The 9 Best Private History Tours in Charleston

1.Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Spend about two hours walking Charleston with a certified guide such as Steve Bailey, Kay, Kate, or Russ. Expect a small English-language group, old homes and churches, the Four Corners of Law, the Charleston Battery, and plenty of time for questions. The route ends near Dock Street Theatre.

“Steve’s tour of Old Charleston was the highlight of our stay. He’s a “binyah,” and his lifelong knowledge of the area came out through his detailed stories as we visited many fascinating sites around the city. He also seems to know everyone, and lots of people we ran into clearly know him, too. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Private Photo Session in Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Meet Dennis at 79 E Bay St for a private one to two-hour photo walk in historic Charleston. Expect guided posing, relaxed humor, and portraits around Rainbow Row, with possible stops at cobbled lanes, cozy alleys, and avenues of oaks. The experience is in English and ends where it starts.

“Dennis was super impressive! We had a great time with girls trip photos on rainbow row. Great personality and worked fast with turnaround.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Private Historic Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 103 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.)

Ride through Charleston’s historic district in a private carriage for up to four people. Your professional guide handles the driving and storytelling, with past guides such as Daniel, Ricky, Kiki, and Dr. Tim praised for humor and local detail. Routes vary by city direction, so sights are not guaranteed.

“The guide we had was great, very informative, learnt a lot about the history, took us around many of the old buildings, we had a great time and would do it again”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Charleston Sailing Charters for a private morning sail aboard Mystique, limited to your group of up to six. Your skipper and first mate guide you past the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter, with drinks, shade, a restroom, and chances to spot dolphins.

“Had an amazing time sailing with Rob and Mattie! It was exactly what we hoped for….a beautiful peaceful morning with wonderful brunch by Caviar & Bananas (highly recommend!!). Rob and Mattie took great care of us and made it a very special part of our time in Charleston! If you’re considering booking…do it! You won’t be disappointed!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Charleston Walking History City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Explore Charleston in a private luxury vehicle with a City of Charleston Certified Tour Guide. Your two-hour outing focuses mainly on South of Broad, with hotel or home pickup, snacks, an iced cooler, and guides such as Nick, Valerie, Al, or Coby depending on availability.

“My husband and I visited Charleston for his 40th birthday. We decided on a private tour and it was a great experience. Nick was our guide. He was very informative and knowledgeable. It was such a pleasure to meet him and go on his tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Private Sunset Sail BYOB Dolphin/History Tours on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll sail privately with your group of up to six aboard the 43-foot Mystique, passing the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter. Bring your own wine and food, while the crew provides water and soft drinks. Captains and mates such as Scott, Maddie, Will, and Sam add local stories and attentive service.

“A MUST do if you're visiting Charleston! We had beautiful weather for a sunset sail. Dusty and Maddie made our experience that much better! Funny, personable and so knowledgeable! We had an amazing time and will be doing it again next time we visit!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private Walking Tour of Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Meet Timothy, a multi-generation Charlestonian, at 80 Broad Street for a private walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad. Expect colonial churches, cobbled streets, grand homes, iron gates, earthquake plates, Rainbow Row, the Battery, and harbor views. The tour runs about two hours.

“Tour guide for private tour texted us an hour before the tour start time saying he was stuck in traffic. We offered to start later even an hour late and he still declined. He pawned us off on another guide and we are now stuck going in the morning prior to our Mother’s Day brunch. Not at all ideal or what we wanted.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Half Day Private Tour throughout Charleston Historic Locations

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175

Spend three hours with a private guide such as Dave, Mark, Jon, or Eric Lager, Ph.D., touring Charleston by air-conditioned SUV. See the Battery, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Gadsden’s Wharf, Old Village, and Shem Creek, with time to ask about local food and history.

“Jon was wondering as our tour guide. He was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging throughout our tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Private Afternoon Sailing/Dolphin & History Tour on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Spend two to four hours aboard the 43-foot Mystique with a private group of up to six. Captain Scott, Sam, Rob, Sophia, Adam, Darby, Dustin, or another crew member may guide you past the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and Fort Sumter, with dolphins possible.

“Rob and Sophia were great! Very informative and helpful. Sophia was very attentive and catered to our every whim. Book your trip now”

Check availability →Read our full review