Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Charleston, USA

2 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

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.

See Charleston through the eyes of a local
Save your energy and let someone else do the driving
Ideal overview of Charleston for first-time visitors
All transportation included with hotel pickup and drop-off

What's Included

Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off at downtown Charleston locations. I do not pick-up or drop-off at the Charleston International Airport, North Charleston, Summerville, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island, John's Island, Goose Creek, or Kiawah Island.

Itinerary

Charleston Waterfront Park (Pass By)

Dock Street Theater

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Citadel (Pass By)

Rainbow Row (Pass By)

Battery & White Point Gardens

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. Michael's Church (Pass By)

Charleston City Hall (Pass By)

Hampton Park (Pass By)

Charleston County Courthouse (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 376 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

private tour

jon_s, Apr 2026

Nick was a great guide and so glad that i booked him. He knew a lot and was fun to talk to... highly recommend!

Tour did not happen

Lavenia_D, May 2025

I have booked Charleston in a Nutshell 5 times previously. Each time was exceptionally. This time, Jeff the guide did not come to appointed pick up place. When I called the cell phone provided in my reservation, Jeff told me he had a stroke last year and had not worked since. Viator booked and charged me for a tour that could not happen.

Scam?0

Ed_L, Oct 2024

Never showed up at our hotel. When I ordered, you confirmed our hotel, and again on the phone in the morning. When you didn’t show, I tried to call the numbers that I had, and to chat, no response. I expect a refund, or is this a scam?

Response from Host, Nov 2024

We tried to contact you multiple times on the number you provided, but couldnt reach you, neither via phone call nor text message. Of course we refund it as we don't charge for Tours who we didn't do.

Charleston tour

Susan_F, Sep 2024

Favorably impressed with our driver, Jeff. He was very knowledgeable about Charleston history and architecture. Very glad we took the tour.

Excellent Tour

Alana_B, Sep 2024

We’ve been to Charleston many times. Jeff taught us and showed us a variety of new things in Charleston. He had a wonderful speaking voice! Extremely informative and lovely car.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you Alana. Please come again!

My husband and I decided...

Jennifer_W, Sep 2024

My husband and I decided to book this tour as a last minute activity during our first trip to Charleston. It was by far the best way to see the city and learn about its rich history and the natural beauty it has to offer. Jefferey was the best tour guide we could have asked for! Very knowledgeable and personable. If you book this tour, you won’t regret it!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you Jennifer, glad you enjoyed the experience. Warm regards, Jeff.

Private tour

Stephen_H, Sep 2024

Driver was very knowledgeable. Took us to places beyond the normal tourist stops. Highly recommend. Very comfortable ride, individual attention was excellent.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you Stephen and Joan. Please come again!

Perfect way to see Charleston.

Susan_A, Jul 2024

We took this tour shortly after arriving in Charleston. Jeff was a wealth of knowledge and shared so many morsels about many places. We highly recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you Susan. Glad you enjoyed the tour!

Best Tour, Worth Every Penny

Laura_B, Jul 2024

Jeff was very knowledgeable and impressive. I learned so much on the tour which exceeded my expectations greatly. It is worth the extra $$ to ride in air conditioned comfort for a truly private and personalized tour. I HIGHLY recommend this 2 hour tour the moment you arrive to Charleston.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you for your review Laura. So nice to meet you! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Past history

John_T, Jul 2024

Jeff was on time and was a comfortable ride. Was very knowledgeable about the city's his. Was a hot day so it was a good choice.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you John. Please come again!

A great tour for a hot day

Albert_O, Jun 2024

Jeff was timely and very professional. He has extensive knowledge of Charleston’s history. Our two hour tour brought us to many interesting areas, including a slow drive through the Citadel. Would recommend Jeff-and his comfortably air conditioned vehicle! So much better than a walking tour on a HOT day in Charleston!🥵 Thank you Jeff. Bert& Debbie

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you Bert and Debbie. Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Great tour of Charleston!

LCPassno, Jun 2024

Excellent tour of Charleston with Jeff today! Hit all the highlights and he answered all of our questions. The cool car and cold water were great for the hot June day. Highly recommend as an introduction to this great city.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you for your review and please come again! Best regards, Jeff Z.

Best tour of our trip.

Donna_W, Jun 2024

Great overview of the city for first time visitors. Jeff is an exceptional guide with extensive knowledge of the city's history and architecture.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you Donna. Glad you enjoyed the tour! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Great orientation to Charleston

John_C, Jun 2024

Had a wonderful couple of hours with Jeff learning sooo much about the history of Charleston. We did this on the first day of our trip so that Jeff could help us choosing what to do for the remainder. He was very interesting and informative. He was raised there and his pride in his hometown shines through. Despite his warning to check for personal items before leaving, I left my cellphone in his vehicle. Jeff went out of his way to find us and return my cellphone within a couple hours. THANKS JEFF!!!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Trust me John, you are not the first to leave an item behind after tour. Thank you for your business and come back soon. Warm regards, Jeff.

Amazing tour. A+++

James_T, Jun 2024

Awesome experience. The guide was an Encyclopedia of knowledge about the city of Charleston. Worth much more than they are charging. A+++

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you James! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Incredible

Carol_B, Jun 2024

Great experience and Jeff gave us a fabulous first hand introductory tour around Charleston. Absolute best way to see a new city!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you Carol. So glad you enjoyed the experience. Please come again! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Great Day and Great History

Daren_C, May 2024

Very Good Tour. Very informative and the history was AMAZING. Great tour for first timers to the area. If you are on a cruise and are looking for a great way to open the door to the area, this is a very very good tour.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you for the review Daren. Please come again for another excursion! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Excellent Guide

Dustin_C, May 2024

Jeff was amazing tour guide. He was very knowledgeable of the area and definitely catered to our questions.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you Dustin! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Don’t miss this tour!!

Harold_V, May 2024

Jeff is a wealth of fascinating information! This was our first trip to Charleston so we thought this would be a good overview. We didn’t whiz by places….he would pause at the curb for us to get a good look or take pictures. We saw all the major sites..in comfort lol & many more we didn’t know about. This tour was worth every penny & we highly recommend!!!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you Harold! Please come again. Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Very pleasant and enjoyable experience

Joseph_H, May 2024

The driver was very knowledgeable, courteous and friendly. He gave a great tour. We enjoyed hearing about the history and culture of Charleston.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you for your review Joseph. Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Best way to see Charleston

Susan_S, May 2024

Jeff was an excellent guide and so well informed about the city of Charleston. We saw parts of the city we never could have gotten to on our own. Truly enjoyed the whole tour

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Glad you enjoyed the tour, thank you Susan. Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Best Tour in Charleston

Michael_C, May 2024

A 2 hour Charleston tour with Jeff is the best money you will spend. Jeff is a great host and has a wealth of knowledge on the history of Charleston. It was like a walk through Charleston from the first settlers, through the Revolutionary War, then the Civil war and the progress to today. Amazing to see the old homes and churches and understanding the strict architectural control the City has to maintain the history. Thanks for the great tour Jeff.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

My pleasure Michael. Glad you enjoyed the tour. Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Charleston Tour

Lisa_F, May 2024

Jeff was an amazing tour guide. Not only did we see so much of the beautiful city of Charleston, we learned a lot about its fascinating history. Highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you Lisa. I sure enjoy showcasing this amazing city. Please come again! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Historic Overview of Charleston, SC

Gerard_B, May 2024

Jeff gave a very informative 2 hour tour. He was prompt in the pickup at our hotel. Jeff was clearly knowledgeable in Charleston, SC and used several old photos to contrast then and now sites in the historic district. Highly recommend tour! I wish he had an option for an additional 1/2 hour or so as the time went by quickly.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you Gerard! Warm regards, Jeff Z.

Terrific experience!

Linda_A, May 2024

Our tour guide was very informative! Just a great experience!!! We learned so much about Charleston and saw areas where we wanted to return to spend more time!

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you Linda. The beauty of Charleston is that you can always discover new places. Please come again! Best regards, Jeff.

Excellent private tour of historical Charleston by car!

Sandy_W, May 2024

Excellent private car tour of historical Charleston! Driver and tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us an excellent history of the city, including driving thru and talking about the Citadel military college. Vehicle was very comfortable, highly recommend this tour!

Response from Host, May 2024

Hi Sandy. Glad you enjoyed the experience. Thank you for taking time to submit a review. Please come again!

First time in Charleston

kenneth_r, May 2024

Very personal and informed host. Well versed and articulate in the history and lore of Charleston. Would recommend highly as an introduction to Charleston.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for review Kenneth. Hope you can visit again. Best regards, Jeff.

Great tour

William_S, Apr 2024

Very knowledgeable and friendly. Covered a lot of ground in two hours. Very comfortable suv. Lots of history, architecture and current information.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for the review William. Glad you enjoyed our excursion. Please come again. Kind regards, Jeff.

Charleston for beginners

Ron_P, Apr 2024

Jeff really knew his stuff! We have taken many tours around the world and he was as knowledgeable about Charleston as anyone we've ever dealt with. It really helped me to see how the city is laid out and we went back and saw several sites again armed with the info Jeff gave us.