Top Charleston How to Get Around in 2026

Charleston has more than 350 years of history packed into its downtown, and it’s easy to walk straight past its most important landmarks. This private tour pairs you with a local guide, starting at City Hall before heading out among homes, churches, and public buildings that predate the American Revolution. Hear how wars, hurricanes, and the Gullah community shaped the city.

Make your way to the leaderboard as you score points along this Charleston Chucktown Crusade scavenger hunt. You make your way through the city at your own pace, without having to follow a guide or join a large tour group. If you need assistance, you can always ask your remote interactive live guide. Learn all about Charleston while having a blast at the same time.

Discover the spooky side of Charleston with a ghost-themed walking tour. Meet your guide at a departure point and set out on a guided stroll in Charleston focused on ghost stories. See popular city landmarks during the walk including St. Philip’s Church and the Powder Magazine museum. Learn about the history of several sites from a ghost perspective during the tour.

Discover the rich tapestry of Charleston’s past—one story, one oyster, and one sip at a time. Join us for the Charleston Shuck & Sip Tour, a unique blend of Lowcountry history and coastal flavor. This immersive daytime walking tour guides you through the charming cobblestone streets of Charleston’s Historic District, where each building has a story, and every stop uncovers a layer of the city’s captivating legacy. Led by a local guide with a passion for storytelling, you’ll explore the city’s colonial roots, Gullah traditions, Revolutionary drama, and antebellum elegance—all while savoring the region’s culinary gems. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a uniquely Charlestonian experience, this tour offers the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. Come hungry for history and stay for the shucks. This tour must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Experience a Charleston sunset the way it was meant to be seen—from the water on a private sailing yacht. On this 2-hour cruise, watch for dolphins and spot landmarks from the water, including The Battery, Ravenel Bridge, and the USS Yorktown. This sailing experience is ideal for couples looking for a romantic evening on the water or families wanting a relaxing break from the city.

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.

Charleston History. Jewish Soul. Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the U.S. until the 1820s — even surpassing New York! This private tour blends iconic landmarks with hidden gems, weaving Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston. We’ll visit sites both famous and often overlooked — including “Little Jerusalem” and two of America’s oldest synagogues: one, the oldest in continuous use and birthplace of Reform Judaism; the other, the nation’s oldest active Orthodox Ashkenazi congregation. You'll also see the first Jewish-owned pharmacy in America, a brothel once run by a Jewish woman, and homes and civic spaces tied to merchants, leaders, and reformers. Along the way, we honor the contributions of African Americans and reflect on Jewish involvement in Charleston’s slave economy and the Civil War. Each tour is private, unhurried, and carefully curated — complete with refreshments and storytelling that make the experience both meaningful and memorable.

Take in the beauty of the Charleston coastline and even spot dolphins along the way with this exclusive sailboat charter directly from the downtown Harbor City Marina. Enjoy the luxury of an entire boat to yourself as you skirt the coast past highlights like the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, the battery, and historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins and stay cool with drinks and shade on board.

As you embark on our 2-hour journey, you'll witness some of the most spectacular scenes enjoyed in coastal South Carolina. Our goal for our guests is to search for bottlenose dolphins and local species of birds while taking pleasure in the splendid scenery along the way. Bottlenose dolphins, well known for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and smiling faces, have been interacting with humans for centuries and seem to have as much interest in us as we have in them. They often swim near the boat, lifting their heads out of the water to get a glance at all the people on-board. Our South Carolina shores offer breathtaking beauty that becomes a serene portrait aboard our boat where we see dolphin jump and play. The Charleston coast is home to a wide variety of birds of prey, waterfowl, wading birds, terns and gulls, and shorebirds.

Hello travelers, Welcome to my city! Come ride with Captain Gene around the Harbor to see how beautiful Charleston is by water! It is breathtaking to see White Point Battery, FortSumter, Castle Pinckney, Shem creek, the rocks of the Charleston jetties and the tallest bridge on the East coast. While traveling enjoy a safe and comfortable ride on my vessel while I give a small history lesson and the first mate caters to your every need. Ride in absolute style in my new Irish lobster boat! I can take up to 24 guest! We will be safe and dry during our tour and the envy of everyone on land! Can not wait to meet you all! Captain Gene

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor since 2012, 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.

Create the sailboat cruise of your dreams with this fully customized private tour on board the Fate in Charleston Harbor. Set off for as little as two hours or for half a day to take in the sights along the waterfront, including Charleston Battery, Fort Sumter, and Ravenel Bridge. Upgrade with catering for food and drinks on board, or bring your own refreshments—you can personalize your charter to suit your tastes.

Enjoy two hours cruising the harbor on a private center console captained by a professional yacht captain. Stop at secluded island beaches for shark tooth hunting, shelling or just enjoy the sunset while looking at mansions along the way. We pass by all the historic areas of the harbor and more. The perfect boat to see and do it all in style! Southern Charm can reach speeds of 30mph, in two hours we can cover a lot of ground and visit many parts of the harbor. Get dropped off at Shem Creeks many restaurants is an option or have it catered through Caviar and Bananas. We provide, cooler with ice, soft drinks, bottled water, Bluetooth boat stereo, Emergency porto potty, and Rain ponchos just in case You may bring any food or beverages onboard.

Savor the very best of the Lowcountry on a unique Charleston food tour designed for true foodies. Our family-run business has crafted a curated culinary experience giving you guaranteed line-skipping access to top restaurants in Historic Downtown. Indulge in iconic Southern classics, including: - Rich and creamy She-Crab Soup - A slow-cooked, savory BBQ Slider - Tender, seasoned Collard Greens - Warm, golden Cornbread - A decadent Daily Special Cake As you walk off your tastings along beautiful cobblestone streets, an expert local guide uncovers the deep history behind landmarks like the Old Exchange Building and the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. Discover where locals actually eat, learn the complex history of Southern spices, and enjoy a full meal's worth of world-class cuisine. (Note: Child tickets ages 0-6 does not include food).

Experience the best of Charleston with this popular History and Architecture Tour of Charleston’s Historic Downtown. Take an immersive journey through secret alleys and colorful corridors, uncovering the city’s rich history and colorful architecture. Expert guides will provide fascinating insights into Charleston’s past and present, making this tour an unforgettable experience. The tour starts in the Historic Downtown. From there your guide will lead you through the South of Broad the French Quarter Districts with their charming architecture, cobblestone streets and historic homes, and finishes at the famous Pineapple Fountain. Highlights include visits to three hidden alleys, the beautiful wrought iron work on centuries old gates, famous Rainbow Row, bustling City Market and the Pineapple fountain

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.

Witness history on our daily walks. This breathtaking tour is filled with legends and heritage to proclaim Charleston's vibrant past and opulent history. Discover our quaint alleys, antebellum mansions, private gardens and cobblestone streets. From 1670 through the Civil War to the present day, I invite you to relish this venture into yesteryear. - Rainbow Row - French Quarter - Four Corners of Law - High Battery (visual tour of Forts Sutter & Moultrie) - Old Exchange Building - Dock Street Theatre - South of Broad - English Churches Why Travelers Choose This Tour This is a walking tour with a difference, aimed to make you feel like a local and introduce you to Charleston's hidden gems. Learn about pirates, food and architecture while discovering the city's secret sites. A small-group format ensures a personalized experience.

When you have a long history like Charleston does, some bad things are going to happen. Our goal is to provide stories of murder and mayhem, but our guides will also give you the stories of those you may not have heard of before. Going deeper into the history of those who died and still haunt the peninsula of Charleston

Our most affordable rental, cruisers are perfect for relaxed riding around the downtown peninsula. These bikes are simple and easy to use, featuring a single gear and a pedal (coaster) brake. Cruisers are recommended for downtown riding only and are not ideal for crossing the Ravenel Bridge.

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!

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.

'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.

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!