tour guides charleston sc

Private Guided Tours

Exclusively Charleston has provided quality private tours in Charleston since 1990. We specialize in historic city, plantations, culinary and special interest tours to provide you with a knowledgeable and memorable experience. Our guides are insured and licensed with the Arts and History Commission of Charleston. They have worked extensively in the history and tourism field. Let Exclusively Charleston ensure a pleasant experience when visiting Charleston, SC.

MEDIA FEATURES INCLUDE

1-2 people $125/hour

3-6 people $150/hour

Additional fees may apply for Plantation Tours, Christmas Tours and Culinary Tours. Admission is NOT included for the Plantation Tours. Call for details.

For groups larger than four, transportation can be arranged for an additional fee. Transportation by luxury auto is included up to six passengers.

City of Charleston

Historic Plantations

Specialty Tours

Christmas in Charleston

Email: [email protected]

Call: (843) 345-1130 or (843) 291-1201

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The 15 best charleston tours of 2024.

See everything this historic South Carolina city has to offer on one of these guided excursions.

The Best Charleston Tours

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History and culture lovers will relish a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for its variety of historic churches, forts and mansions that rank as Charleston's most popular attractions . Or, perhaps you're most interested in its cuisine or the sea creatures that populate its waterways. Either way, these tours – identified by U.S. News using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment – offer just what you need for a fulfilling visit to the Holy City.

Palmetto Carriage Works – Daytime Group Carriage Ride – Charleston Residential District

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $40 Duration: 1 hour

This tour with Palmetto Carriage Works focuses on the residential district of downtown Charleston. During the ride, the horse-drawn carriage winds through 25 to 30 city blocks, passing houses, mansions, parks and gardens, while the driver shares information regarding architecture, the landscape and regional history. Patrons consistently laud the guides for their knowledge, friendliness and good humor. They also appreciate how well the company cares for its horses. Palmetto Carriage offers a variety of "add-ons," such as a plantation tour at Middleton Place or a harbor boat tour.

Daytime tours leave every 30 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the month. Carriages hold up to 16 people; children younger than 4 may ride as a lap child for free. The company also offers evening carriage tours.

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Two Sisters Tours

Price: From $25 Duration: 2 hours

Take the name of the Two Sisters Tours literally: sisters, who are seventh-generation Charleston natives, lead every tour. Along the 2.5-mile walking tour, you'll traverse 18 city blocks and visit St. Michael's Church, the Battery and various centuries-old houses, among other attractions. The sibling guides earn effusive praise for the historical information and colorful anecdotes they share with travelers.

Groups are limited to 20 participants. Tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. An additional 2 p.m. tour may be offered, depending on the month.

Adventure Harbor Tours – Morris Island Boat Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $36 Duration: 3 hours

To reach the uninhabited Morris Island, hop on this boat tour offered by Adventure Harbor Tours. After setting sail from the Charleston Harbor, you'll head to Morris Island where you'll have 90 minutes to explore. You can roam the island on your own for a self-guided visit, or heed the advice of previous tourgoers and follow your guide to learn more about the island's ecology, animals and tidal mechanics. Your guide will also help you spot interesting shells and shark teeth that you can take home with you – a particular highlight for reviewers.

Due to unpredictable tidal conditions, tour times and daily availability may vary. You can see the various departure times when booking. Adventure Harbor Tours also offers private charters, as well as sunset cruises.

Old South Carriage Company – Historic Charleston Carriage Tour

Old South Carriage Company's Historic Charleston Carriage Tours cover about 30 blocks of the city. During the excursions, guides provide facts about the churches, mansions and gardens passed on the approximately 2.5-mile route (which may vary from tour to tour). Tour-takers enjoy the guides' personality and extensive knowledge of the city. Visitors also say both guides and horses are friendly.

Tours take place multiple times daily between 9 or 10 a.m. and 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on the month). Groups are limited to 16 passengers. Old South Carriage Company also offers a haunted carriage tour.

Courtesy of Lowcountry Walking Tours

Lowcountry Walking Tours – Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Go behind the scenes, as it were, with Charleston's Hidden Alleys and Passages tour. You'll explore unique cobblestone and brick pathways that are largely inaccessible by car and often overlooked. Tour guides consistently receive fulsome praise for their insight and enthusiasm. Even Charleston residents report they learned something new about their hometown and its history. Plus, since the tour takes place mostly in the shade, reviewers say the stroll offers a nice reprieve from the city's sweltering heat.

Outings depart from the Old Exchange Building daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lowcountry Walking Tours also leads a Historic Downtown Tour, among others.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures – Dolphin Eco Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $32 Duration: 1.5 hours

If you hope to see dolphins in their natural habitat, then Charleston Outdoor Adventures has a tour for you. Its Dolphin Eco Tour takes visitors over the creeks, inlets and marshes near Folly Beach , where approximately 300 wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins reside. During the boat rides, the captain imparts information regarding the local environment, wildlife and history. Reviewers frequently report learning quite a bit about dolphins and Charleston's ecosystem.

Tours depart several times daily (including around sunset on select days). Charleston Outdoor Adventures also offers a Morris Island Lighthouse boat tour and several kayak tours.

Charleston Harbor Tours – Historic Charleston Harbor Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27 Duration: 1.5 hours

This boat tour offers views of many of the city's popular landmarks, including forts Sumter , Moultrie and Johnson, St. Michael's Church and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. During the sightseeing ride aboard the Carolina Belle, the captain provides commentary on the various sights and Charleston's history, which reviewers find informative and entertaining. Plus, many report seeing dolphins during the ride.

Charleston Harbor Tours depart several times daily; exact times vary by season. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board. Charleston Harbor Tours also offers sunset cruises.

Charleston Culinary Tours – Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Price: From $95 Duration: 2.5 hours

The Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour focuses on the city's historic French Quarter and City Market, and includes visits to a handful of local restaurants. Samples during the walking tour may include classic Southern fare like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, or shrimp and grits. Guides share their knowledge of regional food and Charleston history along the way. Reviewers enthusiastically describe guides as equally entertaining and informative. Travelers also praise the food, calling it delicious.

Tours are offered daily at a variety of times. Specific restaurants visited and meeting points vary by tour time. Tickets include all food and nonalcoholic beverage tastings. Charleston Culinary Tours also offers a pub tour, as well as a food tour of Upper King Street, among other options.

Courtesy of Coastal Expeditions

Coastal Expeditions – Shem Creek Kayak Tour

Price: Adults from $58; kids from $48 Duration: 3 hours

Coastal Expeditions' Shem Creek Kayak Tour, which travels its namesake waterway into Charleston Harbor, affords views of Castle Pinckney, the Charleston Peninsula, Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Along the trip, you may also spot creek residents like pelicans, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. The company's guides and staff regularly receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism.

Tickets include use of all necessary gear (including a kayak and paddle). Tours typically depart Tuesday through Sunday at 9 a.m. from Shem Creek, just across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant. (Offerings may vary by month.) Coastal Expeditions also offers kayak tours to Isle of Palms , along with boat and paddleboard excursions.

Walks of Charleston – Charleston History Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 2 hours

The Charleston History Tour promises to take visitors to some of Charleston's most significant structures. While the walking routes may vary, sites typically include St. Michael's Church, St. Philip's Church and the Battery. Patrons say guides have wonderful historical insight, humor and storytelling abilities. Reviewers also say this tour is especially suited to first-time visitors to Charleston, as it passes by top sights and features a broad overview of the city's history.

Tours run from city hall multiple times daily, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children 6 and younger can tour for free. Walks of Charleston also conducts tours of the city's alleyways and also offers private excursions.

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. – Group Carriage Tours

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $35 Duration: 1 hour

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co.'s group tours show visitors the historic streets and structures of downtown Charleston. Guides offer information regarding the various gardens, homes, parks and churches on display. Routes vary, but specific attractions may include the Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House , the Old Exchange building and the Nathaniel Russell House Museum . Patrons say guides are informative and entertaining.

Horse-drawn carriages, which carry a maximum of 16 riders, depart from the Charleston City Market every 30 minutes or so between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Planning a special outing? The company also offers private tours.

Courtesy of Tour Charleston at Buxton Books

Buxton Books – The Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 1.5 hours

The Ghosts of Charleston Tour walks through the Unitarian Church graveyard. On the outing, guides recount tales from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book, written by the company's founder, Julian T. Buxton III. No two tours are alike, as guides change up the stories shared during each experience. The storytellers receive accolades for being both entertaining and informative.

Tours depart nightly at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Participants interested in Charleston's Black history will also want to check out the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

Bulldog Tours – Savor the Flavors of Charleston Tour

The Savor the Flavors of Charleston Tour takes up to 12 foodies to various bakeries, markets and eateries to sample local Lowcountry fare like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, grits and sweet tea. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Tourgoers appreciate the quality and quantity of food. They advise future participants to eat light (if at all) before the excursion to take full advantage of the food on the tour.

Tours are offered at multiple times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Tickets cover all tastings and must be reserved in advance. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately at some stops. Bulldog Tours also offers food tours through Upper King Street, as well as ghost tours.

SpiritLine Cruises – Charleston Harbor Tour

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $25 Duration: 1.5 hours

The Charleston Harbor Tour directs tour-takers' attention to some of the city's significant historical landmarks, including the Battery, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown and more. As you glide through the harbor, your onboard guide will share details of Charleston's history and former residents. Patrons generally praise the guides for their knowledge and humor. Many also reported spotting dolphins during the cruise. What's more, snacks and beer are available for purchase on board.

Cruises depart from two sites multiple times daily (except in the winter). Children 3 and younger ride for free. SpiritLine also offers dinner cruises.

Charleston Footprints Walking Tours

Price: From $28.50 Duration: 2 hours

Charleston Footprints Walking Tours spotlight many of the city's unique characteristics, including its old churches, graveyards, parks and gardens, wrought iron gates, distinctive architecture, cobblestone streets and alleys. Among the specific destinations on these 18-block walks are the French Quarter, the Charleston harbor and the Battery. Tours are led by licensed guides, who receive praise from recent travelers for their extensive knowledge of Charleston's art, history, architecture, nature and more.

Tours are available daily in the morning and afternoon. Exact times vary by month, but in general, morning tours take place at 9:30 or 10 a.m. and afternoon tours take place at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Best Charleston Walking Tours
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• The Best Cheap Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

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Two Sisters Tours

The most authentic walking tours in charleston, sc, experience the charm of charleston in a two hour walking tour with genuine local flavor.

Experience the charm of Historic Charleston in a two hour walking tour with local guides. Join native Charlestonian sisters, Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe, whose family dates from 1793, as you stroll through downtown Charleston’s historic district along its most beautiful streets and scenic alleyways. These local ladies are widely recognized as one of the leading tour teams of Charleston. Share in their hometown knowledge of Charleston’s rich history from its wealthy colonial days to the turbulent times of the Civil War and its aftermath. See some of the most historic homes of South Carolina now beautifully preserved and restored to their former glory. Along the way you will be entertained with anecdotes of colorful local characters, tales of lesser known events in Charleston’s past, and stories of days gone by.

Each tour of Charleston includes:

• Highlights of History
• Personalities of the Past (and Present!)
• Back Streets and Alleyways
• Rainbow Row and The Battery
• Architecture and Earthquake Bolts
• Gardens and Wrought Iron Gates
• Lowcountry Myths and Legends

Ready to Book? Only $25!

Now limited to groups of 20, some of our happy customers, meet your guides to charleston, the two sisters.

Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe are 7th generation native Charlestonians whose family first arrived in the Lowcountry in 1793. They grew up in the historic downtown South of Broad area and know all the ins and outs of Charleston’s past, its turbulent history and its cultural preservation, but with an insider’s perspective. Both Mary Helen and Therese are happily retired attorneys who enjoy sharing their love of Charleston with visitors.

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Welcome To The Charleston Tours Association

Ambassadors of charleston.

The Charleston Tour Association (CTA) is an association of professionals who are exceedingly knowledgeable about the Holy City and committed to sharing the authentic history of Charleston. Our members include:

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• Historical sites
• Museums and gardens

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Helping you find the Best Walking Tour in Charleston!

The Best Ghost Tours and History Tours 

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Our Promise to you

We aspire to emerge as Charleston's best walking tour. Recognizing the substantial effort this endeavor entails, we are fully committed to the demanding work ahead. It is through this diligent commitment that we will bring about meaningful change in people's lives.

Our dedication to hard work goes beyond mere willingness. As the sole provider of walking tours in Charleston operated directly by our guides, we vow to cultivate an environment where our team receives equitable compensation, maintains a healthy work-life balance, and garners the professional respect they rightfully deserve.

To our valued guests, we pledge to provide an unparalleled walking tour experience, champion sustainable tourism practices, and foster continuous education for our walking tours team. Not only do we strive to provide the best history tours and ghost tours. We aim to create a positive impact on the environment, uplift local communities, and showcase the captivating beauty, rich history, and diverse facets of Charleston.

Walking Tour of the Historic District

A Trip Back Through 350 of History

Content-Based on the Group Discussion

Group Tour Tickets are $30

Tour Duration is Approximately 1.5 Hours

Tours Available 10 am & 2 pm & Evenings Daily

The Paranormal Tours

Ghost Tours of the Historic District

Haunted Places No Other Tours Go

Tours Available 8:30 pm Daily

That Sh!t Ain't True Tour

History You Think is True...But it's Not

Tours Available 10 am & 2 pm & Evenings Daily  

We want to help you have a great time in charleston

The things we know... are important to you.

What does it take to become the best walking tour company in Charleston? A truly exceptional walking tour company transcends mere financial transactions; its commitment lies in ensuring guests have an extraordinary experience. We sincerely care about your needs, starting even before your arrival. Delve into our "Places We Go" page, a thoughtfully curated list of places we personally frequent with our families, inviting you to uncover Charleston like a local.

Our dedication extends to the finer details that enhance your stay. Explore our "Helpful Hints" page for insights that add to the enjoyment of your visit. It's our way of ensuring you're well-prepared for the distinctive charm of Charleston, complemented by valuable information found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

But our commitment doesn't end there. Our walking history tours go beyond showcasing sights; they unfold as a journey into history. We're not just guides; we're storytellers. To extend your experience beyond the tour, we've assembled a list of "Books We Read" , guaranteeing you have engaging reading material upon your return home.

While being acknowledged as the best tour company in Charleston isn't our primary goal; being good people is. Whether or not you consider us the best, we want you to recognize that we are genuinely good people, driven by a passion for creating memorable experiences for you.

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Take a ghost tour!

Join us for a spooky trip into the darker side of Charleston. We'll even show you real photos other guests have captured of ghosts on the tour....that's if you aren't too scared! 

Visitor Guide

Book your vacation, the official charleston visitor guide – spring 2023.

Welcome to the Official Charleston Visitor Guide for Spring 2023! This comprehensive guide showcases the best of Charleston and is designed to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find plenty of things to see and do in this charming city, which is steeped in history and Southern hospitality. From historic landmarks and breathtaking beaches to world-class restaurants and charming boutiques, Charleston has something for everyone. So get ready to explore and let this guide be your companion on your journey. We hope you have an unforgettable Charleston experience!

Charleston's nonstop flight list is growing.  Check if your airport is on the list.

Request a mail-in Visitor Guide  via CharlestonCVB.com

BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! (CODE: 2OFFWALK)

Meet Our Guides

Meet our family.

All of the guides at Walk LLC are licensed tour guides with the City of Charleston and have passed the city’s rigorous tour guide exam which means they know Charleston history!

But more importantly, they have a passion for the past and are skilled storytellers. Our guides are the foremost resource when it comes to the must-see experience in the “low country”.

Steve Bailey

Steve Bailey, a licensed and registered tour guide and native Charlestonian, offers a two-hour walking tour of America’s most historic city. Steve’s tour remains within the walls and buildings of the only English walled city in North America.

The sailing ship, Carolina, first arrived in April of 1670 to settle Charles Towne, and Steve traces his ancestry to her. From the “Four Corners of Law” to the four corners of the original wall, explore historic Charleston with someone who was born and raised here!

Dennis Mardis

Dennis is a native of SC, finishing his BA at Charleston Southern and his Masters in New Orleans. Following that he spent 24 years in ministry. During that time he was active in community theatre and was in demand as a speaker/historical interpreter.

In 2010 he left church work and moved to St Augustine working at a historic sight. He came back to Charleston in 2013 and began work as a tour guide. His passion is knowing the story. He and his wife Laura live on Johns Island and enjoy working on their log cabin near Clemson SC.

Wendy Shelton

Wendy Shelton is a recently retired educator with a passion for history. She has a master’s degree in education and is highly qualified to teach secondary social studies. Wendy and her family fell in love with Charleston 20 years ago on a vacation to Folly Beach. They have been part-time residents for seven years and recently settled permanently in the low country. When she’s not giving tours, Wendy enjoys travel, hiking, and kayaking.

Mark R. Jones is an eighth-generation native of South Carolina, with family roots in the lowcountry and Pee Dee regions. As the son of a Methodist minister Mark can claim the entire state of South Carolina as home.  

After studying at Francis Marion College, and the University of South Carolina, with an emphasis on history, and rum consumption, Jones was professionally qualified to do absolutely nothing, so in 2002 he became a certified Charleston tour guide and has given more than 20,000 tours. His tours tend to focus on the day-to-day life of Charleston’s citizens, concentrating on the social and political upheaval during the American Revolution, the Confederacy, and the Roaring 20s.

In the past twelve years Mark has published eight non-fiction books about Charleston history and appeared in dozens of TV shows and radio shows, including Investigation Discovery Channel, MSNBC, and NPR. He is a popular speaker across South Carolina and can usually be found on the streets of Charleston five days a week conducting tours.  

Amy Tankersley

Amy has called Charleston her home since 1988 and has been a licensed tour guide since 2004. She was an art major during her college years and a ballroom dance instructor for 13 years. For 10 years Amy shared her love of Charleston with guests while perched atop a horse drawn carriage and is thrilled to be able to show them even more of the Holy City with her walking tours.

When not showing visitors why Charleston is the “coolest city in America,” she can be found digging in her garden. It is her love of gardening that inspires her to volunteer as a Garden Docent for the Historic Charleston Foundation’s “Spring Tours of Homes & Gardens.”

Jim Gresham

Jim Gresham is a 1985 graduate from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. As a former student of History, Jim has a keen appreciation of walking in the footsteps of Pirates and Patriots and reflecting on the prosperity and adversity witnessed over the course of centuries.

Jim became a Licensed and Certified Tour Guide in 2015 following successful careers in the International Steamship and Printing & Publishing industries and holds a deep passion for the City’s rich maritime history as well as the beauty of the harbor, estuaries and coastal environment. Holding a USCG Master’s License, when not exploring the City, Jim can be found exploring the miles of tidal creeks and rivers that surround our beautiful city.

Laurence Hutto

Colonel John Laurence Hutto was born and raised in the South Carolina Low Country. He attended The Citadel and graduated in 1987 after receiving a U.S. Army commission in the Field Artillery. During his 27 year Army career, he held numerous command and staff positions and deployed on multiple combat missions in the Middle East. His active duty service provided his family and him the opportunity to live across the nation and throughout the world.

Colonel Hutto’s family has been in the Charleston area long before the American Revolution. He has a deep understanding of the history and culture that surrounds the founding of the city of Charleston and its story of survival.  

In 2019, he became a certified tour guide in Charleston and found a new passion in sharing the history of one of America’s most storied cities.

Emily Hanson

Emily has lived in Charleston since 2010 and has been a licensed tour guide since 2014. Emily moved to Charleston from Little Rock, Arkansas, where she was born and raised. She graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she studied criminal justice and history. When she moved to Charleston, it was love at first sight. Enthralled by the history, beauty, and charm that is Charleston, she knew she wanted to learn everything about her new home. She is well-versed in Charleston history and is fascinated with its’ colonial history and the critical role it played in the Revolutionary War. Emily says, “I have the best job in the world and consider it a privilege to be able to tell guests the vast history of the city.”  

In her spare time, Emily enjoys taking walks with her dog, Rusty, digging in her garden, hiking, and spending time with friends. She is an avid reader and is always reading books about Charleston.

Robert “Captain Bob” Hellebush

“Captain Bob” Hellebush is a former high school and college teacher, as well as the retired CEO of a multi-state investment firm. His broad knowledge of history, business, science, and philosophy will provide you an intruiging mix of information and conversation that is sure to make your journey a memorable one.

Bill Goudelock

Bill is a native South Carolinian who fell in love with Charleston as a young boy when he first visited the city on an organized school trip. That trip began a lifelong infatuation with the people, the history, the architecture, the art, and the foodways of America’s most beautiful city.  

Bill holds a degree in Architecture from Clemson University and has spent most of his professional career as an interior decorator. The recent Covid Pandemic opened the door to his pursuing a dream of becoming a licensed Charleston Tour Guide. You might catch a glimpse of Bill driving his beloved horses and carriages around town whenever he’s not walking visitors through its streets and alleys.  

A walkabout with Bill showcases beautiful buildings and interesting places while educating visitors on the stories of the many various cultural influences which have made Charleston such a fascinating tourist destination.

Paul Attaway

Paul is from Atlanta, Georgia but lived his thirty-three-year professional life and raised three children in Phoenix, Arizona. Paul and his wife began visiting Charleston in 2010 when one of their children attended the College of Charleston. She graduated and they stayed, making Charleston their permanent home in 2020. Upon moving to Charleston, and returning to the South, Paul was reminded of how much he loves the South. He has immersed himself in the Holy City and the area’s history, recent and colonial and everything in between.

Paul graduated from Georgetown University in 1985 and received a law degree from the University of Georgia in 1988. After a short career as a lawyer and a longer career as a small business entrepreneur, Paul took up writing. He has published two novels since arriving in Charleston, both based in Charleston in the 1970s, and is working on his next book.

Paul is fascinated by the lives of the men and women who lived and died in Charleston from the time of the country’s birth through its darkest days and he loves showing off his adopted hometown.  

Native Charlestonian Evans Byrd has been a licensed tour guide for nearly 20 years. Evans grew up in the Ashley River Historic Corridor near old St Andrews Church, the oldest church building in South Carolina. His family has been part of the Carolinas since the mid 1700’s.

Descended from Methodist “Circuit Riders”, his family played a role in the religious foundation in South and North Carolina. Evans is passionate about imparting his knowledge of the “Holy City”. Don’t miss his “Holy City Church Tour” which has been perfected after 3 years of intense research and organization!

Bill Stanton

“All my life, history has been a hobby for me. So, to be able to apply that hobby to my profession as a teacher for 33 years has made my working life a real blessing for which I am most grateful. To be able to continue sharing stories with people during my retirement is even more rewarding.

To be able to share my blessings and interests with others in a place like Charleston, South Carolina is a true history nerd’s ultimate dream come true! I was a teacher of U.S. History for 33 years. My wife, Donna, and I spent our honeymoon in the Holy City a few years back, and afterwards frequently spoke of our desire to end up here some day, and in 2010 it happened!

After retiring from my chosen profession, however, my enthusiasm to continue learning more history and sharing it with others, did not retire with me. I now have the opportunity to walk the streets of the nation’s number one tourist destination sharing what I’ve learned with other “buffs”, and that is truly rewarding.”

Daniel Schnauthiel

Hurricane Hugo arrived six months after Daniel became a licensed tour guide in the City of Charleston. Charleston’s history is one of religious, cultural and personal freedom. Daniel’s family history mirrors that—his roots are in the Alsace-Lorraine, France, Germany, England, Ireland and even Tsarist Russia.

His paternal Grandmother’s inn was nationalized in 1917 by the Bolsheviks. The family members not executed walked from Siberia to Germany, finally booking passage to Ellis Island in time for the roaring twenties. It is fitting that Daniel’s favorite beverage is the White Russian! Daniel has travelled extensively—he has lived in 1988 post-coup Fiji, worked on sailboats in Newport, RI and Annapolis, interned for Economist Art Laffer and surfed in Peru.

Most recently, Daniel left a career in Washington, DC to be a larger part of his daughter’s life. Daniel looks forward to bringing Charleston’s History alive and relevant to you today!

Bruce Burris

As a seventh generation Charlestonian, M. Bruce Burris takes great pride in talking to guests about growing up and living in Charleston, South Carolina. Born and raised in the historic district of the city, he has witnessed the sleepy town grow into a hotspot for both national and international travelers. Bruce earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in economics from North Carolina State University. For 19 years, he then served as Vice President of International Purchasing and as a Director for Burris Chemical Incorporated. After the sale of Burris Chemical, Bruce started a Charleston-based maritime freight and storage company where he remained Managing Principal until it sold in 2011. Burris continues to reside in downtown Charleston and enjoys reading literature about Charleston’s notable history while being an active part of its growing future. When not exploring Charleston, he spends his time playing golf on a variety of the area’s amazing courses, windsurfing, and bird watching.

Jimmy Bailey

Al comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, making him a sixth-generation native. His academic journey led him to earn a BA in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. After dedicating over three decades to the real estate industry, primarily selling new homes, Al transitioned into retirement and pivoted towards another of his passions: sharing the rich history and stunning architecture of Charleston. His tours are heavy in historical and architectural insight.

His deep-seated love for the area’s past is not just a professional interest but a personal connection, given his upbringing on a farm in the Lowcountry that he still owns and spends time at. Outside his life as a tour guide, Al enjoys fishing and hunting.

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Welcome To Gullah Tours Charleston, SC 

The language was spoken by the Lowcountry's first black inhabitants. The language and culture still thrive today in and around the Charleston/Beaufort, South Carolina region. Gullah Tours explores the places, history, and stories that are relevant to the rich and varied contributions made by Black Charlestonians.

As the name implies, the Gullah language, native to the Charleston area, is featured on much of the tour. Of course, if Gullah was spoken throughout the tour, you would not understand, nor would you enjoy the beautiful and interesting sites of Charleston. Your tour guide, Alphonso Brown, is a native of Rantowles, South Carolina, a rural community of Charleston, and is fluent in the Gullah language and familiar with many of the Gullah customs.

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Charleston Tour Guides

Bill harris.

After graduating from the College of Charleston with a degree in history, Bill worked as an interpreter in the nation’s oldest living historical site, Colonial Williamsburg. More recently he has worked and acted in one of Charleston’s oldest theaters, the Footlight Players on Queen Street.

Palmer Stowe

Palmer has been a resident of Charleston for 13 years. A graduate of the College of Charleston, she holds a degree in English but spent much of her college time studying theater and working on and offstage before and after leaving CofC. Her love of Charleston’s historic beauty is matched only by her love of its culinary scene and weather.

WALKING TOURS

Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour is the perfect primer for visitors interested in taking an amusing and academic look at Charleston's distinctive history, architecture, geography, and culture.

PRIVATE TOURS

Customize your tour experience to suit your party's unique schedule and interests! One of our expert guides will tailor your walk to examine the sights and subjects you and your group find most fascinating.

Tour Guides & Photos

Charleston’s Best Tours, LLC in Charleston, SC has 6 independently contracted, qualified  tour guides .

Roy Brandon, permanently licensed guide since 1999 . Originally from Simpsonville, SC; relocated to Charleston in 1994. Permanently licensed guide since 1999 .  Holds undergrad in History from the College of Charleston (C of C) , class of ‘07.  Docent at the Heyward-Washington House (‘98-’03) and the Charleston Museum (‘00-’05).  Walking tour and step-on guide from ’06-present.  Bus tour guide from ’15-present ( Gray Line Tours ).

Austin Lassiter, permanently licensed guide since 2011 . Originally from Norfolk, VA. Permanently licensed guide since 2011 .  Holds undergrad in Religious Studies and Fine Art from the C of C , class of ’08.  Hold Masters of History and Education from The Citadel , class of ’18.  Currently a high school history teacher of [AP] U.S. History, [AP] World History and [Honors] Current Events at the Charleston Charter School for Math & Science .

Justin, permanently licensed guide since 2016.  Originally from Greenville, SC. Carriage operator from ’16-present (Palmetto Carriage Works, LTD) .  Former flyer on the C-130 airframe in the U.S. Air Force (’03-’13), resigning as Staff Sergeant.

Vandell “Van” Leak, permanently licensed guide since 2002. Originally from Minneapolis, MN; relocated to Charleston in 1999. Permanently licensed guide since 2002 .  Holds undergrad in Business from the University of MN , class of ‘98.  Carriage operator from ’02-present (Palmetto Carriage Works, LTD).

Mike Coker, permanently licensed guide since 1997. Born and raised in Goose Creek, SC; holds an undergraduate degree in History from the College of Charleston , class of 2006. Has worked for the South Carolina Historical Society in Charleston since 2000 as the Visual Materials Curator. Writes a monthly history column for Charleston Magazine and co-authored Historic South Carolina : An Illustrated History (2006). Authored the book Charleston Curiosities : Stories of the Tragic, Heroic, and Bizarre (2008).

Jon Jackson, permanently licensed guide since 1995 . Originally from Charleston, SC.  Permanently licensed guide since 1995 .  Carriage operator (‘95-’05) and walking tour guide (‘97-present). Holds undergrad in History from the C of C , class of ‘97.

​ MOBILE SITE

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Seeing Charleston by coach?  All About Charleston provides the most unique step-on guide experience in Charleston.  Due to street restrictions and local ordinances, many of our streets are not accessible by coach.  All About Charleston provides a short walking tour in the heart of the historic district at no additional charge.  This allows guests to stretch their legs and see a part of Charleston that other coach tours do not see. 

Ensure that your visit to Charleston will be a memorable one, let one of our qualified guides show you around. ​ With nearly 10 years of step-on experience, our guides have provided corporate event clients, travel groups, families and students with fun, exciting, informative tours.  Our guides are not just professionally trained, but local too!  We are from the area, and know where to find the hidden gems.   Be sure you are familiar with Charleston's coach regulations before you arrive. 

Additional guide services available: ​

Guides for walking tours of downtown Charleston

STEP-ON GUIDE SERVICES

All About Charleston

Private Guided Tours of the Holy City... Charleston, SC

All About Charleston offers truly customized  private guided tours of the Holy City.   Expert tour management since 2004.

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