USA · TOURS IN CHARLESTON

The 15 Best Charleston Tours & Carriage Rides

56 tours  ·  from $29 a head

The old city is small, flat and hot, which is why so much of it is seen from a carriage or a boat. The 15 below compare the horse-drawn routes, the harbour runs, the plantation days and the ghost walks on price and time of day.

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

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

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

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 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

2.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston - The Provost Dungeon and Charleston’s colonial past
Evening Experiences, Ghost and Haunted History Tours in Charleston, Ghost, Cemetery & Haunted History Tours, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Horses, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

3.Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,678 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Ride through Charleston’s old walled city after dark as a certified guide shares ghost stories near the Mills House, Provost Dungeon, graveyards, churches, and former pirate waters. The covered carriage seats up to 16, uses an inclined loading ramp, and returns to 14 Anson Street after 40 minutes.

“Loved traveling with Holly and Wayne. Holly was excellent. And Wayne was alert and attentive. A lot of fun. Interesting facts”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

4.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry - The ranger introduction and self-guided hour
Attraction Tickets & Passes, Ferries & Speedboat Rides, Guided, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

5.Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,343 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Ride a 30-minute ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point to Fort Sumter, where a National Park Service ranger explains the opening battle of the Civil War. You get about an hour to explore the ruins, museum, bookstore, and views before the return boat. Expect stairs, changing weather, and no restrooms at the fort.

“Lots of information. Ferry ride over was great with the explanation of what happened at the fort. Had a great time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry - The ferry ride is more than transportation
Attraction Tickets & Passes, Ferries & Speedboat Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Charleston

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

6.Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours · from $43

Take a narrated ferry from Liberty Square or Patriot’s Point across Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter. You’ll see the Ravenel Bridge, Battery homes, Rainbow Row, sailboats, and perhaps dolphins. At the fort, a National Park Ranger explains the opening battle of the Civil War before you explore on your own.

“It was a great experience. We learned a lot on this tour. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard - Guides make or break the evening
Evening Experiences, Ghost and Haunted History Tours in Charleston, Ghost, Cemetery & Haunted History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston, Walking Tours

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

7.Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,835 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Walk through Charleston’s old town for 90 minutes with a licensed guide such as Simon, Jerry, Liz, or Jake. Hear local ghost stories and history, then enter the 1772 Unitarian Church Graveyard after dark. The route suits curious adults and families, but uneven paths, low light, and long periods of standing call for sturdy shoes.

“Jake was a great tour guide! Super fun and very knowledgeable on each place we went to! Definitely doing it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise - Boarding at the Charleston Maritime Center
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Charleston

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

8.Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,788 reviews · from $44

Board the 80-foot Carolina Belle at Charleston Maritime Center for a narrated 90-minute cruise along the Cooper River. You’ll see Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, Fort Johnson, the Battery, Waterfront Park, and the Ravenel Bridge. Choose a daytime sailing for more history or sunset for softer views.

“The tour around Charleston harbor was very interesting. The skipper narrative was very informative and clear to understand. The boat was clean and the mates were very helpful. Drinks and snacks were available to purchase. Overall we were very pleased with the cruise.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour - South of Broad: quiet lanes and grand homes
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston, Walking Tours

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

9.Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,335 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $34

Walk Charleston’s South of Broad and French Quarter areas with a licensed local guide. Over two hours, you’ll visit four to six alleys, Rainbow Row, St. Philip’s Church, and other historic sites. Guides such as Dennis, Duggar, Evans, Al, and Mark are known for lively stories, local insight, and personal attention in groups capped at 13.

“What a gift to see historic Charleston through the eyes of Evans Byrd, a masterful tour guide. He is a great storyteller and is passionate about the history of this town. Those things, plus sprinkles of plant knowledge and neighborhood goings on made this tour a truly rich (and sometimes touching) experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour - Starting at St. Philip’s Church
Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston, Walking Tours

Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

10.Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,206 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend about two hours walking from East Bay Street through Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad. Guides such as Bill Harris and Vanna pair landmark views with candid stories about religion, politics, slavery, and city life. You’ll see Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart, the Old Exchange, and several historic churches.

“Vanna was extremely knowledgeable and personable. She made the experience both wonderful and genuinely interesting. She was funny.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse - Landing on Morris Island for shells and lighthouse views
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Charleston

Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

11.Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,111 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Bowens Island aboard a Carolina Skiff bay boat for a 2.5-hour eco cruise through Charleston’s marshes and tidal creeks. Naturalist captains such as Chris, George, Jacob, and Tripp share local wildlife and coastal lore, then give you about an hour on Morris Island for lighthouse views, shells, sand dollars, and beach walking.

“Informative and interactive A must do. Captain Tripp was awesome. We saw dolphins and many different birds.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings - Upper King Street brunch: biscuits, quiche, and sweet tea
Food, Food & Drink, Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston

Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings

12.Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,853 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Choose a French Quarter tour with chicken bog, she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and Southern sweets, or an Upper King brunch with biscuits, quiche, fried green tomatoes, and banana pudding. A local guide such as Robin, Perry, Nathan, or Crystin leads the three-hour walk, with seven or more tastings and a surprise dish.

“Come with an appetite! This was a quick and fun way to taste some of Charleston's local foodie highlights from some well-known and top quality vendors and restaurants. Well worth it. Wear comfortable shoes. Wonderful guide in Kristen.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket - Start with the Avenue of Oaks
Attraction Tickets & Passes, Plantation Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Charleston

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

13.Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,736 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $36

Explore Boone Hall’s Avenue of Oaks, nine former slave cabins, the Black History in America exhibit, gardens, stable, Gin House Museum, and working farm. Your ticket includes a first-floor house tour, tractor ride when weather allows, history presentation, and live Gullah culture talk. Plan two to four hours.

“Highly recommend this great experience. There is so much to do and so much to learn. The plantation is a massive, well-maintained, historical property. You definitely need 4 hours if you want to cover everything they have to offer. You can also buy the tickets directly from Boone Hall's website with a small fee or directly from the gate, which will save you the online fees.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - The Powder Magazine sets the spooky tone
Ghost and Haunted History Tours in Charleston, Ghost, Cemetery & Haunted History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston, Walking Tours

Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

14.Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,569 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Walk Charleston after dark with a costumed pirate guide such as Vanna, Jo, Blakely, or Brandon. Hear ghost tales tied to the Powder Magazine, City Market, churches, and Four Corners of Law, with stops at local bars. The tour is limited to 14 people, lasts about 2.5 hours, and welcomes only guests age 21 and older with valid ID.

“It was a great tour. Alexa was informed and fun. We would recommend! Just a heads up, parking downtown is tight and expensive. Bring your smaller vehicle if possible.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour - Meeting St. Michael’s Church and Charleston’s oldest bells
City Sightseeing Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Charleston

Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

15.Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,422 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Spend about 90 minutes touring Charleston from a small, air-conditioned minibus limited to 14 people. Guides such as Neal, Nick, Benjamin, Smitty, and Sean share stories about the city’s architecture, food, Civil War, civil rights, and local life as you pass Rainbow Row, the Battery, White Point Gardens, and historic churches.

“Benjamin was very informative and fun ! We enjoyed his wit and knowledge ! I will tell friends and family to use pineapple tours when coming to beautiful old Charleston”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tours in Charleston

★ 4.5Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour473 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston954 reviews
★ 5.0Charleston Harbor Sunset CruiseFrom $60905 reviews
★ 5.0Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture422 reviews
★ 5.0Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class948 reviews
★ 5.0Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking TourFrom $39412 reviews
★ 4.5Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food TourFrom $110881 reviews
★ 4.5Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston HarborFrom $45620 reviews
★ 5.0Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)From $35724 reviews
★ 5.0Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins395 reviews
★ 5.0Private Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Charleston340 reviews
★ 4.5Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from CharlestonFrom $90836 reviews
★ 4.5Charleston Horse & Carriage Historic Sightseeing TourFrom $45460 reviews
★ 4.5Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston HarborFrom $45418 reviews
★ 4.5Charleston Haunted Jail Night-Time Walking Tour with Admission to Old City JailFrom $40570 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat ToursGrand Canyon ToursWalking ToursGhost, Cemetery & Haunted History ToursMuseumsNational Parks
Scroll to Top

Explore the United States

Pick a skyline, a canyon or a stretch of water.

City days

Observation DecksWalking ToursSightseeing ToursHop-On Hop-OffMuseum Tickets

On the water

Boat TripsSunset CruisesAirboatsSnorkellingKayaks

The Southwest

Grand CanyonAntelope CanyonHoover DamSedonaOff-Road Days

After dark

Ghost WalksBroadwayShowsLive MusicBar Crawls