9 Private History Tours in Charleston Worth the Morning

1.Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Spend about two hours walking central Charleston with a licensed guide such as Steve, Kay, Kate, or Russ. You’ll trace early city history, admire old homes and public buildings, visit the Four Corners of Law and Charleston Battery, and finish near Dock Street Theatre. Groups are capped at 10, with time for questions and some flexibility.

“The smaller group tour allowed for a much more personal experience! Kay was our guide! Very friendly, knowledgeable and energetic tour guide! I'd highly recommend this experience!”

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2.Private Photo Session in Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Meet Dennis at 79 E Bay St for a private one to two hour photo walk in historic Charleston. Expect guided posing, relaxed humor, and professional portraits around Rainbow Row, cobbled streets, cozy alleys, and possibly oak-lined avenues. The session is in English, ends at the meeting point, and suits couples, families, and groups.

“Dennis was super impressive! We had a great time with girls trip photos on rainbow row. Great personality and worked fast with turnaround.”

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3.Private Historic Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 103 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $300

Meet near Charleston City Market for a 50-minute private carriage ride through the historic district. Your driver-guide chooses the route on the day, sharing stories about architecture, families, the old jail, and Charleston’s past. Carriages hold up to four people, with guides such as Daniel, Kiki, Ricky, and Dr. Tim frequently praised for their humor and personal attention.

“Tour was great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered anything we asked. Horse was also well taken care of in the heat.”

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4.Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two hours aboard the private sailboat Mystique with a skipper and first mate such as Will and Anna, or Rob and Maddie. Cruise past the Charleston Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and possibly Fort Sumter while you enjoy drinks, shade, a restroom, and a chance to spot dolphins.

“Had a great sail will and Sam theywere great, knowledgeable and a pleasure They treated us like family”

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5.Private Charleston Walking History City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two private hours touring Charleston with a City of Charleston Certified Tour Guide, often with guides such as Nick, Valerie, Al, or Coby. Your group rides in a luxury vehicle stocked with snacks and an iced cooler, visiting distinctive Charleston areas, especially South of Broad. Pickup details should be confirmed before booking.

“The weather forecast was rainy so we decided to book a Charleston tour with a private driver for 2 adults and a baby. Turns out the day of our tour the weather changed and it was sunny. We were grateful we started our day with this tour! We had a fabulous time touring Charleston with our tour guide, Nick. He is extremely courteous, knowledgeable, and adapts to wherever and whatever you want to learn about in Charleston. We will definitely be booking this tour again because each time it can be a different experience such as history, architecture, real estate, understanding the different neighborhoods, Southern Charm film locations, hot spots,…”

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6.Private Sunset Sail BYOB Dolphin/History Tours on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Set sail from Lockwood Drive aboard the private 43-foot Mystique for a 2 to 4-hour Charleston harbor cruise. Your captain and mate, such as Scott, Maddie, Sam, or Will, may spot dolphins while sharing local history. Bring wine and food, then watch the sun drop behind the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, or Fort Sumter.

“Wonderful evening on the water. Highly recommend the experience. The boat, our sailing team and the views were excellent.”

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7.Private Walking Tour of Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Meet Timothy, a native Charlestonian guide, at 80 Broad Street for a private two-hour walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad. See St. Michael’s Church, Rainbow Row, the Battery, historic homes, wrought iron gates, earthquake plates, and the Nathaniel Russell House gardens. The pace suits history fans and first-time visitors.

“Went with a larger group, and despite the heat and humidity Tim's energy never faltered. He was very knowledgable about Charleston and it's history. Was fun and was very considerate of our group and spent more time explaining the parts he thought we would be more interested in. The tour did go over time a bit, but Tim ended it near a couple pubs he recommended so that we were able to grab lunch quickly after”

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8.Half Day Private Tour throughout Charleston Historic Locations

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175

Spend three hours touring Charleston in a private, air-conditioned SUV with a guide such as Dave, Jon, Mark, or Eric. See the Battery, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Old Village, and Shem Creek, while learning about architecture, slavery, war, food, and local life. Pickup is offered, and your guide can adjust the route to your interests.

“Jon was wondering as our tour guide. He was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging throughout our tour.”

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9.Private Afternoon Sailing/Dolphin & History Tour on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Book the 43-foot Mystique for a private Charleston sail lasting about 2 to 4 hours. Your captain and crew, including names such as Scott, Sam, Rob, Sophia, Adam, Darby, Dustin, and others, guide you past the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter. Water and soft drinks are included.

“Rob and Sophia were great! Very informative and helpful. Sophia was very attentive and catered to our every whim. Book your trip now”

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