Top Charleston Half-day Tours

Hear all about Charleston, South Carolina and its storied past with a Ph.D historian for a guide on this walking tour. Walk the city streets as part of a small group, seeing popular local attractions like the French Quarter, St. Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theater, Fort Sumter National Monument, and lots more.

Skip the tourist traps and lose yourself in the flavors of true Charleston cuisine. Taste local delicacies like classic Carolina-style BBQ, historic She-Crab soup, and famous fried green tomatoes and, as with all of our tours, you'll also indulge in our decadent Secret Dish, which just might make you leave singing a happy song! Your local guide will steer you toward the very best spots to enjoy these classic Southern dishes.

Explore one of the most popular plantations in the Charleston area with ease on this half-day guided tour of Middleton Plantation with a small group. Enjoy convenient pickup from your hotel and a brief driving tour of Charleston’s Old and Historic District on the way. While the entrance fee is not included, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a guide who knows the plantation well as you walk around the estate.

Magnolia Plantation sits well outside Charleston, which puts it out of reach without a car. This half-day tour includes round-trip transfers from the Charleston Visitor Center, and a guide who walks you through the plantation house on arrival. Choose either the nature train ride through the gardens or the boat trip along the Ashley River to finish.

Discover Charleston, South Carolina with the help of a local to guide you around town and share fun facts about the city’s storied past and vibrant present on this private tour. See popular attractions as well as hidden gems you might have missed without your guide to show you. Get around Charleston in a comfortable, air-conditioned car with hotel pickup included, and save your energy for sightseeing.

Pickup and drop-off from downtown Charleston, South Carolina make it easy to tour Magnolia Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the South. This 4-in-1 tour includes a narrated drive out to the plantation, a walking tour of the garden, tram tour through the property, and tour of the house itself, providing incredible value.

Explore Charleston's rich history during a private walking tour that brings the city's past to life. Starting from its founding in 1670, this 3 hour and 30 minutes journey covers the Colonial era, the American Revolution, and the impactful stories of the Gullah Geechee people. Marvel at the architecture, gardens, and historic churches while gaining insights into the families and visionaries who shaped this vibrant city. Perfect for small groups, this tour offers a personalized experience with expert narration. - Discover Charleston's history from 1670 to the Civil War - Learn about the Gullah Geechee culture and their contribution - Enjoy a 3 hour and 30 minutes tour with insightful commentary and beautiful sights

The Holiday Festival of Lights fills James Island County Park with more than 700 displays and 2 million lights. Arrive by round-trip transfer from Charleston Visitor Center and take in the festival at your own pace. Pick up holiday treats, take little ones to meet Santa, ride the Festival Express train or join a reindeer-making workshop.

Embark on a horse-drawn carriage tour through the heart of historic Charleston, one of the most charming cities in the US. Ride along cobblestone streets and take in the antebellum architecture, historic landmarks, and lush gardens. Your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about Charleston’s rich history and Southern culture. This is a charming introduction to this part of Charleston.

Visiting both Middleton Place Plantation and Drayton Hall on the same tour offers travelers a richer and more complete perspective of Charleston’s history and heritage. Though located close to one another along the Ashley River, each site tells a very different story. Middleton Place is renowned for its breathtaking landscaped gardens, living history demonstrations, and preserved grounds that highlight the lifestyle and agricultural achievements of one of colonial America’s most influential families. In contrast, Drayton Hall is celebrated for its architectural purity as the finest example of Palladian design in the United States, preserved in its original 18th-century state without modern alterations. Together, these plantations allow visitors to experience both artistic beauty and architectural grandeur, while also engaging with the deeper historical narratives of the Low country, including the lives of the enslaved who made these estates possible.

Explore America’s oldest public gardens and discover romantic-style landscape designs during this private Magnolia Plantation and Gardens tour with transportation. Stroll historic pathways to admire vast collections of blooming camellias and azaleas while learning about the rich history and botanical heritage of this historic site. Guided commentary and round-trip transport make exploring these expansive grounds effortless and deeply engaging.

Experience Charleston’s Festival of Lights the intimate way without crowded buses or big group tours. Chicora Tours provides a cozy small group journey with a maximum of twelve guests in a clean, spacious, and comfortable tour van with festive ambiance and holiday music. Enjoy hot chocolate and personal service as we explore millions of sparkling lights and magical displays. Avoid the hassle of parking and large tour groups. Our experience is relaxed, friendly, and perfect for couples, families, and friends seeking something truly special. Celebrate Charleston’s most enchanting holiday tradition in comfort and style. Please note that this experience also includes about 2 hours of free time to explore the park, roast marshmallows, explore Santa’s village or ride the Christmas light train. A moderate amount of walking is required.

Walk through the historic grounds of Middleton Place to enter and explore America's oldest landscaped formal gardens. Your guide will walk you through sweeping vistas, guiding you past dramatic terraced lawns, symmetrical geometric bowers, and calm reflection pools while sharing insights into the site's rich cultural and historical significance of the Middleton family. Middleton Place was the home of American patriots and two of our founding fathers. Embrace the beauty of Middleton as you step back in time. Site admission and private round-trip transportation are included with your reservation, though food, drinks, and personal purchases are at your own expense. Expect to walk across uneven lawns and gravel paths, so wearing comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection is highly recommended.

Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.

See the highlights of Charleston in comfort on this guided tour on a climate-controlled minibus. Learn more from your guide’s narration as you ride past must-see Charleston sights such as the Battery, the Citadel, Old City Market, and Hampton Park. Also enjoy spectacular views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse from a distance. The express tour provides an ideal overview for first-time visitors to Charleston.

This walking tour and interactive lunch combo provides a two-in-one experience in Charleston. With a celebrated local chef, Forrest Parker, you'll start with a 1.5-hour historical walking tour about the influences of Lowcountry food in the city of Charleston. Then watch a cooking demonstration from Parker before enjoying lunch paired with wine.

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided small-group walking tour. Explore some of the city’s most enchanting alleys and hidden passages. Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history; Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; plus historic Philadelphia Alley, and many more.

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided walking tour. Visit points of interest including Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina's most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, and many more.

Step back in time during this private Drayton Hall Plantation tour with transportation to see the oldest preserved and unrestored plantation house in America still open to the public. Drayton Hall is one of the finest examples of Palladium architecture in America. Explore centuries of authentic history, architectural detail, and surrounding grounds while gaining rare insight into the past through guided commentary. Hear the stories of the generation of the Drayton families that lived here and stories of those that were enslaved to work the land, Dedicated round-trip transport ensures a smooth, seamless journey to and from this historic landmark.

Watch the sun set above Charleston, South Carolina with a 2-hour sunset harbor cruise aboard a 45-foot motorized catamaran. Find a comfortable seat on deck, spot the landmarks of downtown Charleston and the waterfront, and watch for the dolphins and sea birds that thrive along the South Carolina shoreline. Enjoy a relaxing break from the city while spending a romantic evening on the water.

Uncover the charm of South Carolina's Lowcountry on this delightful day tour from Charleston. Visit the majestic Angel Oak Tree, an ancient symbol of nature’s resilience, and delve into its fascinating history. Experience North America's only tea plantation at the Charleston Tea Garden, where a scenic trolley ride leads you through sprawling tea fields, concluding with a refreshing tea tasting. Cap off your day with a visit to Deep Water Vineyard, where you can savor handcrafted wines while soaking in picturesque landscapes. - Explore the historic Angel Oak Tree and its stories - Enjoy a scenic trolley ride and tea tasting at Charleston Tea Garden - Sample exquisite wines at Deep Water Vineyard with beautiful views - Ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking a unique getaway

See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Leave the guidebook at home, because this fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina's history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.

Explore Charleston's historic pub culture with this all-inclusive tour uncovering 350+ years of history and Pub Culture on this expertly guided tour. Journey through the Historic French Quarter, visiting local pubs where you’ll learn about the city's rich heritage and intriguing tales of Pints, Pubs, Prostitutes, Pirates, and Politics*. Each tour includes a City-Certified guide, drinks at three pubs, and at least one sharable appetizer to complement your experience. Perfect for culture buffs and beer enthusiasts alike, this tour promises education, entertainment, and enlightenment! - Professional guides certified in history and beer (Unique in Charleston!) - Enjoy craft beer, wine, or cider at three local pubs - Includes at least one sharable appetizer - Ideal for guests aged 21 and older, with a maximum of 15-20 minutes of actual walking. *No Politics after 1940