Top USA Literary Tours in 2026

Skip the generic audio guides and discover Charleston's layered history through the eyes of someone who grew up in it. This small-group walking tour is led by a local author with a talent for storytelling and intimate knowledge of the area. Wander cobblestone streets and take in the city’s iconic architecture in an intimate group of no more than 12 travelers.

Step into the rich history of Tulsa’s Greenwood District on a private and customizable walking tour led by a knowledgeable griot. Through immersive storytelling, multimedia presentations, and visits to historic landmarks, monuments, murals, and a site that preserves actual bricks connected to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the people, events, and resilience that shaped Black Wall Street. Led by Kode Ransom, a griot with deep roots in the community, this experience brings the legacy, history, art, and literature of Greenwood to life through engaging tours designed for history enthusiasts, students, and curious travelers alike.

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.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is known for its artwork, many of which are inspired by literature and oral traditions. Deepen your understanding of the relationship between art and storytelling and see some fantastic pieces on this tour while exploring parts of the museum’s vast collection. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Measuring 550 feet (168 meters) high, the High Roller at The LINQ is the tallest observation wheel in North America—which makes it a very popular attractions. Secure your tickets by booking in advance and admire sweeping views over Las Vegas during a full revolution in one of the High Roller's air-conditioned compartments. Choose from a day ride to see the landscape glimmer with the hot sun, or a flexible anytime ride.

A history-saturated neighborhood and a literary landmark, Monterey’s Cannery Row is a must-see for fans of John Steinbeck and American literature—and this self-led walking tour offers a seamless, flexible way to discover. Upon purchasing, download the audio tour and use when and as often as you’d like. You’ll learn about the rise and fall of the local fishing industry, Steinbeck’s work, the neighborhood’s revival, and more.

Discover the real-life drama behind the international bestselling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and see spots you might not find on your own with this walking tour of Savannah. Walk through Savannah's iconic squares and under trees dripping with Spanish moss as your guide regales you with tales of the city's historic scandals while en route to sights made famous by the novel.

Have the rare opportunity to hop behind the wheel of a supercar during this guided track-driving experience in Las Vegas. Choose from a range of exotic cars, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches, and hit the course for at least five laps. All necessary equipment and instruction is provided, with a race coach in the car to provide advice and support as you reach top speeds.

See Las Vegas the way it was meant to be seen: by night. Drive past the Infamous Las Vegas Strip as the tour leads you past casinos, wedding chapels, and historic landmarks. Let the bus driver do all the hard work while you relax. There's a choice of departure times and tour durations that let you work around your schedule.

Take a break from the crowded casinos of Las Vegas—and discover where locals escape to unwind—on this half-day hiking tour of the picture-perfect Red Rock Canyon. With round-trip transit from the Strip, getting into nature is made simple. Upon arrival, your guide helps your group choose from several trail options to match your interests and fitness levels. Enjoy stunning desert and sandstone scenery as you explore the Nevada wilderness.

Discover the eclectic charm of Greenwich Village with a self-guided walking tour that lets you explore at your own pace. Navigate through 11 iconic stops, including Caffè Reggio and the Stonewall National Monument, while engaging with short audio stories and interactive quizzes at each location. This immersive experience combines history with fun, allowing you to learn fascinating facts without the usual boredom. Perfect for solo adventurers or groups of friends, this tour is available daily and can be enjoyed in any weather. - Walk 3 km through historic Greenwich Village at your own pace - 2-hour duration, featuring 11 interactive quizzes - Includes a smart map and audio stories for each stop - Free global data included for seamless navigation

Go beyond the usual sights and discover how San Francisco became the city it is today. This walking tour explores North Beach through the immigrants, artists, writers, musicians, nightlife pioneers, and countercultures that shaped the neighborhood—and the city beyond it. From Little Italy and Beat-era bohemia to Broadway nightlife and punk, you’ll connect famous landmarks with unexpected stories and see how creative communities take root, evolve, and leave their mark. Led by a local storyteller with deep ties to San Francisco’s arts and music scene, this is history with an insider’s perspective. Groups are capped at just 10 guests, making the experience more conversational, personal, and responsive to your interests.

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Virginia's Capitol grounds in Richmond on this leisurely walking tour. Led by an expert historian, the tour explores significant monuments including the Washington Statue and the Edgar Allan Poe tribute, while honoring the native Americans who once inhabited the area. Gain insights into the early history of Richmond and Virginia through engaging storytelling that brings the captivating past to life. - Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Virginia's Capitol grounds - Led by an expert historian passionate about architecture and storytelling - Visit significant sites like the Washington Statue and Edgar Allan Poe monument - Learn about the native Americans and the early history of Richmond and Virginia

Learn all about the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald on this private, historic walking tour in St. Paul, Minnesota. Your guide is a wealth of knowledge regarding the popular author who penned "The Great Gatsby" and shares stories about his life in the Roaring ‘20s, the Gilded Age architecture, and much more. Highlights include Fitzgerald's birthplace, homes, and haunts.

Discover the stories and slang of New York’s historic Lower East Side, from classic NYC accents to the languages—such as Chinese and Yiddish—that call the city home. While some tours highlight sightseeing alone, this guided walking tour takes you through the streets for a true cultural immersion, whether you’re practicing your pronunciation or checking out hip hop landmarks.

Walk in the footsteps of Margaret Mitchell, the Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Gone with the Wind on this private tour. Visit the Atlanta apartment where she lived and wrote her famous novel, and see the Georgian Terrace Hotel where the film’s premiere was celebrated. Learn little known facts and insights with your personal guide as you stop at noteworthy landmarks and locations from the book and from the author’s life.

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, we’ll explore how author Willa Cather was inspired to write her "best book" (her words), "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by retracing her steps through Santa Fe in 1925 and 1926. Our walking route covers about 1.5 miles, mostly on sidewalks, but also climbs a hill to the Cross of the Martyrs with its outstanding view of the city below. During our time together, we'll explore aspects of the novel, such as Kit Carson, Padre Antonio José Martínez, and of course Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, New Mexico's first Catholic archbishop and the real-life inspiration for the fictional Bishop Latour in Cather's book. We will learn about Sister Blandina Segale who helped set up a hospital in Lamy's house, and visit the last remnant of Lamy's six-acre garden behind the St. Francis Cathedral in the peaceful Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden.

Explore Grand Canyon National Park and the canyon's South Rim on this full-day tour from Flagstaff, which takes care of transfers and tours so you don't have to. Rather than navigating roads you don't know, relax and take in the scenery as you travel, keeping watch for mule deer and California condors. Walk some of the Rim Trail for up-close views of the natural rock formations and stop for lunch at a local Navajo country restaurant that serves Mexican, American, and Navajo dishes. Entrance fees and round-trip hotel transportation included.

Step into the boots of a battleship sailor in this exclusive behind-the-scenes journey aboard Battleship IOWA. Start with the IOWA Experience, a self-guided tour across five decks that showcases the ship’s presidential legacy, interactive exhibits, sailor stories, and a fun scavenger hunt led by Vicky the Dog. NOTE: Please arrive earlier in the day to complete the self-guided IOWA Experience before your crew-led “Big Guns” Tour at 1:30 PM. Then, go deeper with a 2.5-hour crew-led tour into rarely seen spaces—areas of the ship that powered her dominance during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Descend through hatches and climb through passageways as you explore. Due to the physically demanding nature of this tour and access to confined spaces, it is limited to guests aged 10+ and not recommended for those with mobility limitations. Closed-toe shoes required.

Add depth to your French Quarter experience with a private, customizable tour led by a long-time local resident. Your guide will tailor the tour to your interests, with options to explore LGBTQ history, literary landmarks, or even the intriguing world of Voodoo in the neighborhood.

Experience the magical side of The Metropolitan Museum of Art on a tour inspired by a famous book series about witches and wizards. From parts of a real castle to mythical creatures not unlike those in the books, you’ll see artifacts from around the world and learn the stories behind them. Take part in a fun activity and feel very free to dress up in your robes for the occasion. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Explore Grand Canyon National Park, without the logistical hassles, on a full-day guided South Rim bus tour with hotel pickup included. Enjoy panoramic views from multiple lookout points and optional upgrades including a Hummer tour or scenic helicopter flight. Learn about the canyon's history and geology from your guide as you explore.

Explore the natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon—and leave all the logistics and planning to someone else—on this hassle-free day tour from Las Vegas. After a photo stop at the Hoover Dam, discover the best of the Grand Canyon's West Rim, from Eagle Point to Guano Point. You can also upgrade to explore the glass-bottomed Skywalk, take a thrilling helicopter ride, or travel by pontoon boat on the Colorado River.