Charleston Footprints Walking Tour
Charleston, US
82% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore Charleston's rich and complex history
- Visit the iconic Rainbow Row buildings
- Discover the oldest church in Charleston
- Experience a play in the historic Dock Street Theater
- Admire the stunning waterfront homes at Battery & White Point Gardens
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Duration 2 hours 15 minutes
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Expert Licensed Guide
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All fees and taxes included
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Wheelchair accessible
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Customizable tour experience
Join us for the Charleston Footprints Walking Tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating stories of Charleston, America's Most Historic City! Our licensed and experienced guides are passionate about sharing Charleston's complex story and will tailor the tour to your interests, ensuring a unique and personalized experience. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Old Exchange and Provost, St. Michael's Church, and the Nathaniel Russell House. Admire the stunning Rainbow Row and learn about the city's preservation movement. Delve into the city's theatrical history at the Dock Street Theater and discover the oldest congregations at St. Philip's Church and Circular Congregational Church. Take in the breathtaking views of Battery & White Point Gardens and visit the Gibbes Museum of Art to admire its exceptional collection. Step back in time at the Pink House Gallery and the historic Powder Magazine. Book your tour with confidence and let our knowledgeable guides entertain, inform, and edify you as you uncover the hidden gems of Charleston.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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2 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Charleston's rich history with our guided walking tour, led by expert guides who tailor each experience to your interests.
Included
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All fees and taxes
Excluded
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Alcoholic beverages -
Lunch
Meeting Point
We meet at the Historic Charleston Foundation Gift Shopat the corner of Meeting Street and Chalmers Street, which is cobblestone.
108 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 , United States
What to expect
122 E Bay St
The Old Exchange and Provost (1771)was built to collect tarriffs and fees at the port. A building of National importance, it was here that South Carolina declared independence in 1776. The British used it as a prison from 1780-1782, the Constitution was here ratified, ans Ptrdident George Washington was entertained in 1791.
7 minutes
Rainbow Row
This row of 18th century buildings in the Georgian and Jacobean styles looked out at wharves on the harbor. In the 1930s the dilapidated buildings were restored as residences and are perhaps the first successful venture in Charleston's early preservation movement.
5 minutes
St. Michael's Church
Charleston's oldest church (1761) is substantially intact to its 18th century design. Some windows feature stained glass by Louis Tiffany and Company. Two signers of the Constitution arelaid to rest in the graveyard. Notably, the church bells have crossed the Atlantic Ocean five times!
8 minutes
Dock Street Theater
in 1937, the Work Projects Administration created a play house in the style of the eighteenth century. Research had proven that the first dedicated theater space in British North America, also called the Dock Street Theater, was built on the very same ground in 1736.
10 minutes
St. Philip's Church
The oldest congregation, founded 1680. National figures, including a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a signer of the Constitution, are laid to rest in the graveyard. St Philip's has worshiped at this sight since 1723.
10 minutes
Circular Congregational Church
This congregation has worshipped at the same site since 1681. The Church of the Colonial Townspeople has fine slate tombsones from the eighteenth century.
15 minutes
The Powder Magazine
Built to house gunpowder in 1713, it is the oldest public use structure between St Augustine and Williamsburg.
5 minutes
Nathaniel Russell House
We walk through the garden, the design of landscape architect Loutrell Briggs. The house is perhaps the finest Adams/Federal style house available to tour in the country.
10 minutes
Battery & White Point Gardens
We stop at Charleston'd historic waterfront to discuss the Battle of Fort Sumter (1861) and the Battle of Fort Sullivan (1776). We admire and discuss the grand waterfront homes built as party palaces for the winter season prior to the Civil War.
15 minutes
Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes has been procuring Southern Art since 1858, and has an exceptional collection of miniature and full length portraits from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Pink House Gallery
Charleston's oldest surviving entertainment venue, it was originally a tavern. Some sources date it as early as 1686. Its name derives not from the pink paint job, but rather the boldly pink coral rock of which it is constructed.
5 minutes
The Powder Magazine
This unique building was built specifically for gunpowder storage. Walls are 35" thick of brick, but the vaulted ceilings are just 2 bricks thick in the top, designed to blow up and not out in case of exposure. This Colonial Military Museum has been operated by the Colonial Dames since 1905.
5 minutes
27 E Battery
Depending on weather and group topics, the tour can end in a number of spots that are never more than a 15 minute walk back to the start point.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try Fleet Landing for seafood nearby. -
Visit the Historic Market after the tour.
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Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
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Check the weather; it can change quickly.
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Ask your guide about hidden gems!
More About this Experience
Introduction
Experience the captivating charm and rich history of Charleston, America's Most Historic City, with the Charleston Footprints Walking Tour. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and intriguing stories. Led by licensed and Palmetto Guild Certified guides, the Charleston Footprints Walking Tour ensures a comprehensive and personalized experience, tailored to the interests and preferences of each guest.What to expect?
During this immersive 2 to 2.5-hour tour, guests will have the opportunity to discover Charleston's fascinating past and present. The tour includes visits to renowned sites, such as the Old Exchange and Provost, where South Carolina declared independence in 1776, and St. Michael's Church, Charleston's oldest church with stunning stained glass windows by Louis Tiffany and Company. Guests will also explore the famous Rainbow Row, a vibrant row of restored 18th-century buildings, and the historic Dock Street Theater, a playhouse rooted in British North America's theatrical heritage.Who is this for?
The Charleston Footprints Walking Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and curious travelers of all ages. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers valuable insights, engaging narratives, and breathtaking architecture that will leave you captivated. Families, couples, and solo adventurers alike will find something to love on this tour, as it caters to a diverse range of interests and curiosities.Why book this?
Uncover the hidden stories and secrets of Charleston through the eyes of experienced guides with a deep passion for the city. Unlike other tours, the Charleston Footprints Walking Tour goes beyond the surface, providing a personalized and dynamic exploration that adapts to the interests and needs of each group. Immerse yourself in Charleston's unique blend of history and culture as you stroll through charming streets, admire historic landmarks, and discover untold tales that shaped this iconic city.Good to know
Prepare for an adventure by wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire. The tour starts at the Historic Charleston Foundation Gift Shop and ends just a short walk away from the starting point, ensuring convenience for all participants. Remember to bring your curiosity and questions, as the knowledgeable guides encourage interaction and gladly share their extensive knowledge of Charleston's past and present.Reviews
Feedback from previous participants of the Charleston Footprints Walking Tour has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors praise the guides for their expertise, engaging storytelling, and ability to create a truly immersive experience. Many guests particularly appreciate the tour's personalized approach, ensuring a unique and memorable journey through Charleston's vibrant history. Join the countless satisfied travelers who have discovered the magic of Charleston on the Charleston Footprints Walking Tour.
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