Top Charleston How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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.

Charleston is said to be one of America's most haunted cities, and this evening ghost tour with pub stops is the most entertaining way to find out why. A costumed guide leads you and a group of no more than 15 others through historic streets, weaving together ghost stories and dark local legends, as you hop between some of the city's most atmospheric bars.

This Farm-to-Table Experience is provided by CHARLESTON CULINARY TOURS, the longest-running food tour company in Charleston. This 2.5-hour tour showcases the seasonal bounty of the Lowcountry and the creative prowess of a local chef. - Handpick local seasonal produce at a favorite neighborhood market. - Explore the historic TwoBoroughs neighborhood and Upper King Street with a city-certified guide. - Enjoy a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table experience at a local restaurant with a multi-course feast, created from your seasonal Market selections. This is a great way to explore beloved local shops and a historic neighborhood, meet a Charleston chef (or two!), and see their creativity in action. Come enjoy a true Charleston farm-to-table experience that's unique, local, and not to be missed.

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.

Discover the art, history, and culture of Charleston in a fun and interactive way with a scavenger hunt focused on the city’s national treasures. Download the app to your phone, choose your roles, then head out with your team to answer trivia questions and solve challenges while learning new facts along the way.

With cobblestone streets, steepled skylines, and pastel antebellum houses, it’s a wonder Charleston, South Carolina, is known for something else: its food. On this tour, you’ll experience Upper King Street, the heart of this culinary hotspot. Across four trailblazing restaurants, taste—and see—how this historic city has become one of the hottest dining spots in America.

Enjoy a private walking tour of Charleston with a guide who was born and raised in the city. Your guide Ann will weave in her own personal stories as she shares information on the city's history and culture. Plus, because it’s a private tour, you can tailor the experience to your preferences and needs.

This tour explores historical Charleston from the perspective of the founding mothers and women. Go to the alleged execution site of the country’s first female serial killer and hear her story. Plus, visit the homes and sites of women’s rights activists, printers, artisans, madams, shopkeepers, and plantation owners throughout the city.

Charleston’s a city with centuries of history, but you won’t feel like you’ve got too little time to explore it thanks to this self-guided audio tour. Skip the crowded, speedy group tours and opt to see Charleston on your schedule with unlimited use of this tour which you can even use at home. On your stroll, you’ll pass by sites like the High Cottage Charleston Restaurant, Rainbow Row, Dock Street Theatre, and the Battery - all of which you can visit.

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.

Sit back, relax, and sip your favorite drink while your captain takes you and your private party of up to six people for a sightseeing pleasure cruise in the waters around Charleston, South Carolina. Let your captain set sail for the sunset with you, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon charter.

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.

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.

Explore the hidden beauty of the Charleston Lowcountry as the sun rises over the tidal salt marsh. Your morning ecotour boat charter takes you away from the crowds and into remote creeks, winding waterways, and untouched areas of the estuary where wildlife begins its day. While everyone else is heading into rush hour traffic, the marsh is already alive. Watch great blue herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, and other coastal birds begin their morning routines while dolphins move through the creeks and feed along the shoreline. The early morning hours offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with calm waters. Join your local captain for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Charleston’s tidal salt marsh so special. Learn about the history, culture, and ecology of the area while exploring waterways. Join this off-the-beaten-path adventure through the Tidal Salt Marsh and experience the wildlife, incredible marsh views, and Charleston beyond the postcards.

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

Explore the rich architectural heritage of Charleston on a two-hour walking tour that delves into the city's stunning preserved buildings. This informative journey showcases a variety of structures, including churches, civic buildings, and private residences, revealing the unique styles and construction techniques that define Charleston. Perfect for architecture enthusiasts or anyone interested in learning about the city's history, this tour provides valuable insights into the artistry behind each building. - Two-hour guided walking tour of Charleston’s architecture - Discover historic churches, civic buildings, and private homes - Learn about unique architectural styles and construction methods - Tour departs from The Griffon at 18 Vendue Range

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.

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.

Charleston has a reputation as one of America's most haunted cities, and this evening walk covers its spookiest landmarks and the ghost stories behind them. Stop at the graveyard of the Circular Congregational Church, the Old Slave Mart, and the sea wall facing Fort Sumter as your guide reveals the eerie legends that surround them.

Rainbow Row and the historic homes South of Broad are high on most Charleston itineraries, and this small-group walking tour covers them all with foodie tastings along the way. Start in the French Quarter with a grab-and-go bite, then continue on to Rainbow Row for a taste of Lowcountry cooking. Finish with a sweet treat from a family-owned dessert bar near the Charleston City Market.

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.

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.

Discover Charleston's rich history on a captivating 90 minute walking tour through its historic streets and hidden alleys. Beginning at the Shepheards Tavern marker, this journey takes you from the city's 17th-century founding through pivotal events that shaped its identity. Your knowledgeable guide will share engaging stories, encouraging questions and interaction to enrich your understanding of Charleston's complex past. Ideal for first-time visitors, seasoned travelers, and local residents alike, this tour offers an intimate look at the city's heritage while fostering a personal connection with each guest. - Walk through the Old and Historic District, uncovering Charleston’s storied past - Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, ending near the iconic Rainbow Row - Perfect for history enthusiasts, newcomers, and locals wanting to learn more - Departure from Shepheards Tavern marker at 46 Broad Street, 15 minutes early arrival recommended