charleston historical walking tour

Charleston SC Walking Tours

Explore Charleston's most comprehensive historic tours.

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Michael Trouche

Our founder

WALKING TOURS OF HISTORIC CHARLESTON, SC

Continuing the legacy of our founder, michael trouche, our staff of 4 professional and certified charleston tour guides have 90 years combined experience in the industry..

Discover the charm and character of Charleston, America's most historic city, with acclaimed tour guides whose knowledge of Charleston Traditions, heralded events, architecture and cultural heritage is unsurpassed.

Charleston History Walk, LLC

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Tour Schedule and Itinerary

All tours are 2.75 hours in duration, travel about 1.5 miles, and will never be larger than 12 people.

Schedule of Tours:

Monday: 9:30am and 2pm

Wednesday: 9:30am and 2pm

Friday: 9:30am and 2pm

Saturday: 9:30am & 2pm

Sunday: 9:30am and 2pm

Schedules are subject to change, please check the calendar on my website's booking engine for current availability.

All tours begin at 108 Meeting Street and the tour will end on the Battery next to Charleston Harbor and near the iconic Rainbow Row section of the city. Please arrive ten minutes prior to departure.  

Private Tours are available by appointment. Please call (843) 655-9551 to inquire.       

Sites To See

As we stroll along Charleston’s historic streets, you will see the oldest sections of the city, important public buildings, and its picturesque residential area. We will surely pass by:

The Mills House Hotel St. Phillips Church Dock Street Theatre Huguenot Church Cobblestone Streets French Quarter Hibernian Hall Fort Sumter The Fireproof Building Decorative Wrought Iron Work Washington Park St. Michael’s Church Heyward-Washington House First Baptist Church The Charleston Battery Catfish Row Historic Graveyards and Cemetery’s Quaint Alleys and Gardens Pink House Four Corners of Law Stories To Hear

Each tour begins with an introduction to the founding of Charleston in 1670, its economic development, and the rise of the modern preservation movement that created the historic district in 1931. We will cover a wide variety of topics and during our walk you will hear gripping stories about historic buildings and people, learn about the city’s architecture and culture, and depart the tour with a greater understanding and appreciation of Charleston's unique history.

Learn More About Charleston History Walk

For more information about my historical walking tours, please do not hesitate to reach out to me anytime. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Enter OWC25 to get $3.50/person for Old Walled City Walking Tour and CGT25  for Charleston Ghost Tour

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Best Walking Tours in Charleston SC

Experience the allure of Charleston, SC, with Old Walled City Tours, offering the best walking tours in Charleston . Immerse yourself in the charm of this historic city as our expert guides lead you down cobblestone streets past hidden gems. Our Charleston tours unveil this unique destination’s rich history and captivating stories.

Discover why we’re renowned for providing top tours in Charleston. Our local guides bring the past to life, sharing their deep knowledge of the city’s culture and heritage. We prioritize small groups to ensure a personalized experience, allowing you to engage and ask questions.

Tour Historic Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods, wending our way through the Old Walled City. Your licensed Charleston Tour guide will relate to you a history both glorious and notorious! Topics include a unique early ethnic and religious diversity, the rise of Rice and Cotton, Pirates, Wars, Slavery, Gardens and Architecture and local traditions and culture.

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Charleston Old Walled City Walking Tour

Charleston Ghost Tour

Our “Spectral Adventure”  Charleston Ghost Tours  are offered nightly at 8 PM or 10 PM or choose it as a Private Event for your family or group of up to 20 at an excellent price point. Unlike any other ghost walk offered in Charleston, hear the legends of an ancient city only whispered from generation to generation!

Charleston History Tours – Charleston Old Walled City Tours

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Feel free to reach out to us regarding your Charleston visit.

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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.

• 843-343-2981
• 843-270-9945
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• 80 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401
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Charleston Self-Guided History Tour

Charleston’s history dates back to 1670 when it was founded by English colonists. Luckily, it has retained much of its culture, monuments, and original architecture over the years. Walking down the streets of Charleston, you feel as though you’re walking back in time.

This free self-guided walking tour of Charleston details the city’s history from its conception to modern-day Charlestonian life.

Learn about some of Charleston’s most historically important sites, such as the Charleston Market, Fort Sumter and Patriots Point, Rainbow Row, and the Old Slave Market in this Charleston self-guided history tour.

Based on our popular Charleston history tour, this self-guided walk will take you past many of the city’s most popular sites. If you’re interested in learning more about Lowcountry history, check out our full list of tours .

Yet, if you’d rather explore the city on your own, the stops on this self-guided tour are a great place to start.

Tour Stop 1: Charleston Market

You can’t visit Charleston without stopping at its historic market .

The market’s history dates back to 1788 when famous Charlestonian Charles Cotesworth Pickney gave up a plot of land to the City of Charleston for use of a public market. The market was finally built between 1804 and the 1830s. Today it’s one of the best spots in Charleston for shopping. Visitors can browse the stalls, get a quick bite to eat, and check out the market’s most famous wares — handmade sweetgrass baskets.

Walk east on Market St., and take a right on Concord St; you’ll hit the Waterfront Park in a few blocks. Walk until you see the Pineapple Fountain.

Tour Stop 2: Waterfront Park/ Fort Sumter

The second stop on our Charleston self-guided history tour is the Waterfront Park. Charleston’s Waterfront Park offers one of the best viewpoints in the city — and some of the best photo opportunities. The park runs half a mile down the Cooper River. The focal point of the park is the famous Pineapple Fountain, which was built in 1990 and symbolizes the Charlestonian love of hospitality.

From here, you can see the Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, and Fort Sumter — the location where the Civil War began.

Walk two blocks east of the park, and take a right on Church St. St. Philip’s Church is located between Cumberland and Queen sts.

Tour Stop 3: St. Philip’s Church

St. Philip’s Church is where you can find the oldest congregation in Charleston — and South Carolina. Established in 1680, this church is the mother church of the Diocese of South Carolina. The current structure was built in 1838, and the tower served as a lighthouse for Charleston’s harbor. Several notable Charlestonians are buried in its cemetery, including Charles Pickney and Edward Rutledge.

Head south on Church St., and stop outside the French Huguenot Church at Church and Queen Sts.

Charleston Tour Stop 4: French Huguenot Church

The French Huguenot Church was built in 1845 — and is the third church to stand on this site.

It’s just one of Charleston’s many churches that lend the city its moniker, The Holy City. Its nickname is the “Church of Tides”, thanks to its original service schedule that revolved around the tide schedule as most attendees arrived by boat. Today services are held in French.

Tour Stop 5: Dock Street Theatre

Across the street from the French Huguenot Church is the Dock Street Theatre, which is the fifth stop on our Charleston self-guided history tour.

Opened in 1736, this theater was the first that was built solely for theatrical performances. The first performance was The Recruiting Officer, and the first opera, Flora, was the first-ever performed in America. The Dock Street Theatre is a public building, and visitors can enter the lobby and public areas during the day.

Head south on Church St., and take left on Chalmers St. The Pink House is on the south side of the street.

Indoor stops such as this are a must if you’re visiting Charleston in January or February, as weather during South Carolina winters can be unpredictable!

Tour Stop 6: The Pink House

Though no longer a gallery open to the public, the Pink House is still delightful to see from the outside. Historians believe it is the second oldest structure in Charleston — built in 1712. It has lived many lives and seen many decades of Charleston’s history. In the 1700s, it was a tavern and a brothel. It has also housed a publishing house and law office before becoming a gallery. It is now a private residence.

Tour Stop 7: Old Slave Mart Museum

A few doors down from The Pink House sits the Old Slave Mart Museum. Once an antebellum slave auction gallery, the Old Slave Mart is now a museum dedicated to teaching the history of the slave triangle, slave boat conditions, and the path of the enslaved once they reached the market and plantations.

Head east down Chalmers St., and take a right on State St. Take a left on Broad St. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are just across East Bay St.

Tour Stop 8: Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

By the late 1700s, enslaved African Americans made up half of Charlestons’ population, though the city wasn’t usually their final destination. Many were here only long enough to be sold to owners in other areas of the American colonies. The Old Exchange is where many of the slave auctions took place.

The Provost Dungeon was where American soldiers were held prisoner by the British in the American Revolutionary War.

Although the Old Exchange Building is easy to find on your own, you can learn more about this famous Charleston site on our guided history tour . In addition to learning about the history of the Exchange Building, you can learn about most of the sites on this list from our knowledgeable tour guides.

Head south one block on E. Bay St., and take a left on E. Elliot St.

Tour Stop 9: Coates’ Row

The buildings at 114-120 East Bay St. are known as Coate’s Row and were built between 1788 and 1806. Originally owned by Thomas Coates, the structures were once commercial buildings, homes, a tavern, and a coffee house. 120 East Bay St. was once a meeting place of the Jacobin Club.

Head south on E. Bay St. to N. Adgers Warf.

Tour Stop 10: Rainbow Row

Possibly one of the most famous and picturesque rows of homes in Charleston, Rainbow Row shows off the Caribbean influence on Lowcountry homes.

This is one of the prettiest streets in Charleston ! Built in the 1740s, these brightly colored homes were once owned by elite Charleston merchants. Though the rainbow colors have made these homes famous, historians can’t seem to agree on why these exact colors were chosen.

Head north on E. Bay St., and take a left on Broad St. City Hall is at Broad and Meeting St.

Tour Stop 11: Charleston City Hall

The building that became Charleston’s City Hall was built from 1800 to 1804 and is a great example of the Adamesque style. Originally the Bank of the United States, the building was transformed into City Hall in 1818. Visitors can head into the building for a free tour.

Head west on Broad St., and take a left on Legare.

Tour Stop 12: Legare Street

Many of the buildings that sit on Legare St. are of historic significance, including the Robert Trail Chisolm house at 23 Legare. This house survived an earthquake and was once owned by George A. Trenholm, who is considered by some to be the “real” Rhett Butler.

You can discover the history of many Legare Street homes like this on our Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages tour , where you’ll see everything you would on our regular History of Charleston guided tour — just with a little “extra.”

Head south on Legare, and take a left at S. Battery. You’ll see White Point Gardens a block down the street.

Tour Stop 13: White Point Gardens (The Battery)

The last stop on our Charleston self-guided history tour is White Point Gardens. First built as a public garden in 1837, White Point Gardens was converted into a battery during the Civil War. We highly recommend strolling along the boardwalk at The Battery – from here, you can get spectacular views of the Ashely and Cooper Rivers, Fort Sumter, and Charleston Harbor.

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• Hour Glass 2 hours

Charleston History Tour

Discover the essentials of historic Charleston on this leisurely walking tour with our knowledgeable tour guides.

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Private Tours

Take a private tour of Charleston to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy City. Allow us to create the perfect tour for your group!

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The 10 best charleston walking tours.

Experience true southern hospitality as you explore Charleston on one of these strolls.

The Best Charleston Walking Tours

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Visit Charleston's top sights with an easygoing walking tour.

With plenty of secret alleyways and hidden gems, Charleston, South Carolina , is best explored on foot. To take in the Holy City's deep history, rich cuisine and vibrant scenery, slow down and see all the top attractions with a walking tour. U.S. News gathered 10 of the best walking tours in Charleston by consulting both traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Lace up your walking shoes and start exploring.

Two Sisters Tours

Price: From $25 Duration: 2 hours

Let longtime locals lead the way on a trip with Two Sisters Tours. On this two-hour history tour, sibling guides take you through the charming streets their family has called home for seven generations. You'll hear tales of Charleston's famous historical characters and the events that have shaped the city. Along the excursion – which explores about 18 city blocks – you'll pass signature landmarks, including St. Michael's Church and Rainbow Row . Reviewers love the informative guides and the "insider's perspective" they share as Charlestonians, as well as the tour's scenic route. Tourgoers also appreciate that guides don't sugarcoat Charleston's role in the American slave trade.

Tours run at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. There is an additional weekday tour at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets start at $25 per person; reservations are required.

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Bulldog Tours – Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 2.5 hours

From fried green tomatoes and collard greens to sweet tea and barbecue, Lowcountry cuisine is an integral element of the Charleston dining scene. On this 2 1/2-hour walking food tour, a local guide will take you and up to 11 other participants on a journey through the city to learn its history while making sure your inner foodie is fully satisfied. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Reviewers rave about the informative experience and variety of samples, as well as the helpful tour guides. Many suggest booking this tour for one of your first days in Charleston so you can make use of the guide's recommendations throughout the rest of your trip.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately $90 per person and cover all tastings and water. Hungry for more? Bulldog Tours also hosts a walking tour dedicated to the restaurants and museums within the South of Broad neighborhood, such as the Edmondston-Alston House .

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Lowcountry Walking Tours – Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Stroll through Charleston's picturesque alleys with the help of Lowcountry Walking Tours. During this two-hour tour, your guide will lead you through the network of lush (and often hidden) passages. Throughout the tour, you'll hear the historical anecdotes that tie the streets together. You'll visit between four and six alleyways within the historic district, as well as some other points of interest. Reviewers love the architectural angle and the charismatic, insightful guides.

Tickets cost approximately $30 per person. Tours depart at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. When you're ready to see more, the company also hosts tours of historic downtown Charleston.

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Free Tours by Foot – Charleston Architecture Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Did you know that Charleston's buildings feature every style of architecture? On this two-hour tour, your guide will teach you the city's vibrant history through its architecture. St. Philips Church, the Nathaniel Russell House and the Miles Brewton House are among the sights you'll learn about along the approximately 1.5-mile walk. Reviewers applaud the enthusiastic and accommodating guides and recommend the tour even for those who may not consider themselves architecture buffs.

While the cost is on a pay-what-you-like basis, there is a $3 administration fee per ticket and reservations are required. Tours are generally offered Monday and Thursday; exact times vary by day. Free Tours by Foot also hosts walking tours focused on ghost stories and the Civil War.

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Charleston Sole Walking Tours – History, Culture, & Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $15 Duration: 2 hours

See Charleston through the eyes of a local with Charleston Sole Walking Tours. Brian Simms, a 10th-generation Charlestonian, or a member of his team will take you on a two-hour tour of the city. You'll stroll through hidden alleys and tree-lined streets to iconic landmarks and sites of famous Charleston historic events. Sights include St. Michael's Church, Rainbow Row, the Dock Street Theatre and the Old Slave Mart Museum. Your guide will go beyond the usual textbook tour, which reviewers love, and give you a rich walking layout of the city.

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children 6 to 12. Tours run at 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Charleston Sole also offers private and group tours.

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Courtesy of Walks of Charleston

Learn all about Charleston's history on this stroll with Walks of Charleston.

Walks of Charleston – Charleston History Tour

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

Satisfy your inner history buff with Walks of Charleston. On this roughly two-hour tour, you'll visit sites that date back to before the Civil War and Charleston's modern renaissance, including City Hall, the French Quarter and the Battery . Along the way, your guide will share stories of the city's founding, as well as insights into several of its signature buildings. Reviewers love the energy of the guides and the insider knowledge. If you're visiting Charleston in the summer, travelers recommend a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

Tours are offered multiple times daily starting at 9:30 a.m. Tickets start at $25 per adult and $18 per child ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children 5 and younger are free. Walks of Charleston also hosts tours of the city's alleys and private tours with custom experiences.

Tour Charleston at Buxton Books – The Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $35; students from $25 Duration: 80 minutes

Charleston is full of haunted tales, and there's no better way to acquaint yourself with the city's ghosts than on a walking tour. On this 80-minute excursion, a guide will lead you around the historic district past dusk to regale you with legends and supernatural occurrences derived from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book. During the evening stroll, you'll enter the Unitarian Church graveyard, a site that dates back to the late 1700s. Reviewers rave about the graveyard's eerie atmosphere and the educational, engaging tour guides. They also say this experience is suitable for families with kid ages 10 and older.

Tours are offered at 7:30, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets cost approximately $35 per adult and $25 for students with an ID; discounts are also available for seniors and members of the military. For a less spooky tour of the Holy City, consider the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

Charleston Culinary Tours – Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 2.5 hours

If you're looking to experience Charleston through your taste buds, allow Charleston Culinary Tours to oblige. On this 2 1/2-hour walking tour of the French Quarter and City Market , you'll experience the city's food and beverage scene with the help of a knowledgeable foodie guide. Stop into four local restaurants and learn about culinary history while sampling classic Lowcountry flavors. Reviewers love the samples of local cuisine and the historical tidbits from the knowledgeable guides.

Tours are offered multiple times a day (as early as 10 a.m. and as late as 4 p.m., depending on the day). Tickets cost approximately $85 per person. The company runs a variety of other tours, including a culinary tour of upper King Street.

Charleston History Walk by Eric Lager, Ph.D.

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2.5 hours

Let a history professor from The Citadel, a military college, show you around Charleston on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by Eric Lager, who has a doctorate in history, the tour covers everything from Charleston's founding in 1670 to the creation of the historic district in 1931. During the approximately 1.5-mile walk along the city's famous cobblestone streets, you'll pass by sites like the Heyward-Washington House , Huguenot Church, Fort Sumter and more. Travelers highly recommend this tour, praising its pace, the size (groups are limited to 10 people) and the passionate guide.

Tours are generally offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., though an additional 9:30 a.m. may be offered depending on the day. Ticket costs start at $35 for adults and $20 for kids age 7 to 17.

Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours – Highlights of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

Walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods on this approximately two-hour tour that offers plenty of sightseeing, in addition to a history lesson. As you stroll past sights like Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and more, you'll learn about Charleston's history, architecture, economics and geography. Travelers applaud the tour guides for their personable, humorous and thought-provoking delivery, as well as their storytelling abilities. Reviewers say this tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Charleston.

The Highlights of Charleston Tour is available daily as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 3 p.m., depending on the day. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for kids. Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours also runs a tour designed for visitors interested in the best photo spots around town; it's available by reservation only.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Tours
• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Best Hotels in Charleston
• The Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the South

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Charleston Perspective

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843.460.8671

Discover the history, architecture and culture of Charleston with a local guide!

• All Charleston Perspective   walking tour guides are local Charlestonians.
• Explore the cobblestone streets, hidden passages and alleys, as you uncover the history, the architecture and the culture that make up the framework of this centuries old town.
• From the founding in 1670 through wars, earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, religious diversity, the slave trade, the Gullah/Geechee culture, economic swings to present day growth and expansion.
• See many historic sites along the route including Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange, the Old Slave Mart museum, Churches, the Harbor, High Battery and more.
• The 2 hour walking tour will end the courtyard of the Middleton Family Home, built in 1783, in the heart of the walled city district. Prince Charles visited the same courtyard in February of 1990.
• Check out our Things To Do  page to continue your experience in Charleston.

Charleston Perspective     Walking Tours

D iscover the history of Charleston with a local, licensed and   certified guide.

E xplore the cobblestone streets as you uncover little known history   of Charleston including the 50 years of Proprietory rule, the   Charleston Tea Party, the 1st decisive victory of the Revolutionary   War at Ft Sullivan, the African art form of the Gullah/Geechee sweet   grass baskets, the trash fill that makes up 50% of the peninsula of   Charleston, the religious diversity of the holy city, the unique   architectural style of the Charleston Single House and more.

C ome away from the walking tour with a better understanding of the   complex history of this centuies old town, and a better knowledge of   the distinctive architectural styles and features. You will have a   better understanding of the the culture and people who lived in and   built the structures that have withstood centuries of hurricanes,   wars, earthquakes and fires.

D iscover Charleston's history with Charleston Perspective !

Call or Text    (843) 460-8671

[email protected]

2 Hour Daily Walking Tour

$30 Adults, $15 Child(6-12), Free (Infants-5)

         10am Tour  (Year Round)           1pm Tour  (Limited - September thru April)

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Private Tours Available   Call, Text or Email for more information

 For larger groups, g uests will have the option   to use a personal listening device to better   allow for social distancing. The guide will   provide an earpiece, the device has a 3.5mm   port. Feel free to bring your own headphones   or earbuds to use.

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• Charleston Walking Tours

Charleston is a living museum with century-old mansions and numerous historic sites. Guided Charleston walking tours are a great way to experience the history and charm of "The Holy City." Depending on your interests, you will find tours on history, architecture, pirates, art, food, and ghosts.

One of the most popular Charleston walking tours, the evening Ghost Walk, will take visitors on a journey to spooky cemeteries and haunted alleyways while learning about Charleston's sordid past. Take The Bulldog Ghost Tour and visit the haunted Old City Jail, or take the Ghost City Tours of Charleston and visit one of Charleston's paranormal hot spots, the Unitarian Church Graveyard.

Another favorite tour, especially with families, is Charleston Pirate Tours. Join Eric, Sabrina, and their trusty parrot on an exploration of piracy in the Holy City. Find answers to questions including why Blackbeard set up a blockade in Charleston Harbor, which pirates were hung in White Point Gardens, and which popular sayings have their roots in piracy. Both children and adults will enjoy Charleston Pirate Tours. 

A favorite tour with Foodies is a Charleston Food Tour. These tours involve sampling some exceptional cuisine from some of the most talented chefs in Charleston. Visitors will walk and taste their way through history, while learning about how Lowcountry cuisine has evolved in Charleston. 

Most Charleston walking tours last about two hours, and you may need to make reservations in advance, because many of them sell out early. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, put on sunscreen, and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

History Walking Tours

Chucktown Tours (843) 885-8802

Join our historians as we stroll through 350 years of history, as Chucktown Tours shows you the exciting history of Charleston, South Carolina, in a fun, interesting, and accurate way.

Historic Charleston Tours (843) 425-3076

Mike Frederick is a licensed city guide that has lived in the Old and Historic District for more than 25 years. He can give you a perspective that few others can. Travel little known pathways and learn of 350 year old traditions that are still practiced today.

Two Sisters Historic Walking Tours (843) 270-9945

Sisters Mary and Therese are native Charlestonians whose family first arrived in the area in 1793. These retired attorneys love sharing their knowledge of Charleston's vibrant history and its famous landmarks. Tours are $25 per person. 

Oyster Point Walking Tours (843) 729-4662

Oyster Point Historic Tours was started by College of Charleston graduates with backgrounds in history, theater, and language. These graduates wanted to create an immersive and entertaining experience, while also being honest about Charleston's history. Tours are $20 per person. 

Charleston Footprints (843) 478-4718

Seventh-generation Charlestonian Michael Trouche is an award-winning journalist and author. He thoroughly explains Charleston’s unique history and culture from its founding in 1670 until the present day. Tours are $25 per person. 

Free Tours by Foot (843) 580-4019

This name your price walking tour guarantees you will find your tour interesting and of the highest quality, or it's free. An expert guide will introduce you to this historic city, answer questions, and offer advice on places to visit. Each person will be charged a mandatory $3 booking fee.

Lowcountry Walking Tours (843) 410-9688

This group of Charlestonians and educators are eager to share unique stories and insights on Charleston's history. They offer daily intimate walking tours, including their most famous, The Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages tour. Tours start at $20 per person.

Say Charleston Private Photo Walking Tour (843) 224-1770 

Tenth generation Charlestonian and award-winning professional photographer Liz Legare Duren takes guests on an informative tour around the city, while taking pictures of them among beautiful backdrops. Tours are $30 per person (2 person minimum).

Charleston in a Nutshell (843) 697-6140

Jeff Zimmerman, an eighth generation Carolinian, has a passion for history and southern culture. Enjoy a history by candlelight walking tour, where you will learn about Charleston's people, culture, and history all by candlelight. Tours are $15 - $23.

Charleston Sole Walking Tour (843) 364-8272

Brian Simms is a native Charlestonian whose family first arrived in the area in 1707. His two-hour walking tour will introduce you to popular landmarks and hidden gems. Tours are $25 per person.

Pineapple Tour Group (877) 553-1670

Enjoy the charming streets of Charleston as you stroll through three hundred years of history. Walk in the footsteps of politicians, patriots, and pirates, that shaped the history of the South. Tours are $35 - $40 per person. 

Charleston History Tours (843) 901-9283

Joyce Weir, a student of photography and graphic design, offers a walking tour with photographic tips and composition for the best shots. Charleston is full of mystery, romance and southern charm, which makes for an amazing walking tour. Tours are $55 per person. 

Ed Grimball's Walking Tour (843) 813-4447

Ed Grimball, a 12th generation Charlestonian, has been giving tours of Charleston for over 20 years. Ed offers a laid-back blend of history, architecture, and storytelling. His tours last about three hours, which is the longest walking tour in Charleston. Tours are $22 per person. 

Walks of Charleston (843) 478-7573

Walks of Charleston, a family owned company, gathers together a knowledgeable team of guides who are passionate about the architecture, culture, and history of Charleston. The History Tour is a great introduction to Charleston. Tours are $20 - $25 per person. 

Tommy Dew's History Tour (843) 853-8687

Tommy Dew has been giving tours of the downtown historic district for over 20 years. Guests will walk from the Market, through the old walled city, and to the Battery. Along the way, you will pass historic homes, churches, buildings, and gardens. Tours are $25 per person.

Charleston Old Walled City Tours (843) 343-4851

Al Ray, owner of Walled City Tours, is a seventh generation Charlestonian who has been giving tours in Charleston for almost 40 years.  Join Al on a stroll of quaint alleys, grand mansions, and the beautiful waterfront. Tours are $26 per person.

Charleston Tea Party Walking Tours (843) 722-1779

Marianne Wichmann, the grande dame of walking tours, will take you to the center of the Old Walled City of Charles Towne. You will learn about historic homes, famous buildings, and private gardens. After the tour, you will return to Marianne's for a refreshing glass of tea. Tours are $25 a person. 

Charleston Strolls (843) 766-2080

Charleston Strolls opened in 1979 with the first daily walking tour of the Charleston historic district. Take a fascinating stroll with stories of Charleston’s rich history and colorful past, or roam inside the eerie 215-year-old city jail during daylight hours. Tours are $37 per person.

Charleston Promenades

Before moving to Charleston in 2003, Martine Dulles was a docent at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. Martine offers historic city tours, holy city tours, architecture tours, and plantation tours in French and English. Contact Martine for tour pricing. 

Uniquely Charleston Tours (843) 708-4483

Paul Garbarini offers small, custom tours on your schedule with only the people in your party. Guests are in for a wildly informative and fascinating tour of Charleston. Call Paul for pricing.

Walking Charleston (843) 412-8225

Skip Evans, a fifth-generation Charleston native, offers small intimate tours of the Holy City. Study the architecture of grand antebellum homes, visit historic attractions, and listen to stories about the people and events that helped shape a nation. Tours are $55 per person. 

Ghost Tours

Ghost City Tours of Charleston (888) 859-5375

Ghost City Tours of Charleston, strives to be the best choice for ghost tours. You will journey to the most haunted places including alleys and graveyards, as guides present stories of Charleston's colorful and tragic past. Tours are $27-$37 per person. 

Walks in History

Experience a tour led by best-selling Charleston authors Geordie Buxton and Ed Macy. Learn about a Citadel cadet who haunts a local hotel, orphans who haunt a dorm at a Charleston College, and a good spirit in a Freedman Methodist graveyard, to name just a few. Tours are $22 - $33 a person. 

Old Charleston Walking Tours (843) 568-0473

Old Charleston Walking Tours has guides with years of research and storytelling experience. Their most famous tour, Pleasing Terrors, features stories about creepy history, haunted places, and forgotten folklore. Tours are $30 a person. 

Tour Charleston (843) 723-1670

The founder of Tour Charleston, Julian Buxton, is the author of the best selling book The Ghosts of Charleston. Listen to supernatural stories including the headless Confederate soldier on the city's High Battery and unexplained events on the Cooper River Bridge. Tours are $22 - $34 per person. 

Bulldog Tours (843) 722-8687 

This nighttime tour is the first official walking tour of Magnolia Cemetery previously off limits to commercial tour companies. The 90-minute walking tours promise the best of Magnolia's history, mystery, and spirits.  Tours are $37 

Ghosts of the South (843) 343-9255

Ghosts of the South has nightly guided walking ghost tours led by professional, licensed guides who have at least ten years experience.  The tour will weave through Charleston's Old and Historic District, mixing ghost stories and history. Tours are $28  a person. 

Ghostwalk (843) 720-8687

Tricia Goron, born and raised in Charleston, has been a registered guide for almost 20 years. Take an evening tour with her and learn about Charleston's haunted past while visiting some of Charleston's oldest cemeteries and graveyards. Tours are $28 - $50 a person.

Culinary Tours 

Charleston Culinary Tours (843) 259-2966

Charleston Culinary Tours combine food and drinks with unique historic tours highlighting Lowcountry cuisine and cocktails. The tours will allow you to sample some of the finest food and meet with the owners and chefs of these amazing restaurants. Tours start at $75 a person.   

Other Charleston Walking Tours

Pub Tours 843-577-5535

Pub tours last approximately 2 ½ hours long and covers between three and five historic Charleston pubs throughout the course of the tour. Appetizers for everyone are served along the way, at a couple of the pubs we visit. Tours are $42 a person. 

Charleston Segway Tours 843-730-3464

Segway Tours of Charleston is a unique, fun way to see Charleston. Enjoy a one or two-hour historic guided tour while riding on a Segway. Training is included, and no experience is necessary. Tours are $57 - $77 a person. 

Charleston Bicycle Tours (843) 881-9898

Charleston Bicycle Tours aim to share their love of the Lowcountry, its history, culture, and people. They believe the best way to see Charleston is on two wheels. It’s slower than a car, allowing you to take in all of the sights, sounds and smells around you. Tours start at $1695 a person. 

Charleston Steeplechase Tours (843) 437-8758

Charleston Steeplechase is the only company offering running tours in Charleston. The tour is a 4-mile jog through the historic district with about 12 stops and accommodates all running abilities. Tours are $30 per person. 

Charleston Pirate Tours (843) 442-7299  

The owners of Charleston Pirate Tours, Eric and Sabrina, are native South Carolinians with backgrounds in tourism and theater. As they lead you through the French Quarter and along the waterfront, you will explore piracy and hear stories of famous pirates, including Blackbeard. Tours are $25 per person. 

Other Charleston Tours

Charleston Boat Tours

Charleston Carriage Tours

Charleston Motorized Tours

• Things to do in Charleston SC
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Things to do in Charleston SC Sip and Stroll at Drayton Hall

Apr 18, 24 05:00 AM

What: Sip and Stroll When: April 20, 2024 Where: Drayton Hall Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm How Much: $40 You are invited to attend the most extraordinary outdoor Charleston food and wine event. On select date…

Charleston Historic Tours

Historic Walking Tour

   This walking tour led by Captain Bryan is not your average “sit there and shut up” tour where the guide won’t even remember your name. Rather, after  brief introduction, Captain Bryan will lead you on a historic journey of how Shem Creek came to prominence with its famous shrimping fleet and much more. Unlike any other tour in the area, guests have the ability to see the industry at work. Perhaps you will meet Mr. Rector at Geechie Seafood with his several shrimp boats, beautiful reminders of the bountiful harvest to be conducted offshore. Furthermore, sample some of the key lime pie (if available) made by the family at  Mt. Pleasant Seafood market or try your hand cast netting or bringing in the crab trap. This is not a tour, it is an experience to immerse yourself in a culture that is truly intrinsic to the area. Take back history, culture, language, snacks, but most of all guests will take from this experience an underlying appreciation for our local shrimpers and the history behind these hard working men and women. As Captain Bryan says, ” Live the Local Life” and this experience is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Includes waters for the group.

Historic Savannah Foundation's lecture series begins with Jewish foodways in the South

“Through food, we can find out that there is more that connects us than that separates us.” - Dr. Jessica B. Harris , food historian and author

Rachel Barnett and Lyssa Harvey never set out to write a cookbook. What began as a cultural Jewish food quest turned the South Carolina natives and lifelong friends first into historical epicureans and later into authors. 

A four-year endeavor saw them collect recipes and essays from Jewish families, initially in Columbia, South Carolina, and then all across the Palmetto State, that eventually evolved into Kugels and Collards: Stories of Food, Family, and Tradition in Jewish South Carolina .      

With similar smiles in separate Zooms, Barnett and Harvey shared that the title could easily have been Chopped Liver and Fried Chicken .

Since the book was first published in August 2023, Barnett and Harvey’s tour has included stops in Atlanta, Charleston, Greenville, Memphis, New Orleans, Spartanburg, and now Savannah. On Thursday, April 18, the co-authors headline the Historic Savannah Foundation’s “ Jewish Foodways in the Lowcountry South ” event alongside Congregation Mickve Israel’s Rabbi Robert Haas. 

“We feel a kinship with Savannah. There’s a shared history,” said Barnett. “Savannah’s Jewish community history is so deep and so rich, so I can’t wait to hear the stories.”

Those stories date back to the city's founding in 1733, when Congregation Mickve Israel was formed by 42 Jewish settlers, making it the third oldest Jewish congregation in America.

History meets recipe

Both Barnett and Harvey say that what they created is an anthology, a collected history, and by extension a cookbook, an archival document whose common ingredient is food.

“It’s a slice of South Carolina’s Jewish history,” said the former with a smile. “Four years in the making.”

“What we’ve discovered is that it has become an unintentional archive that happens to be stories of Southern Jews and others,” said Harvey, who still lives in her hometown of Columbia. “It’s the Southern Jewish table.”

For those who may not know, a lokshen kugel is a noodle pudding, and if you want to make one, try Grandma Ida’s lokshen kugel on page 12. 

“It’s delicious,” said Barnett. “It’s Lyssa’s grandmother’s recipe.”

More than six years ago, Historic Columbia’s executive director Robin Waites gathered people from various organizations to talk about how to document the capital city’s Jewish history. The Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina, of which Barnett now serves as executive director, has been documenting oral histories for three decades.

“We collected oral histories, we put up markers, we developed a walking tour, all of it with Historic Columbia’s incredible, talented researchers,” she said.

Both confirmed foodies, Barnett and Harvey decided to take a different tack, wondering what they could do with Jewish cuisine.

“Food is different,” Barnett correctly contended. “Everybody has a story. Everybody remembers their bubbe’s brisket or their grandmother’s best chopped liver.”

“Fortunately for us, we had an incredibly talented team at Historic Columbia,” she continued, crediting Waites’ organization for developing a blog that posted every month for four years, collecting brief family histories, best recipes, and fondest family memories around food.

Barnett praised their “incredible mentors” Dale Rosengarten, the now retired curator of Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston, and Marcie Cohen Ferris, professor in the Department of American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who wrote the forward that chronicles when Jewish foodways began in the South.

“She started this before anybody else started talking about foodways of Jewish food,” the Summerton native said of Ferris. “She recognized the history behind this.” 

“Every month at the Jewish Historical Society, we had a Zoom program with Judge Richard Gergel and Robert Rosen,” Barnett recalled. “We had three-hundred, four-hundred people tuning into these Zooms from all over the country.”

“We had plenty of Charleston and Columbia stories,” she said, “but this gave us the opportunity to reach people that we didn’t know who were out there, people who had grown up here and had moved away.” 

A story from a woman in Brookline, Massachusetts, whose family hailed from Charleston. Another from a man in D.C. who grew up in Eutawville, South Carolina.

Making sure that they did not “apSavpropriate” anyone’s recipes, Harvey explained, they tried to retrace each to its owner.

“That was passion. We loved it,” Barnett said of hunting down photos and cooking up recipes. “I love the whole idea of collecting recipes and preserving them. It tells you so much about culture, and that is what we say to people.”

“Four years later, we had a book,” she said proudly.

Now in its second printing with the University of South Carolina Press, all proceeds from Kugels & Collards go to Historic Columbia and the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina. In addition to this co-authorship, Barnett and Harvey are founding members of the Historic Columbia Jewish Heritage Initiative.

Savor your story

“Wherever we’ve been, we’ve met the nicest people. We want people to be engaged in this conversation,” said Barnett about the junket events. “We talk about the book a little bit and give them a couple really great stories and then say, ‘Now we want to hear from you. Tell us your stories.’”

In Memphis, attendees sat around in a big circle and shared their own familial food tales.

“It was so incredible,” Barnett recalled, “and what we find as we’ve done this is that these stories are not dissimilar to the stories we have in the book. There’s this collective experience, if you will.”

“I think the collective stories project a feeling across the board no matter what religion because it’s food and tradition and what they mean to you,” Harvey echoed. “That crosses all kinds of boundaries.

“Especially when it’s holidays, tradition,” she continued, “you know who’s going to be at that table and who’s not at that table, who’s missing, who’s gone, so it brings very poignant memories of food.” 

“We say that this book marks time and place,” said Harvey, whose own recipe for the Star of David poppy seed cake, made in a namesake bundt pan, she makes for everything from sitting shiva to happy occasions.

“I’m Southern. I’m Jewish, and food is my love language. That kind of covers everything,” she said.

In Kugels & Collards and in their presentation, the authors credit African American cooks whose influence on Jewish families’ food traditions was crucial. 

“We want to recognize their culinary contributions,” said Barnett of the book’s underlying theme, the African American influence and the Southern foods introduced by enslaved peoples. “They’re enormous. This is what made the Southern Jewish table.”

“We worked hard on this book for four years, but we didn’t get the impact of the book until other people told us their stories,” Harvey shared. “When we started taking it across the South, we realized that every single person could have written a story like this.

“To have these surviving memories means a whole to them and a whole lot to us.”

The authors sign all the books “Savor your story,” hoping that people have a takeaway from their familial food moments.

“Rachel and I always say that memories around the table are much more visceral, they’re much more sensory,” said Harvey, a teacher, therapist and artist whose life work has been helping children and impacting her community by creating the Columbia Holocaust Education Commission. “When you have anything that you can see, smell, and then taste, it evokes emotion.”

“Passover is in a couple of weeks, and it will be a time when families gather around the table,” said Barnett. “For us, it’s a good time to remind people there is a family recipe there. There’s something being served on your table that you need to make sure you write it down or pass it down so the next generation gets it.”

Harvey admitted that it was not until she was in her forties that she really “wanted to know” where her family’s food culture came from.

“Because of that and because of my children, I knew that they would be the holders of that tradition,” said Harvey. “I’ve become very intentional with how I remember things, how I set the table with my mother’s beautiful china and linen. I want it to resonate with my children, and now, as a grandmother of five, I know that they’re watching.”

If You Go >>

What: Historic Savannah Foundation’s “Jewish Foodways in the Lowcountry South,” part of its 2024 Lecture Series “People, Places and Stories That Define Savannah” 

When: Wine reception at 5:30 p.m. and the discussion beginning at 6 p.m., April 18

Where: Historic Savannah Foundation’s headquarters, 321 E. York St.

Tickets: Reservations are recommended as space is limited. Attendance is free for Historic Savannah Foundation members and $15 for non-members. Members and non-members may RSVP by emailing Kendall Graham at [email protected] or by calling 912-233-7787 ext. 109. 

Info: For more information about the HSF Lecture Series, visit myhsf.org .

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Introducing an exceptional investment opportunity to own 4 active, legal short term rental units encompassing 3 buildings in the heart of Charleston's coveted Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood.​ This property includes a total of 14 bedrooms & 14 bathrooms.​ The front historic blue building is a renovated duplex, which features 4 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms per unit.​ To the rear of the property stand 2 newly constructed single family homes, each with 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms.​ These properties present a rare chance to own a piece of Charleston's historic charm, combined with modern amenities & lucrative income.​ The seamless integration of modern conveniences & historic details ensures a comfortable & captivating living experience for residents or guests alike.​ Convenient on site parking further enhances the property's appeal, ensuring hassle-free accessibility.​ With all units currently operating as legal, active short-term rentals, this property presents an enticing income-generating opportunity for savvy investors.​ Seize this opportunity to invest in the Holy City's only neighborhood allowing legal and welcomed short term vacation rental properties.​

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Great Visitor Destinations in 15 U.S. Cities

Posted: June 2, 2023 | Last updated: November 29, 2023

1-boston-ft-revere-old-north-church-sh

Delve into the history of the American Revolution strolling Boston’s Freedom Trail. Walk it on your own or take a tour -- there are many types, themed around everything from revolutionary women and African-American patriots to a macabre nighttime lantern tour or a historic pub crawl.

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Sights along the Boston Freedom Trail include Bunker Hill, Copp’s Hill burying ground, the Paul Revere House and, pictured here, the USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," the oldest commissioned warship afloat which dates back to the War of 1812 when she fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. 

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Immerse yourself in Atlanta’s Black culture, history, and traditions. Visit African-American neighborhoods, local civil rights landmarks, and more. Several tour companies provide walking, biking, or driving tours.

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Atlanta’s neighborhood of Sweet Auburn, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born, is the heart of black enterprise and the Civil Rights movement. There’s the Apex Museum, which gives a view of history from an African- American perspective, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park and the King Center, plus several other important historic sights in this area.

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It’s hard to get a sense of the sheer size and beauty of this spectacular river canyon until you see it in person. It’s 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep and meanders past cliffs, spires, and ridges set against nearby peaks of the Cascade Mountains.

3b-portland-oregon-multnomah-falls-sh

The highlight of Columbia River Gorge is Multnomah Falls, the highest waterfall in the state; you can see it on your own, or a tour will take you to see even more scenery as well as lesser-known falls throughout the region. 

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The creepy side of Savannah comes out in a night tour of this historic city guided by lantern. Pictured is the cobblestoned River Street.

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A historical ghost tour takes a deep dive into Savannah’s history of war, executions, murders, and mystery. Visit the historic squares and cobblestone streets and see moss-draped oaks by lantern light and hear their eerie tales. Pictured is Savannah’s Colonial Park Cemetery.

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When you’ve had enough of cigarette smoke, drinking and gambling in Las Vegas, take a day to see  the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and several other sights along the way on a full-day bus tour from Vegas. 

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Three of Viator’s top experiences include visits to Hoover Dam, which was built during the Great Depression. At the time, it was the highest dam in the world and it holds back the largest man-made lake in the U.S. Some tours of Hoover Dam take you into its massive power plant.

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The trip from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon takes you through the expansive desert of Arizona, where you can see Joshua Trees and maybe desert big horn sheep. Some tours will take you to Seven Magic Mountains, an art installation featuring these towering, painted boulder totems by artist Ugo Rondinone.

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If you’re in Hawaii and somehow short on time or just don't want to drive yourself, you can see the best of the island on a bus tour in a day. See the dramatically different landscapes of the island, from the ranching town of Waimea to black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, a coffee farm and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

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Some of the sights you can see on Hawaii's Big Island include sweeping views of the Hamakua Coast and Waipio Valley, where King Kamehameha was raised as a child. Some of the top waterfalls include Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. If you're lucky, you'll see green sea turtles on one of the black sand beaches along the way.

7a-nevada-valley-of-fire-sh

Escape the neon and slot machines with an excursion to Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour's drive from Las Vegas. The park is known for its stunning red sandstone formations which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago.

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At Valley of Fire, see Native American petroglyphs that are believed to be 3,000 years old. Take an easy, moderate, or challenging hike to see the multihued desert scenery. A tour may take you past Lake Mead and the Moapa Indian Reservation, too.

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Another escape from Las Vegas is a half-day tour that takes you to Willow Beach Marina, about an hour from Vegas. A 2-mile paddle gets you to Emerald Cove, pictured here. You can swim in the crystal-clear water of the Colorado River, spot wildlife, snap photos, and go on a short hike to a bluff with amazing views.

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Learn about the mysterious history of Salem on a guided walking tour of the city. A local historian recounts 400 years of history while you admire the old architecture of this seaside town. For a spookier experience, take a nighttime tour led by lantern light and find out the truth about the 1692 Salem Witch Trial hysteria.

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A guided walking tour of the heart of Charleston’s historic district and French Quarter takes you to places like America’s first theatre, Charleston City Hall, the Old Exchange Building, White Point Garden, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter and more.

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One stop in historic Charleston includes the Old Slave Mart Museum, a former site of slave auctions. It includes African American history, arts and crafts and offers an informative, sobering education on the history of slavery.

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Another popular history tour in Charleston is a small-group walking tour of the city's hidden passages and alleyways. It includes the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history featuring pirates, patriots and presidents.

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See the moving Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns on a guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. A tour helps you get good views of this moving ceremony, then leads you to some of the cemetery's most important gravesites and memorials, including the USS Maine, Second World War soldier Audie Murphy, and more.

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Learn the fascinating history of the cemetery as you walk and visit the graves of John F. Kennedy, as well as Jackie Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy.

3b-wtc-memorial-sh

You can’t see all of New York City in a day but you can try. Start with a guided tour of the Big Apple's top attractions including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial, where you'll eat lunch at Gansevoort Liberty Market.

12b-nyc-central-park-new-york-lennon-sh

The 28-stop New York City tour also includes the Times Square area, a walk into Central Park to visit the Strawberry Fields John Lennon memorial, (pictured) and you can spot the luxury condominium towers where wealthy celebrities live.  

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But wait! There’s more. This whirlwind tour includes a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, when you’ll pass by Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, plus drive-by’s of the Central Park Zoo, Plaza Hotel, Carnegie Hall, Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall, SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, and several more. Whew!

13-washington-dc-night-sh

Washington D.C.’s monuments and landmarks light up after dark, perfect for dramatic views and memorable photos of the city. Explore the sights from the National Mall to the White House and key memorials as you learn about each site. 

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Another winner is a private tour of D.C.’s monuments and landmarks, offering a more luxurious, flexible way to see the sights, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, pictured here.

Another top experience award in D.C. is a tour that explores the city’s monuments and war memorials on a special eCruiser electric car. Drive by the White House, through Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museum complex, and other hotspots while keeping your carbon footprint down.

14a-louisiana-beignets-page-light-studiosshutterstock

Explore New Orleans’ food culture with a guided that takes you to some of the French Quarter’s most famous restaurants for some of the area’s most delicious food, like seafood gumbo, Creole brisket, and beignets, pictured here.

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In New Orleans, you can visit kitchens often seen on food shows and featured in cookbooks, and enjoy tastings from the French Market, pictured, the oldest of its kind in the U.S. There's plenty of walking around the French Quarter to burn off the calories.

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Go sightseeing in the hills above Los Angeles with a vigorous walk to the famous Hollywood sign, where you see amazing views of the city below. Learn about the history of Los Angeles on an entertaining hike that also visits Griffith Park and Hollywood Hills neighborhood.

Check out the the Viator Experience Awards for more details.

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