Charleston Footprints Walking Tour: Expert-Led Historical Exploration

Explore the rich history of Charleston with expert guides on a walking tour that is tailored to your interests. Discover the city’s fascinating stories and hidden gems.

Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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.
What's Included
  • All Fees and Taxes
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Embark on your journey assured that you’re in the hands of the best in the sector. Our guides hold the city license and certification from the Palmetto Guild. Our team comprises full-time, industry veterans with a total of 90 years of combined experience. We consistently endeavour to provide an enlightening, entertaining, and educational tour experience…

Location
108 Meeting St
Meeting Street
We meet at the corner of Meeting Street and Chalmers Street, which is cobblestone. GPS 108 Meeting Street . There are nearby parking garages at 85 Queen Street and 95 Queen street.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.3
(42 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Jessepower13
Jul 6, 2025
Al Brings Charleston’s History to Life - My wife and I had the pleasure of joining Al Ray’s 9:30am walking tour with Charleston Footprints, and it was a highlight of our trip. Al was incredibly knowledgeful—not just about Charleston and the South, but about history, architecture, and culture in general. He even picked up on the fact that I’m Irish and made a point to highlight the Irish influence on the city throughout the tour, which made the experience feel even more personal and thoughtful. Al is a passionate storyteller and a true expert. The tour was engaging, informative, and full of fascinating details we would’ve missed on our own. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lasvegassss
May 16, 2025
Extremely knowledgable and fun guide! - Al was such a fantastic tour guide. He knew the answer to every question, including questions about botanicals in the area. He was fun, funny, and engaging. You can tell he's been doing this a long time. He was wonderful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces65478915098
May 15, 2025
Al Ray was an incredible guide! - Al Ray gave us 2 amazing tours in 2 days of Charleston back to back days. He was highly informed, knowledgeable and entertaining. He's a born and raised Charlestonian and his love for his city and rich history made the tours special. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timcz2684se
Apr 16, 2025
Architecture tour - Did the private walking architecture tour with Al, and what a wonderful experience it was. As a native of Charleston, he was quite knowledgeable, and many of the other tour guides we passed greeted him by name. He described not only the highlights of the different architecture styles throughout Charleston’s history, but told us of the people who designed and managed the construction. He also pointed out how and why certain styles were more prominent in some areas due to the many disasters in the city. He led us into multiple churches and theaters as well to discuss interior features and furnishings. An incredible way to explore the city, and highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yanina_m
Apr 8, 2025
Charleston walking tour - This tour goes deep into the history . The guide is very knowledgeable and entertaining. We had a good time
Review provided by Viator
Sally_d
Nov 3, 2024
Good tour experience - Al is a great tour guide of his hometown. He was very knowledgeable about it which made the walk more enjoyable and informative. Four on the tour which made it nice...we asked lots of questions and made it more interesting
Review provided by Viator
Marty_p
Sep 9, 2024
Entertaining - He was very knowledgeable to the history of Charleston. The tour lasted right at 2 hours and was a breeze.
Review provided by Viator
Shelley_f
Jun 19, 2025
Confirm your reservations - Booked excursion via Hotel - confirmation received. The reservation did not reach Charleston Footprints.
Review provided by Viator
Swimminglee
Nov 18, 2024
IInaccurate Information provided by Guide - Inaccurate information provided by the guide. He was personable, however, mistakes in facts left us wondering what was true and what fabrication. It made us wonder about what, if any, scripts or notes are provided to guides, and what, if any, quality control measures are in place to ensure accurate content.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_d
May 24, 2025
Tour guide no-showed - Tour guide no-showed the tour so we weren’t able to actually go. I’m sure it would have been great as we’ve heard good things from friends.
Review provided by Viator
From $28
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).