All Charleston Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

City of the Dead The Dark Hauntings of Charleston

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

(4 004)

from US$46

Boone Hall Plantation has had a long and fascinating history since its founding near Charleston in 1681. Learn about the estate and its place in South Carolina history by visiting the plantation with an all-access admission ticket. Nine original cabins where enslaved people lived, coupled with the Black History in America exhibit, demonstrate what life was like for many people at the plantation.

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

2 to 4 hoursFree 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

Speakeasy Sagas - Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl

Charleston Festival of Lights Holiday Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

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

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

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

Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

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.

Charleston Festival of Lights with Small Group Transportation

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Old Town Trolley Charleston Sightseeing Tour

1 hour 40 minutesFree Cancellation

Special Offer

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.

Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)

Downtown Charleston Food Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Magnolia Plantation Day Tour with Transportation

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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

See Charleston's most celebrated streets on your own schedule, without waiting for a group or keeping pace with a guide. This smartphone GPS walking tour leads you through the heart of historic downtown—past the grand antebellum homes of the Battery, the pastel facades of Rainbow Row, and along the waterfront—with location-triggered audio commentary that plays automatically as you walk.

Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

With more than 300 years of history as an established city, Charleston has its fair share of frightening ghost stories. Wander around these historical city streets with a guide and uncover the gruesome chapters of Charleston’s history. As you move from pub to pub, you’ll hear tales of pirates, bootleggers, brothels, and more. Learn about the history and haunts of the city from the days of the piracy to the nights of Prohibition.

Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl

Charleston History, Homes, and Highlights Guided Walking 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

Roll up your sleeves and get to grips with Lowcountry and Southern dishes in this small-group cooking class in Charleston. Head to the city's French Quarter for this hands-on experience that explores dishes that define the region's culinary identity. From buttermilk biscuits to pimento cheese and the pecan-rich Huguenot torte, a culinary expert guides you through the techniques behind every recipe.

Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston

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 four-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

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Charleston

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What are people saying about Charleston

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Donna_L, Nov 2026

Great Walking Tour of Charleston

Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable on the history of Charleston. We learned so much about its important place in the history of our country. Highly recommend the tour. Wish I could remember the tour guide’s name but we were in the 10:00 tour on Monday, November 2. We know his name was not Paul.

Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Donna_B, Nov 2026

Great experience

Since we bought this ticket, we were able to just go right to the ferry waiting area rather than walk upstairs to buy a ticket. Our tour guide Kelly did an excellent job both on the ferry ride over and at the island. Be sure and look for dolphins as there was a whole pod right off the island.

Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)

John_R, Nov 2026

Halloween night history lesson!

Brandon was very passionate and knowledgable about his city and not only the stops but catered to the groups questions. The small group is the way to go! Next morning our family is still talking about the different historical significant facts we learned. Fantastic.

Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Kathy_A, Oct 2026

We had a wonderful time...

We had a wonderful time sailing around the harbor! We loved that there was no one on a microphone with someone telling us about everything. It was a peaceful experience just being on the water. and taking in the view and soaking up some sun. My hubby also enjoyed helping the crew hoist the sails! .The crew was super nice and very attentive. They all walked around and talked with each of us. If we asked any of the crew a question they knew the answer! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for a peaceful ride on the water! When we come back to Charleston we will do this again!

Charleston Harbor Live Narrated History Day or Sunset Boat Cruise

Nancy_M, Oct 2026

It was a lovely tour...

It was a lovely tour around the harbor and our guide was very knowledgeable pointing out significant locations and interesting historical facts. We left on time and views from the boat were good all around. Boarding and check in very easy as well as ordering tix on-line. Very nice experience and would recommend.

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

Tony_S, Oct 2026

Emily, the tour guide...

Emily, the tour guide (and her horse Winston) was a great guide. She was very friendly, informative and funny. It was easy to tell she really enjoys her job, and her love of the city shows. I learned a few things I never knew about the city. When I get a chance to return to Charleston, I will be booking another tour with Old South Carriage company!

Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings

Richard_A, Oct 2026

Great, cultural and historical background of the foods

This tour focuses on the history and cultural relationship to foods typical of Charleston and the south. It is much more than just tasting shrimp and grits, etc. Our guide Nathan is absolutely fantastic at giving the history of the evolution of the foods. The tastings are all very good, but don’t expect you’ll be sitting at magnolias. There were, however, lots of tastings.

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

Gregory_D, Oct 2026

True history not taught in school.

You will learn about the history of many charming homes and other buildings. If you are lucky enough to get Evans, you will get some botany education ( many of the plants you see growing everywhere in Charleston are not native to the area). Most notable to me was the unadulterated history of Robert Smalls and other lessor figures in Charleston/S.C. history. History directly told with no sugar coating and might make the unenlightened a little sqeemish. So keep an open mind. Loved it 6 out out of 5 stars!!!

Old Town Trolley Charleston Sightseeing Tour

Philip_I, Oct 2026

Mike did a wonderful tour...

Mike did a wonderful tour of Old Town Charleston, including talks on some of the older buildings and their owners, important parts of Charleston history, and other interesting items. It was quite amazing, very knowledgeable, all from memory, answering our questions, and so on. Thanks!

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Karen_P, Oct 2026

Boone Hall Historic Visit

A must see during your travels. I am planning another trip so that I can bring my daughter. If you enjoy guided tours or just touring spaces on your own, this is the place for you. I would recommend this historic site to all history buffs. I enjoyed this experience and look forward to returning. It was very enjoyable and enlightening.

City of the Dead The Dark Hauntings of Charleston

Harsh_D, Oct 2026

Fascinating Dark Hauntings Tour

I had a wonderful experience on the Dark Hauntings of Charleston tour! Darien was an excellent guide—very passionate, knowledgeable, and clearly well-researched. She shared fascinating stories and history throughout the tour and made the experience both interesting and enjoyable. Adam also did a great job coordinating everything and making sure the tour went smoothly. I had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend this tour!

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

Marnie_E, Sept 2026

BEN is the best horse!

Great time with Monty and Ben. Good with the story telling and history of the city. ( Charming Charleston). Lucky we were on Ben's last year of tour. Loved the experience at night in the horse carriage. If you get a chance while on vacation, book this tour!! Thank you, Monty!