10 Best Tours in Charleston, SC
See Charleston’s cobblestone streets and pastel antebellum homes while on an expert-guided tour. Here are the best tours in Charleston to help you make the most of your visit.
Take a foodie tour to get a taste of Charleston’s world-class dining, head out on a harbor tour at sunset, or ride along the cobblestone streets in a horse-drawn carriage. There are so many interesting things to see on these incredible Charleston tours!
TOP PICK: BEST CHARLESTON TOUR
This Charleston Horse & Carriage Tour is the quintessential Charleston tour. Ride through 30 scenic blocks of the historic district past antebellum homes and gardens in a horse-drawn carriage.
Here are 10 of the best tours in Charleston, South Carolina for everything from history and sightseeing to food and ghosts.
Top Tours in Charleston
1. Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
Tour length: 1 hour | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
A horse-drawn carriage tour is probably one of the most popular things to do in Charleston. This Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour is the perfect horse-drawn carriage tour to give you a glimpse of Charleston’s 300 years of history.
Ride along more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of Historic Downtown Charleston. You’ll pass mansions, churches, antebellum homes, and lush gardens
A really enjoyable experience. Billy our guide was very personable and so knowledgeable about the city history. Also, loved our horse, Curtis, who knew exactly where to go even without Billy directing him.
– Thomas D. R. (read more reviews)
This 1-hour tour includes a certified driver and guide who will regale you with stories of Charleston’s history as you ride along behind a Belgian or Percheron Draft Horse.
2. Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Tour length: 2 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
A walking tour is a great way to see the city. This Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour takes you around the historic heart of Charleston to many of the city’s most historic sites.
You’ll visit Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building; White Point Gardens with an incredible view of Fort Sumter; and more.
This was my favorite tour in Charleston. Mark was very knowledgeable, patient with questions, and showed us so many things about Charleston we had zero clue about. Loved learning about the history of the neighborhoods, mansions, churches, etc. Charleston has so much history and Mark broke everything down well. I loved he didn’t leave out how Charleston became so prosperous (slavery) as well.
– Terrise W. (see more reviews)
This 2-hour walking tour includes a licensed local guide who will guide you through the streets of Charleston, and includes admission to the Powder Magazine Museum.
3. Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
Tour length: 1.5 hours | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
I always love taking a ghost tour when I travel, and Charleston has plenty of dark secrets with its hundreds of years of history! This Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard shows you the dark side of Charleston with exclusive after-hours access to the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard.
On this tour, you’ll stroll through the historic district after dark and listen to captivating tales of restless spirits and the supernatural. Then you’ll get to visit the haunted Unitarian Church Graveyard after hours where you may witness a ghost yourself. This is one of the best things to do in Charleston at night!
We took this tour with Simon and I would recommend him to anyone who wants a genuine and authentic tour. He was a phenomenal story teller and was SO passionate about the stories and his personal accounts. He brought a perspective to a ghost tour, that I have never experienced before, and I’ve been lucky enough to go on a few throughout different cities on the East Coast. Simon went into depth about his own experiences as well as super natural experiences his guests have had while on his tours and had pictures to back them up! 110% recommend.
– Alexis B. (see more reviews)
This 90-minute walking tour includes a licensed tour guide and exclusive access to the Unitarian Church Graveyard. You have the option to book a 1 hour graveyard-only tour or a 1.5 hour graveyard and city tour.
4. Haunted Evening Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston
Tour length: 40 minutes | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
Another great ghost tour option, this Haunted Evening Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston combines a popular horse-drawn carriage tour with spooky stories.
You’ll make your way around twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways as you listen to dark tales of the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon. And the best part is you don’t have to walk, you can just sit back and relax!
The tour was amazing. I loved seeing the city and hearing about the history of Charleston. I slept with the light on, some good ghost stories.
– Jennifer R. (see more reviews)
This 40 minute carriage tour is a fun and accessible way to hear Charleston’s best ghost stories, and you cover more ground than on a walking tour. The tour includes a certified guide driving your horse-drawn carriage.
5. Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour
Tour length: 2 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
If you want to learn the history of Charleston’s side streets, then you’ll love this Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour that explores some of the city’s most enchanting alleys and hidden passages.
On this tour, your guide will take you off the beaten path past the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Charleston’s colorful Rainbow Row, and down the historic Philadelphia Alley
Thank you Captain Jack for an entertaining, informative, and memorable experience! I highly recommend this excellent tour!
– Jennifer W. (see more reviews)
This 2 hour walking tour comes with a licensed local guide and a small-group experience. You’ll also receive admission to the Powder Magazine Museum, which you can visit at your leisure.
6. Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Tour length: 2.5 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
This Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with a stop at Morris Island Lighthouse is the perfect tour for wildlife enthusiasts.
You’ll cruise through the Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes where you’ll spot birds, wild oyster beds, and more. Then you’ll land on the uninhabited Morris Island where you can spend some time taking pictures of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and watching for sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
Captain Luke was a fantastic tour guide!!! He was very knowledgeable, entertaining and really made this tour what it was…. The Best Tour in the Charleston Area!!!! We had a great time and highly recommend this tour to all. You will not be disappointed!!!!!
– Katherine B. (see more reviews)
This 2.5 hour boat tour includes live narration onboard about the local ecosystems and area history, a 1 hour stop at Morris Island, and the chance to see a ton of wildlife.
7. Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Tour length: 2.5 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
Those 21+ can visit historic local bars while listening to ghost stories on this Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour.
On this haunted pub crawl, you’ll hear stories of local hauntings and ghosts at historic bars and haunted spots like the Powder Magazine, Charleston City Market, Washington Square, and more. Buy a drink and sip while you listen to the dark tales.
Vannah was an amazing storyteller and guide. Our group had such a fun, spooky experience. Definitely recommend this unique way to see Charleston
– Sarah D. (see more reviews)
This 2.5 hour walking tour includes a costumed tour guide, a commemorative cooler or cup, and a small-group experience.
8. Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Tour length: 2.5 hours | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
Want to explore Charleston’s culinary delights? Then this Downtown Charleston Food Tour is for you!
You’ll visit four local restaurants around the French Quarter and Market Street and taste contemporary Lowcountry cuisine. All the while, you’ll learn about the history of Charleston through its traditional dishes.
John was a great tour guide. He was fun, knowledgeable and told some great stories. You can tell he loves what he does. The food was fabulous and they gave very generous portions. This is the 2nd time we have done this foodie tour and is definitely worth doing.
– Louise L. (see more reviews)
This 2.5 hour walking tour includes sample dishes at 4 local restaurants that add up to a meal, each stop will last about 30 minutes, plus you’ll have an engaging local guide.
9. 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston
Tour length: 2 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
Another option for wildlife enthusiasts is this 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour that takes you through the tidal marshes around Charleston.
As you kayak, keep a lookout for Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more. You’ll paddle down Folly Creek and around the Hammock Islands at a leisurely pace, exploring marshes and tidal pools.
The whole kayaking experience. Our guide, Meghan was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. Very positive and encouraging. We loved her.
– Tom E. (see more reviews)
This 2 hour kayak tour is suitable for kids and adults, with easy to intermediate level kayaking. The tour includes all the kayaking equipment you’ll need, a dray bag to keep your phone and personal belongings dry, a small group for a personalized experience, and a professional guide.
10. 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Tour length: 1.5 hours | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability
This 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour is a great option for seeing a ton of the city without having to walk. You’ll cover a lot of ground and a lot of history!
Climb aboard your airconditioned mini-coach and see the city from the comfort of your seat. You’ll see over 100 points of interest, including Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange Building, White Point Garden, St Phillips Episcopal Church, the City Market, and more.
I’m so glad I booked the bus tour instead of the carriage tour. It was so hot and the bus has great AC! The guide was very knowledgeable and took us to great locations. Parking was easy and cheap and he dropped us off at the museum since we purchased the tour and museum package.
– Sherry H. (see more reviews)
This 1.5 hour bus tour includes an airconditioned mini-coach, a professional driver and guide who will narrate your tour of over 100 different points of interest, and optional upgrades that include admission to the Joseph Manigault House or the Charleston Museum.
Charleston Tours FAQ
Is there a hop-on, hop-off tour in Charleston, SC?
No, the City of Charleston does not allow hop-on, hop-off tours. This is because of traffic congestion in Charleston’s narrow and residential streets. Your best option is this 90 minute sightseeing bus tour or taking the free DASH bus system.
What tours are available in Charleston, SC?
Charleston has sightseeing bus tours, walking tours, carriage tours, ghost tours, sunset cruises, harbor cruises, nature and wildlife tours, adventure sports, plantation tours, and more. There are so many fun ways to experience Charleston!
How long is Charleston carriage tour?
Most Charleston carriage tours last 1 hour.
Top Charleston Tours
A guided tour is always a good idea to get to know a new city! Check out these top Charleston tours.
- Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
- Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
Save on Charleston’s Top Attractions
Want to save big on Charleston’s top attractions? With the Charleston TourPass, you can save up to 40% on 40+ tours and attractions.
Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With this pass, you’ll have everything you need right on your phone, saving you both time and money.
Where to Stay in Charleston
Find the best place to rest your head in Charleston.
- Where We Stayed in Charleston: Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview
- Where We Stayed in Folly Beach: Marsh-View Condo
- Top Hotel: French Quarter Inn
- Great Value: Town & Country Inn and Suites
- Unique Stay: John Rutledge House Inn
More Charleston Tips
Check out the posts below to continue planning your Charleston vacation:
- 13 Best Charleston Ghost Tours For a Scary-Good Time
- 14 Romantic Things to Do in Charleston for Couples
- 50+ Fun Things to Do in Charleston at Night
- 10 Amazing Hotels in Charleston, SC
- 16 Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC
- 11 Best Bars in Charleston, SC
- Your Perfect Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary
- 9 Free Things to Do in Charleston, SC
- 37 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC
- 7 Days in Charleston: Perfect 1 Week Charleston Itinerary
- 14 Tips for Your First Trip to Charleston, SC
- 14 Best Summer Vacation Spots in the South
- The Best Winter Vacations in the South
Ready to visit Charleston, South Carolina? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find accommodation: You can find top hotels in Charleston using Booking.com or vacation rentals near Charleston using VRBO.
- Get packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.
Cheers!
Paige
Which of these Charleston tours will you take? Let me know in the comments!
