Charleston tours

Things to do in Charleston

Charleston welcomes you with a kind of quiet sophistication, a city where history lingers in the air and every street corner has a tale to tell. As you explore with a guide from ToursByLocals, you'll uncover the essence of the Holy City. Picture yourself wandering along Rainbow Row, where pastel-coloured houses stand as silent witnesses to centuries gone by. The historic district unfolds like a well-loved book, each chapter revealing secrets of the past. A food and wine tour offers a taste of Lowcountry cuisine, where flavours speak of tradition and time. With your guide, you sidestep the queues at famed plantations, and Charleston turns into a tapestry of stories and hospitality, ready for your discovery. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Charleston. Explore Charleston your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Charleston tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Charleston for every interest, including: History tours: Step into the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, then head to Liberty Square to board the Fort Sumter ferry for clear context on the war’s first shots. Add the Nathaniel Russell House to see daily life interpreted in its preserved rooms. Architecture tours: Unpack the Charleston Single House layout on quiet streets, stop at Rainbow Row for those iconic façades, and spotlight wrought-iron gates inspired by Philip Simmons’ work. Compare styles at the Aiken-Rhett House and the French Huguenot Church. Layover tours: Flying through CHS? Your guide can whisk you into the Historic District for a fast loop: the Battery’s mansions, Waterfront Park’s Pineapple Fountain, and a few minutes in the City Market for pralines. Short layover tours keep an eye on I-26 traffic and your boarding time. The Historic District is very walkable, and the free DASH shuttle helps with short hops. For plantations or farther sites, ask about chauffeured tours or private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Charleston inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Charleston on a private walking tour and consider adding some popular neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide. There's no better way to truly understand a neighborhood than with a local by your side. - French Quarter: Known for its historic charm and cobblestone streets, it's perfect for cultural tourists and history buffs. You can explore art galleries, historic sites, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. - South of Broad: Ideal for those interested in antebellum architecture and picturesque streets. This area is home to stunning historic homes and beautifully manicured gardens. - King Street: A hub for shopping and dining, it's great for multi-generational groups. You can discover boutiques, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the lively street scene. - Sullivan's Island: Perfect for families and those seeking a relaxing beach day. Enjoy the sandy shores, explore historic forts, and experience the laid-back island vibe. Day trip ideas from Charleston Use Charleston as your base, then branch out to nearby cities, sea islands, and wild forests with day trips that match how you like to explore, and keep it simple with day tours if you want a plan set out for you. - Savannah, Georgia: Stroll shaded squares, see stately homes, and eat along the riverfront in a city that pairs easy walking with rich history; if architecture, photo spots, and good food sit high on your list, this nearby city fits your style. - Beaufort and St. Helena Island: Quiet streets, waterfront views, and Lowcountry flavours come together here, and you can add time on the beach at Hunting Island State Park for a mix of small‑town charm, Gullah Geechee heritage, and nature. - Edisto Island and Botany Bay: Drive scenic oak tunnels to a protected shoreline dotted with shells and driftwood, a peaceful choice for birding, beachcombing, and slow coastal roads that keep crowds and noise far away. - Georgetown, South Carolina: An old port with a walkable harbourfront, rice history, and small museums, plus easy access to blackwater rivers where cypress trees and wildlife make boat time feel unhurried if you like nature with your history. - Congaree National Park: Boardwalks and quiet creeks lead through one of the tallest temperate forests in North America, and it’s ideal if you enjoy easy hikes, paddling, and wildlife, with day trips here working well as private tours or self‑guided time. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Charleston most travellers miss.