Tours/Charleston/Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours
Viator · Private tour

Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

4.9(376)Charleston1 hour
VIATOR4.9(209)TRIPADVISOR4.9(167)

Description

Looking for a stress-free way to see Charleston? Join local guide Jeff Zimmerman and his team on their 2 hour citywide private driving tour. Beat the crowds in a comfortable full sized weatherproof SUV. Experience Charleston your way as Jeff and his team tailor your private tour to suit your own personal interests. As licensed tour guides since 1997, Jeff and his team provide a unique narrative on the city's history, eclectic architecture, culture, and even the natural world. You will not only visit the must-see places but also get off the beaten path and get closer to less touristy nooks that are off limits to carriage and bus tours.

Tour Options

Morning Tour
  • Pickup included
Afternoon Tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Pass by

Waterfront Park is a picturesque destination that offers sightseers a breathtaking panoramic view of Charleston harbor. Here you get unobstructed views of the Ravenel Bridge, the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriots Point, and Fort Sumter.

15 min

In 1736, the Dock Street Theatre opended. The Dock Street Theatre was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances.

Pass by

Founded in 1842, The Citadel is one of six senior military colleges and with over 2300 in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, the Citadel is one of the largest uniformed bodies in the U.S. with the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. The college is located on a 300 acres along the banks of the Ashely River.

Pass by

Rainbow is the longest continuous cluster of intact Georgian row houses in America. Highlighted by beautiful pastel colors it is one of the most photographed parts of the city.

10 min

Located at the tip of the peninsula, or what locals like to say "where the Ashley and Cooper rivers come together and form the Atlantic Ocean." Also known as Oyster Point, the location provides beautiful views of Fort Sumter and the harbor. Overlooking the park are some of Charleston's most impressive southern Mansions.

Pass by

St. Michael's Church, circa 1761 is the oldest church in downtown charleston and represents ecclesiastical law at the Four Corners of Law. The churchyard is resting place of two signers of the U.S. Constitution, John Rutledge and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.

Pass by

Built on the site of a colonial marketplace, this Adamesque building initially served as The First Bank of the United States. In 1818, it became the City Hall and now represents municipal law at the Four Corners of Law. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, it was constructed between 1801 and 1804 on a site set aside as part of the civic square laid out in the Grand Modell, the 17th century plan of the city.

Pass by

At 60 acres, this beautiful park is the largest on the peninsula. Once the site of the Washington Race Course, today centuries old Live Oaks and Southern Magnolia trees encircle it's lush gardens

Pass by

This neoclassical building was designed by Irish architect James Hoban and is likely the model for Hoban's most famous building, the U.S. White House, both buildings are modeled after the Leinster House, the current seat of the Irish Parliament in Dublin.

Highlights

Private transportation

What's included

Included
Private transportation

Pickup Locations & Times

We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off at downtown Charleston locations. I do not pick-up or drop-off at the Charleston International Airport, North Charleston, Summerville, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island, John's Island, Goose Creek, or Kiawah Island.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
376 reviews
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355
4
14
3
4
2
1
1
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Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(376)

Q
Q4396YNtomw
June 19, 2026
Charleston behind the scenes.

Matthew brought a broad historical knowledge to the tour. As a long time resident he offered insight to the local flavor, & generational behavior of the city. Quite an excellent experience.

J
jon_s
April 3, 2026
private tour

Nick was a great guide and so glad that i booked him. He knew a lot and was fun to talk to... highly recommend!

L
Lavenia_D
May 18, 2025
Tour did not happen

I have booked Charleston in a Nutshell 5 times previously. Each time was exceptionally. This time, Jeff the guide did not come to appointed pick up place. When I called the cell phone provided in my reservation, Jeff told me he had a stroke last year and had not worked since. Viator booked and charged me for a tour that could not happen.

E
Ed_L
October 9, 2024
Scam?0

Never showed up at our hotel. When I ordered, you confirmed our hotel, and again on the phone in the morning. When you didn’t show, I tried to call the numbers that I had, and to chat, no response. I expect a refund, or is this a scam?

Operator response

We tried to contact you multiple times on the number you provided, but couldnt reach you, neither via phone call nor text message. Of course we refund it as we don't charge for Tours who we didn't do.

S
Susan_F
September 14, 2024
Charleston tour

Favorably impressed with our driver, Jeff. He was very knowledgeable about Charleston history and architecture. Very glad we took the tour.

A
Alana_B
September 2, 2024
Excellent Tour

We’ve been to Charleston many times. Jeff taught us and showed us a variety of new things in Charleston. He had a wonderful speaking voice! Extremely informative and lovely car.

Operator response

Thank you Alana. Please come again!

J
Jennifer_W
September 2, 2024
My husband and I decided...

My husband and I decided to book this tour as a last minute activity during our first trip to Charleston. It was by far the best way to see the city and learn about its rich history and the natural beauty it has to offer. Jefferey was the best tour guide we could have asked for! Very knowledgeable and personable. If you book this tour, you won’t regret it!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you Jennifer, glad you enjoyed the experience. Warm regards, Jeff.

S
Stephen_H
September 1, 2024
Private tour

Driver was very knowledgeable. Took us to places beyond the normal tourist stops. Highly recommend. Very comfortable ride, individual attention was excellent.

Operator response

Thank you Stephen and Joan. Please come again!

9
982terrib
August 2, 2024
Charleston Private Tour

Jeff was great! Our flight was delayed all day which made us miss our tour. We were so grateful he was able to accommodate us the following day. He took us all over downtown Charleston. He knew so much history and took us to all the main sites. It was an amazing way to see a lot in a little time. The private tour and the air conditioning was an added plus!!!!

Operator response

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the excursion. Please come again.

M
Movingcargo
July 27, 2024
The best of Charleston

Excellent ! Jeff made it the best experience and we learned so much. Would highly recommend! You get a taste of everything while learning their history

Operator response

Thank your for the review and thank you for your business. Please come again!

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