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Step into Charleston’s 1920s nightlife with Cocktail City Tours’ Prohibition Tour—an engaging 2-hour journey of history and cocktails in downtown Charleston.
Step into Charleston’s 1920s nightlife with Cocktail City Tours’ Prohibition Tour—an engaging 2-hour journey of history and cocktails in downtown Charleston.
Book with Cocktail City Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cocktail City Tours · Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, located at 200 E Bay St, offers more than just coastal charm and historic architecture. It’s a city layered with stories of an era when the law battled illicit spirits and secret gatherings. Cocktail City Tours dives into this chapter with their Roaring 20's Prohibition Tour—an immersive 2-hour walk that transforms downtown Charleston into a living museum of speakeasies, gangsters, and clandestine cocktail culture.
This isn’t your typical sightseeing stroll. From the cobblestone streets lined with antebellum buildings to iconic hideouts, each stop tells a story punctuated by expertly crafted drinks. Guests enjoy three hand-mixed cocktails, each paired with tales of the city’s shadowy past and vibrant present-day bar scene. The tour unpacks Charleston’s role in the nationwide prohibition era, a time when the city’s underground nightlife thrived amid the complexities of law enforcement and organized crime.
Cocktail City Tours distinguishes itself by blending cultural history with a social, interactive experience. It’s a unique bridge connecting travelers with Charleston’s urban landscape beyond its well-worn tourist paths. The guided journey reveals architectural details and neighborhood quirks that most visitors miss—like the hidden entrances to former speakeasies and stories of local bootleggers who shaped the city’s character.
This tour is perfect for those who want to ground their visit in authentic local history while savoring the handcrafted cocktails that pay homage to a transformative period in American nightlife. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging way to enjoy Charleston at dusk, this trip offers a thoughtful balance of education and entertainment, making Cocktail City Tours an essential part of Charleston’s experiential offerings.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all adults in average physical condition who can stand and walk short distances comfortably.
Yes, but booking in advance is recommended to accommodate group sizes and seating at venues.
The tour primarily features alcoholic cocktails, but non-alcoholic drinks can be accommodated upon request.
Meet at 200 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, where the tour begins promptly.
This tour is restricted to guests aged 21 and older due to the alcohol served.
Please contact Cocktail City Tours directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
The tour operates rain or shine; guests should dress accordingly or risk cancellation if conditions are severe.
Charleston was a significant hotspot for illegal liquor trade during the Prohibition era, fueled by its port access and vibrant nightlife scenes.
Efforts to preserve Charleston’s historic architecture ensure that tours like this maintain a balance between thriving tourism and cultural integrity.
Cocktail City Tours operates guided cocktail and history experiences in Charleston, South Carolina. The company offers three curated, ticketed tours that combine local history with handcrafted drinks: the True Crime Tour - All Inclusive, the Roaring 20's Prohibition Tour - All Inclusive, and Charleston’s Dark Past – Poured Into Every Glass. Each tour pairs storytelling with a measured beverage program—two experiences include three expertly crafted cocktails while one includes a flight of four signature cocktails served at High Cotton. Tours take place in Charleston's historic districts and at notable venues, presenting local architecture, historical narratives, and tales from the 1700s to the present. Cocktail City Tours emphasizes safety and professionalism: tickets specify inclusions and the drink format, and tours are run as guided, scheduled experiences for adults. The company markets themed evenings that attract visitors interested in food, drink, and history. Cocktail City Tours highlights Charleston’s layered past through focused narratives—crime and mystery, Prohibition-era stories, and curated historical anecdotes tied to each drink. The approach blends education and entertainment, appealing to travelers seeking guided nightlife with context. Group sizes, exact schedules, and accessibility information are available when booking; venues such as High Cotton host specific experiences with plated or seated tastings. For travelers in Charleston looking to combine crafted cocktails and local stories, Cocktail City Tours provides an option that is explicitly tour-based, ticketed, and centered on adult beverage tastings. Booking details, age requirements, and meeting locations are provided at purchase to ensure a smooth, informed experience for all guests.
Book with Cocktail City Tours