Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Charleston

Charleston is the oldest and most historically significant city in the US state of South Carolina. This coastal city was among the first English colonies established on the east coast of America. Consequently, it serves as an excellent destination for individuals interested in exploring the fascinating history of the region, with various local tours available to transport participants back in time.

With its warm weather throughout the year, Charleston provides an enjoyable environment for walking tours led by knowledgeable locals and boat cruises along the picturesque waterfront of the Atlantic Ocean. Comprehensive history tours guide visitors through the city’s most significant historical sites and structures, imparting an understanding of the crucial role Charleston has played in Southern American history over the years.

Engage in a tour of the finest dining establishments, meet local chefs who shape the vibrant culinary scene, or, for the adventurous, take on an after-dark ghost tour to uncover Charleston’s eerie secrets. To assist in planning your visit to Charleston, here are some of the recommended tours available in the city.

1. Charleston Historical Walking Tour

Charleston’s origins date back to the mid-17th century, and the city boasts hundreds of years of history waiting to be uncovered. Once the most bustling city in the American colonies, Charleston has played an essential though sometimes overlooked role in the continent’s history, particularly during the Revolution, the Civil War, and the years in between.

During this tour, a local guide will lead you through not only Charleston’s most renowned historical landmarks but also some hidden treasures known only to residents. This tour serves as an excellent introduction to your Charleston experience, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the city’s extensive history.

2. Charleston’s French Quarter Guided Walking Tour

If walking tours align with your interests, Charleston offers an abundance of opportunities. Join an informative guide for a leisurely stroll through Charleston’s French Quarter, one of the most enchanting districts within the historic city.

Originally a walled town, Charleston’s French Quarter emerged as one of the most vibrant regions of the historic area. Admire the charming pink colonial townhouses and walk along the uneven cobblestone streets while being accompanied by a local storyteller.

3. High Ropes Adventure Park in Charleston, South Carolina

For those who prefer thrilling outdoor activities over historical walking tours, just outside the city center lies a challenging high ropes adventure park that will leave participants suspended among the trees.

This park features over 70 obstacles along a high ropes course, with various levels and heights available to accommodate a wide range of ages and abilities. It promises a fun-filled, adrenaline-packed experience for everyone involved.

4. Charleston Historic Harbor Cruise

Visitors seeking a more tranquil experience during their time in Charleston may wish to join a historic harbor cruise. Step aboard a classic replica steamer from the 1920s—the Carolina Belle—and embark on a 90-minute nautical journey along Charleston’s scenic waterfront.

This historic cruise places a strong emphasis on local history, allowing passengers to view numerous landmarks situated along the harbor, including the notorious Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began in earnest in 1861.

5. Charleston Two Hour Speedboat Adventure

For those seeking a brisk experience through Charleston’s historic harbor, a thrilling speedboat adventure awaits. Join a private tour with a local guide and boat captain, who possess extensive knowledge of the area’s history as well as expertise in handling the speedboat.

Delight in the scenic sights of the harbor as you glide along the coastline. Additionally, if you are inclined, you may even try steering the boat yourself under the captain’s knowledgeable guidance. This adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Charleston from a different perspective while enjoying some excitement.

6. Charleston: Savor the Flavors Small Group Tour

Embark on a culinary-inspired walking tour through Charleston’s historic districts, tracing not only the city’s origins but also the evolution of the delicious local cuisine found in today’s dining establishments.

Alongside an enthusiastic local food expert, you will be guided to some of the city’s best dining spots, many of which you may not have noticed without the insight of a guide. Discover how the initial English settlers thrived and the meals they prepared, then follow the evolution of Charleston’s culinary dishes as you savor a variety of samples throughout the city.

7. Charleston 3 Hour Secret Food Tour

Culinary enthusiasts will surely appreciate this enriching three-hour tour exploring Charleston’s hidden culinary gems. Offering a genuinely local experience, this tour is led by a chef from Charleston who knows the city intimately. Participants will visit Charleston Village—one of the city’s oldest areas—to explore local restaurants and eateries. Along the way, sample a delightful range of dishes, from crab and shrimp to cornbread and chicken wings, while learning about the unique origins of Charleston’s diverse cuisine.

8. Charleston Chef’s Kitchen Tours

For a truly immersive culinary experience, this exceptional tour takes participants into local kitchens to meet the chefs at work. This engaging cultural and culinary journey will undoubtedly leave participants impressed as they witness the intricate preparations of local dishes firsthand.

The tour comprises visits to five distinct local restaurants, each offering its own unique interpretation of Charleston’s rich historic and contemporary culinary scene. You can expect to sample dishes at every stop, so be prepared to conclude this tour feeling well satisfied and hopefully much more enlightened regarding the culinary intricacies of Charleston’s kitchens.

9. Charleston 90 Minute Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour

For those intrigued by the supernatural or simply looking for an exhilarating experience during their visit to Charleston, this eclectic walking tour delves into the city’s mysterious past. The tour combines fact, history, legend, and myth, providing an exciting glimpse into the superstitions that once captivated local residents.

Crossing through the historic areas of Charleston, participants will visit unusual destinations, including the city’s earliest cemetery, the Provost’s Dungeon, which once housed prisoners, as well as various locations steeped in supernatural lore.

10. Charleston: Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour

This tour caters to adults and those with an interest in exploring the more sinister aspects of Charleston’s history. This walking tour presents an unfiltered view of the darker narratives embedded within the city’s past. Participants should be prepared for graphic accounts and candid historical depictions.

11. Chilling Charleston Ghost Tour

Charleston’s rich and tumultuous past has contributed to a plethora of ghost stories and sightings over the centuries. This captivating tour departs after sunset, leading participants through the hidden secrets of Charleston’s ghostly tales narrated by local guides, who may very well believe in the stories they tell.

12. Charleston Mystery Walking Tour

For a unique exploration of Charleston, consider participating in this mystery walking tour. This captivating experience is part game, part tour; it employs a classic murder mystery framework that enables you to both immerse yourself in Charleston’s history and enjoy a bit of entertainment along the way. The activity guides you through the city’s legends and notable figures, bringing Charleston’s storied past vividly to life.

13. Charleston 3 Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

This scavenger hunt will guide you across some of the city’s most notable sights and attractions as you follow a quest to unearth answers hidden within the puzzles presented during the game. It is a delightful way to experience Charleston while being led to intriguing parts of the city that may otherwise remain unexplored.

14. Magnolia Plantation Tour With Transportation From Charleston

Travel beyond the city limits with this day tour to the Magnolia Plantation. This site embodies both history and beauty, dating back to before the American Revolution and recognized as one of the oldest plantations in the nation.

15. Boone Hall Plantation Tour From Charleston

Experience another rewarding plantation tour from Charleston as you visit Boone Hall, a historic estate with roots dating back to the colonial era. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens while also gaining insight into the rich history of the region.