Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

4.3
(24 reviews)

1 to 3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Get a taste of the authentic antebellum American south with this self-guided walking tour of Charleston, SC. Explore historic districts packed with lovely shops and beautiful architecture as you learn about the city’s founding, its growth into a major metropolis, and how the Revolutionary War and Civil War changed it forever. This tour offers a comprehensive view of this fascinating city and its past.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

What's Included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Begin from 152 Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 1 to 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Circular Congregational Church

    The church was established in 1681, making it one of the oldest continuously worshiping congregations in the South. Originally known as the White Meeting House, it was built as a meeting place for Dissenters who did not conform to the Church of England. The current circular building was constructed in 1891 after the original building was destroyed by fire. NOTE: The tour is over 2+ miles long, with more than 45+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Hibernian Hall was constructed in 1840 and served as the meeting place for the Hibernian Society of Charleston. The Hibernian Society was established in 1801 by Irish immigrants and their descendants to provide aid, support, and cultural activities within the Irish community in Charleston.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    The South Carolina Historical Society (SCHS) was founded in 1855 and is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and promote the history of South Carolina and its people. The SCHS Museum serves as the primary public face of the organization, showcasing the society's extensive collection and offering educational programs to visitors.

    1 minute Admission ticket free
  • 4

    The Four Corners of Law is a term used to describe the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets in downtown Charleston. It refers to four significant buildings, each representing a different aspect of law and government. The name highlights the diverse legal and governmental institutions that converge at this intersection.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    The South Carolina Society Hall, also known as the South Carolina Society for the Preservation of Spirituals, is an architectural gem that was constructed in 1803. The building was originally commissioned by the South Carolina Society, a social and charitable organization founded in 1737. The society played a significant role in Charleston's political, social, and cultural life.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    I know what you’re thinking! But no, Pringle has no connection to the popular snack. But his story is a great example of life for a European colonist in early Charleston.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The ornate home two houses down from the Miles Brewton House is the Patrick O’Donnell House. Rumor has it that O’Donnell wanted this house to be perfect for his fiancee. So perfect, in fact, that it took 12 years to build this house.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    White Point Garden has a rich history dating back to the early days of Charleston. Originally known as Oyster Point, the park was a public gathering place as early as the 18th century. It has served as a defensive position during times of war and has witnessed significant events in Charleston's history.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Charleston was a strategically significant city during the Civil War due to its deepwater port and its role as a major center for the production and export of cotton. Controlling Charleston was vital for both the Confederate and Union forces.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The monument is dedicated to the memory of General William Moultrie, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War. Moultrie was the commander of the fort on Sullivan's Island, now known as Fort Moultrie, during the pivotal Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7

    The Palmer Home was built in 1825 for Thomas Bennett Jr., who served as the Governor of South Carolina from 1820 to 1822. The house is named after John Ravenel Palmer, who purchased it in 1861. The Palmer family owned the property for several decades.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The Edmondston-Alston House was built in 1825 and has a rich history tied to the Charleston area. The house has seen many notable residents and visitors throughout its existence.

    Admission ticket free
  • 8

    This alleyway is known as Longitude Lane, one of Charleston’s most picturesque attractions. Remember that fake cannon in White Point Garden? This is the lane where the real cannon was taken from!

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Rainbow Row

    The houses on Rainbow Row have a rich history. They were originally built as mercantile stores and residences for merchants and traders. Over the years, the buildings have been restored and preserved, contributing to Charleston's architectural and cultural heritage.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10

    This memorial marks the land where many slave auctions occurred in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It’s a stark reminder of what was actually at stake during the Civil War.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11

    See that fountain shaped like a pineapple? It was built in 1990, but references a neat bit of Charleston history.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12

    On your right is the Old Slave Mart Museum. It’s similar to the Old Exchange that we saw earlier, but with some notable differences.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Dock Street Theater

    This building began as a theatre in 1736, and reopened once more as a theatre in 1937. But what about the years in between?

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 14

    You may notice that this church juts out onto Church Street. In fact, the whole street bends a little all along the church, then straightens out again. What went on there?

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 15

    It’s been here since 1804, and houses arts and crafts from locals, Gullah sweetgrass baskets, and tons of delicious food.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
  • How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
  • Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Supplied by Adventures with Action

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Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.3 Based on 24 24 reviews
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