USA · HISTORICAL TOURS

The 15 Best History Tours in the USA

97 tours  ·  from $18 a head

Four hundred years of it, most of it standing within a block of somewhere you can get coffee. The 15 below cover the battlefields, the trails, the mansions and the museums, priced and timed, with what each one is actually strong on.

New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket - The dinosaur halls and Night at the Museum connections
Historical Tours, Museums, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in New York City

New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

1.American Museum of Natural History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15,447 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Plan on four to five hours, or more, at this huge family-friendly museum beside Central Park. Your ticket covers 40-plus permanent halls, the Rose Center, and the Gilder Center. Choose a ticket with one or all special exhibitions for access to shows such as Invisible Worlds, the butterfly vivarium, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show.

“Great ! Loads of floors full of things . Just a shame we didn’t have time to see it all”

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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour - Following Essex Street’s older path
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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

2.History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14,564 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $36Top rated

Follow a local historian through Salem from Old Town Hall to the Witch Trials Memorial. Hear the truth behind the 1692 hysteria, see the Bewitched statue, Ropes Mansion, McIntire District, and Witch House, and choose a lantern-lit evening departure. The entire tour stays outdoors, so wear good shoes and dress for the weather.

“Lisa was very informative and knowledgeable. She made the tour fun and memorable. Great experience!!”

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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour - The city chooses your zone
Historical Tours, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Horses, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

3.Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10,023 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $50

Spend about an hour touring 30 blocks of historic Charleston from a covered carriage pulled by a Belgian or Percheron draft horse. A certified Palmetto Guild guide, such as Wendy, Carol, Ro, or Carrie, shares stories of mansions, churches, gardens, and Charleston’s Civil War past. Routes are assigned by the city, so the sights vary.

“You would truly enjoy the experience, and everyone was so nice and professional. The tour guides are very friendly and informative. Great overall experience 😊”

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Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour - Seattle’s Great Fire and the raised streets
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Seattle

Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

4.Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,006 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $29Best value

Walk four blocks of Pioneer Square and three historic underground passageways with guides such as David, Patti, Sarah, or Imogen. In about an hour, you’ll hear about the Coast Salish Peoples, Seattle’s Great Fire, Skid Row, the Klondike Gold Rush, and the city’s 1890s rebuilding. Expect stairs, uneven surfaces, and time above ground between underground spaces.

“Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour is the ultimate experience for history geeks. What were conditions like for the first settlers who arrived here? Why is there an entire underground city beneath Seattle’s Pioneer District? How did the Great Fire and the Yukon Gold Rush transform the city? And what role did the underground play during Prohibition? These questions, and dozens more, are explored and answered on this engaging, informative, and fascinating tour.”

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Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - Kona coffee at Bay View Farm
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

5.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264

Spend about 11 hours circling Hawaii’s Big Island in a small group of up to 13. Your guide takes you from Kona coffee country and Punaluʻu Beach to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, lava tubes, waterfalls, and Waipio Valley, with lunch, hotel pickup, and a Mercedes Sprinter included.

“They will learn so much about the big Island of Hawaii. Folks will learn about the history, indigenous culture, plant life, animal life, etc. The tour is jam packed with information. The locations we stopped at were always interesting and beautiful. Our guide Dave was amazing. I think we were lucky to have gotten him.”

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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour - Starting at Boston Common and the State House
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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

6.Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,450 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Follow all 16 official Freedom Trail landmarks on a 2.5-hour walk from Boston Common to Copp’s Hill Terrace. Guides such as Jon, Maura, Mark, Alejandro, and Maz bring the 1760 to 1775 story to life with quotes, questions, and warm-up stops in cold weather. The tour includes outdoor sightseeing but no museum admissions.

“Fantastic tour guide and a great walking tour of the city. Great history and city tour. I would highly recommend.”

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour - Starting at the Four Corners of Law
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston, Walking Tours

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

7.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Start at Charleston City Hall and walk through the French Quarter, past the Dock Street Theatre, churches, the Old Exchange area, Rainbow Row, and White Point Garden. Guides such as Evans Byrd, Al, Duggar, and Dennis bring the city’s architecture, wartime past, and difficult history to life. Expect a flat, moderate-paced walk with up to 20 people.

“Pleasant walk with very knowledgable guide. Really enjoyed it. Never really knew all of the history. Home run.”

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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Pier 78, Hudson Yards, and the first Hudson River views
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dinner & Sunset Cruises, Dinner and Sunset Cruises in New York City, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in New York City

NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

8.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,666 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

From Pier 78, this 90-minute Starship cruise follows the Hudson and East rivers past Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO. Guides such as Molly, Darius, Al, and Ryan mix city history with humor. You get indoor and outdoor decks, restrooms, snacks, and a photographer onboard.

“Darius was amazing he gave us a great tour adding humor and music to the cruise. All the guys on board were fabulous and made it a safe and fun time.”

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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston - Starting at the Big Red Barn near City Market
Historical Tours, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Horses, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

9.Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,561 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $49

Begin at Palmetto Carriage Works’ Big Red Barn near City Market, meet a certified guide, and ride about an hour through roughly 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Your route is chosen by a city lottery, so sights vary. Guides such as Jim, Jenny, Luke, and Jason mix architecture, local stories, and horse care into a family-friendly tour for up to 16 people.

“Exceptional guide. Extremely knowledgeable. Knew quite a bit of the history of Charleston after an hour. Driver was also phenomenal. His relationship with our horse “Admiral “ was gentle and kind— spot on.”

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Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour - Starting near Chippewa Square
Ghost and Haunted History Tours in Savannah, Ghost, Cemetery & Haunted History Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Savannah, Walking Tours

Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

10.Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,235 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Walk Savannah’s historic streets for about 90 minutes with guides such as Dan, Kel, or Kendra, hearing documented history alongside ghost stories and local legends. The candlelit route begins near Chippewa Square and ends at Colonial Park Cemetery. Expect a moderate walk, standing, outdoor weather, and a thoughtful tone rather than jump scares.

“The tour guide was exceptional in answering questions as well as providing a wealthy of information. Even if you don't believe in ghosts and such, it was a very enjoyable evening hearing the stories of the Savannah legends.”

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Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark - The press areas, concourses, and behind-the-scenes access
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Boston

Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

11.Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,013 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $45

Spend about an hour touring Fenway Park with a professional guide. See the Green Monster, Pesky’s Pole, roof deck, press areas, and Fenway Park Living Museum. Hear stories about Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Yaz, and the Red Sox World Series titles. Spanish and Japanese tours may be arranged in advance.

“This tour was very informative on the history of Fenway park and baseball. Lots of stairs but worth it!”

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Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History - What arrives at the buffet
Historical Tours, Luaus, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

12.Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,013 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145

Spend about four hours at Coral Crater Adventure Park for an all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast, hula lessons, Maori games, weaving, tattoo demonstrations, and a large outdoor show about the Battle of Kipapa and King Kamehameha I. Hotel pickup is available, though transportation costs extra.

“It was amazing and very kid-friendly. They offered lots of fun and interesting activities, and the show was much higher quality than I expected.”

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Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia - Independence Hall and the rooms where the country changed course
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Philadelphia

Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

13.Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,944 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Walk Old City Philadelphia with guides such as Josh, Kyle, Ted, Joseph, and Vince, all trained in history. In two hours, you’ll see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court, Carpenters’ Hall, Congress Hall, and more. The tour stays outdoors, with morning and afternoon departures and time left for museums afterward.

“An essential Philadelphia experience! The tour guides all have a history background. I highly recommend taking this tour.”

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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour - From Oglethorpe Square to Savannah’s Historic Center
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Savannah, Walking Tours

Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

14.Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,918 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Meet at Oglethorpe Square for a two-hour walking tour led by a local Savannah guide. Follow historic streets, squares, and cobblestone lanes past Forsyth Park, River Street, Colonial Park Cemetery, and the original Girl Scout Headquarters. Headsets help you hear the guide in groups of up to 30.

“Champ was a knowledgeable guide who informed us on history, architecture, and nature. His pace was excellent, got a lot in, but we did not feel overwhelmed with too much information. Would highly recommend this tour”

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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour - Meeting at 1427 Washington Avenue
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in New Orleans, Walking Tours

New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

15.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk New Orleans’ Garden District with a local guide for about two hours. Hear stories of antebellum life, above-ground tombs, grand homes, Hollywood connections, and modern New Orleans. Guides such as Caroline, Angie, Shawn, and Sean bring humor and local detail, while the small group keeps questions easy. Lafayette Cemetery is viewed from outside its gates.

“Guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She set a good pace and we really felt like we definitely got our money’s worth”

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