Step into America’s oldest landscaped gardens and Charleston’s historic streets on a four-hour journey with Charleston History Tours. Discover verdant design, heritage crafts, and pivotal landmarks that bring the Lowcountry’s story alive.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking outdoors over paved and garden paths.
Wildlife
History
Middleton Place dates back to the 18th century and preserves one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens, while Charleston’s downtown reflects colonial and Civil War-era architecture.
Conservation
Efforts at Middleton Place focus on preserving native plant species and heritage livestock breeds, while Charleston emphasizes maintaining its historic street fabric and urban greenspaces.
Charleston History Tours
Step into America’s oldest landscaped gardens and Charleston’s historic streets on a four-hour journey with Charleston History Tours. Discover verdant design, heritage crafts, and pivotal landmarks that bring the Lowcountry’s story alive.
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 Walking Shoes
Expect paved and uneven paths—durable shoes will keep your feet comfortable throughout the four-hour tour.
Bring Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are important to protect against South Carolina’s strong sun, especially in summer months.
Stay Hydrated
Carry a refillable water bottle to stay refreshed during outdoor segments of the tour, especially in warm weather.
Prepare for Historical Sites
Some stops offer shaded seating and indoor spaces, but much of the experience is outdoors—plan accordingly for comfort.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes will help you cover uneven terrain comfortably during garden strolls and city walks.
Sunscreen
Essential to protect skin during peak sun exposure on outdoor sections of the tour.
summer
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key during this 4-hour experience, particularly when temperatures rise.
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for springtime showers and unexpected rain during the outdoor portions of the tour.
spring