After searching for walking tours and private guides for an upcoming trip to Rome, I thought it would be helpful to share all about the best walking tours in Charleston, SC (my home)! I’ve taken several over the years for work and there are a couple companies that truly stand out to me. I will also be sharing a recommended route so you can do a self guided walking tour seeing some of the most iconic sights (plus a few hidden gems)!
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Must See Spots in Charleston, SC
These are a few spots and view points you will not want to miss for your first visit to the holy city. There is much more to see, but these are the highlights in the historic district.
- The Battery
- White Point Gardens
- Rainbow Row
- Tradd Street
- St. Philips Church from Church Street
- Dock Street Theater (America’s Oldest Theater)
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain
- Charleston City Market
- Chalmers Street
- Four Corners of Law
- Washington Square Park
Best Walking Tour Companies in Charleston, SC
These are some of the top companies to consider when booking your walking tour in Charleston. I have personally been on each of these and highly recommend. A walking tour is a great way to see the city and learn more about what makes it so special.
Leisurely tip: I always tell people to do this at the beginning of your visit to get a lay of the land!
1. Bulldog Tours
Bulldog Tours is one of the largest companies offering tours in the area. They offer all types of options depending on your interests like culinary tours, ghost tours, history tours, and even private group tours where you can tailor it.
Their guides are all licensed by the city of Charleston’s rigorous testing and have a passion for their storytelling craft. Each tour is capped at 20 people so groups are intimate and you are able to hear and ask questions. Bulldog Tours is dedicated to sustainable tourism and gives back to the many attractions and sights included on their tours. You can feel good about supporting this local business!
2. Walk & Talk Charleston
You will love taking a tour with Tyler, the Lid Lady, because it will feel like you are being showed around by a friend! Her history tours focus on the characters of Charleston and their lively stories. You’ll get to know many of the historic figures that made Charleston what it is – with a little gossip! She also offers an LGBTQ+ tour that offers a more complete history of our area – the Real Rainbow Row Tour.
This would be a particularly great option for a girls group or bachelorette weekend in Charleston!
3. Undiscovered Charleston
Undiscovered Charleston is led by Chef Forrest Parker. It includes a culinary-focused history walking tour of the area and ends with a cooking demo and of course, WINE! This is such a unique and fun tour perfect for any travelers interested in the history of Charleston’s culinary scene. Here’s a sampling of what we had:
4. Exclusively Charleston
Linda Wohlfeil at Exclusively Charleston knows everything about Charleston. I learned so much listening to her stories! She’s a native of Charleston and has been giving tours for much of her life. She offers small group private walking tours in Charleston. If you want a private guide, check Linda’s availability first!
Self Guided Walking Tour Route for Charleston
Here is my recommendation for the best route to follow if wandering around on your own walking tour in Charleston. You won’t get to hear all of the history, but will see all of the picturesque spots.
Charleston Self-Guided Walking Tour:
- Begin at The Joe Riley Waterfront Park. This a beautiful park with waterfront views of Charleston Harbor and there is the iconic Pineapple Fountain.
- Continue down East Bay Street passing the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (open for tours).
- Head south where you will pass Rainbow Row (great photo op)
- Turn right on Tradd Street to admire these historic houses and window boxes.
- A left on Church Street then another left onto Longitude Lane for a stroll down this charming alleyway
- Continue down East Bay where you will pass some of the historic mansions like the Edmondston-Alston House (tours available), Roper House, and the Palmer Home.
- Then, you will reach the Battery and White Point Gardens. A great spot to relax and take in the scenery.
- After, head down Meeting Street passing the Nathaniel Russell House – a great house museum to tour!
- Then, you will approach St. Michael’s Church which has a massive church steeple! It’s truly stunning.
- You will then be standing at the Four Corners of Law. You’ve got the church, city hall, a county courthouse, and US Post office. Each one used by federal, state, local, and religious institutions.
- Head South on Broad Street where you’ll pass Washington Square (named for George Washington), left on Church Street where you will pass the beautiful cobblestoned Chalmer’s Street – pop down to see the Pink House!
- And continue on Church to see the Dock Street Theater and a stunning view of St. Philip’s. You can visit or walk through the cemetery if you would like.
- Finally, you will end at the city market for some shopping. It is quite touristy, but you have to see it as a first timer. Stop at one of the many restaurants or hotels for a bite and drink! I love the Spectator bar, The Loutrel, Frannie & the Fox, Callie’s Biscuits, or head over to the Charleston Place Hotel. Market Pavilion Hotel also has a popular rooftop.
Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour Map
Lastly, use this map to see where I am taking you!
Charleston Travel Planning
More posts to plan the perfect getaway to Charleston!
Alison Holman says
Hi! What is the approximate mileage of this route? How long did you spend doing it? Thanks!
Lindsey says
Hi Alison! It is about a 2-2.5 mile route. Depending on your pace and making stops, it will take an hour – 90 minutes to walk it.