Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks

See St. Michael's Church, "God's Law" at the Four Corners of Law

Walk inside historic churches to see the art and architecture

Wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston

Small groups allow for personal attention.

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks

Led by professional, licensed tour guides.

A local who knows where to find the shady spots

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Step into Charleston’s past on a small-group walking tour led by a local Charleston guide. Explore cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways while hearing stories spanning the city’s colonial era, the Civil War, and its ongoing preservation efforts.

Discover Charleston’s iconic landmarks, elegant mansions, historic churches, colorful homes, and atmospheric graveyards. Depending on availability, your tour may include entry to 1–3 historic sites, including churches and theaters that remain active and in use by their congregations and communities.

See landmarks such as Rainbow Row, The Battery, Washington Square, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and Dock Street Theatre while gaining a deeper understanding of the people, events, and architecture that shaped Charleston.

What makes this experience special is the combination of local insight, engaging storytelling, historic architecture, and the opportunity to experience the interiors of select historic sites when available.

What's included

2-hour guided walking tour of Charleston’s Historic District
Small-group experience
Professional local historian and tour guide
Entry to 1–3 historic sites, subject to availability

Gratuities

What to expect

Washington Square
10m

Explore Washington Square, a peaceful historic park shaded by beautiful live oaks in the heart of Charleston. Discover the statues, monuments, and stories that reflect the city’s rich and complex history.
Fort Sumter National Monument
5m

See Fort Sumter from Charleston’s waterfront and learn about its pivotal role in American history as the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The tour views the fort from afar; guests can visit independently.
5m

Discover Charleston’s famous Four Corners of Law, where four historic buildings represent local, state, federal, and church authority. Learn how this unique intersection reflects Charleston’s history and the city’s distinctive character.
Rainbow Row
5m

Admire Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row, a collection of colorful historic homes and one of the city’s most photographed streets. Learn about the history and architecture behind these distinctive pastel-colored buildings.
5m

Discover St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, one of Charleston’s most historic places of worship. Learn about its role in the city’s religious and cultural history and admire its distinctive architecture.
French Huguenot Church
5m

Discover the French Huguenot Church, a historic Charleston landmark and one of the oldest Huguenot congregations in the United States. Learn about the French Protestant community and its important place in Charleston’s history.
Dock Street Theater
10m

Discover the historic Dock Street Theatre, widely recognized as the site of America’s first purpose-built theater. Learn about Charleston’s rich theatrical traditions and the building’s role in the city’s cultural history.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
5m

Step into Charleston’s history at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Learn about its role in the American Revolution, Charleston’s colonial past, and the stories connected to this remarkable building.
Charleston Waterfront Park
5m

Enjoy beautiful views of Charleston Harbor at Waterfront Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the historic district. Take in the waterfront scenery while learning about the area’s history and its connection to Charleston’s past.
Old Slave Mart Museum
5m

Learn about Charleston’s history and the legacy of slavery at the Old Slave Mart Museum. Explore an important and difficult chapter of the city’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and resilience of enslaved people.
10m

Walk along Charleston’s historic Battery, a scenic waterfront promenade offering views of Charleston Harbor, historic artillery, and grand mansions. Learn about the area’s strategic importance and its role in the city’s history.
French Quarter Art walk charleston sc
5m

Explore Charleston’s historic French Quarter, known for its charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, historic churches, and centuries of fascinating history. Learn how this vibrant district helped shape the story of Charleston.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Tour meets INSIDE Washington Square Park (98 Meeting Street) (map) Look for your guide next to the statue of George Washington. There are many other tour companies operating in the area, so be sure to look for Eric inside the park!

End point

Tour meets INSIDE Washington Square Park (98 Meeting Street) (map) Look for your guide next to the statue of George Washington. There are many other tour companies operating in the area, so be sure to look for Eric inside the park!

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (53)