Discover Charleston's Historic District, Plantations & Beaches
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Explore the historic streets of Charleston on a self-guided tour that takes you through centuries of American history. From colorful Georgian townhouses to the site where the Civil War started, every stop offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past and vibrant culture.
Wander through lively markets, relax in scenic parks, and stand at the seawall at The Battery, where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet. Along the way, you'll hear stories of resilience, revolution, and the African influences that shaped Charleston’s unique character.
This private, app-based experience is perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace, with detailed audio guides covering over 40 sites across the city. It’s a flexible way to uncover Charleston’s contradictions—its beauty and its history—without the need for a live guide or group.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 9.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
What do I need to participate?
You'll need your own smartphone and headphones. The tour is fully digital, with no live guide or rental equipment provided.
Is the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, it’s suitable for adults aged 15 to 65 and accessible for all physical fitness levels.
What’s included in the tour?
You get a self-guided walking tour via the app, a digital map with offline content, and instant access with your activation code. You can explore over 40 sites at your own pace.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, admission fees, transportation, parking, food, drinks, internet access, and rentals are not included.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 9.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Self-guided walking tour, fully on the app — explore at your own pace
- Digital Map & Offline Content: no cell service needed
- Instant access: your tour activation code is ready on your ticket, below the barcode
- Enjoy audio guide access for more than 40 sites across Charleston
Not included
- Private transportation
- Admission fees, live guide, headphones, transport, parking, food/drinks, internet access, and rentals
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Begin at one of America's oldest public markets, stretching four blocks between Meeting Street and East Bay Street. Established in the 1790s, the market is renowned for Gullah sweetgrass basket weavers carrying on a centuries-old West African tradition. Browse local artisan goods and sample pralines.
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Stop 2
Walk to East Bay Street to see the iconic row of thirteen colorful Georgian townhouses dating back to the 1740s. Originally merchant shops with living quarters above, their bright colors helped sailors identify their homes from the harbor.
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Stop 3
Relax in a beautifully landscaped park along the Cooper River waterfront. The Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Southern hospitality, sits here. Benches, palms, and harbor views make it a peaceful spot to unwind.
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Stop 4
Walk along the seawall at the southern tip of the peninsula, where Civil War cannons and monuments stand amidst massive live oaks. Grand antebellum mansions line the street, with views across the harbor to Fort Sumter and Sullivan's Island.
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Stop 5
Tour the restored 1808 Federal-style mansion on Meeting Street, famed for its spiral staircase that rises three stories without visible supports. The house museum shares stories of the Russell family and the enslaved people who maintained the household.
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Stop 6
Visit Charleston’s oldest church, completed in 1761 at the corner of Meeting and Broad Streets, known as the Four Corners of Law. Its 186-foot steeple has guided ships into the harbor for over 260 years. George Washington worshipped here during his 1791 Southern tour.
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Stop 7
See the only remaining building used as a slave auction gallery in the U.S., located on Chalmers Street. This small museum tells the story of Charleston’s role as a major slave trading port, where nearly half of all enslaved Africans entered the U.S.
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Stop 8
View Fort Sumter from the harbor, where Confederate artillery opened fire in 1861, starting the Civil War. Markers along the Battery explain the event. Ferry tours to the island depart nearby Liberty Square.
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Stop 9
Walk along Charleston’s premier shopping and dining street, from the Visitor Center to The Battery. Upper King is known for restaurants and nightlife, Middle King for boutiques, and Lower King for antiques. The architecture reflects 19th-century commercial styles.
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Stop 10
Cross the Cooper River to Mount Pleasant and visit the USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier turned museum. It features exhibits on naval aviation, Medal of Honor recipients, and a Vietnam War display with a full-scale support base.
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Stop 11
End your journey at a majestic live oak on Johns Island, estimated to be 400-500 years old. Its branches stretch 187 feet across, creating a canopy covering nearly 17,000 square feet. Standing beneath it leaves a lasting impression.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
This is a self-guided, app-based tour with no in-person guide or fixed meeting spot. Your access code is on your ticket (below the barcode). Use the CloudGuide app to start at the suggested location or any stop along the route, in the order you prefer.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $1.12 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
