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(526)
Great guide was good beautiful homes. Lots of history! 2 hours was perfect and saw beautiful churches. Guide was knowledgeable!
Brian was so friendly and knowledgeable. We learned so much and had a lot of fun. He kept the group engaged.
Our guide, Brian, was exceptional with his knowledge of history and events. He was engaging and wish we were here longer to book more tours with him.
If you love architecture and history, this is the tour for you! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Unfortunately, the heat index in Charleston that day was 118. My only suggestion would be for tour guides to be cognizant of the heat, shorten their spiel, make stops for narratives short and keep the tour moving. Otherwise, I highly recommend this tour!
Very friendly and knowledgeable about Charleston history. Answered all questions throughout the tour very well
Brian our guide was excellent and showed us much of historic Charleston. There is so much to see and visit and he gave us a great introduction so that we can return at our leisure to explore further.
Our walking tour with Brian was phenomenal! He was friendly, punctual and extremely knowledgeable. His love of Charleston and the incredible deep history it has shines through when we walked around the city together. Thank you for a great time Brian! Highly recommend!
Great history tour with guide Brian. He was extremely knowledgeable and you could tell he really enjoyed giving these tours. Highly recommend.
Very knowledgeable and friendly. Willing to answer any question. Easy walking pace. Even a potty break in the middle.
Our tour guide Brian was awesome! It was an 12 out of 10 experience, excellent! He was so knowledgeable and really brought the history to life and helped us understand various details and stories. Per weather- Get your walking shoes on and bring a hand held fan if it is summer. It is hot, even in the morning. Also an umbrella help!
