Our professional guides entertain and educate guests about Charleston's legendary personalities and three hundred years of Charleston's storied past.
Tour Charleston's "The Story of Charleston" allows you to see "The Jewel of the South" from a true Charlestonian's perspective. You'll hear about Charleston's history, the stories behind the history, and then we'll tell you what really happened. As one of our own guides likes to say, "You'll learn everything that's told in the history books to what's whispered on the front porches."
During the 80 to 90 minute tour, you'll see and hear the history behind these and many other sites:
The tour will walk you over quaint cobblestone sidewalks, around elegant buildings and gardens, and back through time as we revisit the impact of numerous wars and natural disasters.
As seen on The History Channel, CNN, USA Today, and Travel & Leisure, "The Story of Charleston" takes you on a unique journey through the oldest historic district in the country.
Tour Charleston's "The Story of Charleston" allows you to see "The Jewel of the South" from a true Charlestonian's perspective. You'll hear about Charleston's history, the stories behind the history, and then we'll tell you what really happened. As one of our own guides likes to say, "You'll learn everything that's told in the history books to what's whispered on the front porches."
During the 80 to 90 minute tour, you'll see and hear the history behind these and many other sites:
- Rainbow Row
- The High Battery
- The Powder Magazine
- The Dock Street Theatre
- The Old Exchange Building
- The Original Walls of the City
- St. Philip's Episcopal Church
- The Circular Congregational Church
- The Old Jail and much, much more
The tour will walk you over quaint cobblestone sidewalks, around elegant buildings and gardens, and back through time as we revisit the impact of numerous wars and natural disasters.
As seen on The History Channel, CNN, USA Today, and Travel & Leisure, "The Story of Charleston" takes you on a unique journey through the oldest historic district in the country.
Meeting Location
Waterfront Park near Vendue Range (Charleston, SC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.
- How much walking is involved?
- The tour lasts between 80 and 90 minutes with a few breaks for photo opportunities. We walk at a very leisurely pace.
- What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a child?
- For children between the ages of 4 and 12 you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 3 and younger attend for free, but you'll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled "Free" when purchasing. All passengers, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour takes place rain or shine. In the rare event of severe weather conditions, we may contact you up to an hour before the tour about rescheduling possibilities. Otherwise, please dress appropriately for the day's weather.
- Can I take a stroller on the tour?
- Yes. But please keep in mind Charleston is a 300 year old city, so you may find it difficult to travel on the cobblestone and slate sidewalks with a stroller.
- How does this tour differ from your other tours?
- Like Charleston herself, all of our tours are very diverse. Each of our tours focuses on a different aspect of Charleston's history and culture and is a unique experience in of itself. Even our two ghost tours feature completely different stories, legends, and parts of the city. "The Ghosts of Charleston" is our most appropriate ghost tour for young children. "The Ghosts of Charleston Two - Specters" is darker and more sinister, and although many children also enjoy this tour, parents should carefully consider how easily scared their children are before taking this tour. "The Pirates of Charleston" and "The Story of Charleston" are both very family friendly and are loved by people of all ages.
- Is this tour only for tourists?
- No. Our tours are very informative and entertaining for both locals and tourists alike. Locals learn new stories associated with their favorite locations they've been visiting for years. Tourists will fall in love with Charleston's rich history and amazing culture. Even if you're a supernatural scholar and Charleston native, our tours will entertain you and almost always teach you something new.
- Where does the tour end?
- The tour either ends at St. Phillip's Episcopal on Church Street or at the corner of Meeting and Queen Streets.
- If the tour is sold out, is there a waiting list?
- Unfortunately, there is not a waiting list. We recommend that you purchase tickets well in advance to guarantee a specific day and time.
- What is the maximum number of people on the tour?
- To keep your experience authentic, we prefer to keep our groups small and intimate. The maximum number of guests that we allow per guide is 20.
- Are there bugs on the tour?
- While it's not a major issue, we do tour along the water and this is the South! Especially in the summer, mosquitoes and gnats can sometimes be a nuisance in Charleston. You may consider using an insect repellent before taking the tour.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes. If you are interested in booking a private tour, please contact Tour Charleston directly by clicking "Contact BuxtonTours" to the left of the page.
- Are gift certificates available?
- No, unfortunately there are no gift certificates available for this tour. There are, however, gift certificates available for our Ghosts of Charleston Tour in Waterfront Park and they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please check out the Ghosts of Charleston Tour in Waterfront Park by clicking “List of All Activities” to the left of the page.
Tour Charleston, LLC
Tour Charleston was founded over a decade ago by Julian T. Buxton III, Charleston's former City Tourism Commission Chairman and distinguished author.
All of Tour Charleston's licensed historical guides are experts in the city's rich history and legendary characters, and have been featured widely on television stations like CNN and in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal.
Don't be fooled by imitations; Tour Charleston is the foremost Ghost and History tour provider in South Carolina.
All of Tour Charleston's licensed historical guides are experts in the city's rich history and legendary characters, and have been featured widely on television stations like CNN and in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal.
Don't be fooled by imitations; Tour Charleston is the foremost Ghost and History tour provider in South Carolina.
