“If cobblestones could gossip, Charleston would never sleep.”
Charleston feels like an open diary where every street corner holds a secret. Founded in 1670 and shaped by revolution, trade, artistry, and conflict, the city grew into one of the most influential ports in early America. Those pastel facades and quiet lanes may look peaceful today, but they witnessed debates that stirred a nation and events that helped ignite the Civil War. Walk long enough and Charleston starts revealing its layers, from colonial ambition to Gilded Age wealth to the resilience that rebuilt the city after fire, war, and upheaval.
A self guided Charleston walking tour turns this elegant city into a storyteller. As you follow the route through the historic district, narration fills in the truth behind the beauty. Hear about the city’s founding and its early settlers, the patriots who rallied neighbors during the Revolution, and the political turmoil that played out at Hibernian Hall. Learn how Charleston became both a cultural capital and a flashpoint for national conflict.
Instead of marching stop to stop, the tour weaves Charleston’s landmarks into one fluid journey. The Circular Congregational Church introduces you to a patriot who helped change the course of the Revolution. The Four Corners of Law show how city, county, federal, and church power intersect at one famous crossroads. White Point Garden offers sweeping waterfront views along with the story of why South Carolina chose secession. Historic homes like the Palmer Home and the Edmondston Alston House frame dramatic tales of wartime decisions and quiet endurance. Longitude Lane whispers the charm of old Charleston, while Rainbow Row brings irresistible color and centuries of architectural history.
At the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, you step into a site where the British once held American prisoners. Other stops acknowledge the painful chapters of Charleston’s past, including the locations where enslaved people were once bought and sold and where a thwarted rebellion signaled rising resistance years before the Civil War.
Your walk ends at the Charleston Historic City Market, a lively reminder that the city still thrives on conversation, craftsmanship, and community.
Possible side effects include a sudden interest in pastel paint, strong opinions about porch architecture, and the urge to adopt phrases like bless your heart into daily conversation.
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Nearby Tours
Driving
2-3 Hours
35+ Stories
45+ Miles
Driving
2 to 3 Hours per tour
80+
40+ Miles per tour
Walking
2-3 hours
40+ stories
1.6 miles
Walking
1-2 Hours
50+ Stories
4.5 Miles
Driving
7-8 Hours
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Charleston Walking Tour Map
Starting Point
Check the route map for green start markers that indicate suggested starting points. You can also join anywhere along the route.
152 Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Begin from 152 Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Charleston Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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King Street
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Native Nations
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The Cherokee War
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Marion Square
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Charleston’s Tea Parties
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Siege of Charleston
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Reclaiming Charleston
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Liberty Square
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Grimke Sisters' Home
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Cotton & Slavery
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Historic Charleston City Market
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Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
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William Lloyd Garrison
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William Lloyd Garrison
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Old Charleston Jail
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Nathaniel Russell House
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Washington Square Park
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Edmondston-Alston House
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Aiken-Rhett House Museum
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The Charleston Museum
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Joseph Manigault House
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South Carolina Aquarium
Preview The Tour
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
