Charleston · HISTORICAL TOURS
61 reviewed
The best historical tours in Charleston fill up fast, and the very best fill up first. Here are the 15 standouts, with current prices and what sets each apart, so you can book before the calendar closes.
A one-hour horse-drawn ride through Charleston’s historic district with draft horses, certified guides, and Civil War stories.
“The staff was courteous and attentive to children. They answered questions of adults and children. Explained things in a way my five year old found interesting and the horses are well taken care of which was my daughter’s main concern.”
Walk the historic streets of Charleston with a licensed local guide. See City Hall, Dock Street Theatre, Rainbow Row, and views of Fort Sumter.
“Very informative and entertaining. Learned a lot about the history of Charleston that make me appreciate the city even more. Would highly recommend.”
One-hour horse-drawn carriage tour through historic Charleston from the Big Red Barn, with certified guide stories and $49.95 value.
“Very friendly tour guide. Gave us lots of knowledge during our ride. Had such a great time and would do it again. Answered questions”
Narrated Charleston Harbor cruise on the Carolina Belle. See Fort Sumter, WWII Yorktown, bridges, and dolphins. Sunset options, $44.50.
“this was a gift for my sister and brother in law. Both are in there 80's. the day of the trip, it was rainy and chilly. my sister called and tried to exchange that trip for another. they wouldn't do it. i will never book anything again with you”
A 2-hour Charleston small-group walk through hidden alleys, Rainbow Row, and the Old Exchange area with a licensed local guide.
“Very educational. Learned things that were not in the history books. We highly recommend this tour. So much interesting information. Dennis was a fabulous guide. I wish I had him as a history teacher when I was in school.”
90 minutes on a 1920s-style bay steamer with live narration, Fort Sumter views, 75+ landmarks, and a real shot at dolphins.
“The captain was knowledgeable and full of local stories.”
Small-group Charleston walking tour with The Citadel PhD. 400 years of stories, free stop entries, and Fort Sumter views from the Battery.
“Highly recommend this tour. Our guide was a rare combination of hugely knowledgeable, highly engaging, humorous. We learned lots - historical and otherwise.”
A 1-hour horse-drawn carriage loop through Charleston’s downtown, guided live by licensed hosts, with standout stops like Rainbow Row and the Battery.
“Madison the guide was outstanding and Milo the horse was wonderful!”
Chef Forrest Parker leads a Charleston food-and-history walk, then a 3-course Lowcountry cooking class lunch with wine pairings.
“Enjoyed walking through Charleston off the beaten path! We learned some interesting tidbits of history from Chef Forrest, but our favorite part of the experience was going back to his private kitchen and watching him prepare an amazing meal for us while listening to him tell more stories and explain the food he was preparing! Definitely will recommend to friends and family!”
Climate-controlled Charleston bus tour with a live guide, passing The Battery, Rainbow Row, and Old Market Area in 90 minutes.
“Lots of good historic information. Our guide had great detailed information and recall.”
Walk Charleston’s only English walled city with a local guide, from Rainbow Row to the Old Exchange Dungeon, plus disaster stories.
“Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the history of charleston. He kept us cool choosing a path that led us thru shade and took his time explaining things. Loved it!”
2-hour Charleston walk: Rainbow Row, Waterfront Battery photos, churches, and the Powder Magazine Museum, guided in English.
“Excellent tour. Our guide Faith was very informative and entertaining! Highly recommend this tour company.”
Charleston historic residential horse and carriage tour from 20 Anson St. Meet horses, ride 1 hour with guide for $50.
“Tour guide was knowledgeable. Great experience. Entertaining and a lot of fun! Would highly recommend.”
Horse-drawn Charleston carriage tour for about an hour. See City Market, the Battery, Rainbow Row and more with a pro guide.
“Tour company is very well organized, timely, friendly, and the horses seemed to be very well cared for. Our tour guide (which is simply luck of the draw) was very funny, easy going, knew a lot about a lot. But he was also very scattered at times, drifted off on too many tangents, chased the sparkly things. All in all it was enjoyable but wished there had been more rhyme and reason to the tour information.”
A 2-hour walking tour of Charleston’s top landmarks, weaving history and architecture from Old Exchange to St. Michael’s.
“90 minute walking tour all around downtown Charleston. Our guide was Brian & he was PHENOMENAL!! Extremely knowledgeable, professional, funny, kind & courteous to make sure we stayed safe & other pedestrians were accommodated to get around our group. His wealth of knowledge incredible. Well worth your time & money. We left with a much greater understanding & appreciation of the Charleston history.”
