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

November 14, 2021 Darwin Bolte

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

1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Pineapple Tour Group
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Our most popular and diverse tour, A Walk Through Charleston is a comprehensive overview of Charleston history through the centuries. Charleston was founded in 1670 and quickly developed into the most cosmopolitan seaport on the continent. Come walk with us and learn about bawdy taverns & pirates, heroic patriots, the grandeur of antebellum architecture, the devastation of the Civil War, and much more. History will come alive as we stroll through the historic streets and gardens of the “Holy City”

Inclusions: 90-minute Walking Tour of Historic Charleston, Professional Guide, See some of the Charleston sites that can only be accessed on foot, Learn about bawdy taverns & pirates, heroic patriots, antebellum architecture, Civil War and More

Exclusions: Gratuities

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.

2. 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

Exclusions: Gratuities

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.

3. Charleston's Best History Walking Tour

Ravenel Waterfront Park, Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Chucktown Tours
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

Hi ya'll, I'm Cooper. There are many walking tours in Charleston. Some better than others. None more informative than this tour. We pride ourselves on providing a story-based tour of the historic district, in a humorous, yet accurately historical way. The information you learn on our tours will simply amaze you. From the events of colonial Charleston, to the quirky little facts no other tour takes the time to research. We teach history in a fun and interactive way. We start by having a discussion about what you like in history. The things that you want to learn. From there we'll craft the tour around such topics as modern-day charleston, the civil war, the revolutionary war, cultural history, architecture, and even talk about the reality of slavery in Charleston. We were voted best history tour in Charleston, and we work hard every day to live up to that title. So come on ya'll...let's learn some history

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: There are no additional items or services included

Reviewed By Stacie S

What a fun and entertaining walking tour! I brought two friends along with me and they LOVED it. Mark is full of knowledge and information about this incredible City and makes the walking tour so enjoyable. He made every person in the tour feel welcome and engaged all in his story telling. It was fantastic!!

4. 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

5. 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.

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. 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 !!!

9. 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.

10. 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.

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