Top Charleston Culture

Explore beyond the Charleston city limits with this private half-day tour. Get picked up at the location of your choice and set out along the scenic River Road to the historic landmarks of West Ashley. Visit Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and Middleton Place at your leisure. Maximize time with this private, half-day sightseeing excursion including a box lunch.

Discover the history, architecture and culture of Charleston with a local guide. We will cover 350 years of history in a 2 hour stroll through the cobblestone streets and alleys of the old walled city district. You will see many historic attractions along the way as we discuss the history from the founding in 1670, religious diversity, wars, fires, hurricanes, Gullah/Geechee Culture, economic swings to current growth and expansion. Charleston has more than tripled it's population in the last 25 years. Most walking tour and carriage tour guides are "from off", meaning they are new to Charleston. All Charleston Perspective walking tour guides are locals, born and raised in our Lowcountry. We will give you a unique perspective to this centuries old colonial town.

Buzzed BooHag Bimble sandwiches an approximately 1-hour, 1-mile haunted history ghost walk between two approximately 30-minute stops at paranormally acclaimed local bars for a unique adults-only experience. Hosted by History, Haunts, & Hahas!, it's led by Vannah, a consistently top-rated Charleston tour guide since 2020, Charleston local since 1998, educator, and founder of Ghost Forensics. Follow the breadcrumbs through forgotten history using primary sources, documented accounts, folklore, and reported paranormal experiences. Expect ethical storytelling that clearly distinguishes fact, folklore, personal experiences, and historical uncertainty. Every ghost story begins with the Human Behind the Haunting. Interactive, conversational, and unique to every group. Optional EMF readers and complimentary souvenir hat. No fabricated stories. No embellishment. Ghost activity cannot be guaranteed.

'Whale of a Tale' is a playful, interactive walking tour of Charleston designed especially for young children and families. The adventure begins at The Loutrel Hotel, where children meet Wally the History Whale, a silly, self-assured and jovial puppet who always gets his history wrong. Each child receives a Whale of a Tale Bingo card and set off on a guided scavenger-style walk through the city. The tour includes a stop at Rainbow Row, perfect for family photos. The experience wraps up at Carmella's Dessert Bar, where Wally rewards all children who complete their bingo card with a sweet treat - a joyful finale to their adventure.

Looking for a night out that’s equal parts thrills and chills? Grab your crew and join us for "Till Death Do Us Part," the haunted pub crawl that dives into the darker side of love, betrayal, and revenge. With a heartbreaking route along Market Street, The Four Corners of Law, and Washington Square, you'll be reconsidering your own path to love. These aren’t your average love stories - think affairs, tragic endings, and revenge so sweet it could raise the dead. Get ready to hear tales of restless spirits who refuse to move on from their bitter love affairs, long after the final toast was made. You’ll discover that love may just be the deadliest - and most entertaining thing of all. So, come for the ghosts, stay for the good times, and see why sometimes, till death isn't just a vow- it’s a thrilling adventure. Cheers to betrayal, booze, and one unforgettable night! Drinks not included.

Experience the best ghost tours in Charleston as skilled storytellers recount the stories and fables of an ancient city whispered from generation to generation! John Bennet's ghastly tome "Doctor to the Dead" is a favorite source for the peculiar and macabre stories you will hear! Come join our seasoned storytellers as the sun sets for tales in the lengthening shadows! Charleston takes on a whole different feel in the dark!

Charleston's oldest buildings and landmarks are spread across the downtown peninsula and seeing them on foot can eat up much of your day. This private horse-drawn carriage covers more ground at an easy pace, with your driver-guide narrating the journey as you ride. See the Powder Magazine, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the graveyard at the Circular Congregational Church, plus surviving stretches of the old walled city.

As the first distillery in Charleston, Striped Pig Distillery is a unique experience! We're also one of the few woman owned distilleries, and are family run! Stop in and feel like a part of our family.

This historic immersion tour promises to make your stay richer and culturally more enjoyable as you take an insider’s look at the people, places and food that make Charleston unique. The #1 hospitable city in America will come alive as we experience our shared Southern history together!

Experience one of Charleston’s most meaningful living traditions through an intimate, interactive Gullah Geechee sweetgrass experience led by local artisans. Guests hear the cultural history behind the craft, watch traditional techniques demonstrated, and try basket sewing hands-on in a relaxed small-group setting.

Explore Charleston's rich history and vibrant culture on a private walking tour tailored just for you. With a knowledgeable and licensed guide, stroll through the historic district and discover the city's stunning architecture, gardens, and hidden gems. Delve into Charleston's intriguing past, from its wars to its architectural marvels, while enjoying personalized insights and anecdotes. This leisurely tour offers an intimate experience, perfect for individuals, families, or corporate groups. - Private tours allow for a personalized pace and focus on your interests - Experienced local guides provide in-depth knowledge of Charleston's history - Explore iconic sites including private homes, churches, and graveyards - Suitable for any group size, with customized itineraries available

You’re coming to Charleston and you want the best experience possible. You’re staying at a great hotel, you’ve made reservations at some of Charleston’s finest restraunts and you want to learn about this wonderful beautiful city, it’s rich history and you want to know what it’s like living here today. Historic Charleston Tours is a boutique tour guide company that specializes in small group and private tours. All of our guides are licensed by the city (no longer required in Charleston), but more importantly all of our guides live in the Old and Historic District. They can offer you interesting and amusing insights as to what it’s like living in this truly fascinating, historic neighborhood. Virtually no other tour guide company in Charleston can make such a claim. And if you have trouble walking or it's too hot we will drive you. Your choice. See why so many of Charleston’s finest hotels choose Historic Charleston Tours for their guests.

Charleston's narrow alleys and hidden passageways reveal the city’s most atmospheric corners–but they are easily missed by first-time visitors. This private walking tour follows them through the French Quarter and South of Broad. Admire Rainbow Row and some of the finest colonial, Federal, and antebellum architecture in America, and finish with a view over Charleston Harbor.

See Charleston differently—and come home with the photographs to prove it. Explore colorful streets, hidden alleyways, historic architecture, reflections, shadows, and changing Lowcountry light while learning directly from a photographer with more than 30 years of photography and teaching experience. This is hands-on, relaxed, and built around your skill level. Learn the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—along with focus, depth of field, lens choice, composition, framing, perspective, and working creatively with light. More experienced photographers can dive deeper into layering, visual storytelling, and developing their personal style. Bring anything from a smartphone to professional gear. You’ll leave with great photographs of Charleston, a better understanding of your camera, and practical techniques you can use anywhere you shoot next.

Our Private Driving Tour offers guests the ultimate personalized experience in Charleston. Traveling in comfort and style aboard our premium Nissan Armada SUV, guests enjoy a spacious, climate-controlled ride with panoramic views of the city's historic beauty. What sets our tour apart is complete customization. Whether guests are interested in Charleston’s rich history, architecture, Gullah culture, Civil War landmarks, or hidden local gems, the itinerary is tailored entirely to their interests and pace. This flexibility allows for a deeper, more meaningful connection to the city without the crowds or rigid schedules of group tours. With professional, knowledgeable guides and luxury-level service, our Private Driving Tour is the ideal choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable, curated Charleston experience.

Discover Charleston at a relaxed pace with this private, elevated culinary experience that blends food, culture, and history. Starting in the historic French Quarter, your group will enjoy a curated journey through Lowcountry classics and modern interpretations, with stops at three top restaurants for generous tasting portions—more than a full meal. Your experience is fully tailored: before the tour, your guide will connect to learn your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring every dish suits your taste. The final stop is your choice—savory, sweet, or a surprise delight. As you dine, your City of Charleston-certified guide shares stories of the city’s past and its influence on today’s cuisine. Light walking between locations keeps the focus on food and culture. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased or added with an optional libations package. Perfect for special occasions, couples, or friends, Taste of History offers an immersive way to savor Charleston’s culinary heritage.

The audio guide is a convenient mobile companion for a self-guided walk through Charleston. The tour is designed specifically for getting to know the city in a short time (2–2.5 hours). Follow the route on the in-app map to walk from Washington Square to the Charleston City Market, passing the city’s main landmarks. You will definitely see: The Four Corners of Law, Rainbow Row, The Nathaniel Russell House Museum, The Williams Mansion, The French Huguenot Church. The tour includes 25 interesting stops. All stories are written by professional journalists and historians, with a touch of humor and a love of travel. After you download the tour, the app works offline. You can always hear the audio guide clearly through your headphones. Enjoy fascinating stories and legends as you move at your own pace, with no need to follow a tour group. You can stop at any time to rest in a café or turn down a picturesque alley, and then continue your walk around the city later.

Host a Mobile Cart Bash with Mess Hall Charleston and bring a unique, interactive experience to your party, wedding, or special celebration. Our mobile cart allows guests to create custom hats featuring patches and pins that match your event’s theme, making for a fun and memorable keepsake. Choose from four exciting themes: Casino Bach, a Vegas-style glam experience; Mess Hall, a bold, cafeteria-inspired collection of patches; Beach Bash, perfect for a sunny, coastal celebration; or Pink Cowgirl, a western-inspired theme for the wild at heart. We provide a two-hour service window with a fully stocked mobile cart and a dedicated staff member to assist guests in designing their one-of-a-kind hats. Our team takes care of setup and breakdown, allowing you to focus on enjoying the event. Let us bring the creativity, fun, and a personalized touch to your Charleston celebration! *When booking please include the event head count*

Discover the history and secrets of America's most historic city. Stories from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Pirate history of Charleston as well as some haunted areas as well.

Skip the scripted ghost tours and follow the evidence instead. Through Ghost Forensics, your guide blends primary-source historical research, forgotten histories, architecture, historic preservation, documented folklore, and reported paranormal experiences to explore Charleston's haunted reputation from multiple perspectives. Every stop asks not only what is said to haunt a location, but who the people were, why the stories began, and what evidence remains today. Hear personal paranormal experiences alongside employee testimonies, local legends, and documented history while clearly distinguishing fact from folklore. Enjoy a unique Haunted Bar Intermission where the storytelling continues inside another historic location. Leave with more than ghost stories—leave with a deeper understanding of the people, places, and mysteries that continue to shape Charleston today.

Discover Charleston Harbor as the sun sets, casting vibrant colors across the sky. Aboard SpiritLine Cruises, enjoy a peaceful evening while admiring iconic sights like the Charleston Battery, Fort Sumter, and the USS Yorktown. This sunset adventure offers stunning views and the chance for unforgettable photos, making it ideal for couples or anyone looking to unwind after a day of exploration. With convenient departures from Patriots Point and Aquarium Wharf, grab a drink from the snack bar and soak in the beauty of Charleston's waterfront at dusk.

This tour turns Charleston’s Revolutionary War history into a dramatic, location-based audio story. Instead of a generic history lesson, travelers walk through the same streets connected to the Siege of Charleston, British occupation, Patriot resistance, dueling culture, Francis Marion, Christopher Gadsden, William Moultrie, William Jasper, Isaac Hayne, and the fight against the British Empire. The tour is self-guided, so guests can explore at their own pace, pause when they want, and experience each stop from publicly accessible exterior locations only. It is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, affordable, story-driven way to experience Charleston during America’s 250th anniversary era.

Charleston History. Jewish Soul. Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the U.S. until the 1820s — even surpassing New York. Experience iconic landmarks and hidden gems on a private tour that weaves Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston. We will explore a fascinating stretch of Charleston’s historic core, visiting homes once owned by Jewish merchants, including a steamship magnate and a successful clothier, as well as the site of America’s first Jewish-owned pharmacy. You’ll also see the Hebrew Orphan Society building and stroll past the colorful facades of Rainbow Row. As we walk, we’ll reflect on the vital role of African Americans in Charleston’s Jewish story and the complex legacy of Jewish involvement in both the city’s slave economy and the Civil War. This is more than a history tour—it’s a meaningful exploration of Jewish identity, community, and continuity in Charleston, led with insight, care, and a storyteller’s heart.

This self-guided audio tour explores Charleston’s real true crime history through documented cases, criminal trials, and historical records, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace using mobile audio narration.