Top Charleston Private Sightseeing Tours

This private sightseeing tour of Charleston offers a local perspective on this charming city in the South. Beat the crowds of bus tours and go where carriage rides can’t as your licensed guide drives you around the peninsula in the comfort of a private vehicle. As you drive past top sights like Waterfront Park and the Battery, hear stories of Charleston history and culture in the Holy City.

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.

Learn all about more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War—leave your guidebook at home, these stories are better.

Charleston's past is alive and vibrant, waiting to be discovered around every corner. Go at your own pace, anytime, 24/7/365 on this smartphone guided (app/gps) walking tour. On this tour you’ll see Charleston’s historic downtown, including the famous Rainbow Row, The battery, multiple alley ways, hidden gems, a hidden entranceway to a famous graveyard, 2 parks, statues and so much more! Along the way you’ll learn the stories of the holy city, the people, the civil war, the battery, GW, Edgar Allan Poe, the history of the buildings, the streets, the fences and the city’s soul. If you like to wonder the streets and wonder what’s the history of this tour, then this tour is for you. Charlestonians are known for taking it slow, and so should you. This tour is designed to go at your own pace. Stop anytime to explore more and continue when you are ready. The tour never expires, and you can take it as many times as you want!

Embark on a delightful journey through the heart of Charleston with our exclusive private horse and carriage tour. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, this personalized experience invites you to explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture at a leisurely pace. As you settle into the cozy carriage, your certified guide will share captivating stories about Charleston’s storied past, from its colonial beginnings to its vibrant present. This Charleston horse and carriage tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself into Charleston’s vibrant culture. Begin your private tour of Charleston at the Big Red Barn, just one block off of Market Street in the heart of downtown. Our private horse and carriage tour is the ideal way to create lasting memories in this historic city. The tour concludes back at Palmetto Carriage Works' Big Red Barn. Please select (1) during checkout for the group pricing per carriage. Each carriage can accommodate 1-4 people per group.

Bring your appetite for this tasty walking tour of downtown Charleston. You’ll spend a few hours of mouthwatering fun touring the culinary side of the Holy City, learning about the history of the city as you dine at four local restaurants. Explore the French Quarter and the Market while tasting traditional and contemporary Lowcountry cuisine.

Visit the site where the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets. This Fort Sumter package includes admission skip-the-line tickets as well as round-trip ferry transport. Take in views of Rainbow Row and the Battery as you cruise through Charleston Harbor. Then, enjoy time to explore the historic fort and museum, before the return ferry ride.

Experience the picturesque beauty of Charleston Harbor on this private 2-hour sailing cruise. See top Charleston landmarks including The Battery, Ravenel Bridge, and the USS Yorktown from the water, for a fresh perspective that lets you escape the land-based crowds. Bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the cruise, or for a special treat, opt for on-board catering.

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.

See Charleston from the water, and enjoy a luxurious way to admire the sights, with this private sailing charter. This flexible experience is tailored to your preferences: pick your own departure time, bring aboard a picnic and drinks (or upgrade for gourmet catering), and request a photographer if you want to capture the moment. As you go, circle the Charleston Harbor, see landmarks like Fort Sumter, and enjoy a relaxing ambiance.

Cruise through the serene waters of Charleston Harbor on a private luxury boat tour, designed for up to six guests. Departing from Ashley Marina, this exclusive experience allows you to soak in stunning sunset views while enjoying the tranquility of the harbor. This intimate setting is perfect for families, couples, or friends looking to create lasting memories against a picturesque backdrop. - Enjoy a private luxury boat experience, perfect for small groups - Depart from Ashley Marina for a scenic sunset cruise - Capacity for up to 6 guests ensures an intimate atmosphere - Ideal for special occasions or a relaxing evening on the water

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.

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.

Uncover Charleston’s darkest secrets on an evening ghost tour. Stroll through the atmospheric heart of the old city while a guide regales you with tales of the dark deeds, restless spirits, and supernatural phenomena that make Charleston one of the most haunted cities in America. Get exclusive after-hour access to the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard, where an overgrown southern garden surrounds historic plots. If you choose, you can book a shorter tour with just access to the Unitarian Church Graveyard.

Just you and your crew will have a guide all to yourself! As you stroll along the City Market, hidden alleyways, majestic churches, cobblestone streets, Waterfront Park‘s Pineapple Fountain, and Rainbow Row, your certified guide, a Charleston native, will unravel the mysteries of the Lowcountry’s intricate history and culture. Take a walk through time, exploring eclectic architecture and intriguing history. Lose yourself in the serene beauty of Charleston’s rich heritage and grand architecture on this journey through the famous Historic District and French Quarter. Find out why Charleston was once a walled city, why it is called the “Holy City,” and many other fascinating details about the port that was once known as the Jewel of the Crown. *Minimum of 4 guests required for this tour.*

Enjoy a private walking tour of Charleston with a guide who was born and raised in the city. Your guide Ann will weave in her own personal stories as she shares information on the city's history and culture. Plus, because it’s a private tour, you can tailor the experience to your preferences and needs.

Your licensed tour guide is a 7th-generation Charlestonian resident with a lineage that extends back to the colonial era. A relator who brings extensive knowledge of the people, customs, and history of this one-of-a-kind American City. Learn about the details of all the fascinating buildings, parks, and historical monuments and the stories that surround them. Join us as we take you through the journey of Charleston like a true local.

Discover four centuries of history with a private walking tour of Charleston. Meet your guide for a private city stroll and set out to see striking architecture and the scenic waterfront. Check out several popular landmarks including Rainbow Row, the French Huguenot Church, and Joe Riley Waterfront Park during the walk. Finish the tour with a visit to Charleston City Market.

Step back in time as you stroll through Charleston's enchanting hidden pathways! This captivating tour takes you to iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row and the Charleston Harbor while unveiling the charm of the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods. Along the way, you'll dive into riveting stories of the American Revolution, Civil War, African heritage, stunning architecture, and so much more. Discover the layers of history that make Charleston on of the most fascinating cities in the world.

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.

We offer unforgettable private boat tours and party cruises on the beautiful waterways of Charleston. Perfect for celebrations like bachelorette parties, birthdays, or simply enjoying a cruise, these charters promise a fun and relaxing experience. Each tour includes a captain, a state-of-the-art sound system, coolers with ice for your beverages, and comfortable seating. Whether you opt for a 2-hour trip or a longer gathering with friends, prepare to make lasting memories on the water. - Choose from 2, 3, or 4-hour private charters, ideal for any occasion - All boats come equipped with a sound system, seating, coolers, and ice - Perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and relaxing cruises

Go behind the scenes of the Netflix series "Outer Banks" on a filming locations tour in Charleston. Meet your guide, who was a background actor during the show, for a private behind-the-scenes tour. Hear stories about the cast and crew of "Outer Banks: as you visit locations seen in the series. Learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Charleston during the tour as well.

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.