Taking in the atmosphere of downtown Charleston, with its brick-lined streets and historic churches, is one of the top things to do in the city. Historic homes and gardens such as Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and the Nathaniel Russell House are all an easy drive away, and the Charleston City Market is the place to pick up a sweetgrass basket or other keepsakes. Nearby beaches like Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are great for swimming in the warmer months and long walks in the cooler ones.
The Best Historical Things To Do In Charleston, SC
Old Slave Mart Museum
“A small place with a great history”
At 6 Chalmers Street, constructed in 1859, it is considered the last extant slave auction facility in SC, built in the Romanesque architectural style.
It tells the story of the “history of enslaved people” from the beginning of the Civil War to its end.
The Old Slave Mart was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in Charleston’s African-American history.
Visiting Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter Tours provides the sole National Park Service authorized access to Fort Sumter. There are two departure locations: Liberty Square Visitor Education Center, a National Park Service visitor center open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The concessioner does not honor the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for the ferry ride cost. To purchase tickets to go to Fort Sumter, visit Fort Sumter Tours.
Visit Fort Sumter National Monument →
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime
A great place & worth a visit.
The history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum began in June 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. Later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum on the 200th birthday of the United States Navy.
A day at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is not enough; there is so much to see and do. Time will fly!
Visit Patriots Point →How a private Charleston tour works
Book a vehicle and chauffeur by the hour and build your own route. Tell us what you want to see, whether that is the historic district, the gardens and plantations along the Ashley River, the beaches or a mix, and your chauffeur drives you from stop to stop and waits while you explore.
- Your pace: stay as long as you like at each stop.
- No parking: we drop you at the door, even downtown.
- Local knowledge: our chauffeurs know the city and the best order to see it.
Sightseeing vehicles and pricing
An executive sedan carries up to 2 guests, a luxury SUV up to 5 and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter up to 14. See our booking policy and fleet. Every quote is based on your date, route, vehicle and hours, and you get your price before you book.
Plan your tour: call or text (843) 804-1188 or request a free quote.
Common questions
Do you drive to the Charleston plantations?
Yes. We drive private groups to Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, Boone Hall, Drayton Hall and McLeod Plantation, and wait while you tour. Book by the hour and combine several stops in one day.
Can you create a custom Charleston tour?
Yes. We build private sightseeing routes around what you want to see, such as the historic downtown, Patriots Point, plantations like Magnolia and Drayton Hall, and the beaches. Your chauffeur waits while you explore.
How do I book a sightseeing car service?
Tell us your start time, the places you want to visit and how many people are in your group through the quote form, or call (843) 804-1188. Hourly bookings work best for tours.
How much is a private sightseeing tour?
Tours are booked by the hour with a 3-hour minimum. You get your price before you book; request a free quote or call (843) 804-1188.
Get a Quote
Tell us about your trip and we'll get back to you with a quote and availability.