Top Charleston Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

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.

Go a bit off the beaten path while in Charleston with this guided walking and eating tour of Upper King Street, an area that is bursting with delicious food. Just make sure your stomach is empty. Sample some South Carolina staples and learn about the history of food in Charleston. Note: this tour is seafood-heavy and not recommended for those with allergies.

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.

Charleston is such a charming, laid-back city in South Carolina that you can’t help but slow your pace and enjoy the Southern weather. This private self-guided audio tour lets you explore at your own speed. Grab your smartphone, put your headphones on, and take a walk into Charleston’s past. As you stroll the streets, you’ll pass by historic buildings and hear stories dating back to the Revolutionary War.

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.

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.

If you’re someone who likes to discover a new city but aren’t interested in the crowds or the pace of a standard tour, then this self-guided audio tour of Charleston is an excellent choice for you. You’ll explore the city’s historical French Quarter on foot at your own pace and on your own schedule. Using your phone, you’ll be guided through the city streets, hearing stories from pre-Civil War times up to the present.

Just you and your crew! Private groups allow for more opportunities to ask questions and to interact with your native 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.*

Discover the history of Charleston on this private walking tour. Follow your professional and native Charlestonian guide around the city’s historical downtown and see notable landmarks such as St. Michael’s Church, Rainbow Row, the Battery, Nathaniel Russell House, and more, and hear stories that bring the people, sites, and history of Charleston to life.

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.

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.

Take a journey through time and discover Charleston’s history and culture on this private walking tour of the South Carolina city. With a longtime resident as your guide, you’ll get an insider’s view and a vivid account of more than 300 centuries’ worth of history. Depending on your preference, you can choose to focus the tour on the Civil War or the history and legacy of slavery in Charleston.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Charleston’s history in a unique way with this private outdoor escape game. This hybrid adventure takes you to sites like St. Philip’s Church, Dock Street Theater, and Rainbow Row. At each stop, solve clues to unlock the next part of the story and directions to continue at your own pace.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Discover local food and learn about the city and its history from a local Charlestonian on this private guided tour. Learn about Southern foods such as grits, fried oysters, and fried green tomatoes and the culture behind them, including how the African slave trade introduced ingredients to the local diet. This private tour provides a more intimate, personalized experience.