Charleston, South Carolina is the southern belle of the Eastern Seaboard. That "southern charm" you've heard about? You'll find it here in spades. Take a private Charleston tour and experience all the romance and history of the South with a friendly local guide.

You may want to get a quick history lesson at the Charleston Museum. Founded in 1773, the museum claims to be the oldest in the United States, and is itself a piece of the city's history. Learn about antebellum life at Aiken-Rhett House, the only surviving Urban Plantation. At White Point Park, you can wander among the city's shady gardens and 19th century mansions; you'll want to keep your camera handy as you stroll along Rainbow Row, famous for its candy-coloured houses. Stop for lunch and experience fantastic "low country" cooking.

Whether you're an epicure, a historian or an adventurer, your guide is happy to design a private Charleston tour that reflects your unique interests in this fascinating American city.

Charleston

Do you want to experience Charleston like a local?

Come with me as we explore the beautiful and picturesque streets and alleys of Charleston. I love to meander down our hidden alleys and show them off. So many people walk right by them and don't even know they are there.

I'll tell you why Charleston has an alley named after citizens from Philadelphia and an alley made just wide enough for a horse to get through! Learn about the amazing history of this gem by the sea.

This tour has it all! Historical buildings, museum homes, water views and of course alleys!

Explore the hidden alleys and see hidden gems of this 2 and 1/2 hour walking tour

Alleys of Charleston Walking Tour

Beauty & Tragedy: Charleston's History - Private Walking Tour

Charleston is considered to be one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the country. However, that history was often times was laced with tragedy and war, marring the city both physically and morally. It is also said that a walk through Charleston is a walk through the past, so join me for a journey through several hundred years of history and tales.

As we traverse the Historic District and Waterfront, we will explore alleys and cobblestone streets, where pirates once walked and duels were fought. Making our way through the heart of Charleston, we will pass the city's most historic homes and gardens, each with their own stories and secrets.

Find out how White Point Garden got its name and what happened during George Washington's Charleston visit. See the city's largest mansion and hear the infamous story of the man who had it built. Learn about Charleston's ties to the musical hit "Porgy and Bess" and how the Four Corners of Law earned its name.

Join a Charleston native on a tour like no other!

The Beauregard Monument in Washington Park

The steeple of St. Michael's church at the Four Corners of Law

Visit the past and hear the story of Charleston as you explore the city's sites.

We will meander through the historic walled city district of Charleston, exploring passages, alleys, and cobblestone streets.

Charleston is a city steeped in history! We will discuss the history of Charleston from the founding in 1670 through Proprietory Rule, British Rule, wars, earthquakes, hurricanes, the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Gullah/Geechee culture, religious diversity, architecture, economic swings to present-day growth and expansion.

You will see many historic sites on the route including Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange, Old Slave Mart Museum, Churches, High Battery, the Harbor, and more.

The tour will end in the courtyard of 86 Church Street, built-in 1783, located in the heart of the walled city district.

Old Slave Mart Museum / German Fire House

Explore the history of Charleston from the founding in 1670 to present day

History of Charleston Walking Tour

I invite you to step back in time with me in a three hour adventure, sharing the incredible story and the breathtaking beauty that defines Charleston , South Carolina. This tour explores colonial founding, pirates, the community's unique early diversity, architecture, gardens, and culture. Hear about Charleston's linchpin roles in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Rice and cotton created a prosperous and progressive community that welcomed innovation, resulting in many Charleston Firsts. Learn the crucial role of the enslaved that fueled Charleston's rise to glory
Come see the homes of signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution! Beautiful parks and sweeping waterfront vistas complete this tour.

This three-hour tour can be scheduled any day up to 3 PM and includes three hours south of Wentworth Street.

Experience three hundred and fifty years of history over three hours !

Historic Charleston Three Hour Walkabout

Charleston Historic District Orientation Tour

Charleston is considered the "jewel" of the southeastern United States and
America's best kept secret! Linda is a native Charlestonian and a licensed guide with the city's Art and History Commission. History comes alive through her insider stories only known by the locals! This full comprehensive tour includes Charleston's Colonial, Antebellum and Victorian history and architecture. Linda will tailor your tour to meet any special interests such as Revolutionary War and Civil war history. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, BBC and toured with Southern Living Magazine, Kathy Lee and Hoda, Clive Cussler, Megan Kelly and American Pickers.

St Michael's Church Photo by: Library of Congress

Historic buildings Photo by: Frank Buchalski

Explore the number one best city in the United States with a native Charlestonian!

Most of what you think you know about history simply isn't true. Join me as we uncover the truth behind the fascinating facts that define the history of Charleston and our nation.

As historians, we pride ourselves on exploring history as it actually happened—not the well-worn stories most tours rely on, neither the dubious tales that may or may not be true, nor the anecdotes passed from one tour to the next like a game of "telephone" among old Charlestonian families.

No, we seek the truth. We investigate why everyone thinks the pineapple symbolizes hospitality when it doesn't, or why we assume all fifty states have a flag when they don't. It's the truth about history that provides context, and that context leads to understanding.

So join me debunking historical myths, taking you from the simplistic view of history you had as a child to the comprehensive understanding you need as an adult.

Exploring the real facts behind history...

"That Stuff Ain't True" - Charleston Historical Walking Tour

Explore the Holy City's history, legends, lore from 1670 until today.

Get to know the City from the unique perspective of Joyce, who will guide you on a memorable walking tour that includes an introduction to some of our most celebrated landmarks and hidden gems that make this such a special place to visit.

During this tour you will see among other buildings St. Micheals Church built in 1752, Nathaniel Russel House that was built in 1808 by a wealthy shipping merchant, it is an example of one of many Neoclassical American houses.

Our tour will cover architecture, preservation efforts, overall history of the Charleston area and much more!

Federal Courthouse, ca. 1892, Four Corners of Law

Got a couple of hours? Discover Charleston

Historic Charleston Express Walking Tour

This tour provides a look into Charleston city and country life - all on the same day! You will learn the cultural values of those who were city residents and how their interests and views often differed from their aristocratic, plantation-class neighbors.

While their views on war & peace often differed, it can be said all Charlestonians aspired to live a gracious and charming life. Even thousands of enslaved worked hard to earn the money to buy their freedom. Once freed, freemen were among the most ambitious in the city.

By understanding what motivated Charlestonians to create such a gracious life, you will gain an even greater appreciation for Charleston's beauty. A beauty now restored to its pre-civil war grandeur. A cultural, architectural, and natural beauty recognized by today's leading travel publications - who vote Charleston year after year as Best City USA!

With a B.A. in British Civilization, I look forward to sharing how Charleston became the jewel of British Colonial and Antebellum America.

Experience both Charleston city and plantation life!

Charleston Historic Distric/Boone Hall Excursion

As North Americas only English Walled City( no longer walled) we will explore where those walls were and inside as well.
As one of the four wealthiest cities in Colonial America our rich history is evident from the beautiful Architecture that goes back to colonial/pre- revolutionary war style with historic house museums, churches and public buildings that were relevant then and now!

Born in raised in Charleston you will be walking with a native who you will soon discover seems to know many of the people we pass on the street, and they know me! This place is special to me and I enjoy the opportunity to share her with folks who have come to walk in the steps of history! I've been lucky to have worked and played here and honestly continue to discover new and interesting daily!

As a licensed and certified tour guide for the City of Charleston, I went through the process of studying for and passing a rigorous tour guide exam, written and oral! And maintain mandatory continuing education!
Let's Walk!!

Hidden alleys! Come explore Charleston with someone born and raised here!

Exploring the oldest areas of Charleston

Orientational History of Charleston Tour

While exploring quiet alleys as well as busy streets, you'll see the beauty that is the Charleston of today while hearing about its fascinating past.

You'll walk along the same streets, see the same buildings, and hear some of the same sounds that have been a part of Charleston for 350 years.

You'll learn about the foods, customs and language that are unique to our residents and the stories told to me by my relatives long-gone. We'll also dip into important public buildings and peer into antiquated churchyards.

We'll end by visiting the interior of a lovely mansion that was once home to some of Charleston's aristocracy and now serves as a historic house museum.

As we meander through the city, you'll begin to share my passion for a place, a history and a culture that has been part of my family for more than 175 years.

Lovely ironwork adorns many homes in Charleston

Gate made by famous blacksmith Philip Simmons.

The beautiful and historic City Hall building.

The Pink House is one of Charleston's oldest buildings.

The Fireproof Building once housed important documents for the city.

St. Michael's is the oldest church in the city.

This guide is a member of Charleston's Palmetto Guild, a designation of local tour guides who have been recognized by the city as committed to historical accuracy, continuing education and providing an engaging experience for visitors.

Let a 5th-generation Charlestonian walk you through the city's history, architecture and culture!

Charleston 101

Strolling through the generations of Charleston History, you will learn about the society, scoundrels and conflicts that define this great city. Charleston's influence was felt throughout the world and her buildings, quaint streets, hidden alleys, and picturesque gardens all have stories to tell.

We will explore her 350 years of history. From the eras of the Lord Proprietors, Colony Charles Towne, Antebellum Charleston, the Reconstruction years, and the Charleston Renaissance.

We will meet those that made Charleston what she is today: The Barbadians, the Enslaved, the Scottish, the Irish, the Germans, the Jewish, the French Huguenots, the English, the Preservationists, and the Artists.

We will hear about those outside forces that molded her: Wars, Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Fires.

As DuBose Heyward would say in his poem "Dusk"
"Life after Life, up from her first beginning-
How can I think of her in wood and stone!"

The history of Charleston through the ages

The Charleston Saga - Half Day

The area of Charleston south of Broad Street or the Charlestowne neighborhood is Charleston's most prestigious neighborhood. There you will find 8 of the 10 largest historic homes in Charleston and many of Charlestons' most important public buildings and museum homes and the origiinal walled city.

See White Point Gardens, the high battery, Rainbow Row, Catfish Row (the area featured in Porgy and Bess), and much, much more. Learn about the very beginnings of Charleston, its role in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and what it's like to live in Charleston today.

As a 22-year resident of the Charlestowne neighborhood who has served on several community organizations, I can share with you interesting and amusing stories of 300-year-old institutions and customs that few others can.

One of Charlestons magnificent museum homes

Charles towne village tours

Explore with 66 tours and 12 guides.

Kay

$ 325 (USD)

Adam M.

$ 350 (USD)

Martha W.

$ 295 (USD)

Al R.

$ 350 (USD)

Linda W.

$ 450 (USD)

Cooper

$ 450 (USD)

Joyce W.

$ 325 (USD)

Richard S.

$ 525 (USD)

Steve B.

$ 300 (USD)

Mary C.

$ 395 (USD)

Lee Ann B.

$ 300 (USD)

Mike F.

$ 295 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Charles towne village

Customize your tour