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Tours & Attractions in Charleston/Downtown

Looking for things to do in Charleston? Why not stand on the site of the first shot in the Civil War? Come face to face with a giant sea turtle. Take a tour of an antebellum mansion. Climb aboard a WWII aircraft carrier. There are so many blossoming gardens, so many photo opportunities and so many reasons to come back to see us again. Please look for those tour companies that are members of the Palmetto Guild Association to ensure you are exploring with a certified tour guide.

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Crafted Travel

Make it epic in Charleston with a drinking tour like no other! Create lasting memories in a one-of-a-kind luxury limo party bus with door-to-door transportation throughout.

Historic Charleston Supper Club

Eat like our Founding Fathers and even Pirates did at the Colonial Tavern Table, all at a National Historic Landmark with a museum visit. Pair with your favorite walking tour.

Tiki Tours

We offer a variety of private and public tours on our 32 passenger party boat, the Friki Tiki. Romantic sunset cruises, groups & corporate parties and more! Welcome aboard.

108 Elemental Tours

Join Charleston’s Best Storytellers for the history & hauntings of one of America’s oldest cities. Night tours include City of the Dead, Myths & Legends, & Spirits Pub Crawl.

Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture

Reading room, archives & scheduled tours. 1990 Carolopolis Award. Beautifully restored facility, site of former Avery School built in 1865. Includes art, historical exhibits.

Carolina Belle

Climb aboard the Carolina Belle to enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor & learn the rich history of the Holy City. On this 90-minute tour, you will see over 75 landmarks!

Carolina Polo & Carriage Company

Owned & operated by native Charlestonians whose families arrived here in the 1600’s. Sights that will leave you breathless and tours that will leave you speechless.

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

Built between 1890 and 1907. Sat. 5:30pm Vigil Mass | Sun. 9am-Family Mass 11:15am-Solemn Mass with Choir 6pm-Mass | Daily Mass (Mon-Fri) 12:05pm

Charleston Brews Cruise

Experience a taste of Charleston’s flourishing craft beer scene with a Professionally Guided tour of breweries. Hop on the rollicking Brews Cruiser and enjoy the ride!

Charleston Carriage Works

Get ready for an awesome experience! Licensed guides that entertain as well as they educate with beautiful horses and outstanding customer service. Dogs are welcome here!

Charleston City Market

Open M-Su. Built in 1841 to sell produce and meats, it features small shops, restaurants and flea market with everything from produce to antiques.

Charleston Convention & Group Services, Inc.

Licensed & most experienced professional guides in Charleston. Step-on guide service, walking tours, educational programs or customized packages. Bilingual guides available.

Charleston Culinary Tours

Take your taste buds for a stroll to discover the food, history, & culture behind Charleston's storied cuisine. Innovative tours led by passionate locals for lasting memories.

Charleston Tea Party Private Tour

Historian takes guests by van to her friends’ private gardens; ends with High Tea served on Cantonware at Charlestonian's home overlooking the Ashley River. 843.708.2228

Charleston TourPass

One pass, one price, where admission is included for 30+ top attractions. Includes helpful mobile pass and guide. Choose either a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5-day pass.

Charleston Water Taxi

On your way to your destination, enjoy Charleston's beautiful harbor. From dolphin sightings to a WWII Aircraft Carrier. Rides leave hourly 9am-8pm

CharlestonTours.com

CharlestonTours.com is your one stop web portal for the best tours & events. Harbor tours, sailing excursions, plantation tours and Charleston's best value combination tours.

Charms of Charleston Tours

A locally owned tour service with guides who are Charlestonians that have a great love of this city. Let us show you this beautiful flower that we are so proud of.

Chicora Tours

Charleston’s most upscale plantation tour experience for the history connoisseur. Two beautiful plantation venues are offered. Private tours are available. Book Soon!

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry

Nine hands-on exhibits, including a two-story medieval castle, a pirate ship, and art room. Allow your children to explore the arts, sciences, and humanities through play!

Circular Congregation Church

Open to visitors when tour guides available. Organized in 1681. The Circular Church established the first Sunday School in South Carolina. Sunday services: 8:30am, 11am

Don't Tread on Me: The Patriots Fight for Liberty in Charleston

From taverns to the Liberty Tree, explore Charleston during the American Revolution & how this “royal city” with its divided loyalties would shape the future of this country.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. is a 20,000 square foot brewery, restaurant, and taproom produces a variety of beers packaged in cans, bottles, and kegs for wide-reaching wholesale.

First (Scots) Presbyterian Church

Organized in 1731 by Caledonian immigrants. Present church built in 1841, displaying the seal of the Church of Scotland in window over main entrance. Sunday 8:45am and 11:15am

First Baptist Church

Sunday services: 8:45am worship 9:45am Bible school 11am worship 6:30pm vesper service. First Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist Church in the South, founded in 1682.

Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square

This National Park Service site is the primary departure point for visitors to Fort Sumter. Exhibits provide an overview of events leading up to the Civil War. Free admission.

Friends of Charleston National Parks

As the official philanthropic partner, the Friends group works to provide support for the National Parks in Charleston through education, advocacy, and preservation.

Grace Church Cathedral (Episcopal)

Built in 1846, Grace Church Cathedral has one of the four English Changing Ringing (bell ringing) towers in the city. Tours may be arranged in advance.

Grimké Sisters Tour

The Grimké Sisters turned their backs on Charleston to fight the injustices to women & those enslaved in the 19th century. Discover how these 2 women influenced these issues.

Gullah Geechee Tours

Native Gullah historian teaching Unspoken Black African American Slave History "da Root" of Charleston’s politics, religion & Slavery.

Gullah Tours

Explore the sites relevant to the culture & traditions of the African-Americans history in Charleston. Given by a Gullah speaking Charlestonian whose ancestors were slaves.

Gullah/Geechee Richness Visit

Explore Gullah/Geechee Richness by way of history, art, culture & tradition! Learn oral history of unsung heroes. Cum Jine We! Elder Carlie Towne 843.330.5480.

Hampton Park

A historic park with camellias and azaleas in bloom in spring, roses bloom in the summer; 1-mile nature trail.

Heyward-Washington House

Charleston's Revolutionary War house was the townhome of Thomas Heyward, Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence, and now features remarkable Charleston-made furniture.

High Wire Distilling

We make premium, handcrafted, small batch spirits including gins, rums, whiskeys and vodkas using premium, specialized ingredients. Tours and tastings Wednesday-Saturday.

Historic Charleston Battery/Whitepoint Gardens

This peaceful park offers unprecedented views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. A look back across the street promises fantastic images of beautiful Charleston mansions.

Holy City History Tours

Our storytelling walking tours showcase Charlestonians who endured enormous hardships, overcame nearly impossible circumstances, and helped propel society into the future.

In the Kitchen With Chef Bob Waggoner

Charleston's only hands - on cooking classes with a celebrity chef! Learn, dine & laugh while cooking with the best products Charleston has to offer (wines included)!

International African American Museum

The International African American Museum explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world.

Joseph Manigault House

Built in 1803, the Joseph Manigault House is an exceptional example of Federal period architecture with a remarkable collection of early 19th century furnishings.

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue

Offering tours, Judaic gift shop and museum. The fourth oldest synagogue in the US and the oldest in continuous use. The birthplace of American Reform Judaism in 1824.

Keelforce, LLC

Private sailing charter for up to 6 passengers aboard the 40' performance cruiser. View a unique perspective of the peninsula and the surrounding area with a beverage.

Lowcountry History Strolls

Walk back through time where history lives and every step tells a story. Take an insider’s tour of what makes Charleston unique! Call Karen 843-327-3319 to curate your visit.

Magnolia Cemetery

Oldest cemetery in Charleston, founded in 1849 on the banks of the Cooper River, inhabited by generations of southern leaders. On the National Register of Historic Places.

Morris Brown AME Church

Morris Brown was a pastor who escaped hanging from the Denmark Vessey slave rebellion. Continues a tradition of community involvement & social action. Sunday 8am service

Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church

In 1791, the Free African Society was formed as the Bethel Circuit. Reorganized in 1865 and present building erected in 1891. Oldest AME church in the south. Sunday 9:30am

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church

First brick church building owned by Blacks in Charleston. The 54th & 55th Massachusetts regiments worshiped here while stationed in Charleston. Service: Sun-10am 843.722.8118

Museum Mile

Mile long corridor stretches along Meeting Street from Visitor Center to the Nathaniel Russell House. Comprehensive array of historical and cultural attractions in Charleston.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Built in 1771, American Patriots were held prisoner here during the War of Americas' Independence. One of the 3 most historically significant buildings of colonial America.

Old Slave Mart Museum

Learn the story of Charleston's role in this inter-state slave trade by focusing on the history of this particular building & site and the slave sales that occurred here.

Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc.

Established in 1991 by the Vestry of St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church to develop and maintain a commemorative garden and preserve the legacy of the master craftsman.

Pineapple Tour Group

Expert Guides; Luxury Bus with AC: In Charleston, hospitality is our custom & history is our culture. Our tours create moments that become the memories that will last forever.

Postal Museum

Charleston’s postal history. The Post Office Building circa 1896 at Meeting & Broad is the oldest continuously operated post office in the Carolinas.

Preservation Society - The Fall Tours

Enjoy the rare opportunity to visit private houses and historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Learn about and experience Charleston's architecture, history, and gardens.

Saint John's Lutheran Church

Mother church of Lutherans in SC. Founded by German immigrants in 1734. Originally built in 1759 and replaced in 1817. Handicapped accessible on Sunday, weekdays by request.

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

Founded Easter Day, 1865 WEEKLY SERVICE: Sunday Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m.

Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church

Oldest Catholic Parish in the southeastern United States. Established in 1789. Sunday Mass - 9am | Weekday Masses are 8am Mon-Th.

Saltwater Cycle Party Boats

Experience the most fun way to get out and enjoy the water’s of the Lowcountry on Charleston’s best Cycle boat and Tiki boat.

Sandlapper Water Tours

Come and explore Morris Island and go shelling with our naturalist. Learn while exploring Charleston’s Harbor marine life. 45 ft. Catamaran, USCG-certified for 49 people.

Sites & Insights Tours

Explore Charleston's Black history and Gullah/Geechee culture from a Black perspective in our 1, 2 & 2 1/2 hour motorized Black History, Porgy & Bess and Sea Islands Tours.

Southern Accent Tours

All tours conducted by the owner.We offer the best prices in town. Free pickup at Mt. Pleasant & Isle of Palms and for parties of 10 or more from anywhere downtown.

Spirit of South Carolina

Spirit of South Carolina is a 140-foot, traditional sailing vessel called a schooner, a type of sailing vessel of archetypal American design dating to approximately the 1800s.

St. Johannes Lutheran Church

Open to visitors M-Th 10-4. “An architectural gem in the heart of historic Ansonborough”, built in 1842. Current congregation was founded in 1878 and conducted worship in German until 1910. In 1913 the Art Memorial Stained Glass Windows were dedicated.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church

Founded in 1840. Open for tours from 11am - 3pm every weekday with a trained docent. Services - Sunday 8:30am and 11am.

St. Michael's Church

Oldest church built in the city. Built in 1761. George Washington worshipped here during his tour of the South in 1791. Different services all week.

St. Philip’s Church

Estab. in 1670. Mother Church of the Province and known as the lighthouse. Famous historical figures buried here. Services Su 8:15am and 10:30am | Morning Prayer: Wed. 8am

The Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul

One of oldest two Episcopal / Anglican Cathedrals in US. Su 7:45am-Holy Eucharist 9:15am-Contemporary Eucharist 11am-Choral Eucharist | M-F 8:30am-Morning Prayer

The Charleston Library Society

Paved the way for the founding of the College of Charleston in 1770. Providing core collection of artifacts for the founding of the Charleston Museum.

The Citadel Museum

Museum portrays the history of the school from 1842 to present with photographs, uniforms and archival documents. Dress Parade at 3:45pm every Friday during the academic year.

The College of Charleston

Founded in 1770, the first municipal college in America was built in 1724. Present main building designed by eminent Philadelphia architect William Strickland, built 1828.

The Confederate Museum

Market Hall was built in 1841. Since 1898, the Daughters of the Confederacy has operated the Confederate Museum, which contains flags, uniforms, swords and other memorabilia.

The French Protestant (Huguenot) Church

Current church built in 1844-45. French Huguenots, starting in 1687, fleeing France to avoid religious persecution, were worshipping in a church on this site. Sunday- 10:30am

The Historic Dock Street Theatre

“America’s First Theatre,” home to Spoleto Festival USA, Moja Arts Festival and Charleston Stage, the theatre company in residence presenting a full season of plays each year.

The Old Bethel Methodist Church

Formerly Bethel Methodist Church. Dedicated in 1798 to accommodate the expanding congregation of the Blue Meeting House. Present church built in 1852. Open to public.

The Powder Magazine

Oldest public building in the Carolinas. Replaced by a newer magazine in 1748, it served effectively until the American Revolution. Now open as a National Historic Landmark.

The Second Presbyterian Church

Oldest building of this faith in historic section of Charleston. Built in 1809. Services- Sun. 10am 11:15am

The Unitarian Church

Founded in 1772. Services- Sanctuary 11am | Forums- begin at 10am, Gage Hall. Tours available mid September - mid June, Saturday 10am-1pm and 2nd Sunday of each month 12-3pm.

Tour Charleston LLC

History, mystery and wonder. Local family operated history/ghost/private walking tours for 20 years. Headquarters located at Buxton Books on corner of Concord and Cumberland.

Triple Combo Tour (Charleston Harbor Tours, Carriage & Boone Hall Plantation)

Charleston's most inclusive combination tour! Save time and money when booking the triple combo tour. 90 minute harbor tour, Carriage Tours and Boone Hall Plantation.

Walk and Talk Charleston

Meet the Lid Lady at the Hat Man for a walking tour! History and historic gossip unfolds as we dive into the stories of Charleston’s past and present in the historic district.

Walk It! Charleston

Steve Bailey & Kay Abrams, proud Charlestonian licensed guides give walking tours of America’s most historic city! From Ghosts to Groups contact us for a true "Locals" touch!

Walks of Charleston

Owned by native Charlestonians. Our local guides are excited to share their knowledge with you for a memorable experience on every tour. Private & combo tours available.

Waterfront Park

This park is an eight-acre linear park and pier along the Charleston Harbor entry. The park masterfully combines spectacular fountains, spacious lawns, intimate gardens.

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