Charleston tours, things to do and tickets

Travel by horse-drawn carriage along the picturesque streets of Charleston and take in the history of this South Carolina city. See highlights such as historically significant homes, churches and gardens while listening to informative commentary about the city’s role in our nation's history from your certified guide. Enjoy the relaxed pace of a carriage tour as you soak up the southern charm of Charleston.  

Take a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter, where America’s deadliest war began. Explore the grounds at Fort Sumter National Monument and visit the Museum there.

Every corner of Charleston hides a world of history. Join us as your guide shares with you hundreds of years of stories, history, and local knowledge. This is a relaxing 2-hour stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district including the French Quarter and the residential area "South of Broad", all the while learning about the people and events that shaped Charleston.

Embark on a captivating 1-Hour Daytime Palmetto Carriage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour through Charleston's historic downtown district. Explore the streets of this historic city with a licensed tour guide who will gladly answer questions and offer insight into what makes Charleston so unique. Discover the city's stunning houses, lush gardens, grand mansions, charming churches, and picturesque parks while learning about its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant flora. As the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston, Palmetto Carriage Works has crafted an exceptional experience that combines knowledge, wit, and humor. This tour offers an exciting and dynamic exploration, seamlessly blending 19th-century conveyance with the charm of a 21st-century city. Don’t miss your chance to explore the “Holy City” in this unforgettable way!

On this twilight tour, discover where spirits are reported to linger in downtown Charleston.  A licensed guide will regale you with spooky tales from Charleston's long history as you pass haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels and even a dungeon! 

Climb aboard the historic “Carolina Belle” and coast along the Charleston Harbor for a relaxing cruise. You’ll learn about the rich history of Charleston, passing a multitude of landmarks and points-of-interest.

Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing Admission to Fort Sumer National Monument and Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. Cruise by top Charleston sites from your ferry such as Rainbow Row and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close. Explore the grounds of Fort Sumter and stand where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger who will greet you upon arrival. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

During this scenic and relaxing 90 minute tour you will experience Charleston Harbor on the unique 80-foot Carolina Belle. Your professional licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass locations critical to United States history. Enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn its rich history while you are in town.

Come walk with us on The Ghosts of Charleston walking tour, leaving nightly from Buxton Books, Charleston’s independent bookstore located at 160 King Street. Our licensed guides are expert storytellers who lead you through centuries old alleys and paths while sharing stories and solid history from Julian Buxton’s best-selling book, The Ghosts of Charleston. The true tales of intrigue, tragedy, and lost love reveal a rich underside of Charleston’s character that isn’t apparent during the day. The highlight of your tour is our exclusive nighttime access to the 18th century Unitarian Church Graveyard, where you will experience something magical. The Ghosts of Charleston is Buxton Books’ signature and most popular book-based walking tour -- a favorite of visitors and locals for over 27 years. *Travelers may select either a 1-hour Graveyard Only Tour or a 1.5-hour full Ghosts of Charleston tour which includes Unitarian Graveyard and tour of haunted downtown Charleston.

Explore some of Charleston's enchanting alleyways and historic sites on this small group, 2-hour walking tour. With our small group tours, you are guaranteed a more intimate and up-close experience. Charleston's alleyways are fortunately located within the popular historic district which allows us to include some well known points of interest and go a little "off the beaten path” while exploring the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways. Generally, we include between four to six different alleyways/passages as well as popular points of interest like Rainbow Row and of course, tons of history! These pedestrian passageways are often overlooked, but walking along these cobbled paths is an opportunity to appreciate Charleston's rich history and hidden, more intimate charms.

Make your way through historic downtown Charleston on a traditional horse-drawn carriage with a guide. See the mansions, churches, and gardens of the city.

Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.

Discover the people and events that shaped the walled city of Charleston on a guided walking tour. Immerse yourself in history as you pass colonial buildings and streets brimming with stories to tell.

Join us for a 2.5-hour group boat cruise through the cherished tidal creeks of Charleston, South Carolina. This excursion includes an enlightening hour-long stop on the picturesque Morris Island, giving you the opportunity to explore its untouched beach, collect seashells, search for shark teeth, and admire the historic lighthouse. During the journey to and from the island, our naturalist captain will provide in-depth insights into the local ecosystems and historical context. Stay attentive as your captain highlights and describes the diverse wildlife you may encounter, such as Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, pelicans, sea turtles, and more. This cruise offers a perfect blend of education, adventure, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

Experience Charleston Harbor on a relaxing dinner cruise. Let the sounds of music fill the air as you enjoy a delicious Southern dinner while taking in incredible views onboard the Spirit of Carolina.

Visit over 100 points of interest in Charleston’s historic district. Admire iconic sights of the city including High Battery and Rainbow Row.

Experience the best Charleston Harbor has to offer on this sightseeing cruise. Take in sights like Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge with live narration from an expert tour guide.

On our Secret Food Tour: Charleston, let our experienced guides take you on a foodie adventure through the picturesque and historic streets of the French Quarter. Learn how pirates, pandemics, natural disasters, and war have all shaped our local food scene. At the end of the tour, you'll have sampled classic Carolina-style BBQ, fresh seafood, and even a local delicacy crafted for a U.S. President. Plus, our decadent Secret Dish might just make you leave singing a happy song!

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 12pm-5pm Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Boone Hall Plantation has been recognized as the #1 Plantation In The Charleston Area by USA TODAY 10 BEST and is also touted as a "must see stop on any trip to Charleston, S.C." by NBC Daytime television. One admission price includes all tours.Visitors enter down the world famous Avenue Of Oaks, one of the most spectacular entrances anywhere in the world. See why Boone Hall is "America's Most Photographed Plantation." Our gardens are a showcase of color. "Exploring The Gullah Culture" is the only live presentation of its kind in the Lowcountry and a visitor favorite. Visit the critically acclaimed Black History In America exhibit on display in 9 original slave cabins, tour the plantation home, ride aboard a guided tractor tour across the entire 738 acres, and more. Come enjoy the setting in which many television shows and movies have been filmed.

Your pirate guide will lead the group on a 2.5-hour walking tour through historic downtown Charleston. You will begin and end at a bar, each housed in historic buildings with their own unique ghosts and stories. Guests will have time to purchase and enjoy a delicious libation as the guide tells them all about the fascinating history of Charleston and some of its most famous and creepy haunted stories! Please keep in mind that there will be a lot of walking between drinks stops where your guide will share the haunted history of several landmarks along the way. Per city law, Alcohol must NEVER be taken out of the bar. *Tour route and drink stops are subject to availability. *All guests must be 21+ with Valid ID. Alcohol is not included. *Some of the bars we visit may require guests to be 23+ to consume alcohol. While we will do our best to select alternative options for those under 23, we cannot guarantee accommodations. We strictly adhere to each bar’s policy without exception.