Charleston is a city built on stories—some warm and inviting, others spooky and mysterious. Its centuries-old streets, waterfront, and hidden alleys make it a perfect place for engaging tours & experiences. Whether you’re into history, ghost stories, or lively nightlife, Charleston offers something memorable for everyone. We especially love the Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour for its detailed look at the city’s architectural treasures and secret corners, or the Charleston Bachelorette Pub Crawl for lively evening fun. Each experience offers a different window into Charleston’s vibrant character.
This guide brings you the 11 best tours & experiences in Charleston, carefully selected for their uniqueness, value, and ability to showcase what makes this city special. From sailing ships to haunted streets, you’ll find options that suit different interests, budgets, and timeframes.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a wide range of tour types: immersive guided walking tours exploring historic architecture, sailing harbor tours with dolphin sightings, cultural and food tours like Shem Creek, and even ghost and pirate-themed adventures. We included highly-rated options such as the Charleston: Shem Creek Culture Tour and the Charleston: Pirates and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour, which give insight into Charleston’s lively history and spooky legends. Each offers its own flavor — some more active, some more relaxed — so you can pick according to your interests and pace.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top experience, helping you decide which tours are worth your time and money.
1. Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour guided walking tour brings Charleston’s historic streets, architectural marvels, and secret alleys to life. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore three hidden alleys and visit landmarks like the Old Exchange, Dock St Theatre, and St Michael’s Church. The tour is praised for its entertaining and knowledgeable guides, with reviews emphasizing how guides like Jackson and Paige make history engaging without talking at you.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on architectural details, such as centuries-old iron gates and colorful facades, alongside fascinating stories of Charleston’s past. It’s perfect for travelers who love detailed stories about local architecture, history, and seeing parts of the city most visitors overlook. For just $30 per person, this tour offers a rich, immersive experience that’s great for first-timers or history enthusiasts.
Bottom line: If you want a solid, engaging intro to Charleston’s historic charm, this guided walk offers excellent value for its price.
2. Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch
Set sail on a three-masted schooner for about 1.5 hours of hands-on sailing and wildlife spotting. During this tour, you’ll have the chance to hoist the sails yourself, an experience rare in most harbor tours. The crew shares stories about local history, especially landmarks like Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, while you enjoy the breeze and water views.
What makes this tour special is the interactive element — you’re not just sitting passively. Dolphins frequently play in the harbor, and many reviews highlight how exciting it is to see wildlife up close. The price is $48, which is good value for an active, memorable experience on Charleston Harbor. It suits travelers who want to combine scenic beauty with a hands-on sailing adventure.
Bottom line: This tour offers a fun, active way to experience Charleston’s waterfront, perfect for families or anyone eager to try their hand at sailing.
3. Charleston: Shem Creek Culture Tour
At just $25, the Shem Creek Culture Tour takes about 1.5 hours and offers a deep dive into local maritime life and history. Led by a passionate guide, you’ll visit the oldest home in Mt. Pleasant, see shrimp processing facilities, and walk over a marsh ecosystem on a new boardwalk. It’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature.
Guests love how informative and fun the tour is, with Captain Bryan sharing local stories and recommendations. As one reviewer mentions, it’s a great way to learn about Charleston’s seafood industry and natural environment while seeing authentic local spots. The tour’s intimate size and knowledgeable guide make it especially appealing for those interested in local culture and history.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about Charleston’s maritime roots and want an engaging, relaxed experience, this tour hits the spot.
4. Charleston Bachelorette Pub Crawl
This 2-hour pub crawl is designed for those wanting to combine history, nightlife, and Southern hospitality. Starting at 54 N Market St, your guide takes you through handpicked venues, from cozy pubs to a hidden former speakeasy. The focus is on local stories and fun rather than just bar-hopping.
Rated perfect at 5/5, this tour is ideal for bachelorette parties, groups of friends, or anyone looking to see Charleston’s lively side. Reviewers mention how guides keep the energy high and share interesting tales about each bar’s history. It’s a social, relaxed way to experience Charleston’s nightlife without the hassle of planning.
Bottom line: For a fun, social evening that combines history and drinks, this pub crawl offers excellent value and a memorable time.
5. Charleston: Pirate Escape Scavenger Hunt
For just $9, this self-guided, pirate-themed scavenger hunt lets you explore Charleston at your own pace. Designed by local historians, it leads you to hidden spots related to Charleston’s pirate history, especially the 1718 Pirate Siege of Charles Towne.
The hunt is ideal for families or small groups wanting a fun, interactive way to discover the city’s pirate legends without strict schedules. It includes free museum access, adding educational value. Many reviews highlight how it’s a unique and engaging activity that also allows flexibility. You wander through historic sites while solving clues related to pirates and local legends.
Bottom line: If you love puzzles and pirate stories, this scavenger hunt offers a cost-effective, playful way to experience Charleston’s pirate past.
6. Walled City Spirits with Local Guide
Led by lifelong Charleston resident Gia Nocturne, this 2-hour spirits tour costs $23 and explores haunted locations within the original city walls. Gia’s passion for paranormal activity makes this a serious ghost tour, not a gimmick.
Guests who enjoy true ghost stories and haunted legends will appreciate Gia’s detailed insights into local ghostly activity. The tour visits locations known for paranormal reports and explains how spirits are identified. If you’re curious about Charleston’s spooky side, this tour provides authentic tales rooted in local lore.
Bottom line: For those interested in ghost stories and paranormal investigations, this tour offers a serious, engaging experience with a local expert.
7. Charleston: Women and Wine Tour
Costing $34 for 2 hours, this tour combines history, culture, and wine. Led by two licensed local historians, it visits two historic bars and discusses noteworthy women figures in Charleston’s past. The route also includes strolling past historic sites.
Guests appreciate the informative narration about female figures and the culinary experience of tasting local wines. It’s a unique mix of education and relaxation, well-suited for those interested in women’s history and local libations. The tour’s intimate size and knowledgeable guides make it a personalized and enriching experience.
Bottom line: If you want a blend of history, culture, and wine, this tour delivers a memorable, educational outing.
8. Charleston: Pirates and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour
This 2-hour tour combines pirate legends and ghost stories through the historic streets of Charleston. Starting at waterfront park, guides share tales of pirate battles, cemeteries, and haunted landmarks like the Pink House.
Rated 4.5/5, many reviewers mention the entertaining storytelling and beautiful historic streets. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting a darker, more mysterious perspective on Charleston’s past. The tour balances local history with spooky legends, making it suitable for families or groups seeking a thrilling experience.
Bottom line: For those into pirates and ghost stories, this tour provides a captivating, fun narrative with scenic stops.
9. Charleston Terrors: Pirate Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
For a more chilling experience, this haunted walk costs $27 and lasts just 1 hour. It explores Charleston’s darkest secrets, with stories about apparitions, mistresses of ghostly encounters, and unsettled spirits.
Reviewers highlight how Jim’s storytelling makes the history come alive, especially for those who enjoy spooky tales. It’s a shorter, more intense option for night owls or ghost enthusiasts looking for an eerie adventure.
Bottom line: If you’re after a spine-tingling ghost tour, this quick, intense walk is a great pick.
10. Charleston: The Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour
This family-friendly tour costs $25 and covers Charleston’s haunted revolutionary history. Visiting sites like the Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon, it highlights stories of courage, liberty, and restless spirits.
Rated 3.7/5, it appeals to those interested in history with a ghostly twist. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides but note it’s more subdued compared to other ghost tours.
Bottom line: If you prefer a historical ghost tour suitable for all ages, this walk offers a gentle introduction to Charleston’s haunted past.
11. Take an Amazing Guided Ghost Tour!
Finally, this evening ghost walk at $30 offers a comprehensive look at Charleston’s murders, hangings, and supernatural tales spanning over 300 years. Led by a paranormal investigator, it combines spooky stories with a lively atmosphere.
Many rave about its authenticity and storytelling, and it’s perfect for those wanting a thorough, immersive ghost experience. Bring your camera and your courage to explore the city’s darker side after sunset.
Bottom line: For a full-bodied ghost adventure, this tour is a top contender, especially if you enjoy investigator-led stories.
How to Choose Your Perfect Charleston Tour
Picking from this diverse list depends on what you want from your trip. Want an in-depth history walk? The History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour offers rich insights into the city’s buildings. If your interest is in sea adventures, the Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour provides a hands-on sailing experience with wildlife watching.
For nightlife lovers, the Bachelorette Pub Crawl combines fun and local stories, while history enthusiasts might prefer the Women and Wine Tour for its insightful look at women’s roles paired with tastings. Ghost fans should consider the Charleston Terrors Haunted Walk for its spooky storytelling, or the Ghosts of Liberty for a more historical approach.
Always check availability and book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Charleston’s wide array of tours and experiences ensures you’ll find something to match your curiosity—whether it’s exploring hidden alleys, sailing harbor waters, or uncovering ghostly legends. For those on a budget, the pirate scavenger hunt offers fun at just $9, while the Shem Creek Culture Tour provides a more relaxed cultural experience. For a more immersive history, the guided walking tours stand out, offering insights you won’t want to miss.
Remember, booking early during busy seasons guarantees a spot on sought-after tours. Whatever your style—adventure, history, or ghost stories—Charleston’s tours promise an engaging way to discover this charming city’s many layers. Happy exploring!