Jewish History Private Driving Tour of Charleston

5.0 (14 reviews) Charleston, USA
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Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Charleston History. Jewish Soul.

Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the U.S. until the 1820s — even surpassing New York!

This private tour blends iconic landmarks with hidden gems, weaving Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston.

We’ll visit sites both famous and often overlooked — including “Little Jerusalem” and two of America’s oldest synagogues: one, the oldest in continuous use and birthplace of Reform Judaism; the other, the nation’s oldest active Orthodox Ashkenazi congregation. You'll also see the first Jewish-owned pharmacy in America, a brothel once run by a Jewish woman, and homes and civic spaces tied to merchants, leaders, and reformers.

Along the way, we honor the contributions of African Americans and reflect on Jewish involvement in Charleston’s slave economy and the Civil War.

Each tour is private, unhurried, and carefully curated — complete with refreshments and storytelling that make the experience both meaningful and memorable.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

What to expect

  1. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
    Pass by
    Learn about the Sephardic roots of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the U.S. and birthplace of American Reform Judaism.
  2. Pass by
    Hear the story behind Grace Peixotto, daughter of a religious leader, and the brothel she owned and operated here.
  3. Pass by
    See Dr. Jacob de la Motta's former pharmacy, which became the first Jewish-owned pharmacy in the U.S, as well as the Hebrew Orphan Society, the oldest incorporated Jewish charity in the U.S.
  4. Brith Shalom Beth Israel Synagogue
    Pass by
    Learn about BSBI, the oldest Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue in continuous use in the U.S.
  5. Pass by
    Explore "Little Jerusalem," a bustling Ashkenazi Jewish quarter from the 1800s.
  6. Charleston Holocaust Memorial
    Pass by
    See Charleston's Holocaust Memorial and the powerful symbolism in its unique structure.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Go to the front gate on Hasell Street and the guide will meet you there.

End point

Go to the front gate on Hasell Street and the guide will meet you there.

Pickup details

This tour includes roundtrip transportation from your downtown Charleston hotel. The guide will meet you in the lobby and a text will be sent beforehand to confirm the tour guide's exact location within the lobby.

If you're staying outside of downtown, you may meet us at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) at your tour start time. We will meet you at the front gate.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • 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 (14)
From
$445.00 per group
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Charleston Jewish Tours · Booked through Viator
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$445.00 per group
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