All Charleston Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Visit the site where the first shots of the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets. This Fort Sumter package includes admission skip-the-line tickets as well as a round-trip, narrated ferry ride from Charleston. Enjoy time to explore the historic fort and museum, watch a battle reenactment, and browse for souvenirs before the return ferry ride.

Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(3,920)

from $46

Charleston Festival of Lights Holiday Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

1 hourFree Cancellation

Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Special Offer

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.

City of the Dead The Dark Hauntings of Charleston

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.

Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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.

Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture

Old Town Trolley Charleston Sightseeing Tour

1 hour 40 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

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.

Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Speakeasy Sagas - Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl

Magnolia Plantation Day Tour with Transportation

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

Walk through the historic grounds of Middleton Place to enter and explore America's oldest landscaped formal gardens. Your guide will walk you through sweeping vistas, guiding you past dramatic terraced lawns, symmetrical geometric bowers, and calm reflection pools while sharing insights into the site's rich cultural and historical significance of the Middleton family. Middleton Place was the home of American patriots and two of our founding fathers. Embrace the beauty of Middleton as you step back in time. Site admission and private round-trip transportation are included with your reservation, though food, drinks, and personal purchases are at your own expense. Expect to walk across uneven lawns and gravel paths, so wearing comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection is highly recommended.

Private Middleton Place Plantation Tour with Transportation

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

See Charleston from the water, and enjoy a luxurious way to admire the sights, with this private sailing charter. This flexible experience is tailored to your preferences: pick your own departure time, bring aboard a picnic and drinks (or upgrade for gourmet catering), and request a photographer if you want to capture the moment. As you go, circle the Charleston Harbor, see landmarks like Fort Sumter, and enjoy a relaxing ambiance.

Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

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.

Charleston Harbor Live Narrated History Day or Sunset Boat Cruise

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.

Boone Hall Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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 a full-service bar available for purchase 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.

Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music

Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

Downtown Charleston Food Tour

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.

Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

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.

Gray Line Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

The USS Yorktown is the WWII aircraft carrier in Charleston Harbor, and this group ghost tour takes you on board after the museum has closed and the crowds have disappeared. Hear the stories behind the sightings reported on board, from maritime superstitions to sailors who went missing, alongside the history of a ship commissioned in 1943 and crewed by more than 3,000 men who lived, fought, and died onboard.

USS Yorktown Ghost Tour with Exclusive Night-Time Access

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

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Must-Dos in Charleston

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What are people saying about Charleston

Suzanne_W, Oct 2026

Great tour!

Our tour guide was Al. He was an absolute delight! Funny, knowledgeable, readily answered questions. The tour was great. Loved seeing the alleyways, hearing the history of the homes and their architecture, and getting a better understanding of old Charleston. Heartily recommend!

Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Helen_E, Oct 2026

Everything was first rate...

Everything was first rate from ease of purchasing tickets to boarding & safety check. But the highlight was the presenter on the boat, (12:00 on Sept. 30). He had been a history professor and brought his vast knowledge of and passion for the time/ place /politics of the start of the Civil War to all on board who were about to tour Ft. Sumter. Most informative & enjoyable. All the rangers were professional & knowledgable. Museum was very interesting. Great experience.

Charleston Harbor Live Narrated History Day or Sunset Boat Cruise

Harsh_D, Oct 2026

Beautiful Sunset Cruise Experience

I really enjoyed the Charleston Harbor Live Narrated History Day/Sunset Boat Cruise! I took the 5:45 PM tour solo, and it was a great experience. The sunset views were beautiful, the sightseeing was excellent, and everything was well organized. I had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend this cruise!

Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings

Stephanie_W, Oct 2026

Charleston Brunch Food Tour

We truly enjoyed our Brunch Food Walking Tour. We learned so much through our guide John. He walked us through historic areas of Charleston while enjoying the culture and food of the area. John was very knowledgeable and engaging. We enjoyed classic low country foods such as Shrimp and Grits, Green Tomatoes, and Pimento Cheese. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Charleston.

Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Marlena_D, Sep 2026

Great crew, lots of dolphins, but no wind

This was a great activity. The location was easy to find. We went on a Monday, not sure how that would affect the parking situation, but there was plenty of meter parking available. Before we even left the dock we saw many dolphins. The crew were very knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. The only downside was there was no wind, which obviously they can not provide 😂. I would do this sail again for sure

Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Deborah_B, Sep 2026

So much fun!

This tour was one of the best experiences we had on our first trip to Charleston. Captain Robbie and his mate (bartender) Tim shared interesting facts along the way but also provided a lot of fun information and great antics that made this boat ride one we won’t soon forget! Our weather was great and we got to see dolphins! Robbie was available to take pictures of passengers at sunset and even jumped into a few snapshots!! Absolutely terrific evening! I highly recommend!

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

KAREN_B, Sep 2026

Our driver, Donald, was...

Our driver, Donald, was very knowledgeable & fun to explain the different architecture & history of Charleston. We realize that carriages are given tour routes by lottery & he made this tour experience wonderful!! Afterwards, he told us about other spots to see in Charleston.

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

Dana_R, Sep 2026

Spooky way to see Chucktown

Carriage rides are always fun and when you combine the spooky history of Charleston with perfect weather the Ghost Tour delivers an amazing combination! Old South Carriage Company Ghost Tour is a fantastic experience full of fun facts and folklore, albeit a little less paranormal than you might expect. If you’re looking for a fun way to see the city from a lovely carriage, coupled with little known historical tidbits, don’t miss the Ghost Tour.

Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)

Elizabeth_O, Aug 2026

I’ve been on ghost tours...

I’ve been on ghost tours all over the United States, and Brandon’s tour was truly unbelievable. We got lucky enough to be the only two people on the tour because it was one of the hottest weeks in August, but Brandon still showed up and gave us an incredible experience. What made the tour so special was Brandon’s knowledge of Charleston’s history. It felt like we were getting a ghost tour and a fascinating history lesson all in one. Every time we had a question, he enthusiastically took the time to answer it. Brandon clearly loves what he does, and it shows. He was incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and made us feel so well taken care of throughout the entire tour. We couldn’t stop talking about everything he showed us and about Brandon himself! I would absolutely recommend his tour to anyone visiting Charleston. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Macario_Z, Aug 2026

My wife and I stumbled...

My wife and I stumbled upon this tour in Charleston while checking online for something to do there on the way to Virginia. We were so glad we did. Kevin, our Guide, was great! He was very knowledgeable of the history of Charleston and has the patience and understanding for tourists. Now we know where to go to have the best jambalaya in Charleston, SC.

Charleston Haunted Jail Night-Time Walking Tour with Admission to Old City Jail

Tanya_T, Aug 2026

Good times on a creepy tour!

Ken was a wonderful guide! He told detailed stories of the history of the jail, and he answered all the questions that were asked without faltering. He really knew his stuff and told it well. We were a party of five and three others joined our tour for a very intimate experience. It was dark, the place was very creepy, and we believe we had an encounter that made great conversation for the ride home. If you're interested in dark history with a touch of the paranormal, we highly recommend this tour.