Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sun protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, parasols) and rain gear
We HIGHLY recommend guests bring bottled water. It is not always available for purchase on the route
We ask guests to check in at the meeting location 5-10 mins prior to tour time. We cannot hold for latecomers.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
St. Philip's Church
View the historic church of the longest-meeting congregation in Charleston.
French Huguenot Church
View the only church of its denomination in North America
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Not included in your ticket price are any parking fees if you choose to drive to your tour. Gratuity is optional, but gratefully accepted.
Options
Highlights tour
Reviews
2,239 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Walking tour of French Quarter Charleston
lisa e,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Bill was a wealth of historical knowledge and accurate He explained the historical significance of the city and buildings
As much information as you can absorb during this tour.
janetcF3798UZ,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you want the real history of Charleston, your first choice should be Bill. Be ready for an intense couple of hours filled with the most honest facts. No sugar coating the past with Bill! He has immense knowledge of the area and civil war, and can answer almost any question you throw at him. All four of us had a terrific time and walked away in amazement with what we learned. If we return to the area, we will book another tour with Bill on one of his other topics.
Unique Approach of Charleston
X1831KSconnief,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00William, our guide, is very smart with history focusing on slavery in Charleston. His approach is definitely unique! Saying that, I did learn new issues not heard before this tour.
100% recommend this tour and tour guide
Lauren C,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bill is an entertaining, knowledgeable, and passionate historian and tour guide. He kept the rapt attention of not only the history lovers in our family group , my husband and I, but also our 13-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son. This tour is just as described, an introduction to the history of Charleston, and it certainly whet our appetites to learn more about the area and its impact on the history of the country as a whole. I would 100% recommend this tour, and specifically Bill as a tour guide.
Well, worth the expense and the time
Corgiguy98,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide was very knowledgeable in historical facts and accuracies,. He was always willing to answer any and all questions. he provided a very enlightening and enjoyable several hours.
Bill Harris
Ljmmac99,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was fun entertaining historical walking tour. He was engaging with the participants and provided a unique perspective of the city.
Charleston walking tour
W2679YGmichaelp,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the walking tour with Bill and it was great! Would definitely recommend.
Excellent walking tour of Charleston
janetl753,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Guide was very knowledgeable about Charleston history. Lots of detail you don’t get with other tours.
Great information
briancfarley,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. Totally different level of information vs. a typical guide. Some people might not fave the right open mindset for the experience though.
What a great experience!
130ralpha,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Instead of doing a horse and buggy ride through Charleston, hook up with Bill Harris (Oyster Point Tours). On March 23, 2026 my wife and I had the real priviledge of spending 2 1/2 hours walking with Bill as he gave an indepth history lesson. His wealth of historical facts is truly amazing. He is open to questions and easily corrects a persons previous perceptions of an historical event. He talks fast with no wasted effort for banter - just facts. Without reservation I can heartily recommend this tour.
From US$30.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Oyster Point Historic Tours