Discover Charleston’s storied past with a lively two-hour walking tour that brings the city’s history and culture to life, all on foot. Learn local secrets, explore iconic sites, and enjoy an engaging experience away from crowded buses and carriages.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including casual walkers and families
Wildlife
History
Charleston’s early history spans from its founding in 1670, with landmarks reflecting its colonial and Revolutionary roots. The city played a pivotal role in regional history, and many sites retain their original charm.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to preserve Charleston’s historic architecture and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring the city’s charm endures for generations.
Charleston History Tours
Discover Charleston’s storied past with a lively two-hour walking tour that brings the city’s history and culture to life, all on foot. Learn local secrets, explore iconic sites, and enjoy an engaging experience away from crowded buses and carriages.
Charleston History Tours offers guided experiences that explore the architecture, culture, and historic landscapes of Charleston, South Carolina. Founded to showcase the city’s layered past, the company operates a variety of public and private tours across the Historic District, French Quarter, Battery, and nearby plantations.
Tour options include daily walking tours (departure at 10:00 AM), multi-hour photography tours (3- and 4-hour options), private motorized tours with convenient pick-up and drop-off, and specialized plantation excursions to sites such as Boone Hall, Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, and McCloud Plantation. Several tours highlight iconic downtown landmarks including Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange Building, Dock Street Theater, St. Philip’s Church, and The Citadel.
Charleston History Tours provides both group and private formats, including a dedicated “Step On” guide service for visiting groups and a PetiteKeep 2-hour private walking option for more intimate exploration. Photography tours are structured for a range of skill levels and focus on quieter alleyways, architectural details, and distinctive viewpoints.
Guides emphasize historical context and on-foot discovery; motorized tours add comfort and convenience for longer itineraries. Boone Hall tours offered through Charleston History Tours include interpretive presentations about the lives and culture of enslaved African people at that site. All tour descriptions and itineraries reflect the company’s focus on local history, walking exploration, and curated plantation visits in and around Charleston.
Tours Offered
13
City and plantation tours
Daily Tour
10:00 AM
Daily walking tour time
Photography Tours
2 durations
3- and 4-hour options
Plantation Visits
5 plantations
Drayton, Boone Hall, more
Book a walking, photography, private motorized, or plantation tour — daily departures and private options available.
Wear comfortable shoes
Since the tour involves walking through historic streets, choose sturdy, comfortable footwear.
Bring water and sun protection
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure during the outdoor walk.
Arrive early
Be punctual to ensure you don't miss the start and get the most out of your experience.
Listen to your guide attentively
Guides share fascinating stories—engage and ask questions for a richer experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy footwear ensures comfort for the walking tour over uneven historic streets.
Sun protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect against sun during outdoor exploration.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the walk with a reusable water bottle.
Light jacket or layer
Weather can change; bring layers for comfort.