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Beyond Charleston

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Charleston, USA
Viator Experience Award
Trending
Booked 5+ times in 12 hours.
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Kimberly_T ·
May 2026
We loved our tour guide Sam. She was so knowledgeable. The tour was packed full of information. We would repeat this tour with Sam. It was evident she had many more stories to share. This is a must do. Also, we had to change our tour time and the tour group was very accommodating.
· Susan_S ·
May 2026
Great morning tour through the heart of historic Charleston! Learned a lot in a short time. The walking was pleasant and not too strenuous. The morning time frame worked well as the weather was beautiful. Our tour guide Duggar was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!

Overview

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.
  • Take a walking tour of Charleston, South Carolina
  • Visit many of the city’s historic points of interest
  • Benefit from the expertise of your professional guide
  • Numerous departure times make it easy to schedule

What's Included

  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Charleston
  • Professional & Licensed Local Guide
  • Stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district
  • Learn about the history and events that shaped Charleston
  • Explore notable sites in the French Quarter
  • Several popular points of interest including Rainbow Row
  • Explore the residential area "South of Broad"
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    Important! Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. All tours begin on time and it is not guaranteed that you will find the guide if you arrive after the tour starts. If you arrive late, please call us.

End point

  • South of Broad, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    The end location will vary depending on the guide and route taken, but they will always walk you back to the start if requested.

Itinerary

Make your way to the starting point at Charleston City Hall to meet your guide and group. City Hall is one of the pillars of the “Four Corners of Law.” You’ll also view the Courthouse, the Post Office, and St. Michael’s Church, where George Washington is known to have worshipped.

Afterwards, head to the French Quarter to explore landmarks such as the Dock Street Theatre, the first theater in America, St. Philips Church, the Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, the French Huguenot Church, and the Pink House.

Pass by Rainbow Row, the series of 13 colorful houses along the waterfront. Then head to “South of Broad,” including Battery & White Point Gardens, with views over to Fort Sumter.
1

Charleston City Hall

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

2

French Quarter

45 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Rainbow Row

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

4

Battery & White Point Gardens

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are strongly advised
  • This tour operates in all weather conditions. Please check the forecast prior to the tour.
  • Please contact us directly if members of your group are booked under a different name so that we can assign you all to the same tour guide.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start time as all tours begin promptly
  • Water is not provided and there are very few places to purchase water along the tour, so please bring a water bottle especially during the summer months
  • Please use the restroom prior to the tour as there are no public restrooms along the tour route
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (2)

Q:Is there parking available near the departure point for the 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour?

A:There are several “pay as you go” parking garages and open-air lots scattered throughout the downtown area. If you are joining us for the Charleston History Tour, we recommend the parking garage at 85 Queen Street.

Feb 2021

The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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 6,825 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Wonderful tour and exceptional tour guide!

Michelle_D, Jul 2026
Interesting and our guide Duggan was knowledgeable, witty and very receptive to all questions. This is a tour one should not miss when exploring Historic Charleston

Our tour was wonderfully...

Amanda_H, Jul 2026
Our tour was wonderfully curated and the guide, Dennis, was knowledgeable, funny, and personable. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Charleston / some of its sites.

Charleston on a hot day

George_L, Jul 2026
Wonderful experience with Al. His knowledge of the history of Charleston was outstanding. He was conscientious of the heat and often looked for us to have shade to stand.

Charleston Historical Walking Tour

Charles_B, Jul 2026
An excellent experience. Great way to get a summary of Charleston history and see the historical district.

This was an informative...

Crista_K, Jul 2026
This was an informative walk through Charleston that highlights the history as well as the beautiful architecture. Even though it was hot and humid, we still thoroughly enjoyed the two hour tour.

Charleston tour

Lauren_P, Jul 2026
History made personal. Duggar was great. Would recommend to others. Both myself and an 18 year old enjoyed it.

Must Do Tour!

Steve_G, Jul 2026
This was probably the most informative tour I have ever been on. It was well organized, interesting and very entertaining.

Great guide and tour

Lisa_L, Jul 2026
Sam gave us a great tour of the best parts of historic Charleston. She was very knowledgeable and we learned so much. This tour was the highlight of our day trip to the city.

Highly recommend this tour!

Judy_P, Jul 2026
Our tour guide was excellent! The history is amazing in this city. He provided local insight we wouldn’t have otherwise had.

Duggar rocks

Ron_C, Jul 2026
Duggar was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. One of the best tours my wife and I have ever been on. Highly recommend him.

Highlight of our trip!

Jessica_C, Jul 2026
Evans was an incredible tour guide with a vast amount of knowledge about the history of Charleston. Not only did we learn about the history of the buildings, who lived there past and present, but also about the role Charleston played in the Revolutionary and Civil War, along with notable anti-succession players including John Smalls, Francis Marion and all the women who played roles in making Charleston great.

We always choose Viator...

Donna_C, Jul 2026
We always choose Viator when visiting elsewhere so when company is visiting , I do the same. Tours are always fun and informative. I learned a few things and I live here! Tour guide Al was great and tried hard to keep the group in the shade on a 100 degree day in Charleston!

great walking tour

Bonnie_J, Jun 2026
This walking tour was one of the best! Michael has such zeal for his hometown of Charleston, with so many great facts and a gift of sharing it!

Exceptional tour guy

Mary_S, Jun 2026
Good walking pace, covered important sites. Our Guide Evans was exceptional! Great history and stories to back it up.

Sweating in beautiful Charleston

AnnaMaria_S, Jun 2026
Bring good shoes and a positive energy . We enjoyed the humor our guide brought to his expert exploration of historic Charleston. Very enjoyable and entertaining if you have a knowledgeable guide like Michael

Charleston walking tour

Stephanie_M, Jun 2026
Was hoping for an overview of the high points of Charleston history and was more of an architectural tour based on the tour guides interests

Tour was fabulous and...

Tricia_H, Jun 2026
Tour was fabulous and well paced. The guide was informative and allowed time for questions while walking around .

This is a MUST DO tour!

Tracy_B, Jun 2026
This was such a great tour!! We got to see and learned so much. Dennis was a fabulous tour guide. The two hours flew by— even in the heat.

Yes!! Book this tour.

Elizabeth_D, Jun 2026
Our guide was knowledgeable and charismatic. We highly recommend this tour. We would recommend the evening hours during the hot summer days.

Great History!!

Mary_N, Jun 2026
Coach was very informative! As a history teacher, I loved the tour!! Make sure to bring your own water!

Walking Tour in Charleston

Lisa_M, Jun 2026
Our excellent guide, Sam ,made this an enjoyable walking tour. She was pleasant and knowledgeable. She offered interesting information.

A must tour

Kim_U, Jun 2026
Dennis was just awesome and the knowledge he has is absolutely phenomenal. We highly recommend this trip and ask for Dennis

Great experience with our...

Kristine_G, Jun 2026
Great experience with our tour guide, Dennis. He was pleasant, knowledgeable and a good since of humor.

Lovely walking tour with...

Sabana_j, Jun 2026
Lovely walking tour with Al who took us off to the local spots as well an off the beaten path with great information’ very enjoyable!

Casual walk around...

DuaneL_R, Jun 2026
Casual walk around historic district in Charleston. Small group tour with follow-up recommendations for other sites to visit and restaurants.

Perfect Introduction to Charleston

Lisa_H, Jun 2026
This tour was perfect for our first day in Charleston. Sam was an excellent tour guide. She was full of fun and interesting facts about the city and moved at the appropriate pace for our group.

Excellent tour of Charleston!

Renee_M, Jun 2026
Very educational and entertaining. Evan’s was very knowledgeable about Charleston history. He told great stories.

Al was an amazing guide,...

Aveanna_R, Jun 2026
Al was an amazing guide, was very knowledgeable on the history of Charleston and provided such great insight. 10/10 tour!

great historical tour

Patricia_H, Jun 2026
Dennis Mardis Was and excellent tour guide. Full of facts, loud enough to hear, and a little humor mixed in. I would highly recommend him for your next tour.

Our guide, Al, was...

Austin_W, Jun 2026
Our guide, Al, was awesome! He was engaging, hilarious, and incredibly knowledgeable. If you’re looking for a tour that will get you around the best parts of the city while learning fascinating things about the city’s history and architecture — this tour is the way to go! Again, Al was one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had. — the Ohioans
Likely to Sell Out

From $30.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 16 days in advance.

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