professional photographer can be requested as well. If you are looking for a romantic evening we can accommodate with a 3 hour sunset sail with downtown Charleston in the background. We want to make sure you have the 5 star experience you deserve and will do everything we can to ensure this. Book now to enjoy the Charleston views from your privately chartered yacht!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Soda/Pop

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Reviewed By detranoj

We went on the blue life charters this weekend and the boat and crew were wonderful. The sunset cruise had great views, dolphins and bubbly and snacks - the entire ride could not have been nicer.

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. Outer Banks Film Locations Tour

158 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Eclectic Tours of Charleston
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4.9 based on 17 reviews

Fans of the Netflix series Outer Banks are in for a thrill! As a background actor on the series, I participated in three different film shoots on Season One and share tons of behind-the-scenes stories of the cast, crew, and other fun stuff. Tour includes the cast's favorite snacks, bottled water, and other surprised. Parents will love this tour because as a licensed tour guide, I also share some wonderful history while we're traveling from one site location to the other. It's such a fun and new way to visit Charleston!

Inclusions: Want to snack on the cast's favorites treats? I have all their favorites!

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Reviewed By allisondB5187UT

Jill was super friendly, very knowledgeable and just made the tour overall an awesome experience! We will definitely be touring with her again in the near future!

8. Private Historic Carriage Tour of Charleston

45 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Carolina Polo and Carriage Company
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4.8 based on 27 reviews

Enjoy Charleston's beauty and charm in one of our private vis-à-vis carriages that accommodates up to 4 guests. This private carriage ride will sure to be a highlight during your visit to the holy city.

Inclusions: Private carriage tour (based on option selected), Local taxes, Professional Driver/guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Jskapura

It was a beautiful trip around the city. We had my elderly mother in law with us. They assisted her getting on and off the carriage. John was knowledgeable and entertaining! A wonderful experience!

9. Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Historic Charleston

8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Palmetto Carriage Works
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4.8 based on 97 reviews

Discover the charming atmosphere of Charleston on this private 1-hour carriage ride. Tour the historic streets of the old walled city and enjoy the intimacy of the vis-a-vis carriage. Hear the fascinating story of Charleston on this private carriage ride. Please select (1) during checkout for the group pricing of $200/carriage. Can accommodate 1-4 people per group.

Inclusions: Private Narrated Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride of Historic Charleston, Professional Driver/Guide, Private Small-group ride for up to 4 people, See top Charleston sites such as Rainbow Row and Charleston City Market.

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Reviewed By Pmryan92

Van was our tour guide! He was knowledgeable and entertaining! We had Uber and Lyft as our horses! he was very engaging!

10. Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour

Exchange Building, E Bay St & Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA WalknTours
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4.8 based on 4 reviews

On our ghostly journey we will see Charleston’s most haunted sites and hear their ghostly stories including: Old Exchange and the Ghosts of the Prisoners Below The Blind Tiger and the Woman in Black The Dock Street Theater and the Ghost of Nettie The Pirates Courtyard and the Ghosts of the Hung Pirate St. Philips Church and the Ghost of the Weeping Woman The Powder Magazine and the Ghost of Gabriel The Circular Church Graveyard and the Trench Ghost Poogan’s Porch and the Ghost of the Pooch Haint Blue and it’s Spooky Past The Unitarian Cemetery and the Ghost of Anna The Old Charleston Jail and the Ghost of Lavinia Fisher This ghostly adventure is smart phone guided. You go to the Old Exchange, open the tour, enter your experience code from Viator and press play. From there you are guided turn by turn through Charleston's haunted streets.

Inclusions: GPS guided walking tour on the WalknTours app., Remote tour you can listen to after taking the tour in Charleston to remember the ghostly stories.

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Reviewed By T7327WNjillb

I loved the commentary! The music! Everything! It was a great way to learn more about the city and the history which is everywhere. It was easy to use. At first the app was a little glitchy but we got it to work for us.

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