Top Charleston Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

Get out on the waters of Charleston Harbor during this cruise aboard an 84-foot-tall (25-meter) classic tall ship. As the crew hoists the sails of the schooner, you glide past some of the city's historical sights and watch for dolphins in the water. The route varies depending on the sailing conditions. Drinks are available to purchase on board. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Charleston aboard a custom-built minibus in air-conditioned comfort. The expert tour guide brings the city’s vibrant story to life, blending entertainment with education for an unforgettable experience. Discover iconic landmarks, from the historic Battery and Rainbow Row to the bustling Charleston City Market, all with the flexibility to hop off and explore at designed stops along the route while your bus waits for you. Don’t just visit Charleston, relive it aboard Old Town Trolley Tours.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the enchanting Magnolia Plantation, a gem in the heart of the Lowcountry. This tour takes you to the historic estate, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Magnolia House, rich in Southern heritage. With options for a Nature Train Tour through beautiful gardens or a Wildlife Boat Tour on the Ashley River, there's something for everyone. Unwind on six miles of picturesque trails, wander through the Audubon Swamp Garden, and learn about the fascinating history of the plantation. A perfect day out for nature lovers and history buffs alike. - Round-trip transport from Charleston Visitor Center in luxury minibuses - Guided tour of the Magnolia Plantation House and exclusive Nature Train or Boat Tour - Discover six miles of scenic walking and biking trails and the Wildlife Center - Immerse yourself in the history of the plantation dating back to 1676

Come aboard The USS Yorktown and hear the stories of the American Heroes who lived, died, and are still rumored to be here today. Commissioned in 1943, the “Fighting Lady” was once manned by over 3,000 people and designed to fight off enemies all over the globe during WWII. You will hear stories of their ultimate sacrifice and heroism as the people that once inhabited this ship dedicated their lives to the service of our country and to this great ship. This tour gives you exclusive night time access to areas of the ship that are closed to the public, including access to the flight deck after dark. Highlights may include: -Maritime Superstitions -Unusual Ship Christening -Captain Jocko Clark -Smokey Stover -Mysterious Sailor Disappearance

Take in views of some of Charleston’s top historic sights from a unique perspective with this panoramic dinner cruise through Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a three-course dinner and full-service bar as you cruise past Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Ravenel Bridge. Capture spectacular harbor views, watch the sunset (for summer cruises), and relax to live musical entertainment on board.

Travel back to Colonial times aboard a horse-drawn carriage and discover more than 300 years of history on this guided, 1-hour tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches and gardens of yesteryear on this narrated tour around historic Charleston. Enjoy the romantic clip-clop sound as this educational adventure winds through the streets and learn about this ‘Holy City’ and its rich history and role in Civil War times.

Visit Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens on this 4.5-hour tour from Charleston, South Carolina. One of the oldest working plantations in the United States, Boone Hall was founded in 1681 and still grows crops. During your tour led by a guide in period costume, you'll see the plantation's slave quarters and learn about its history and modern-day use. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking. Enjoy a personalized experience on this small-group tour of just 15 people.

See the historical sights of Charleston on a walking tour with a guide who tells you about the city's long history. You'll wander along narrow streets and alleys, passing by antebellum homes and other attractions as you listen to stories about Charleston's past 300 years.

Join Chicora Tours for a complete Magnolia Plantation experience with round-trip transportation from the Charleston Visitor Center (10:30 AM–approximately 4:00 PM) in a comfortable Ford Transit passenger van. Groups are capped at 12 guests for a more personal experience. The day includes time to explore the grounds and purchase lunch or snacks, plus three guided experiences: the Nature Train Tour, the House Tour, and the Slavery to Freedom Tour. Tour times may vary by day, but guests will have time to enjoy all three. Please arrive by 10:15 AM for parking and restrooms. Seating is first-come, first-served. Magnolia Plantation’s professional guides lead the tours. Free time is included for the gift shop and gardens. This tour may include guests traveling to separate plantations; this will not affect your experience.

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.

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.

Enjoy a time-saving way to explore one of the country’s most historic cities on this sightseeing bus tour of Charleston, South Carolina. Visit Rainbow Row, the longest stretch of Georgian row houses in the United States; the Old Exchange Building; White Point Garden, in the heart of the city's historic district; and more. You can also upgrade to include admission to the Joseph Manigault House or the Charleston Museum.

Explore the waters around Folly Island on this small-group bottlenose dolphin-spotting tour. Let your captain sail you through the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach in the hopes of spotting the dolphins and observing their behavior in the wild. Listen as your guide explains more about the flora and fauna you see along the way.

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.

Explore Charleston by water taxi with this convenient harbor cruise. Utilize quick and scenic water-based transportation to reach several popular landmarks including Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. Check out attractions like Joe Riley Waterfront Park and the Charleston Harbor Marina at your leisure. Keep an eye out for dolphins during the cruise.