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Charleston Signature History Walking Tour: Explore the Past

6 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Charleston, USA
Book online or call us

from $35 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Our expert and certified guides will leave you captivated at every corner.
St. Michael's steeple. The oldest church (not oldest congregation!) in Charleston.
Our charming and preserved streets will leave you enchanted.
Architecture that defined the city and its history.
Hidden details often overlooked by other tours.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Charleston's rich history on a captivating 90 minute walking tour through its historic streets and hidden alleys. Beginning at the Shepheards Tavern marker, this journey takes you from the city's 17th-century founding through pivotal events that shaped its identity. Your knowledgeable guide will share engaging stories, encouraging questions and interaction to enrich your understanding of Charleston's complex past. Ideal for first-time visitors, seasoned travelers, and local residents alike, this tour offers an intimate look at the city's heritage while fostering a personal connection with each guest.

- Walk through the Old and Historic District, uncovering Charleston’s storied past
- Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, ending near the iconic Rainbow Row
- Perfect for history enthusiasts, newcomers, and locals wanting to learn more
- Departure from Shepheards Tavern marker at 46 Broad Street, 15 minutes early arrival recommended

What's Included

  • Strolls through the picturesque historic streets of Charleston
  • A $0.50 tour tax is included in each ticket price.
  • 1.5 hr walking tour where the guide listens to the guests and adjusts based on their interests
  • Gratuity
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

46 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

83-107 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401, USA

This tour lasts about 1.5 hours and our walk will end you at the postcard picture perfect Rainbow Row!

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

46 Broad St

This tour will at 46 Broad Street, an intersection that includes the Shepheards Tavern Marker, Plenge the Hat Man, and one of Charleston's first banks which saw a very odd attempt to rob it by underground tunnels. We will walk down Church Street along the original grid streets of the 1670's Grand Modelle design before exploring Stoll's Alley and its collection beautiful Philip Simmons ironworks.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

East Bay Street

Emerging from the relatively hidden entrance to Stoll's Alley, we will walk along the Sea Wall on East Bay Street and learn about the original Walled City, view the Charleston Harbor and its historic fortifications, and learn more about the beautiful architecture and stories of the large antebellum homes that line the waterfront.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Battery & White Point Gardens

No walking tour is complete without a stop at the historic White Point Gardens and Battery. Filled with the canopies of aged live oaks, and lined with cannons that saw history in the making during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, this part of Charleston also bears a marker to end of the pirate age in Charleston. We may also see a wedding taking place at the historic gazebo.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

South of Broad

We will stroll from White Point Gardens back up the storied streets such as Meeting, King, or Legare. Sharing more fascinating stories and busting some myths about some houses too. We listen to your interests all throughout the tour and adjust as needed to make sure you all leave us having learned all you could. From a house that is still owned by descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to remnants of the horrible institution of slavery, we will have you captivated along the entire way.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Four Corners of Law

The intersection of Broad and Meeting Street once was the general location of the drawbridge to enter the walled city of Charleston. Today it is believed to be the only place in the world where you have all forms of law represented in once place. We will also move through Washington Park here and learn about its fascinating history.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

French Quarter

A walk down Chalmers Street, with its beautiful cobblestones, will be balanced with the harsh reality that it also contains one of the last slave auction locations in Charleston. Here we will also see what is believed to be the oldest house in Charleston, from the late 17th Century.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

We will walk by the Old Exchange and learn about its history as the site of the first Revolutionary Tea Party as well as site of many other events through history.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Rainbow Row

We will end our tour near Rainbow Row, but not before we learn about its history and how it became such a beautiful street (with a few myth busters in there too).
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Charleston Signature History Walking Tour: Explore the Past?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5590573P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
6 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Charleston Signature History Walking Tour: Explore the Past?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Strolls through the picturesque historic streets of Charleston.
  • A $0.50 tour tax is included in each ticket price.
  • 1.5 hr walking tour where the guide listens to the guests and adjusts based on their interests.
  • Stops and learning about historical places with the guide focused on the best experience.
  • City Licensed and Certified Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuity.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Charleston Signature History Walking Tour: Explore the Past is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Charleston Signature History Walking Tour: Explore the Past will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Strolls through the picturesque historic streets of Charleston
  • A $0.50 tour tax is included in each ticket price.
  • 1.5 hr walking tour where the guide listens to the guests and adjusts based on their interests
  • Stops and learning about historical places with the guide focused on the best experience
  • City Licensed and Certified Guide
  • Gratuity

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name