charleston tours trolley

What Are the Best Charleston Trolley Tours?

Whether you are looking for a quick overview of the Holy City or searching for a free way to travel around town, the  trolley tours in Charleston  have it all. Read on to learn about four different trolley options you’ll find in the area, and if you’d like suggestions on more unique ways to explore Charleston, download your free Charleston Sea Island Vacation Guide . Our complimentary guides are full of recommendations for harbor cruises, restaurants, historic sites, and more.

Experience Charleston on These Trolley Tours

Gray line tours.

Gray Line Tours  offers one of the best bus tours in Charleston. Their 90-minute tour is a great way to learn a lot about downtown in a short amount of time. During this tour, you will delve into the history of Charleston’s finest homes, the Battery Sea Wall,  historic churches , the Old Market Area,  Rainbow Row , and more.

The DASH Carta

Although the DASH Carta doesn’t offer guided tours, it is a great option for those who want to explore the city without the hassle of driving. The DASH Carta gives free trolley rides to locals and visitors alike. This complimentary trolley stops at some of the city’s most popular places and attractions, including  The South Carolina Aquarium , the Visitor’s Center on John Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street. View detailed trolley routes by visiting the  Carta website .

Charleston Tea Garden

The history of Charleston Tea Plantation dates back to 1666. You will find this ancient plantation in the heart of the Lowcountry on Wadmalaw Island. One of the best ways to learn more about its history is on a  trolley tour . You won’t experience anything else like it in Charleston, so don’t miss out!

Helpful Information for Visiting Downtown

• The City of Charleston prohibits hop-on, hop-off trolley tours. For a more interactive tour in downtown Charleston, consider a  walking tour .
• If you are embarking on a self-guided tour downtown, then remember to stop by the Charleston Visitor’s Center for a complimentary city map. A digital map is also available on the  Charleston CVB website .
• Looking for more fun ways to tour Charleston? Read our blogs on  Charleston carriage tours  and  Charleston boat tours .

The Best Place to Stay

After a day of exploring Charleston by trolley, head home to one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved sea islands for a relaxing night in. Both  Kiawah Island  and  Seabrook Island  enjoy a unique combination of peaceful surroundings from the Atlantic Coast and proximity to the bustling  Holy City .

When you book an island vacation rental, like a Seabrook Island villa, you can always look forward to the best amenities, vacation packages, and top-notch customer service. Visitors and residents of Seabrook Island and Kiawah can both enjoy an array of luxurious perks, including access to  championship golf ,  tennis centers , and the Lowcountry’s most beautiful  maritime parks .

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Trolley Tour

The trolley tour.

Embark on a memorable Trolley Tour through our beautiful gardens! Tickets: $16 for ages 12 and up, $8.50 for ages 4-11, free for kids 3 and under (booked 24 hours in advance). Within 24 hours of the trolley time, pricing is $18 for ages 12 and up, $9.50 for ages 4-11. Join us for a delightful journey through lush landscapes and hidden wonders!

Cruise through lush landscapes and endless rows of tea bushes on a 35-40 minute trolley ride. Immerse yourself in the world of tea as our charismatic guide and the visionary founder, Bill Hall, share fascinating tales during the tour. Bill's narration, echoing through the bus sound system, adds a touch of magic to your scenic voyage.

But the adventure doesn't stop there! The trolley makes a captivating stop at the greenhouse, where you'll disembark and witness the miracle of new tea bushes coming to life. It's a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the birth of tea.

This Trolley Tour is more than a ride; it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe. Seize the moment—don't let this extraordinary journey pass you by!

Ready to embark on the adventure? Click here to BOOK NOW and secure your spot on the Trolley Tour!

Please feel free to call us for more information or questions 1-843-559-0383 .  

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Gray Line of Charleston

Sightseeing bus tours | charleston, sc, tour the #1 city in the united states with local experts, featured tours.

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Historic City Tour

Enjoy your tour through the beautiful city of Charleston and discover over 300 years of history in the streets of this must-visit location on a Gray Line bus tour.

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Historic City Tour and Fort Sumter Tour

Tour Fort Sumter, “where the Civil War began,” plus visit historic areas around Charleston on this combo bus tour. Points of interest include Battery Seawall & more.

Historic City Tour & Charleston Museum

Enjoy your tour of Charleston as your guide points out important sights, and visit the Charleston Museum to learn all about the South Carolina Lowcountry and natural history.

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Historic City Tour and Live Narrated Harbor Cruise

This tour combines our Historic City Tour with a narrated boat cruise through the Charleston Harbor. See all the points of interest in the city by land and water.

Historic City Tour & Southern Mansion Combo

See historic Charleston’s many points of interest and tour the interior of a fully restored southern mansion on this exciting combo tour with Gray Line.

Gray Line of Charleston is a local, family-owned company. We love to share Charleston’s beauty and rich history with our guests.

With years of experience in the hospitality industry, our staff offers a valuable wealth of knowledge of what to see and do in the Holy City.

From the Charleston Battery Wall to the famous Rainbow Row, Gray Line of Charleston will show you everything in between.

Take a plantation or boat tour. Whatever your desire let us help you FIND A REASON TO GO.

✓ Easy Cancellation

✓ no hidden fees, ✓ local customer service, don't just see charleston - experience it ★★★★★.

"We wanted to get an idea of what we wanted to see in Charleston so we went on the Gray line tour of the city. The driver/guide was great. He was funny, personable, and knowledgeable. This was not a hop on hop off bus, it was a tour bus. We did take a 10 minute break when we were at the bay so we could take pictures. We learned a lot though and it was worth doing."

"We took the Gray Line City tour which took almost 90 minutes. The driver was knowledgeable and entertaining as he provided a full history of the city and its landmarks. This was a good way to see everything in a short time and allows you to decide where you’d like to spend more time."

"Comfortable van and exceptional guide. Usually I like to get out and walk around, but nursing a bad hip, this was the perfect ticket. We only made one stop at White Point Park to look at the view from the battery. Our guide was highly experienced and provided lots of detail and color to the neighborhoods we drove through."

"This was a fun way to experience Charleston in a compact time. The tour was enjoyable and informative. The driver was considerate about temperature, volume, and bathroom breaks. She was full of personality and fun stories! The extra journey to the fort was well worth it. The boat was great and we even saw dolphins! We would highly recommend this tour."

"We had one day to spend in Charleston and chose to do this 1.5 hour historic tour first. Glad we did! Our driver and tour guide, Roy, is an amazing historian. Along the way, I made notes about some of the spots I would like to come back to visit, which we did on foot after the tour. We soaked in so much information in such a short time! Kudos, Roy! One tip: sit on the right side of the bus, as that's the side where most of the buildings discussed will be."

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Free Public Transportation in Charleston

This post tells you everything you need to know about riding the DASH trolley, the free trolley through Charleston.

For all the things to see and do in Charleston, many of which are on the DASH line, check out our master post, Things to Do in Charleston , for even more ideas.

• Walking Tours
• Carriage Tours
• Plantation Tours
• Boat Cruises

What is the DASH Trolley?

The DASH is a free trolley that has three routes that run through Charleston.

While we will always advocate walking as the best way to see a new city, the DASH Trolley will likely save you time getting from place to place.

It's also perfect for those with children or mobility issues. 

For more free things to do in Charleston, check out our post here . 

DASH Lines:

Depending on where you are going, there are three DASH lines to choose from:

Click on the map to enlarge and find schedules.

All three routes converge at the Visitors Center, Marion Park, and Charleston Museum.

You can pick up a DASH Trolley map at the  Official Charleston Area Visitor Center at 23 Ann Street.

You can also download the "Transit" app on your phone for real-time bus locators, find nearby stops, and check notices for public transportation.

Riding the DASH Trolley

Whether you plan ahead or happen to see one as you walk along the streets, you must wait at an official CARTA bus stop, denoted by the green signs.

Drivers will not make special stops to pick up or drop off passengers.

As you're waiting at your stop, make sure you note which bus line and destination is approaching so you get on the right one!

Signal to the driver that you'd like him to pick you up and you're on your way.

The CARTA DASH Trolley does not operate on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day.

The DASH trolley takes you close to a lot of places listed on our  tourist concession pass , a great money-saving way to see the most of Charleston.

RELATED POSTS

• Things to Do in Charleston
• Tourist Attraction Concession Passes
• Charleston Boat Tours

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Historic Charleston Carriage Tours

Experience the best carriage rides in charleston, the finest carriage tours in charleston, sc, delivered with southern hospitality, authentic, comfortable carriages, extraordinary horses, certified guides, millions served. millions delighted., about old south carriage company, join a public tour, book other tours or multiple carriages, groups & private tours.

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ADVENTURE SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing tours in charleston, sc, get the best look at charming charleston.

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See It All Charleston City Bus Tour

Our professional and knowledgeable guides share 350 years of Charleston history with you while you cruise through the city’s historic district in cool, air-conditioned comfort.

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• Clock 4.5 Hours

Magnolia Plantation Tour

Get the true Lowcountry experience on this guided tour of one of America’s first tourist attractions and America’s first public gardens.

COMBO: CITY BUS TOUR & CHARLESTON HARBOR TOUR

Join us for our See It All half-day city tour by minibus followed by a harbor history tour aboard the Carolina Belle. See the best of Charleston!

• Clock 3 Hours
• Clock 7 Hours

Combo: City & Magnolia Plantation

Explore one of America’s first tourist attractions, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, then embark on a city bus tour!

Boone Hall Plantation Tour

Take a trip through history as you explore one of America’s oldest working, living plantations: Boone Hall Plantation.

• Clock 4 Hours

USS Yorktown Tour at Patriot’s Point Tour

Let us transport you in our climate controlled mini bus from downtown Charleston across the water to the Patriot’s Point!

Combo: Boone Hall & Charleston Harbor Tour

Join us for a combination tour of the Boone Hall Plantation and Charleston’s top-rated Harbor of History Tour!

Combo: City Bus Tour & Charleston Harbor Tour

• Clock 2 Hours

Combo: City Bus Tour & Mansion or Museum Tour

Join Adventure Sightseeing for a historic Charleston city tour. Then, choose from the Charleston Museum or the Joseph Manigault House tour.

Combo: Magnolia Plantation & Harbor Tour

See some of the best historic sights in Charleston! Embark on a Charleston Harbor Tour aboard the Carolina Belle, then visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

• Clock 6 Hours

Combo: See It All City Bus Tour & Boone Hall Plantation Tour

Take a trip through the history of America’s oldest working, living plantation, Boone Hall, then enjoy our top-rated city bus tour!

ALL THE BEST SIGHTSEEING IN CHARLESTON

There is no better way to sightsee in the historic and captivating Holy City than on Adventure Sightseeing’s Charleston bus tours. Experience all the charm of Charleston, including opulent mansions, Rainbow Row, the historic city market, gardens, churches, and more! Enjoy a comfortable journey on our air-conditioned, climate-controlled buses. Each city tour includes a knowledgeable and engaging narrator on board who informs and entertains you as you take in the best sightseeing in Charleston. Please note: The city of Charleston does not allow hop-on, hop-off bus tours, so the See it All City Bus Tour is your best way to enjoy Charleston!

JOIN US FOR THE BEST CITY TOURS IN CHARLESTON

Take advantage of all the great deals offered by Adventure Sightseeing, including the best plantation tours in Charleston and combination tours that give you discounts by pairing up city bus tours with harbor tours, plantation tours, or mansion and museum tours. Combination tours save you money and give you the best Charleston sightseeing experience!

The best way to see Charleston is on our climate-controlled, air-conditioned, comfortable bus tours through the historic city of Charleston, showing off all of its stunning architecture, beautiful flowers and gardens, and Southern charm.

PLANTATION TOURS

Charleston’s best plantation tours give you an up-close-and-personal look at historic Charleston landmarks Boone Hall Plantation and Magnolia Plantation, with transportation provided.

COMBO TOURS

Make the most of your Charleston experience and save money with Adventure Sightseeing’s combo tours that allow you to mix and match tours to suit your appetite. Tours include the See It All City Bus Tour, Harbor Tour, and plantation and museum tours.

OVER 1,200 5-STAR REVIEWS FROM GUESTS!

We enjoyed a lovely, relaxing 90 minute tour of Charleston Harbor. The Captain was entertaining and besides all of the wonderful history, he offered a few trivia questions to keep us on our toes. We especially liked the way the chairs in the below deck were facing the huge window, so we didn't miss any photo opportunities.

This is about the 3rd or 4th time we have taken a tour in Charleston by different means. This tour was the best of any due to the excellent narrative by Shawn. We were so impressed by his unbelievable memory of dates and names and the running commentary for nearly and hour and a half. Shawn was very pleasant, friendly and funny too. The bus was comfortable and cool, much better than riding in a horse-driven carriage in the heat with flies. Also I believe we covered more miles than the horse and carriage did.

A great way to tour Charleston and see many things you would not have known about or thought about visiting. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. I definitely recommend the tour.

We thoroughly enjoyed our bus tour with Shawn as our guide. He is knowledgeable & oh so amusing. We only have a day & a half in the Holy City & we felt we learned so much from this trip. We understand so much about the houses, neighborhoods, churches & history of this fantastic 8 mile square peninsula from hopping on this comfy air conditioned bus. We are older & could never have gotten to all these unbelievable & lovely places on our own in such a short amount of time. If you want more than seafood & bars, please, take this tour. Totally worth every penny.

Took advantage of the ability to tour the Magnolia Plantation without having a car to get us there. Alan was our tour guide. He's one of the better tour guides we had during our visit. Very knowledgeable and to-the-point. The tour itself was well-organized. I only wish we would have had more time to actually grab a bite to eat and walk the grounds.

LOVED the tour! Our guide, Alan, was very knowledgeable and you can tell he really loves history/his job. It was worth it, especially since the weather wasn’t great-it was an awesome way to see more of Charleston while staying out of the rain! His stories and explanations were great, I would definitely recommend this tour when visiting Charleston! Thanks so much Alan!

My family and I took this tour and had a wonderful time. We learned so much about the city of Charleston history important sites around town. We would highly recommend it to anyone that wants to learn more about the town.

Visiting Boone Hall Plantation allowed us to enjoy a beautiful day outside, see places some of our favorite movies were filmed, and take a trip back in time. The best part of our visit was the agricultural tour of the farm, a must do! Booking through Adventure Sightseeing was simple and they even transported us from our hotel to the plantation and back!

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9 Worth-It Charleston Tours To Spice Up Your Vacation [With Photos]

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When I travel to a new city, I absolutely love going on tours because it helps me gain a greater appreciation for the area. So here are 9 Best Charleston Tours to help you experience Charleston to the max!

Table of Contents

Charleston Tours

Charleston boat tours/ harbor tours.

You can’t fully experience the area until you’ve been on a boat tour in Charleston. I recommend choosing the sunset or dolphin sail with Schooner Pride Charleston.

On one of our first evenings in Charleston, we were welcomed aboard the Schooner Pride and throughly enjoyed being able to see the area from the sea.

Not only did we witness a breath-taking sunset, we also got up close and personal with two dolphins that jumped alongside the ship.

They have drinks on board available for purchase and plenty of seating. However, you don’t have to stay seated as you can easily walk around to enjoy all areas of the ship.

Book a tour with the Schooner Pride! It will be a highlight of your trip , as it was for us.

Charleston Carriage Tours

There’s a lot of companies that offer carriage rides in Charleston. I’m sure they are all great, but we decided to go with the Carolina Polo & Carriage Co.

Why? Because it is a family-owned business that is run by local Charlestonians. (Can you believe that their families have lived in Charleston since the 1600’s! Pretty incredible.) I loved their local take of the area throughout the whole tour and learned so much!

You can either choose a group tour or a private tour when booking with them. We were welcomed to join a group tour and enjoyed an hour that was fully narrated (with a healthy dose of humor) by an awesome tour guide.

If you’re looking for a more personal experience, their private tour allows you to see Charleston in one of their intimate vis-à-vis carriages . I can’t say enough good things about this tour!

Charleston Moke Tour

What’s a moke? Don’t worry, I didn’t know what it was either until arriving in Charleston. A moke is a “A 20th-century collectible car reinvented with 21st-century green-friendly electric power”. (Mokeamerica.com)

My definition? A freakin amazing way to tour Charleston with your vacation buddies! Slow Ride Charleston rents these vehicles out for you to enjoy during your trip. It’s the perfect vacation vehicle as it’s open-air, very quiet, and great for the environment.

I absolutely loved driving up and down along the coastline, through charming neighborhoods, and eventually finding outdoor restaurants that we could pull the Moke right up next to. Don’t miss this unique way to self-tour Charleston!

These moke rentals reminded me of an open-air jeep ride while exploring Monument Valley, Utah!

Charleston Ghost Tours

Want a unique tour that gives you a more in-depth look at all things supernatural in Charleston ? Then you’re going to want to book a Ghost Tour through Bull Dog Tours.

A few things that you’ll see is jail cells where some of the worst criminals were locked up, the Provost Dungeon, and centuries-old graveyards. The whole time you’re exploring, the tour will be narrated with ghost stories and haunted tales.

Exploring these cemeteries and graveyards had me reminiscing of the opportunity that I had to tour one of the most famous prisons in Philly.

Charleston Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to really get to know South Carolina’s oldest city. I recommend going with Walks of Charleston because all of their tour guides are licensed by the city, so in short, they know their stuff (including stories that you won’t find in history books).

You have several walking tour options with their company including the Charleston History Tour, a Private Tour, or an Alley and Hidden Passages Tour .

The most popular is the Charleston History Tour where you’ll get to experience Rainbow Row, the French Quarter and the Battery.

What I love about these walking tours is that you’ll get an up-close and personal approach to the well-preserved architecture, incredible views, and the colorful history of Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston Trolley Tours

If you’re looking for more of a self-guided tour of Charleston that cuts out a lot of walking, then consider using the DASH (downtown area shuttle) trolley that is run by CARTA. It is free to use and has many hop on and hop off stops.

You can park at the Charleston Visitor Center and jump on one of their three routes from that location. Here’s a map that will help you decide which route you want to take.

If you have time, I would try to take each route during your trip to Charleston because they each lead to different parts of the town that are worth exploring. A few examples include Waterfront Park, King Street, the College of Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium, and Marion Square.

Charleston Plantation Tours

There are many different plantations in Charleston and some of the best Charleston plantation tours include Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, Charleston Tea Plantation and the Magnolia Gardens.

Each plantation has its’ own unique tour. For example, at the Boone Hall Plantation they offer tractor tours from one end of their farm to the other.

Another unique tour is jumping on a thirty minute trolley ride at the Charleston Tea Plantation to discover the history of tea and learn what it takes to continue to make it.

My tip would be to pick which plantation you want to see and then go with the tour that they offer on-site.

Charleston Sightseeing Tours

If you’d still like to see Charleston but walking is not your thing and maybe the weather is poor so you don’t want to sit in an open carriage, then the Gray Line Tour of Downtown Charleston is the tour for you.

You’ll take your journey in an air-conditioned minibus throughout Charleston and be able to see the top sites of the city including historic homes, churches, and graveyards.

Charleston Food Tours/ Culinary Tours

Spend a couple of hours finding out where “cuisine and history meet” on a Charleston Culinary Tour! Their tours feature local cuisine and cocktails that will have your tastebuds screaming for more.

There are several tour options including a King Street tour or a downtown Charleston tour. Whichever you choose, those couple of hours may be the most heavenly you spend in Charleston. These tours can be fun for the wh ole family, couples, or even a bachelorette party!

Additional Information for Charleston

Where to stay in charleston.

There is no shortage of Hotels , Bed & Breakfasts , and Airbnbs available in the Charleston area. If you are going to be spending more time in the city, book a place near downtown so you’re close to all the action. However, if you foresee yourself spending more time at the beach, you’ll want to book a place that is closer to Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, or Isle of Palms.

I stayed in an Airbnb designed by Seersucker Cottage who exclusively does interior design for vacation rentals and short-term properties . (Side note- If you’ve got a short-term rental property that you need help designing, hire them to help you design a space that will have people lining up to stay in!) Trust me, it’ll be the best investment that you make.

Want $50 off of your next airbnb stay? Use this coupon code!

Where To Eat in Charleston

There are SO many restaurants to choose from in Charleston that it can get a bit overwhelming! Here’s a site that lists the top restaurants in every category like fine dining, lunch options, cheap eats, moderately priced restaurants, etc.

How To Get Around Charleston

Should you rent a car in Charleston? Although Charleston is a great town to walk around, I still recommend having a car! You can great the best deal on a rental vehicle by booking through Booking.com.

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Discover Charleston effortlessly with our all-in-one pass—skip the lines, save up to 40% on ticket prices, and enjoy full admission to over 40 incredible tours. Your perfect Charleston adventure starts here!

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Get Started in 3 Easy Steps

• 1.) View available tours below
• 2.) Choose pass duration (1 to 5 days) below
• 3.) Checkout then download app
• Only the top vetted tours are allowed
• Pays for itself by visiting only 2 tours per day
• Same tour & experience as booking tours directly
• Buy today, then activate & make reservations for future dates
• Skip the lines & save up to 40% off retail ticket prices
• Click here to view more FAQ's

Featured tours

(Tours are selected after purchasing on the app)

The number of day pass you purchase (1-5 days) determines how many Feature Tours you can choose.

• 1-Day Pass: Choose a total of 2 Feature Tours
• 2-Day Pass: Choose a total of 3 Feature Tours
• 3-Day Pass: Choose a total of 4 Feature Tours
• 4 Day Pass: Choose a total of 4 Feature Tours
• 5-Day Pass: Choose a total of 5 Feature Tours
• Can use multi-day pass on non-consecutive days

With any day pass you can visit as many Standard Tours as you wish…no limit!

Reservations + Selecting Tours: Immediately after selecting and purchasing a pass, you will be sent a text message with easy app install instructions. Reservations, tour selections and pass activations are all done after purchasing on the app.

Prior to Purchasing : Search this page on our site to search tour times prior to purchasing.

Transportation to Tours & Parking : is not included. In the historic district, Charleston has a free Hop On Hop Off Trolley that can be used. View the tour location map below to see where tours are geographically. Most tours are in the historic district.

Adventure Sightseeing See It All – Bus Tour

• $34 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass
• Next: Choose # of Days

Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl

Boone hall plantation.

• $29.68 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Charleston Harbor Tours

• $47 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Charleston Strolls History Walking Tour

• $39 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Drayton Hall

• $26 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Fort Sumter Tours

Ghost & dungeon walking tour, ghost & graveyard walking tour, ghosts of liberty walking tour.

• $28 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

GrayLine City Bus Tour

• $34.45 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Harbor Tour by SpiritLine Cruises

• $42.40 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Haunted History Carriage Tour

• $53 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Haunted Yorktown Tour

• $42 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Kayak Rental on Shem Creek | 2 Hours

Magnolia plantation & gardens.

• $35 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Palmetto Carriage Tours

Pounce cat cafe.

• $17 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

REV Walks | Ghost Tour

• $36 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

REV Walks | History Tour

Schooner pride afternoon sail.

• $48 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Spirits of Magnolia Cemetery Tour

Standard tours

Notice: Standard Tours can be visited 1x per person for your pass duration.

Visit as Many Standard Tours as You Want….no Limit:  If you purchase a 3 day pass, you can visit as many as you want for 3 days.

Non-Consecutive Day Use:  For multi-day passes, a 2-day pass for example, both days do not have to be consecutive.

Reservations + Selecting Tours: Standard Tours do not require advance reservations, simply show your pass upon arrival and you’re in! Immediately after selecting and purchasing a pass, you will be sent a text message with easy app install instructions. Reservations, tour selections and pass activations are all done after purchasing on the app.

Transportation to Tours & Parking : is not included. In the historic district, Charleston has a free Hop On Hop Off Trolley that most people utilize. View the tour location map below to see where tours are geographically. Most tours are in the historic district therefore a vehicle is not required.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

• $15.45 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Bicycle Rental | All-day

• $28.75 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

• $2 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

• $12 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Charleston Fun Park

• $20 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Charleston Museum

Charleston tea garden.

• $16 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Deep Water Vineyards | Free Tasting

• $15 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Firefly Distillery Tour & Tasting

• $10 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Gibbes Museum of Art

Grit counter | $7 lunch voucher.

• $7 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Heyward Washington House

Holy city brewery | bogo pint, hunley submarine tour.

• $20.51 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Joseph Manigault House

Mcleod plantation, museum at market hall, nathaniel russell house museum, north charleston fire museum.

• $6 Normally | Pay $0 with TourPass

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

Old slave mart museum.

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Pineapple Hut | Free Whip

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Powder Magazine Historic Site

Sc historical society museum, water taxi all day ride pass.

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Day #1 Example Itinerary

• Choose a total of 2 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 1-Day.
• The selections below are an example. You can choose whatever you want from the available tours.

Normal Price

Carriage Tour Daytime or Haunted (Featured Tour #1)

Schooner Pride Afternoon Sail (Featured Tour #2)

Gibbes Museum of Art (Standard Attraction)

Aiken Rhett House Tour (Standard Attraction)

Charleston Fun Park Voucher (Standard Attraction)

• 1-Day w/o Tour Pass $148
• 1-Day Tour Pass Price – $111

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Day #2 Example Itinerary

• Choose a total of 3 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 2-Days.

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Charleston Harbor Tour (Featured Tour #3)

McLeod Plantation Tour (Standard Attraction)

Charles Towne Landing (Standard Attraction)

Hunley Submarine Tour (Standard Attraction)

Includes tour cost from day #1 + day #2

• 2-Day Tour Pass Price – $156

2-Day per Person Savings = $91

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Day #3 Example Itinerary

• Choose a total of 4 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 3-Days.

(Includes Tours from Day 1 + Day 2)

History or Ghost Walking Tour (Featured Tour #4)

Nathaniel Russell House Tour (Standard Attraction)

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (Standard Attraction)

Heyward Washington House Tour (Standard Attraction)

Includes tour cost from day #1 + day #2 + day #3

• 3-Day Tour Pass Price – $204

3-Day per Person Savings = $127

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We certainly think so, however don’t take our word for it….see what others say on our reviews page.

TourPass provides access and full admission to the top tours and attractions. After purchasing a pass, you can simply select what you want to do, make reservations and present your pass upon arrival. It’s not all about savings, convenience and ease of use should also be considered. Users can save a considerable amount of money and time by using TourPass. 

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Absolutely and we encourage this scenario since purchasing in advance will allow you to fully research and plan your vacation.

After purchase, when your ready, simply activate your pass for when you’ll be visiting and begin making reservations for that future date (can be today, tomorrow or months away).

No it doesn’t. After purchase on the app you select the activation date for when you’re visiting when you’re ready. Then it will ask you to book your featured tours in advance now for when you’re visiting. You don’t have to make tour reservations in advance if you’re not ready.

We give you complimentary refund protection for 30-days after purchasing. If you’d like to extend refund protection up to 1 year, you can purchase Trip Protection during the purchase process. 

No worries. Visit this page on our site tourpass.com/aggregator – select the date you want to tour and it will show you all of the available times for that day prior to purchasing. Now you can confidently  purchase a pass and book those times.

After choosing a day pass and checking out on our site, you’ll instantly receive instructions to install the app. On the app you can: 

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• Make Feature Tour reservations now for when you’re visiting in the future.
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• Use the interactive map to see where everything is located.

Yes you can skip days. Once activated, you have a total of 10-days to use however many days you purchased. For example, a 2 day pass activated on Monday….take a break Tuesday and then tour again Wednesday….pass expires at midnight on Wednesday.

Most Feature Tours do and reservations are easily made post-purchase on the app. To ensure tour availability before purchasing, visit this page and search the date you want to tour: https://tourpass.com/aggregator 

Standard Tours do not require reservations. Simply arrive and present your pass upon entry. Everything is paid for with TourPass.

Tours are designed to be visited 1x for the entirety of your pass. If for instance you’d like to do the Hop on Hop Off Trolley (Savannah + St. Augustine), then you could check-in on a second day which would use another of your featured tours.

Standard Tours can only be checked into 1x per person for the entirety of your pass.

Yes, we don’t restrict how many feature tours you can visit per day….we do restrict how many total you can choose which is determined by the # of days you select: 1-day = 2 featured. 2-days = 3 and 3-days = 4 featured.

Yes, after purchasing we instantly send instructions to install our app. On the app, you can select the upgrade option and add more days or people to your pass.

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Charleston Tours & Events is excited to be able to continue our long tradition of creating memorable Charleston experiences form tours to private events. The health and well-being of our guests and crew members is our number one priority. Our policies are designed to keep everyone safe, while also allowing for an enjoyable experience.

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The best way to experience all of the beauty, history, and romantic appeal of the largest and most storied city in South Carolina is with Charleston Tours & Events. Offering a wide variety of cruise options on Charleston Harbor to an array of sightseeing tours and carriage rides on land, Charleston Tours & Events shows you all of the best of Charleston.

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Enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn the rich history of the Holy City on one of our relaxing Sightseeing Tours.

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Get the ultimate close-up look at the history and grandeur of the holy city on Adventure Sightseeing Bus tours in Charleston. Our tour guides will take you through the best Charleston sightseeing in our air-conditioned, comfortable buses. Offering more sights than any other tour, we offer the top sightseeing in Charleston!

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Exploring the historic and beautiful city of Charleston is the perfect group activity! Take your group—school class, senior home, church group, book club, or any social group and experience Charleston in an up-close-and-personal way that the group will cherish forever. We offer a variety of group tours to choose from.

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Plan the perfect day trip from Myrtle Beach to Charleston—the gem of a city that readers of both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast voted the #1 destination in the U.S.! We’ll pick you up at your hotel, bring you to Charleston and bring you back after you experience the best of the city on tours including Palmetto Carriage Works, Boone Hall Plantation, and more.

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December 15, 2023

Learn more about the top 10 holiday festivities that make Charleston a must-visit destination during the most wonderful time of the year.

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February 6, 2023

Charleston is still brimming with events and things to do downtown, such as carriage tours and expeditions. Learn more here!

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The 15 best charleston tours of 2024.

See everything this historic South Carolina city has to offer on one of these guided excursions.

The Best Charleston Tours

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History and culture lovers will relish a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for its variety of historic churches, forts and mansions that rank as Charleston's most popular attractions . Or, perhaps you're most interested in its cuisine or the sea creatures that populate its waterways. Either way, these tours – identified by U.S. News using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment – offer just what you need for a fulfilling visit to the Holy City.

Editor’s Pick: Old South Carriage Company – Historic Charleston Carriage Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $40 Duration: 1 hour

U.S. News independently paid to send Lauren Mowery , a Charleston resident and travel expert, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. Old South Carriage Company – Historic Charleston Carriage Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

This horse-drawn carriage ride through Charleston’s historic neighborhoods takes you out of the French Quarter and into the city’s singular world of cobblestone streets, stately homes and lush gardens. Our characterful guide, full of interesting nuggets about the city’s history, delivered facts with a levity and enthusiasm that made learning fun. For example, he pointed out a common feature on building facades: earthquake bolts. Installed after the disastrous quake of 1886, the bolts now serve both form and function. To limit traffic on narrow streets, the city of Charleston dictates routes by lottery as the carriages exit the gate. While you can’t choose the tour route, you could book four times for potentially four different experiences. On our ride, we clip-clopped past churches, along streets perfumed with blooming jasmine and finished with "Southern Charm" star Ms. Patricia’s Greek Revival mansion.

Tours run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., departing every 15 to 30 minutes. Extreme heat and rain, however, can affect operation times, so call to confirm. The company has a generous cancellation policy, while also making it easy to switch times and dates without penalty. In fact, many guests walk up and book the next available ride, then stroll the neighborhood while they wait. Carriages fit 16 passengers with four per row. Private rows or a private tour can be booked.

Tip: If driving to your tour, avoid parking in the immediate vicinity of the stables. A known tourist spot, parking rates are inflated two to three times above areas a few short blocks away. Look for meters instead of garages and lots.

Lauren Mowery

Why we love it:

• Beyond history and architectural details, the guide pointed out a sandwich shop called Circe’s Grotto . We visited after the tour and now it’s our new favorite spot. 
• The guide stayed patient and engaged with a tired toddler on our tour. He made jokes so the mom felt welcome, and when the child’s doll dropped in the street, he found a local "hero" to retrieve it.
• Old South Carriage Company understands guest concerns over animal welfare. The guide assured us the horses lead safe, healthy lives, proffering details on their home, a 65-acre pasture, and the extra precautions taken in the hot summer months. 

– Lauren Mowery

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Palmetto Carriage Works – Daytime Group Carriage Ride – Charleston Residential District

This tour with Palmetto Carriage Works focuses on the residential district of downtown Charleston. During the ride, the horse-drawn carriage winds through 25 to 30 city blocks, passing houses, mansions, parks and gardens, while the driver shares information regarding architecture, the landscape and regional history. Patrons consistently laud the guides for their knowledge, friendliness and good humor. They also appreciate how well the company cares for its horses. Palmetto Carriage offers a variety of "add-ons," such as a plantation tour at Middleton Place or a harbor boat tour.

Daytime tours leave every 30 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the month. Carriages hold up to 16 people; children younger than 4 may ride as a lap child for free. The company also offers evening carriage tours.

Two Sisters Tours

Price: From $25 Duration: 2 hours

Take the name of the Two Sisters Tours literally: sisters, who are seventh-generation Charleston natives, lead every tour. Along the 2.5-mile walking tour, you'll traverse 18 city blocks and visit St. Michael's Church, the Battery and various centuries-old houses, among other attractions. The sibling guides earn effusive praise for the historical information and colorful anecdotes they share with travelers.

Groups are limited to 20 participants. Tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. An additional 2 p.m. tour may be offered, depending on the month.

Adventure Harbor Tours – Morris Island Boat Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $36 Duration: 3 hours

To reach the uninhabited Morris Island, hop on this boat tour offered by Adventure Harbor Tours. After setting sail from the Charleston Harbor, you'll head to Morris Island where you'll have 90 minutes to explore. You can roam the island on your own for a self-guided visit, or heed the advice of previous tourgoers and follow your guide to learn more about the island's ecology, animals and tidal mechanics. Your guide will also help you spot interesting shells and shark teeth that you can take home with you – a particular highlight for reviewers.

Due to unpredictable tidal conditions, tour times and daily availability may vary. You can see the various departure times when booking. Adventure Harbor Tours also offers private charters, as well as sunset cruises.

Courtesy of Lowcountry Walking Tours

Lowcountry Walking Tours – Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Go behind the scenes, as it were, with Charleston's Hidden Alleys and Passages tour. You'll explore unique cobblestone and brick pathways that are largely inaccessible by car and often overlooked. Tour guides consistently receive fulsome praise for their insight and enthusiasm. Even Charleston residents report they learned something new about their hometown and its history. Plus, since the tour takes place mostly in the shade, reviewers say the stroll offers a nice reprieve from the city's sweltering heat.

Outings depart from the Old Exchange Building daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lowcountry Walking Tours also leads a Historic Downtown Tour, among others.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures – Dolphin Eco Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $32 Duration: 1.5 hours

If you hope to see dolphins in their natural habitat, then Charleston Outdoor Adventures has a tour for you. Its Dolphin Eco Tour takes visitors over the creeks, inlets and marshes near Folly Beach , where approximately 300 wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins reside. During the boat rides, the captain imparts information regarding the local environment, wildlife and history. Reviewers frequently report learning quite a bit about dolphins and Charleston's ecosystem.

Tours depart several times daily (including around sunset on select days). Charleston Outdoor Adventures also offers a Morris Island Lighthouse boat tour and several kayak tours.

Charleston Harbor Tours – Historic Charleston Harbor Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27 Duration: 1.5 hours

This boat tour offers views of many of the city's popular landmarks, including forts Sumter , Moultrie and Johnson, St. Michael's Church and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. During the sightseeing ride aboard the Carolina Belle, the captain provides commentary on the various sights and Charleston's history, which reviewers find informative and entertaining. Plus, many report seeing dolphins during the ride.

Charleston Harbor Tours depart several times daily; exact times vary by season. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board. Charleston Harbor Tours also offers sunset cruises.

Charleston Culinary Tours – Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Price: From $95 Duration: 2.5 hours

The Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour focuses on the city's historic French Quarter and City Market, and includes visits to a handful of local restaurants. Samples during the walking tour may include classic Southern fare like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, or shrimp and grits. Guides share their knowledge of regional food and Charleston history along the way. Reviewers enthusiastically describe guides as equally entertaining and informative. Travelers also praise the food, calling it delicious.

Tours are offered daily at a variety of times. Specific restaurants visited and meeting points vary by tour time. Tickets include all food and nonalcoholic beverage tastings. Charleston Culinary Tours also offers a pub tour, as well as a food tour of Upper King Street, among other options.

Courtesy of Coastal Expeditions

Coastal Expeditions – Shem Creek Kayak Tour

Price: Adults from $58; kids from $48 Duration: 3 hours

Coastal Expeditions' Shem Creek Kayak Tour, which travels its namesake waterway into Charleston Harbor, affords views of Castle Pinckney, the Charleston Peninsula, Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Along the trip, you may also spot creek residents like pelicans, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. The company's guides and staff regularly receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism.

Tickets include use of all necessary gear (including a kayak and paddle). Tours typically depart Tuesday through Sunday at 9 a.m. from Shem Creek, just across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant. (Offerings may vary by month.) Coastal Expeditions also offers kayak tours to Isle of Palms , along with boat and paddleboard excursions.

Walks of Charleston – Charleston History Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 2 hours

The Charleston History Tour promises to take visitors to some of Charleston's most significant structures. While the walking routes may vary, sites typically include St. Michael's Church, St. Philip's Church and the Battery. Patrons say guides have wonderful historical insight, humor and storytelling abilities. Reviewers also say this tour is especially suited to first-time visitors to Charleston, as it passes by top sights and features a broad overview of the city's history.

Tours run from city hall multiple times daily, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children 6 and younger can tour for free. Walks of Charleston also conducts tours of the city's alleyways and also offers private excursions.

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. – Group Carriage Tours

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $35 Duration: 1 hour

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co.'s group tours show visitors the historic streets and structures of downtown Charleston. Guides offer information regarding the various gardens, homes, parks and churches on display. Routes vary, but specific attractions may include the Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House , the Old Exchange building and the Nathaniel Russell House Museum . Patrons say guides are informative and entertaining.

Horse-drawn carriages, which carry a maximum of 16 riders, depart from the Charleston City Market every 30 minutes or so between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Planning a special outing? The company also offers private tours.

Courtesy of Tour Charleston at Buxton Books

Buxton Books – The Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 1.5 hours

The Ghosts of Charleston Tour walks through the Unitarian Church graveyard. On the outing, guides recount tales from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book, written by the company's founder, Julian T. Buxton III. No two tours are alike, as guides change up the stories shared during each experience. The storytellers receive accolades for being both entertaining and informative.

Tours depart nightly at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Participants interested in Charleston's Black history will also want to check out the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

Bulldog Tours – Savor the Flavors of Charleston Tour

The Savor the Flavors of Charleston Tour takes up to 12 foodies to various bakeries, markets and eateries to sample local Lowcountry fare like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, grits and sweet tea. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Tourgoers appreciate the quality and quantity of food. They advise future participants to eat light (if at all) before the excursion to take full advantage of the food on the tour.

Tours are offered at multiple times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Tickets cover all tastings and must be reserved in advance. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately at some stops. Bulldog Tours also offers food tours through Upper King Street, as well as ghost tours.

SpiritLine Cruises – Charleston Harbor Tour

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $25 Duration: 1.5 hours

The Charleston Harbor Tour directs tour-takers' attention to some of the city's significant historical landmarks, including the Battery, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown and more. As you glide through the harbor, your onboard guide will share details of Charleston's history and former residents. Patrons generally praise the guides for their knowledge and humor. Many also reported spotting dolphins during the cruise. What's more, snacks and beer are available for purchase on board.

Cruises depart from two sites multiple times daily (except in the winter). Children 3 and younger ride for free. SpiritLine also offers dinner cruises.

Charleston Footprints Walking Tours

Price: From $28.50 Duration: 2 hours

Charleston Footprints Walking Tours spotlight many of the city's unique characteristics, including its old churches, graveyards, parks and gardens, wrought iron gates, distinctive architecture, cobblestone streets and alleys. Among the specific destinations on these 18-block walks are the French Quarter, the Charleston harbor and the Battery. Tours are led by licensed guides, who receive praise from recent travelers for their extensive knowledge of Charleston's art, history, architecture, nature and more.

Tours are available daily in the morning and afternoon. Exact times vary by month, but in general, morning tours take place at 9:30 or 10 a.m. and afternoon tours take place at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Best Charleston Walking Tours
• The Best Hotels in Charleston
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• The Best Cheap Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Charleston, South Carolina , South Carolina Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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