Small Group Historic Charleston walking Tour
Description
Charleston, SC is a wonderful place to visit. So much history, so many centuries old traditions. Choosing the right tour guide will make your experience truly memorable. Mike and Nancy are licensed city guides and 30 year resident of the Old and Historic District. They can offer a perspective that almost no one else can. One of them will walk you through little known pathways and tell you about 300 year old Charleston customs that are still practiced today. For those interested Mike also offers Civil War in Charleston tours. Learn about the battles that took place in Charleston, the harbor defenses and the unique relationship between Major Anderson the Union commander and General Beauregard the Confederate commander. Finally, Mike and Nancy are considered two of Charleston's premier guides. See why Charleston's leading hotels refer their guests to them.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour begins at White Point Garden where the settlers landed in 1680. There you hear about how Charleston was started. A gift to 8 Lord Proprietors from King Charles II. You will see the Stevens Lather House, at 17,000 sq. ft, the second largest home in Charleston. In 1920 the good people of Charleston established the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings in the ballroom of that home. It was the very first preservation society in the country.
As we stroll along the high battery (waterfront) you will learn about the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. You’ll hear about the Battle of Battery Wagner, subject of the movie “Glory” and much more about the Civil War. You will see some of Charleston’s finest antebellum homes and hear some “insider” stories of old Charleston. Like the 900 piece of cannon that landed on the roof of the Roper House in 1864 and it’s still there today. You will see the Carolina Yaughtless Club, Rainbow Row and much more.
Once we get to Tradd Street we will be walking in what was the original walled city. We will see some of Charleston’s earliest grand homes from the 1740’s and 1750’s. Tradd Street, with its wonderful window boxes is considered one of Charleston’s most charming streets and is often featured in Southern Living Magazine. We will see Catfish Row (Church Street between Tradd Street and Broad Street), the black neighborhood in Charleston before the Civil War and the subject of the play Porgy and Bess.
Then to Meeting Street. There we will see more examples of Charleston’s pre Revolutionary War homes, including the James Simmons House - General Beauregard’s headquarters during the Civil War. We will see the Nathanial Russell, one of Charleston’s finest museum homes, an example of a Charleston Single House and the Williams Mansion - at 24,000 sq. ft. the largest home in Charleston. George Williams built the mansion after the Civil War in what is called the Italianate style of architecture. Williams was a blockade runner during the Civil War. Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone with The Wind) visited the home when she was 13 years old and we think that visit may have been the genesis of her book.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(64)
I was so extremely fortunate, and ended up with a private tour with Mike. He was very knowledgeable, kind and friendly and gave me a fascinating and thorough insight into the history, charm and beauty of Charleston. If you are lucky enough to have him as your tour guide you will not be disappointed. Thank you Mike.
Exploring Charleston with this gentleman was nothing short of exceptional. His depth of knowledge is immediately apparent—not only in the way he recounts the city’s layered history, but in how he connects it seamlessly to its architecture, culture, and the subtle details that most visitors would otherwise overlook. What sets him apart is his refined understanding of Charleston’s architectural heritage—from stately antebellum homes to lesser-known structures that reveal the city’s evolution over centuries. Beyond history, his insights into Charleston’s cultural fabric are equally impressive. He speaks with familiarity and warmth about longstanding traditions, local customs, and the influential families who have shaped the city’s identity. It’s clear he is not merely an observer, but someone personally connected within these circles, lending an authenticity that is rare to encounter. Equally noteworthy is his reputation as a discerning restaurant connoisseur. His recommendations are thoughtful and tailored, reflecting both an elevated palate and an insider’s access to some of the city’s most celebrated dining establishments. In every sense, he offers more than a tour—he curates an experience that is sophisticated, immersive, and unforgettable.
Very interesting with abundance of historical facts. Graham is so personable seem to really enjoy showing people around Charleston.
I traveled with my mom and her friend to Charleston for the first time in early October. A friend recommended Mike's tour and we were not disappointed! He gave us many amazing historical facts about the area and brought a personal touch to each of his stories. He had first hand knowledge of several of the local homes and the people that lived in them. Due to the inclement weather, we had to reschedule our original tour. Mike was very accommodating and communicated clearly throughout the process. I would definitely recommend Mike to anyone wanting an interesting, factual tour of Charleston!
This is our second time touring the city with Mike. The first time was two years ago when we visited the city with friends. Everyone had a great time and was very impressed with his knowledge of historical Charleston. This week we returned to the city with family and Mike’s walking tour was a number one must do for our family. Mike shared many interesting facts about Charleston and did a great job giving us new information since two of us had taken his tour in the past. The tour is about two hours long and is well worth your time. We recommend his tour to all of our friends.
The sight seeing tour with Mike was good, he has a lot to tell and knows his stuff. Being a member of the historical society he knows everything from brick walls and roof tiles, historici buildings and the people living in it. He has a good sense of humor and last but not least: a great recommendation for a restaurant for that same evening, The Chubby fish of chef James London great choice, worth the waiting in line! Thanks Mike. Greetings from Ruud and Roel.
Mike lead a wonderful tour. He is so knowledgeable and explained everything so clearly. We definitely recommend him. A great afternoon!!
One of the best tours on our trip to Charleston. Mike shared so many interesting facts about Charleston and its part in the Civil War. We would recommend it to our friends.
Great tour. Mike is a local, lived in Charleston for decades right in the historic district on Battery st.. So much to see and learn here. Highly recommmend. -Atchara and Pete
Mike was fantastic!! He gave us lots of information about the history of Charleston and some really neat fun facts about the goings on today. It was a great tour, we didn’t feel rushed and it was informative. Mike was also helpful with suggestions of things to do and places to eat in Charleston. Everyone should do this tour!
