Our Tours
Classic Charleston History and Historic Gossip Tour
Meet the Lid Lady or one of our certified guides at the Hat Man for a two-hour storytelling walking tour of Charleston. The tour’s focus is on the City’s character and characters. History and historic gossip unfold as we dive into the stories of Charleston’s past and present inhabitants and the architectural fabric of the historic district.
The Real Rainbow Row Tour: Charleston’s LGBTQ+ History
This tour chronicles the LGBTQ+ history of Charleston. Proceeds support the SC LGBTQ archive at the College of Charleston. Our shared goal is to combat invisibility of this community in the historic landscape and to provide a more complete historic interpretation of Charleston. Learn more about the archive here. This tour is offered every Second Sunday of the month and by request.
Skeletons in the Closet: Charleston’s Ghosts
Join Walk & Talk Charleston on a nighttime stroll and gain a new perspective of the holy city’s haunting history. We’ll explore why some houses seem so much creepier than others, share gossip about Charleston’s best-known ghosts, and discuss why certain spooky elements just can’t stay buried.
The Pink Houses Tour
Step into a world where history is painted in shades of pink! Join us on a picturesque walking tour through Charleston's historic district, as we explore the city's charming pink houses. This unique walking tour will immerse you in the stories and secrets behind Charleston's rosy-hued architecture, showcasing how pink buildings span every architectural style and socioeconomic level. Discover the vibrant spectrum of pink houses, from quaint cottages to grand mansions. Each stop reveals a new layer of Charleston's rich architectural tapestry, adorned in pink!
Walk & Talk Charleston x International African American Museum (IAAM)
Join us on a journey to the IAAM through Charleston history and landmarks. This tour offers a sense of place through storytelling to enhance your IAAM experience. Discussions follow the legacy of Black liberation from chattel slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Black Lives Matter movement, and living history. This framework will center the experiences of Charleston's African American community & the diaspora throughout several generations, setting guests up to better comprehend the museum's focus on the intersectionality of Black liberation and Black joy. This tour is offered by request. Please note that this does not include admission to the IAAM nor interpretation inside the museum; we encourage you to visit the museum after your tour. Tickets can be reserved and purchased here.
The Living Museum: Architecture & Design in Charleston
Travel back in time on this walking tour through “the long 18th century,” exploring the era of explosive growth and rapid change in Charleston’s rich history. Explore the evolution of architectural styles throughout the city’s history, and examine the stylistic and practical influences from other countries, eras, and cultures that flourished during the period from the end of the 1600s to the dawn of the 19th century.
Walk on the Wild Side: Charleston’s Parks, Gardens, & Naturalists
Explore the lush parks and gardens of Charleston while looking for local wildlife on a tour with naturalist Layton Register. Stroll through the historic district and admire the city’s famous private gardens, and enjoy historic gossip about the gardeners, naturalists, and scientists who helped shape Charleston’s landscape. Along the way, look for local bird species at Washington Square, White Point Gardens, Waterfront Park, and the former site of the city’s orange garden.
Ironwork of Charleston
Marvel at the detailed ironwork of the Holy City. Wander streets lined with masterworks of the medium, admiring the delicate filigree patterns, ornate twists, and rich details that characterize pieces dating to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Learn about the skilled artisans who crafted these timeless pieces, and discover how they fit into the architectural and cultural fabric of the city. This tour celebrates the craftsmanship, history, and enduring beauty of Charleston’s ironwork.
Churches, Steeples, and Graveyards
Delve into the stories behind Charleston's historic churches, steeples and graveyards with Walk & Talk Charleston. On this walking tour, visit iconic churches such as St. Philip's, St. Michael's and the French Huguenot Church to learn about their roles in Charleston’s architectural and social history. We’ll also explore historic graveyards and cemeteries where ornate grave markers tell tales of the past residents who shaped the city we love today.
The French Quarter Gallery Walk
Join us for an exploration of the thriving arts scene in the beautiful French Quarter with Walk & Talk Charleston! Meet us at the Hat Man to visit a series of Charleston's fine art galleries and our favorite shops to pique your creative passions. Learn about the architectural and social history of the district and listen to stories of the buildings inhabited by studios, galleries, and shops. Enjoy creative company and light refreshments as you visit these unique local businesses.
Shop Local King Street x Walk & Talk Charleston
Walk, Talk and Shop Local on King Street with the Lid Lady! This tour covers the history of the beloved Charleston shopping district. We’ll share the stories of the buildings and the historic context of these legendary local businesses and a no-pressure browsing experience. This tour is offered quarterly and available by request.
Zen Charleston Walking Tour with Still Soul Studio
Join Still Soul Studio and Walk and Talk Charleston for an outdoor experience of calm as we explore the zen side of Charleston. The Lid Lady will guide us through some of the most peaceful spots and hidden gems in the historic district- both on and off the well known paths through downtown and along the Battery. Journey with us on this relaxing and tranquil walking adventure in contemplative community. This tour is offered quarterly or by request. Contact us for upcoming dates!
Horse Without a Carriage: An Equine History Tour of Charleston
Join naturalist Layton Register on this walking tour exploring the role of horses throughout Charleston’s history. Learn about these animals’ role in trade, transportation, activism, social status, and more. Discuss key figures such as John McPherson, Wade Hampton, George Washington, King Charles II, William Alston, and the many others who made Charleston the original “Horse Capital of the World.” With a family background in thoroughbred racehorse breeding and training, Layton’s passion and insight brings new understanding to this aspect of Charleston history. This tour is offered by request.
Private Tours: Let Us Create A Custom, Premier Experience
Experience Charleston in a totally unique way with a private walking tour led by the guide of your choice, on your own schedule. Tell us what you’re interested in walking and talking about or allow us to create an amazing, memorable, and delightfully interesting journey through one of the most beautiful and historic cities on earth. Perfect for bachelor/bachelorette trips, corporate retreats, exclusive group vacations, or any other occasion where you want a truly unique experience at the day and time that best fits your visit. Contact us to coordinate your private tour today!
We also now offer private driving tours to explore the historic plantations surrounding Charleston. Relax and enjoy views of the city and surrounding lowcountry as Tyler drives your group in a comfortable private vehicle to one of the distinctive plantations near Charleston. Along the way, discuss the complex history of the plantations and the role they played in the United States’ early days. With this complementary historical context in mind, visit the plantations’ grand main houses and the dwellings of enslaved people; wander through sprawling grounds and fragrant gardens.