What to do and see in South Carolina, United States: The Best Walking Tours

October 26, 2021 Kaleigh Reichenbach

South Carolina has some great beaches along its eastern coast. Among the most notable of these is Myrtle Beach, the hub of the grand strand and the largest resort on the east coast of South Carolina. This silky stretch of white sand is great for water-sports such as sailing and surfing. South Carolina is also regarded as one of the top golfing destinations in America. South Carolina has some notable historic towns which are worth visiting such as Charleston.
Restaurants in South Carolina

1. French Quarter Historic Charleston Walk

34 Prioleau St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Walks In History
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

This historical overview of Charleston's French Quarter highlights the Holy City's finest points of interest. Bring a camera to capture the beauty, and enjoy a breathtaking walk through colonial and early American architecture. Your native Charleston guide will show you unique landmarks with intriguing narratives of how these structures originated. The tour includes visits through cobblestone alleys and passages to admire the spectacular historic fabric of the district. The tour also includes an easy stroll along Charleston's majestic harbor with its castle and forts that shaped much of America's maritime and military history.

Inclusions: Professional Guide, Historic look at the French Quarter

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Loiuse021

I took this tour with my husband and teenage son. What a great tour and introduction to Charleston’s ghosts! We were lucky to have a small group with our tour through Charleston. My son especially enjoyed getting to go into a few of the buildings on the tour (and take a few pictures along the way). Our guide was very personable and a wonderful storyteller. If you are in the area make sure you don’t miss out. Thank you for giving such a great tour and really respecting the culture and history of the area as well as the local community (living and dead.) I would definitely take a tour again if I get to a chance to visit Charleston again.

2. Small Group History & Storytelling Tour of Historic Charleston

151 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Tour Charleston With Adam
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Most Tours in Charleston will take out 20 people on a tour. I keep my tours smaller and max out at 10 people. By having smaller groups it allows my guests to have a more personalized and unique experience. You get me, an experienced tour guide (Adam Moore) as your tour guide. I do every tour so you can be assured you will be getting the real deal :) So grab a coffee and get your day started off right with a morning history tour of beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. I will provide Intricate and detailed history, plus great storytelling and personality on our tour. Again, I like to keep these tours smaller in size to encourage conversations and questions.

Inclusions: Good Stories and a Great Time!, History From a Licensed & Experienced Tour Guide, History From a University Of South Carolina History Graduate, 10 People Or Less

Exclusions: Admission Inside The Old Ryan Slave Mart, Admission Inside The Old Exchange Building

Reviewed By travelingmikenc

We have been on a few of these tours before, but Adam's tour was the best by far. There was something for everyone (Ages 8, 13, 39 & 44) to like on this tour. It was fresh, interesting and entertaining. Adam truly has a passion for his city, for his state and for history in general. I would definitely take a tour with him again and I highly recommend him if you are in Charleston. Two BIG thumbs up!!!

3. Charleston History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk

70 State St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Charleston Historic Tours
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5.0 based on 33 reviews

Come live the Local Life with Captain Bryan or Guide Adam Moore! This experience is for guests who enjoy sipping their way through a new city full of history. This is not a classic "sit there and shut up tour" but an opportunity to engage with a local. The licensed guide will meet guests at the initial bar establishment and receive a complimentary appetizer and the opportunity to purchase some of the areas finest beers/ mixed drinks while the guide goes over the historical roots of the city. From there guests will walk the historical alley ways and cobblestone streets of Charleston to several cultural sites included a dungeon, the original city theater, and 300 year old homes. A second bar will be the site of another sit down where the guide will relate stories specifically regarding the Prohibition era in Charleston and its affect on the populace. Towards the end of the experience guests will find themselves in a local park along the waterfront. Come live the local life!

Inclusions: Small appetizers will be provided as part of the tour at each of the bar stops.

Exclusions: Drinks are not included as part of the tour. Guest will have the ability to purchase at the 2 bar establishments., Guests must be 21+ to attend this experience

Reviewed By amberfK191JI

This tour was amazing! Captain Bryan was an amazing tour guide who really knew his stuff. It was relatable and fun. He even gave us recommendations for places to go while visiting. The bars he took us to had good drink options for everyone and yummy appetizers too. The tour itself was informative and fun to experience. You get to walk around to different ghost locations and learn the history as well as what spooky things people experience in those locations. Would definitely recommend as it was one of my favorite tours during my trip!

4. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Undiscovered Charleston
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5.0 based on 336 reviews

Charleston's only chef led historic walking tour, cooking demonstration and lunch! Our experience begins with a 90 minute food history walking tour in the historic district, followed by a cooking demonstration, lunch & paired wine tasting at the popular local's spot Bistro a Vin. It's led by Charleston's only South Carolina Chef Ambassador & Palmetto Guild Certified tour guide, Forrest Parker. Leading the teams at some of Charleston's most iconic restaurants, Parker has been called a "visionary who calls upon the culture, history & flavor traditions of South Carolina to create heritage-infused experiences." Parker was recognized by then Governor Nikki Haley as a S.C. Chef Ambassador in 2016, a capstone for a culinary career that began in 1995. Chef Forrest invites you to take the path less traveled; to see, touch, sip and taste the Undiscovered Charleston!

Inclusions: Chef Forrest will demonstrate how to prepare three of his recipes with heritage Lowcountry ingredients then serve you lunch with carefully curated wine pairings from Bistro a Vin., Cooking Demonstration by Chef Forrest Parker, Bistro Au Vin provides wine tasting pours paired with Chef Forrest's recipes. (Additional wine available for purchase on consumption.), For those who do not wish to have wine, Charleston sweet tea and filtered water will be available., Each guest will leave with copies of Chef Forrest's recipes., 90-minute walking tour of Charleston's historic district

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 526sarahr

I can’t say enough about how awesome this tour is. If you love history and food, book it! Book way in advance. Chef Forrest is a gem. He is an amazing and knowledgeable chef. Best meal we had in Charleston was lunch on this tour. We refused to try shrimp and grits anywhere else because there is no way it could have surpassed his dish.

5. Walking Tour in Beaufort

1006 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, USA Janet's Walking History Tour
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5.0 based on 58 reviews

You will be swept up in the 500 year history of Beaufort, the jewel of the south. You will hear of Indian massacres, Pirates, Slaves, planters wealthy beyond belief, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, a great fire, a catastrophic hurricane, and the wonderful stories of the brave and tenacious people of Beaufort.

Inclusions: Guide

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Reviewed By kindlystevo

Janet did wonderfully in explaining history and keeping the juniors and seniors interested in her stories. She is knowledgeable, relational and it would seem that everyone in town loves her. I rate this tour 2 thumbs up!

6. Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour

Tommy Condon's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 160 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Charleston Historic Tours
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5.0 based on 58 reviews

Is this a walking brew tour with a side of ghosts or a ghost tour with a side of brews?? While guests will have to decide that for themselves, we can tell you this is not an average "sit there and shut up " tour, but rather an opportunity to engage back and forth with a local Charlestonian. As a combined bar and ghost tour guests will visit two different bars where complimentary appetizers will be served and the guide will provide drink recommendations. As part of the tour guests will also walk by and receive ghost stories near local graveyards and homes, some of which are over 200 years old. The tour will wind down at a hauntingly beautiful local park where one of the first female serial killers was hung. Don't stick around too long after the tour or you may end up a ghost yourself!

Inclusions: Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By emilykV1934DR

Could not recommend Capt. Bryan’s tours enough! He was so friendly and got our group to feel like old friends in the first 15 minutes of meeting each other! The groups are small by design and that made the afternoon so much more enjoyable, as we were all able to interact more (verses being at the back of some huge group unable to ask any questions!). We walked through beautiful Charleston, learned a little bit of (not your average) history, and drank some beers along the way! What more could you want?! If your in town I highly recommend meeting up with Bryan. We can’t wait to come back and go on his boat tour!

7. Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

200 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 1,379 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Not included in your ticket price are any parking fees if you choose to drive to your tour. Gratuity is optional, but gratefully accepted.

Reviewed By colinallin

Funny guy who tailored the tour to us. Took us a few ways he normally wouldn’t based on our preferences. Very knowledgeable local South Carolinian. No other option in town as good as him.

8. Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

Charleston in a Nutshell
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4.9 based on 89 reviews

Looking for a stress-free way to see Charleston? Join local guide Jeff Zimmerman on his 2 hour citywide private driving tour. Beat the crowds in a comfortable full sized weatherproof SUV. Experience Charleston your way as Jeff tailors your private tour to suit your own personal interests. As a licensed tour guide since 1997, Jeff provides a unique narrative on the city's history, eclectic architecture, culture, and even the natural world. You will not only visit the must-see places but also get off the beaten path and get closer to less touristy nooks that are off limits to carriage and bus tours.

Inclusions: Private transportation

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Reviewed By Peggy-thoughts

So nice to sit back and let someone drive you around the city to most of the historical sites. Lot of interesting info and history. Such a pretty city too. The air conditioning was a great break fome the humidity too!

9. Charleston's Alleys & Hidden Passages Guided Small-Group Walking Tour

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Lowcountry Walking Tours
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4.9 based on 566 reviews

Explore some of Charleston's enchanting alleys and hidden passageways 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 on the tour 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.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Hidden Alleyways & Passages Guided Walking Tour of Charleston, Small-Group for a more personalized experience, Go "off the beaten path" and explore the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways, See a few top Charleston sites along route such as Rainbow Row, Professional/Local Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By bctrvlers

We had an awesome tour with Evans and it sounds like one of his last (moving soon). Great stories, history and hidden views of Historic Charleston. He wove his stories with past and present characters, along with insights into Charleston’s social importance. Highly recommend !!!

10. Interactive Ghost Hunting Experience

Cane Rhum Bar, 251 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Nicholas McGirr
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4.9 based on 41 reviews

Become a paranormal investigator using real tools of the trade while exploring one of the most haunted cities in America. K-II EMF Meter Thermal Imaging Camera Several types of spirit boxes Laser Grids Mel REM Meter And more! The next day, you will have access to all data recorded on the investigation: Thermal imaging video Spirit box recordings Audio recording Digital photos Full Analysis of the findings And more! No two guests will use the same type of device to ensure the maximum capability of capturing evidence. Your host will share local haunting stories and full tutorials about using each device. This tour is limited to 10 guests for full interaction with your guide. All ages welcome to participate. This is not your average ghost storytelling tour, this is an interactive experience for all to learn the history of Charleston by being part of the story. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for this tour.

Inclusions: Ghost Hunting Equipment, Data collected from the ghost hunt including thermal video,audio,etc! This is a full investigation.

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