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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As one of America’s oldest cities, Charleston is considered one of its most haunted. During this hair-raising walking tour, visit the city’s famous paranormal hotspots including Poogan’s Porch, one of America’s top 10 haunted restaurants, and St Philip’s Church graveyard, the location of a famous haunting. From stories of pirates, gangsters and serial killers to tragic lovers, you choose the narrative to suit your interests during this unique ghost tour.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Without a guided walking tour, you might miss some of the eclectic history and hidden nooks and crannies around Charleston that make this city such a gem. This walking tour takes you through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods to top sights such as the Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and the Old Exchange, all while your guide shares stories from Charleston history and lore.

As you wind through the city, you will encounter many of the iconic sights, sounds, customs and stories that have shaped the low country of South Carolina and our nation over three centuries. Beyond the iconic points of interest, we will also explore little nuances that have created the character of this amazing city. The tour is expected to last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in total.

Your guide brings history to life during this Charleston walking tour of the city's historical downtown. See notable buildings including the Nathaniel Russell House, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the Old Slave Mart Museum. As you walk over the flat and easy terrain with your guide, discover the history that occurred right under your feet and around every corner from Rainbow Row to the Battery.

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.

Too hot for a walking tour? Enjoy Charleston's best history tour in the cool comfort of the Historic District's finest classic restaurants on the Tastes Through Time Tour. 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, a lifetime local of the area, will escort you to some of the city's premier restaurants, where you will receive VIP service. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best local dining and touring experiences to make the most of your stay in Charleston. Our partner restaurants gladly substitute dishes for food restrictions upon request. This is a timed tour, with reservations at each restaurant, so we ask that guests please be on time. *A minimum number of guests (3 - 5) may be required for the tour to operate in peak periods.

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.

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.

Get all the thrills of a Charleston ghost tour without any walking on this haunted horse and carriage ride. A horse and carriage takes you down twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways with ease as your guide shares spooky stories from Charleston’s past. Make your way past the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon in the heart of the Holy City.

See a new side of Charleston when you set off after dark—and learn all about the spooky side of the city’s history, thanks to your guide's stories—on this ghost tour. See major historical landmarks, as well as graveyards, alleyways, hotels, bars, and other lesser-known, supposedly haunted corners. As you go, hear creepy tales about ghostly brides, pirates, unexplained murders, and more.

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.