History tours · USA HISTORY TOURS

15 American History Tours Worth the Trip

171 tours  ·  from $14 a head

Revolution trails in the northeast, antebellum street grids in the south, and a strong evening trade in the darker version of both. These 15 sort them by city, price and how much walking is involved.

New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket - The dinosaur halls and the end of an era
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New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

1.American Museum of Natural History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15,447 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Spend a full day at the American Museum of Natural History with access to more than 40 permanent halls, the Rose Center, and the new Richard Gilder Center. Add one or all ticketed exhibitions, such as Impact, the butterfly vivarium, a space show, or the giant-screen film. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free Wi-Fi plus a useful Explorer app.

“Amazing experience for everyone ❤️ My family and I had such a great time”

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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour - Essex Street follows an older Salem route
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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

2.History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14,564 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $36Top rated

Walk Salem with local guides such as Lisa, Michael, Sean, and Diane, hearing the facts behind the 1692 witch trials, ghost stories, architecture, and modern witchcraft. The route reaches the Witch Trials Memorial, Ropes Mansion, McIntire Historic District, Witch House, and more. Choose a daytime or lantern-lit departure, but expect to walk outdoors in all weather.

“Tour guide was great and very knowledgeable. She was very interactive and enthusiastic. Very happy I booked”

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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour - Starting at the Old South stable on Anson Street
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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

3.Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10,023 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $50

Set out from Old South Carriage Company on Anson Street for a narrated, one-hour ride through 30 blocks of Charleston. A certified guide such as Carol, Wendy, or Ro may lead the tour, while a Belgian or Percheron draft horse pulls the carriage. Routes vary by city-assigned zone, so each ride offers a different slice of the historic district.

“We thoroughly enjoyed this experience. We arrived early and met our horse, Aiken, who loved the attention he was getting! One of their employees explained their Belgium Draft horses come from the Amish when the Amish are done using them as work horses. Very interesting to talk to and learn about the horses. Happy to hear these horses are out on a farm when not pulling the carriage and they are limited to the number if times they do their routes. Very knowledgeable tour guides. Will do this again next time we’re in Charleston!”

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Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour - Three passageways beneath four blocks
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Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

4.Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,006 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $29Best value

Walk four blocks through Pioneer Square and three historic underground passageways while guides such as David, Patti, and Imogen explain Seattle’s early days, the Great Fire, Coast Salish peoples, Skid Row, and the Klondike Gold Rush. Expect stairs, uneven surfaces, and time above ground between underground spaces.

“Great tour guide! Learned alot. Appreciate being directed to the Klondike free museum as well, which was great-- especially the "theater showing."”

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Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - Kona coffee, royal history, and the morning pickup
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Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

5.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264

Spend about 11 hours crossing the Big Island in a small Mercedes Sprinter van, with stops at Kona coffee country, Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, two waterfalls, and Waipio Valley. Guides such as Chris, Drew, Kevin, and Kawika bring Hawaiian history and culture to life. Lunch, snacks, drinks, and hotel pickup are included.

“Just came back from a tour with Kawika. Best tour ever! Loved it! He was incredibly knowledgeable and I learned so much about the island. Had a really fun and interesting time!”

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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour - Starting at Boston Common and the State House
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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

6.Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,450 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Spend about 2.5 hours walking Boston’s full Freedom Trail with a historian guide. You’ll visit all 16 official landmarks, hear how events from 1760 to 1775 led to revolution, and finish near the North End. Guides such as Jon, Maura, Mark, and Alejandro are known for lively storytelling and thoughtful questions. Buildings are viewed from outside.

“Lots of walking but you learn so much and cut through the heart of historic Boston! Our guide Will was extremely knowledgeable and passionate on the subject!”

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour - Begin at the Four Corners of Law
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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

7.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Meet your licensed local guide at Charleston City Hall for a two-hour walk through the Four Corners of Law, French Quarter, Rainbow Row, and South of Broad. Guides such as Al, Evans, Dennis, and Duggar are known for lively storytelling, architecture, and local tips. Expect flat streets, outdoor stops, and weather exposure.

“Very interesting tour of the historic district. Duggar, our guide, was very knowledgeable, interesting and fun. I would highly recommend this tour as an introduction to Charleston.”

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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston - A slow look at roughly 30 blocks of Charleston
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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

8.Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,561 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $49

Ride through Charleston’s historic district in a covered, open-sided carriage with a certified guide. Starting at the Big Red Barn near City Market, you’ll pass old homes, churches, gardens, and landmarks while hearing stories of pirates, wars, plantations, and Reconstruction. Routes vary by city lottery, so sights are not guaranteed.

“Brianna was excellent and the staff was friendly and professional. Brianna was knowledgeable on the history of Downtown and her delivery was great. Multiple tours are required to see it all. Highly recommended.”

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Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour - Following the candle through historic Savannah
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Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

9.Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,235 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Walk Savannah’s historic center for about 90 minutes with guides such as Dan, Kel, or Kendra, hearing factual history, ghost lore, murders, executions, and local legends by candlelight. This is a story-led tour, not a jump-scare show, and it ends at Colonial Park Cemetery.

“A very nice walking tour, with several points of interest. It was indeed about an hour and a half. Our guide was very fun and very happy to answer questions, especially about hauntings at the hotels each guest was staying at. Would do again!”

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Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark - Starting at Jersey Street and Gate B
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Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

10.Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,013 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $45

Spend about an hour touring Fenway Park, from the roof deck and Green Monster to Pesky’s Pole and the Fenway Park Living Museum. Guides such as Steve, Matt, Jack, Don, and Mary Ella bring the ballpark’s stories to life. The tour is in English, with Spanish and Japanese available by advance request.

“It was a great time and we learned so much about a really cool baseball field! We got to see all kinds of things and learn a lot about it history. Heads up get there a little early and make sure you get your tickets printed at gate a.”

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Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History - What arrives at the buffet
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Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

11.Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,013 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145

Spend about four hours at Coral Crater Adventure Park for an all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast, hula, fire-knife dancing, hands-on cultural activities, and stories of the Battle of Kipapa and King Kamehameha I. Hotel pickup is available from Waikiki and the cruise terminal, though transportation costs extra.

“The venue is outside but well laid out. The dancers are amazing and the story is true to the Polynesian history. The event was well organized, including the transportation. A luau is a pivotal stop while in Hawaii!”

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Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia - The Liberty Bell and the meaning behind its crack
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Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

12.Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,944 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Spend two hours walking Old City Philadelphia with a guide who has a history degree. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court, Congress Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and more. Guides such as Josh, Kyle, Vince, Ted, and Joseph bring the founders’ stories to life, though major interiors require separate free tickets and extra time.

“Vincent was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. The tour went by very fast. Looking forward to taking it again in the spring.”

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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour - Historic homes and stories from the war years
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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

13.Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,918 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Walk Savannah’s Historic District with a local guide such as Pierce, Champ, Mike, or Savannah. Over about two hours, you’ll visit historic squares, homes, Factors Walk, River Street, Forsyth Park, and other landmarks while learning how Savannah grew. Headsets help you hear clearly in groups of up to 30.

“Very informative and cleverly-delivered tour by Pierce. Reasonable walking distance. Highly recommend!”

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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour - Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 from outside the gates
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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

14.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk New Orleans’ Garden District with a local guide such as Caroline, Angie, or Sean. In about two hours, you’ll hear stories of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 from outside its gates, study antebellum homes and film locations, and get tips for food, music, and drinks. Groups are capped at 15.

“Not a ton of walking, but very informative. Learn and hear about a dozen homes and the different style of architecture. Also lots of other history about the Garden District.”

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Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise - Fort Sumter and the opening shots of the Civil War
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Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

15.Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,788 reviews · from $44

Spend 90 minutes aboard the 80-foot Carolina Belle, following Charleston Harbor toward Fort Sumter while the captain explains Civil War sites, antebellum homes, forts, bridges, and waterfront landmarks. Choose a daytime sailing for stronger historical commentary or a sunset departure for glowing harbor views. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard.

“Beautiful weather. Beautiful views Captain was very engaging. Had a great time. Note: sunset cruise does not have much history. Mostly focus on the views.”

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