Charleston, South Carolina, is one of those magical destinations that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of the city. It’s also one of those places that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, in the best possible way. With moss-draped oaks, pastel-colored row houses, and a waterfront that glows at sunset, it’s the kind of place that practically demands to be explored. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic escape, or catching up with girlfriends, there’s a tour for every kind of traveler. Here are some top tours to check out—some classics, a few hidden gems, and all worth adding to your itinerary. I’ve included a few links to tours so you can see what’s available and even start planning your own Charleston adventure now.
1. Take a Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Charleston, SC
Best For: First-timers, couples, history buffs
Charleston, SC, is an incredibly walkable city, so what better way to explore than with a guided walking tour?
Get oriented and dive right into Charleston’s story. A good walking tour of the historic district gives an outstanding mixture of architecture, culture, and local tales, from colonial times to the Civil War, right up to modern day. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, bring water, and prepare yourself to fall in love with the city.
2. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Through the Historic District
Best for: Families, couples, relaxed explorers
Hands down, carriage tours are one of the most popular ways of enjoying historic downtown Charleston, SC.
Clip-clop through the cobblestone streets in style. A carriage ride offers a leisurely way to soak in the sights without wearing out your feet. The guides are usually full of stories and Charleston charm. Additionally, the carriage tours are tightly regulated by the city, so you can take comfort in knowing these horses and mules are well-cared for.
Likewise, the tour guides are truly experts. Before they ever take to the streets, your guide has undergone an extremely challenging test of their knowledge. The tours are a fun way to learn, and kids of all ages will come away with interesting facts they can impress their friends with.
3. Charleston Harbor Tour & Fort Sumter
Best for: History buffs, couples, families
Seeing Charleston from the water is a must, and this boat trip pulls double duty. Not only do you get views of the city skyline, the Battery, and the iconic Ravenel Bridge, but you also stop at Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
Perfect for combining sightseeing with a dose of history, this tour is a crowd-pleaser and favorite itinerary item.
4. Dolphin-Watching Eco Tour
Best for: Families, nature lovers, photographers
There’s something magical about spotting dolphins in the wild, and Charleston’s harbor and surrounding waterways are home to plenty of them.
This is a family-friendly tour that’s both educational and relaxing.
Many of these tours depart from nearby Folly Beach and typically run between 90 minutes and two hours. Tour takers will want to be sure to bring binoculars if they have them, and don’t forget your camera!
5. Charleston Food & Wine Walking Tour
Best for: Girls’ trips, couples, foodies
One of the best ways to experience Charleston is through its food, and a food tour allows you to sample and savor delicious culinary offerings that are distinct to the region. Shrimp and Grits, She-Crab Soup, Frogmore Stew, Benne Wafers, Pimento Cheese, and Boiled Peanuts are only a few of the tasty treats you’ll discover in Charleston.
Multiple walking tours stop at several spots where you’ll sample classic Lowcountry dishes, local wine, or craft cocktails, and hear the stories behind the flavors. Come hungry—you won’t leave disappointed.
6. Boone Hall Plantation Tour
Best for: History buffs, photographers, romantic escapes
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens is one of America’s oldest working plantations. It’s also one of the most photographed and a favorite tourist destination, located just outside of Charleston, SC, in Mount Pleasant.
If you’ve seen the movie, The Notebook, you’ll recognize Boone Hall’s famous avenue of oaks. This historic plantation, dating back to 1681, offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history, and its exhibits tell a broader story of the people who lived and worked on the land.
It’s a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, pairing beautifully with a scenic drive.
Read my full post on Boone Hall here.
“Keep an eye out for the beautiful sweetgrass baskets handcrafted by local artisans. These Lowcountry treasures are more than just souvenirs—they’re a centuries-old tradition and a meaningful piece of Charleston’s cultural heritage.” Anna Marie
7. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Best for: Families, nature lovers, garden fans
This historic plantation is home to one of the oldest public gardens in the United States, offering an enjoyable experience to a variety of visitors.
With its Wildlife Center, boat tours, and nature tram tours, it’s a hit with families and nature lovers. At the same time, the romantic gardens and historic home along the Ashley River make it an ideal spot for couples as well. You could easily spend half a day here exploring and relaxing.
8. Charleston Wine & Cocktail Tour
Best for: Girls’ trips, bachelorette weekends, couples
This one’s for the grown-ups!
A guided tour of the city’s best cocktail bars and wine bistros is a great way to enjoy the evening. You’ll get to sip curated drinks, savor fine wine, meet fun people, and maybe even discover your new favorite bar. Ideal for starting off a night out on the town.
9. Charleston Pirate & Ghost Tour
Best for: Families with older adventurous kids, fun-loving adults
Add a dash of spooky and a splash of fun with one of Charleston’s many ghost tours. Whether it’s pirates, haunted history, or costumed guides spinning eerie tales, these tours strike a perfect balance of chilling and charming. You will also enjoy a history lesson like no other.
They’re a hit with tweens, teens, and adults who enjoy a good story and don’t mind a few goosebumps along the way.
A Few Final Thoughts
Charleston, SC, is one of those destinations that, regardless of how many times you’ve visited, still leaves you making plans for all the fun things you want to do the next time.
From romantic cruises and foodie adventures to historic homes and dolphin sightings, Charleston’s got a little bit of everything. Booking a tour is one of the easiest ways to get more out of your visit—and many of them fill up quickly during peak seasons, so it’s smart to plan ahead.
And don’t worry if you aren’t able to squeeze everything in that you want to do. That’s the beauty of Charleston. There’s always next time to look forward to!
(P.S. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means if you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep sharing tips, stories, and travel inspiration!)
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