Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: Explore Historic Antebellum South

Immerse yourself in the history and charm of Charleston, SC with this self-guided audio walking tour. Explore historic districts, learn about the city’s founding, and discover how the Revolutionary War and Civil War shaped its past.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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: This 2+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Charleston in 1-2 hours.

  • Hibernian Hall - 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.
  • South Carolina Historical Society Museum - 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.
  • Four Corners of Law - 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.
  • South Carolina Society Hall - 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.
  • John Robert Pringle House - 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.
  • Patrick O’Donnell House - 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.
  • White Point Garden - 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.
  • Confederate Defenders of Charleston - 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.
  • William Moultrie Monument - 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.
  • The Palmer Home - 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.
  • Edmondston-Alston House - 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.
  • Longitude Lane - 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!
  • 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.
  • Slave Auction Site Memorial - 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.
  • Pineapple Fountain - See that fountain shaped like a pineapple? It was built in 1990, but references a neat bit of Charleston history.
  • Old Slave Mart Museum - 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.
  • 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?
  • St. Philip’s Church - 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?
  • Charleston City Market - It’s been here since 1804, and houses arts and crafts from locals, Gullah sweetgrass baskets, and tons of delicious food.
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!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

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 to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

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

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: 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. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • For the tour guide app to function as intended, iPhones must be iOS 13 or above and Androids must be version 9 or above.
Location
152 Market St
Market Street
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.1
(10 Ratings)
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1 star
Gallopinghelm
Jan 8, 2024
Best way to see and learn about Charleston - This walking tour was great. We loved it way more than a group tour. We took our time, learned and saw a lot. Took breaks for beers and food along the way. I would fully recommend this 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexb75024
Oct 26, 2023
Good application-worked well for us. - Works well. Good information and directions for Charleston. Liked that we can stop and pickup anytime. End up canceling guided in person tour in Savannah and buying tour on this app because of flexibility.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q6416pigeorgew
Jun 19, 2023
Charleston Fun - We enjoyed the tour. It was wonderful to go at our own pace and GPS locator was amazingly accurate. We broke the tour into two days, which worked great for us
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brittany_s
Feb 3, 2024
Wonderful and easy! - Easy and fun way to get a quick walk with a tour in when stopping in Charleston for a work trip! I loved it!
Review provided by Viator
Michael
Nov 12, 2023
Great way to learn about a new city! - This is an excellent way to learn about the city during your first few days. This excellent, inexpensive self-guided tour covers approximately 50 sites over a few hours, provides good walking instructions and useful history. Personally, I feel that there could have been more specifics.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X9485xcbethm
Jul 28, 2023
Great ! - I liked being on my own time line. Easy to use. Lots of interesting facts. I owuld recommend for a solo or couple. May not work well with a large group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_a
May 14, 2023
Walking tour - The background stories and plaques helped out puzzle pieces together. I stopped to read the signs. We took our time and the walk took several hours. I suggest more content for the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Mcallahan66
Oct 8, 2022
The tour was full of... - The tour was full of history and information on this charming city. I would recommend this walking tour. We stopped at a local place along the way for a drink and again for lunch. It took us about 4 hours. One section of the tour went through a housing project and probably should be removed from the route. Other than that, it was safe.
Review provided by Viator
L8370dfpaulac
Apr 15, 2024
Frustrating - The tour its self was great - unfortunately one of tours didn’t load. After wasting about 45 mins trying to download on WiFi off WiFi everything, I called customer service and they refused to refund the ticket. There was nobody local to call and the national number says you have to address it locally. Buyer beware of this…. Why I’m giving only 3 stars
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_h
Jul 3, 2023
Missing History - There are a lot of sites passed along the way without commentary. The potential for the partnering of tech and solo tour is really cool - but there is so much more in between the listed sites that should be reviewed that we’re completely missing.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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September 2024
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