So bring your walking shoes if you are coming to the Holy City. It's truly the best way to experience our historic district. Try a Charleston walking tour to get the most out of your time. Here are three options for you of reputable tour companies in town.
After your tour, delve deeper into the Lowcountry's history by downloading our free area guides. We put these together for visitors to Charleston and our beautiful islands. Our guides recommend museums, restaurants, art galleries, historic landmarks, and more.
A List of the Best Walking Tours in Charleston, SC
Bull Dog Ghost and Graveyard Tour
Explore Charleston's spooky side with licensed guides on a haunted walking tour with Bull Dog Tours. Have a light dinner early, and head over to Bull Dog Tours. My visiting friend wanted to do "something a bit different." So we went to Slightly North of Broad for cocktails and dinner before meeting our guide. We visited chilling locations like the old jail and cemeteries at St. Philips and the Unitarian Church, the site of the oldest cemetery in Charleston. We heard great ghost stories and learned about famous criminals and notable Charleston figures. All had a "frightfully good time"!
Two Sisters Walking Tour
Two Sisters is owned by two Charlestonians, Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe. These ladies are seventh-generation Charleston natives. Oh, they are such a delight! Each brings an insider’s perspective to their Charleston tour. Walking through the Holy City with the sisters, you will venture down Charleston’s inviting sidewalks and hidden alleys. If you are around Lamboll Street, keep an eye open for the guinea hens! These crazy fowl roost in the trees, on the brick walls, and stroll around like they own Charleston!
Two Sisters Walking Tour Group tours are approximately two hours long and cost $20 per person. Reservations are required in advance. Tours begin in Washington Park next to City Hall at 80 Broad Street.
Free Tours By Foot
Free Tours by Foot is one of Charleston's easiest (and most affordable) walking tours. This one-of-a-kind tour company believes that sightseeing shouldn’t be expensive or tedious, so they offer informative, entertaining, and fun walking tours under a name-your-own-price business model. You will find several unique tours here, including a historic Charleston Walking Tour, a Civil War tour, an architecture tour, and a ghost tour. Several of my clients report it was a great experience.
Tours are offered most days of the week throughout the day. Check out the Free Tours By Foot schedule online and schedule your tour in advance.
Tips for Walking in Charleston SC
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. We have some cobblestone streets, especially near Waterfront Park. Fun fact: The cobblestones were used as ballast by European ships traveling to America. These discarded stones were repurposed! The cobblestone streets downtown are notoriously uneven, so come prepared.
- Most tours take place rain or shine (unless the weather is severe). Dress accordingly! With Charleston’s subtropical climate, we recommend bringing a rain jacket.
Enjoy the Best of What Charleston Offers With Pam Harrington Exclusives
After you tour the Holy City, head home to one of Charleston’s most beloved sea islands, with miles of pristine beaches. Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island are great places to call home. My company, Pam Harrington Exclusives, has been helping islanders for over 47 years. Our office is at 4341 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, just before the islands.
From scenic marsh views to oceanfront villas, browse our featured listings and the entire MLS! Contact me or one of our seasoned agents for an island tour. We can’t wait to welcome you to the South Carolina Lowcountry!
If you are looking for more unique ways to explore Charleston, like these walking tours, read our blog on Holy City ghost tours!