Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture
Description
Our walk is a journey through time starting in the historic French Quarter where we stroll down enchanting alleyways and cobblestone streets. The architecture of houses of worship and public buildings are discussed as we point out interesting features and tell unique stories about Charleston’s fabled past. We continue to the South of Broad area where beautiful 18th & 19th century houses abound. We enter the Nathaniel Russell House garden to get a glimpse of Charleston off the beaten path. The waterfront Battery is a perfect place to take in the sights of Charleston Harbor and imagining the opening volley of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter located just a few miles in the distance. This is not just another boring history lesson, but a walk back in time culminating the life of Charlestonians and visitors alike. Come see what makes Charleston such special place to visit. Whether being your first time or your twentieth, Charleston always has more to see and learn!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our starting point is one of the most historical buildings in South Carolina, c. 1771. The Declaration of Independence was read here in 1776, it was used a British prison for roughy two years during the American Revolution, US Constitution ratified in SC in 1788, George Washington was entertained during week-long visit in May 1791, plus many more events.
See the longest row of attached Georgian row houses in the country. These were mariner's stores in the 18th & 19th centuries. Restored in the 1930's during Charleston's preservation efforts to a bright Caribbean color scheme.
Known as Ryan's Slave Mart in the 1850's, this building was an auction site of the interstate slave trade. We will speak about Charleston's role in the slave trade. The City of Charleston operates the museum and tours are available on site. We do not enter the building.
A beautiful Gothic Revival building from 1845 houses one of the only practicing Huguenot (French Protestant) in the country.
Entrance depending on availabilty. Built on the site of the first theater in the British colonies, The Dock Street Theatre, c. 1937 was restored from the old Planter's Hotel, c. 1809. The Charleston Stage company operates as the largest professional theater company in South Carolina. Roughly 120 performances take place every year.
This building sets on one the "Four Corners of Law", named by Robert Ripley (Ripley's Believe it or Not). Built in 1801 as a bank, City Hall has been as such since 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously run city hall's in the country. During the weekdays, visitors can enter the council chamber and see their collection, complimentary.
Entrance depending on availability. Oldest house of worship in the city, c.1761. We speak about Charleston's religious history of the past and present. The building has much of the original woodwork and beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows. John Rutledge and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, US Constitution signers, are buried in the churchyard.
We enter the garden of this beautiful Federal style townhouse built in 1808 and owned by Nathaniel Russell. Reigning from Rhode Island, he was a wealthy merchant involved in shipping.
We walk up on the High Battery wall to take a look at the waterfront mansions and discuss the beginning of the Civil War. Ft Sumter is in view. The Edmonston Alston House has been in the family since 1838 and was a site where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter with other onlookers.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(497)
Very informative and interesting tour!
I was lucky to have Brian Simms as my guide on a solo tour. Brian is extremely knowledgeable and lively, and being a history buff, he always was ready to answer my numerous questions. One of my most memorable tours for the deep dive into Charleston with a highly skilled guide.
Wow Finn was so knowledgeable. It was a wonderful tour. It was just ended up being a private tour with my family. We learned so much about the history of Charleston.
Very informative, Charleston is a beautiful city. I would recommend this tour and the company we used. Just remember to take a bottle of water.
Our guide was great. The perfect balance of information and entertainment. I would recommend this tour to a friend. Just the right amount of walking and talking.
We had a great time with Fin! He was very knowledgeable and welcomed any questions. Very passionate about what he does. Highly recommend.
This was a great way to start our first day in Charleston. Fin, our guide, was a retired history teacher who had a passion for the subject. We learned a lot of interesting things, and he answered all our questions. It put everything we saw for the rest of our stay in context.
Fin was an amazing tour guide. I loved how much he was able to bring the story of the founders’ of Charleston to life while walking around the historic district!
Our tour guide (Fin) was exceptional with his historical knowledge and answering any and all questions. He was not in a hurry to complete the tour and made us feel very comfortable with areas he took us through. We learned a lot from him and he comes with our five star+++ recommendation. Thanks for a great tour.
Fin was a superb guide - pleasant, interesting and knowledgeable. The tour was worth every penny.
