Top Charleston Tours by Duration

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.

Experience Charleston’s charm through its flavors and history on this 2.5-hour small-group walking and tasting tour. Explore the city’s most iconic streets and neighborhoods—including the French Quarter, South of Broad, and the colorful Rainbow Row—areas often missed by traditional food tours. Led by a City of Charleston-certified guide, this tour blends culinary delights with cultural insights. Enjoy three tastings from local favorites: two quick grab-and-go bites and one relaxed, sit-down experience where you can savor Lowcountry cuisine and learn about its rich heritage. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the sit-down stop. Along the way, immerse yourself in Charleston’s architecture, stories, and vibrant street life. Your journey concludes near the Charleston City Market, leaving you perfectly positioned to continue exploring the Holy City at your own pace.

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.

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.

Discover Charleston, South Carolina with the help of a local to guide you around town and share fun facts about the city’s storied past and vibrant present on this private tour. See popular attractions as well as hidden gems you might have missed without your guide to show you. Get around Charleston in a comfortable, air-conditioned car with hotel pickup included, and save your energy for sightseeing.

Hear all about Charleston, South Carolina and its storied past with a Ph.D historian for a guide on this walking tour. Walk the city streets as part of a small group, seeing popular local attractions like the French Quarter, St. Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theater, Fort Sumter National Monument, and lots more.

Explore one of the most popular plantations in the Charleston area with ease on this half-day guided tour of Middleton Plantation with a small group. Enjoy convenient pickup from your hotel and a brief driving tour of Charleston’s Old and Historic District on the way. While the entrance fee is not included, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a guide who knows the plantation well as you walk around the estate.

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.

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.

'Whale of a Tale' is a playful, interactive walking tour of Charleston designed especially for young children and families. The adventure begins at The Loutrel Hotel, where children meet Wally the History Whale, a silly, self-assured and jovial puppet who always gets his history wrong. Each child receives a Whale of a Tale Bingo card and set off on a guided scavenger-style walk through the city. The tour includes a stop at Rainbow Row, perfect for family photos. The experience wraps up at Carmella's Dessert Bar, where Wally rewards all children who complete their bingo card with a sweet treat - a joyful finale to their adventure.

Charleston is such a relaxed city that it’s hard to believe that it’s much busier than the towns along the coast. Take an opportunity to leave the city streets for the shoreline during this private guided tour. You’ll visit the islands of the Charleston peninsula, first stopping at Folly Beach then visiting Sullivan’s Island. Throughout the tour, you’ll stop for photos at two lighthouses, a popular tourist beach, and a historic fort.

Explore the darker side of Charleston and experience some of the city’s most eerie sites with a this Ghost & Dungeon nighttime walking tour with entry to Provost Dungeon. Wind through the Historic District’s dark corridors and graveyards, and hear spooky tales of ghosts, voodoo, local superstition, and famous haunted spaces from your local guide. Cap off the tour with a chilling visit to the Provost Dungeon, a pre-Revolutionary dungeon steeped in grisly history.

Experience Charleston and the surrounding area like a local with your own Private Guide Come explore one of the oldest cities in America with its historic homes, French Quarter, and beautiful waterfront. Then let us take you out to discover the charming Old Village in Mt. Pleasant. The tour will pause for a lunch break* in the middle of the day in either Downtown Charleston or Mt. Pleasant (guest's choice) before continuing on. In the afternoon, guests will tour either Boone Hall Plantation or the McLeod Historic Site - two historic and beautiful plantations near Charleston. Let us do the driving and show you the best Charleston has to offer - both inside and outside downtown! *cost of lunch not included in tour price

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided small-group walking tour. Explore some of the city’s most enchanting alleys and hidden passages. Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history; Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; plus historic Philadelphia Alley, and many more.

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.

Experience Charleston’s Festival of Lights the intimate way without crowded buses or big group tours. Chicora Tours provides a cozy small group journey with a maximum of twelve guests in a clean, spacious, and comfortable tour van with festive ambiance and holiday music. Enjoy hot chocolate and personal service as we explore millions of sparkling lights and magical displays. Avoid the hassle of parking and large tour groups. Our experience is relaxed, friendly, and perfect for couples, families, and friends seeking something truly special. Celebrate Charleston’s most enchanting holiday tradition in comfort and style. Please note that this experience also includes about 2 hours of free time to explore the park, roast marshmallows, explore Santa’s village or ride the Christmas light train. A moderate amount of walking is required.

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.

Explore Charleston through its food—and visit places you might miss while exploring alone. Stroll the streets of the Upper King Design District with your local guide in the lead, stopping for Southern and Lowcountry bites like shrimp and grits, biscuits, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, fried chicken with honey, and more. You’ll get to see landmarks like the Aiken-Rhett House, Charleston Music Hall, and Marion Square along the way.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting sights of the Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights on this magical trolley tour. Starting from the Charleston Visitor Information Center, enjoy a scenic ride to James Island, where over 700 dazzling displays and 2 million twinkling lights await. After a 40-minute drive, you'll have 1.5 hours to roam the festival, savor delicious holiday treats, shop for unique souvenirs, and even meet Santa Claus. For added fun, hop on the Festival Express train or join a Reindeer Workshop to create your own furry friend. - Enjoy a 3.5-hour holiday experience with a festive surprise gift for each passenger. - Explore the festival at your own pace after the bus tour. - Ideal for families and holiday enthusiasts, with activities for all ages. - Daily departures at 5pm from the Charleston Visitor Information Center located at 375 Meeting Street.

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.

Step into the storied streets of Charleston where centuries of American history unfold behind wrought-iron gates and beneath canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. This self-guided walking tour leads you through the City's most captivating landmarks, from the pastel Georgian townhouses of Rainbow Row to the grounds where the Civil War began. Wander through the nation's oldest public market, pause in elegant gardens, and stand on the seawall at The Battery as the Ashley and Cooper Rivers converge. Along the way, hear stories of revolution and resilience, of enslaved Africans who shaped the city's culture, and of the devastating 1886 earthquake that nearly leveled everything. Charleston's charm lies in its contradictions — a city that celebrates beauty while confronting a complicated past. From the towering spire of St. Michael's Church to the limbs of the Angel Oak Tree, every stop reveals another layer of this remarkable Southern city.

Go beyond the standard walking tours of downtown and explore more of the Charleston Lowcountry on this extensive van tour. Your guide will show you a comprehensive view of Charleston, from Charlotte Street to the beaches and lighthouses along the coast. You’ll visit over a dozen different sites, including Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Drayton Hall, and the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. You’ll even ride a water taxi between downtown and Hog Island. Note: this is an active tour; expect a few long walks, sand dunes, and steps.

Enjoy a full day of touring with this plantation and see it all bus tour combo! Start your day with a 4.5-hour tour of Magnolia Plantation and see the plantation has stood the test of time dating back to 1676. One of America's most important historical sights, you will travel in comfort on board an air conditioned coach. This tour is led by a knowledgeable and professional guide, that can transport you back in time. Upon your return to the city, enjoy a 90 minute guided tour of historic downtown Charleston.