Top Charleston How to Get Around in 2026

Get off the beaten path and into Charleston's wild coastal areas on this eco boat excursion through salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal waterways. Your guide keeps an eye out for dolphins and shorebirds as you cruise toward Morris Island, a barrier island best known for its 19th-century lighthouse. Once ashore, you're free to walk the beach, collect shells, and explore at your own pace before the boat returns to collect you.

Prefer to explore Charleston in comfort? Whether it's a hot summer afternoon, a chilly winter morning, or you simply prefer not to walk, Miss Alice's driving tour is the perfect way to experience the Holy City. Your tour includes complimentary pickup and drop-off at your downtown Charleston accommodations. Along the way, you'll see historic churches, the College of Charleston, the Charleston City Market, elegant homes, picturesque neighborhoods, and many of the city's most iconic landmarks. Relax, enjoy the scenery, and let Miss Alice bring Charleston's fascinating history to life on this unforgettable driving tour.

A city born in the Age of Sail, there was no guarantee that immigrants would make it to Charleston. Those that came before established societies from each country to welcome their neighbors. These charitable groups became members only clubs that have helped guide the city since 1729. Discover the hidden charitable and fraternal organizations that do so much good in the city without anyone knowing it. History comes alive on this engaging walking tour led by local author and historian Chip Sturgis. Explore the historic streets and iconic landmarks, uncovering the captivating stories and lesser-known facts that shape this beautiful city. Connect with Charleston's vibrant past in a way that goes beyond traditional history lessons. - Discover Charleston's iconic landmarks. - Uncover hidden stories and fascinating tales often missed by visitors - Experience history where it happened with a local expert guide - Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike

Explore Charleston, South Carolina with a local guide to chat to you about everything from pirates to the American Revolution to Regency-era fashion. See Rainbow Row, St. Philip's Church, Pink House Gallery, Nathaniel Russell House, and more while you stroll through the city. Questions for your guide are more than welcome, so feel free to pick their brain while you sightsee.

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor for over 12 years, our sailing yachts are the highest quality and operated by two professional crew to give you the best experience possible. Standard 2 hour charters are private, only you and the guests in your party will be on board. Additional hours can be added by request. We depart from the safe Harbor City Marina downtown Charleston and sail out towards fort Sumter or the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge, past the battery and the historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. We always point out the bottlenose dolphins that we see and try to get as close as we can for your viewing pleasure. Great for children and adults alike, we have plenty of shade, two bathrooms and soft drinks refreshments are included. We strive to provide the best customer service giving our guests the finest sailing experience available in Charleston.

Spend the day outside of Charleston and discover the trees, tea, and wines of Wadmalaw Island. Travel by luxury minivan and admire the island’s majestic trees at Angel Oak Park before enjoying a trolley tour and unlimited tea at Charleston Tea Garden. Finally, explore the vineyards and enjoy wine tasting at Deep Water Vineyard.

Explore Charleston, a crucial hub of the American Revolution on this immersive walking tour. As you stroll through the historic streets, encounter the homes and burial sites of Founding Fathers while uncovering the tales of courageous Patriots and influential Loyalists. Learn about key events, including the British assault and the fall of Charleston. This 90-minute guided experience deepens your understanding of Charleston's significant contributions to America's fight for independence. - 90-minute walking tour through Charleston's historic district - Discover the homes and graves of Founding Fathers - Hear captivating stories of Patriots and Loyalists - Learn about Charleston's pivotal role in the American Revolution

Set sail on the Carolina Blue, a 33-foot Monohull designed for an intimate sunset cruise experience. With a maximum of 21 passengers, enjoy close-up views of Charleston’s iconic landmarks, including the historic Battery and the majestic Ravenel Bridge. Relax in cushioned seating, and bring your favorite beverages to sip while listening to good-time tunes and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Our friendly crew is on hand to answer any questions, ensuring a pleasant outing for all. Perfect for friends and families looking to unwind on the water. - Enjoy an intimate sunset cruise with a maximum of 21 passengers - Bring your own beverages; cooler with ice provided onboard - Cushioned seating and restroom for your comfort - Experience close views of historic sites like the Battery and Ravenel Bridge

A combination of two of the historic museums in Charleston. The Aiken-Rhett House offers an intimate, visceral encounter with the human stories and social structures that shaped the city, while the Charleston Museum provides a broader, comprehensive understanding of its pivotal role in American history. Together, they offer a nuanced and unforgettable perspective that will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable city. The museum is a great way to immerse yourself in all things Charleston. It is just half a block from the Aiken-Rhett House and just across the street from the Charleston Visitors Center. The tour is expected to last approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes in total.

What sets your tour apart isn’t just where we go—it’s who leads the way. We are proud to be the only tour in Charleston led by a full-blooded Gullah Geechee Indian, Chief Godfrey Gullah Jack. This isn’t a scripted performance; it’s a "Truth Offensive." While other tours might offer a polished version of the past, we provide the raw, unfiltered, and deeply accurate history of the Gullah Geechee people and Charleston’s slave trade. We dive into the untold stories of African American slaves, master craftsmen, and influential landowners, bringing to light the legacy that built this city. You’ll hear the Gullah language spoken by a native voice and experience the vibrant culture that has survived for centuries. We don’t just show you landmarks; we offer a profound connection to the spirit of resilience and redemption. If you want a genuine, educational, and transformative look at the real Charleston, this is the only tour that delivers it. Don’t settle for the surface.

Learn about the impact that pirates, patriots, and the prohibition had on South Carolina’s oldest city on this private guided evening walking tour of Charleston. With a native Charlestonian guide in the lead, walk past landmarks such as the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Circular Congregational Church, the Powder Magazine, and more, and hear stories that bring the history to life.

Meet the Lid Lady (and our team of certified guides) at the Hat Man for a storytelling walking tour of Charleston exploring the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods. We'll discuss the rich architectural history of the city and guests will gain a greater understanding of the vital roles Charleston has played throughout our nation's history. Stroll through picturesque neighborhoods and admire architectural gems as we dive into stories of the colorful characters who have shaped the city's history.

Enjoy a full day of touring with this plantation and see it all bus tour combo! Start your day with a 4.5-hour tour of Magnolia Plantation and see the plantation has stood the test of time dating back to 1676. One of America's most important historical sights, you will travel in comfort on board an air conditioned coach. This tour is led by a knowledgeable and professional guide, that can transport you back in time. Upon your return to the city, enjoy a 90 minute guided tour of historic downtown Charleston.

Experience Charleston’s haunted history on a captivating one-hour ghost tour through the city’s most notorious locations. Travel in comfort aboard a climate-controlled passanger van, guided by an expert storyteller while a professional driver ensures a smooth, worry-free ride. With a small group of just nine guests, enjoy an intimate and engaging experience as you explore historic graveyards and ghostly landmarks, hearing chilling tales that bring Charleston's past to life.

Experience the beauty of the Lowcountry during golden hour as the sun sets over the tidal salt marsh. Your evening ecotour boat trip takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston Harbor and crowded beaches into the quiet, remote waterways of the estuary. Cruise through winding tidal creeks and keep an eye out for great blue herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, shorebirds, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they move through the marsh. Each trip offers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat while enjoying the peaceful tranquility of the marsh. Relax on the water with Capt. Chris, a local guide sharing the stories, history, culture, seafood and ecology that make the Lowcountry special. Explore hidden creeks and untouched marsh views away from crowded tourist routes while learning how this ecosystem supports the wildlife. Watch the sunset, discover the hidden side of the Lowcountry, and enjoy an unforgettable coastal adventure beyond the postcards.

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.

Boone Hall Plantation- A USA Today’s 10 Best Choice as the “Best Plantation in the Charleston Area!” Explore the rich history of the South Carolina Lowcountry with Private Plantation Tours. Walk beneath ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, while learning about the legacies of rice and cotton plantations. Understand the profound impact of both the wealthy plantation owners and the resilient enslaved Africans who contributed to the region's culture and economy. This plantation visit offers a unique perspective through preserved gardens and historic exhibits, ensuring a meaningful experience that connects past events to contemporary Charleston. - Visit 1 historic plantation with house tour and grounds tour in the Charleston area - Transportation included for a hassle-free experience- private only your party - Gain insights into the lives of enslaved Africans and plantation owners

You’ll retrace the final movements of a man who ended up at the bottom of a well—an ax buried in his skull and a question that still cuts sharp: who put him there? You’ll stand where passion turned predatory, where a hurried shovel of dirt tried to bury the truth in a shallow grave. And you’ll reopen a midcentury murder so strange it sounds ripped from a game of Clue—until the documents prove it happened here, in this very city. At every stop, your guide lays out the facts like exhibits—what the record confirms, what it contradicts, and what it leaves chillingly unresolved. No invented shadows. No tidy endings. Just real names, real places, and consequences that still echo in the brickwork of the very houses where it happened.

Just you and your crew! Private groups allow for more opportunities to ask questions and to interact with your Charlestonian guide. This unique foodie tour blends the perfect pairing of culinary delights with the captivating history of Lowcountry culture and the evolution of the region's cuisine. While you dine on Charleston's signature dishes and delicacies of the Lowcountry, your fun, knowledgeable, engaging guide, will escort you through the famous Historic District to some of the city's premier restaurants, where you will receive VIP service. Your guide will be glad to recommend the best local dining and touring experiences to make the most of your stay in Charleston. *Minimum of 4 guests required for this tour to operate.*

Set sail for an unforgettable 2-hour sunset cruise on the Serendipity Catamaran, departing from Seabreeze Marina in downtown Charleston. Enjoy stunning waterfront views and local wildlife as the sun dips below the horizon. This upscale sailing experience accommodates only 12 guests, ensuring a cozy atmosphere while you sip a complimentary champagne toast and savor a curated charcuterie spread. Guests are also welcome to bring their own beverages, making it a perfect setting for a refined evening with friends or a romantic outing. - Limited to 12 passengers for an intimate sail experience - Includes complimentary champagne toast and charcuterie spread - BYOB with provided cooler, ice, and cups - Departs from Seabreeze Marina, convenient for downtown visitors - Heated Cabin and blankets for year round comfort

No more awkward selfies and no more dull walking tours. With this mini photoshoot package, your local guide takes you across Charleston’s most scenic spots, snapping great photos of your group along the way. You’ll get to see why Charleston is one of the prettiest cities in America—and get your crew looking even better than your backdrop.

CELEBRATE your milestone in a meaningful way. Plan a secret proposal, capture your engagement, honor your anniversary, honeymoon, babymoon, or simply document a special trip with the people you love. CUSTOMIZE your experience to match your vision. Choose from: historic downtown Charleston, Boone Hall, Isle of Palms, Cypress Gardens, Shem Creek. Together, we’ll create the perfect setting for your story. ENJOY a relaxed, private experience designed just for you. I’ll guide you through beautiful locations and help you with simple, natural posing so you always know where to stand and what to do, while I capture professional photographs along the way. CHERISH the memories long after your trip is over. Leave Charleston with timeless photographs that will remind you of this special chapter for years to come. At the moment, I don’t offer portrait sessions for a single person unless it’s for graduation or senior photos.

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

Taste the South. Sip the Stories. Walk through History. Experience Charleston like never before on a flavorful daytime journey through the city’s rich past, served with a generous helping of Southern hospitality. This guided walking tour blends the best of Charleston’s historic charm with iconic Lowcountry cuisine, thoughtfully paired with local cocktails, craft brews, and sweet sips. From the moment you set foot on Charleston’s cobblestone streets, you’ll be immersed in tales of colonial intrigue, Civil War drama, and Gullah-Geechee heritage, told by a passionate local guide. Along the way, you’ll stop at a curated lineup of local eateries and hidden gems, where the plates are craveable, the drinks are spirited, and the stories are unforgettable. This tour must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.