Charleston, South Carolina is a city rich in history, culture, and charm. If you’re here visiting the beautiful beaches, take some time to walk through the streets of the historic district. This is a must-do for any visitor to the city. I’ll take a look at some of the different, historic district walking tours in Charleston, SC.
The top 5 historic district walking tours of Charleston are:
- Bulldog Tours
- Walks of Charleston
- Ghost City Tours
- Charleston Footprints Walking Tours
- Free Tours by Foot
Historic District Walking Tours of Charleston, SC
Charleston’s historic district is filled with beautifully preserved buildings and spaces that reflect Charleston’s rich history. There are several walking tour companies that offer an in-depth look at the city’s past!
And, a walking tour is a great way to kick off your weekend in Charleston. Start off by learning about the city’s history before checking out all of the other fun attractions and entertainment here.
1. Bulldog Tours
About: One of the most popular tour companies in Charleston is Bulldog Tours. These tours take visitors through the city’s historic district and highlight some of its most famous landmarks.
They have everything from ghost tours and food tours to general history walking tours!
Types of tours offered:
- Ghost Tours: This is Charleston’s best tour company to explore haunted historic Charleston! They offer various ghost tours, which give visitors a chance to explore cemeteries, a jail, and even a dungeon.
- Food Tours: Charleston is home to some of the best eats in the Lowcountry. On Bulldog Food Tours, you can try some of the most delicious bites in some of Charleston’s different historic districts.
- History Tours: History buffs will love the Bulldog History Tours. They offer walking tours to see historic landmarks like Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown. Plus tours through the city’s beautiful cobblestone streets, gardens, and Antebellum homes.
Price: Prices vary by tour type. Most of the history tours and ghost tours start at $37 for adults and $27 for children. Food tours start around $90 per adult. Check out the Bulldog Tours website for more info!
2. Walks of Charleston
About: This popular tour company offers Historic Charleston walking tours. They take visitors through the heart of the historic district and include stops at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Battery and Rainbow Row.
Fun fact: Charleston’s Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed areas in the city and is made up of 13 colorful houses that date back to the 18th century.
Types of tours offered:
- Charleston History Tour: This is the most popular tour by Walks of Charleston. You will get to see hundreds of historic homes and landmarks like the French Quarter and Fort Sumter, all while learning about the city’s rich history.
- Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages: This tour gives a more in-depth look at some of the overlooked parts of Charleston. You will walk along the cobblestones and hear stories of the city’s past that not many people know about!
Pro tip: for large groups or the real history lover, you can take a private tour with this company! You let them know what you’re interested in seeing, and they will make a tour just for you.
Price: Tickets range from $25-$30 per person. Private tour pricing will vary.
3. Ghost City Tours
About: For those interested in the city’s spooky history, check out Ghost City Tours. They offer a “Haunted Charleston Walking Tour” that takes visitors through the city’s most haunted spots.
Types of tours offered:
- The Ghosts of Liberty Tour: This is Charleston’s number-one ghost tour for people of all ages, including children. You’ll visit some of the city’s most haunted spots, and hear stories of pirates, ghosts, and unsolved mysteries.
- The Death and Depravity Tour: This is an adults-only tour. This walking tour explores haunted locations around the city, along with darker stories of the city’s past. This tour isn’t for those who are easily scared!
- Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl: Charleston is home to many haunted bars and pubs, and this tour provides a fun way to check them out. You’ll walk and drink your way through various bars while learning about Charleston’s haunted history.
And if you love all things scary, check out 10 of the spookiest haunted houses in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Price: Tickets range from $25-$35 per adult, depending on the tour you choose. The Ghosts of Liberty tour is $10 per child.
4. Charleston Footprints Walking Tours
About: Charleston Footprints Walking Tours was founded in 1998 and is run by a local historian. This tour company is known for its personalized and informative tours, as well as its commitment to preserving Charleston’s rich cultural heritage.
Types of tours offered:
Group Walking Tour: The main tour offered is the Group Walking Tour. This includes a 2-hour stroll through 18 blocks of Charleston’s French Quarter. Fun fact: this is the city’s oldest neighborhood!
You’ll see historic landmarks like the Battery and White Point Garden, plus colonial churches, graveyards, and more.
Private tours are also available for large groups.
Price: Tickets are $28.50 per person.
Charleston Footprints Walking Tours Website
5. Free Tours by Foot
About: This company offers Charleston walking tours that are free to join. They offer various tours through Charleston’s historic districts and iconic landmarks.
Types of tours offered:
- Historic Charleston: This is the company’s most popular tour. You’ll learn about Charleston’s role in American history, and walk by the city’s historic churches, mansions, gardens, and more!
- Architecture Tour: On this tour, you’ll walk through Charleston’s cobblestone-lined streets to view old homes, churches, and other public buildings.
- Ghost Tour: Hear ghost stories and walk among some of the city’s most haunted locations, with stops at places like The Harbor and a cemetery at St. Michaels Church.
- Window Box Tour: This seasonal tour offers a chance to see beautiful blooms in Charleston’s many window boxes. Plus, a chance to learn about Charleston’s gardens and plants from local botanists.
Price: All tours by this company are free! Visitors can choose to pay what they feel the tour was worth at the end. Most tours are about 2 hours long.
Other Things To Do in Charleston, SC
Hit the Beach
Whether you live near Charleston or you’re visiting, this is the place to go for some of the best beaches in the state!
If the weather allows, you have to stop by one of the nearby beaches for a little fun in the sun. In this blog post, I look at 8 of the best beaches closest to Downtown Charleston, SC.
Delicious Dining
Most of the walking tours listed above are in Charleston’s Downtown Historic District.
After an afternoon spent strolling the city, you’ll work up an appetite. Luckily, Charleston is home to many delicious restaurants, and we have the perfect list for you to choose from.
And, if you want a light snack before going out on the town, check out 10 of Charleston’s best sushi restaurants, here.
Conclusion to Historic District Walking Tours in Charleston, SC
with so many different walking tour companies in Charleston to choose from, you can’t go wrong! Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or ghost stories, there’s a tour for everyone in Charleston.
So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the United States!
And here are some other fun things to add to your must-do list when you’re in Charleston, SC:
