Likely To Sell Out
2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 99% of travelers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$23
per adult
Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
5
City ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursWalking ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate Tours
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
This two-hour tour is the perfect introduction to our historic city for first timers to Charleston and for the frequent visitor who wishes to learn something new! Our walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods covers the history, architecture, economics, and geography of Charleston and the surrounding lowcountry with humor and a well-researched, honest accounting of the figures and forces that have shaped historic and contemporary Charleston.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,990 reviews
Excellent
1,925
Very good
48
Average
14
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Erin G
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
I’m a local, but I had family in town and they wanted to do a walking tour of Charleston. I am so incredibly happy that we chose Oyster Point Tours. Our guide, Bill, was incredibly engaging and passionate about the history of Charleston, and I even learned some new and interesting information despite having lived here for years. It’s an honest look at the city of Charleston and there are definitely some hard truths regarding the city’s role as one of the main entry points for slavery, but Bill handles the subject with respect and honesty. I cannot recommend this tour enough, whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s truly worth the time.
Written February 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thirza D
Dallas, United States3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Our guide's dry wit and historical knowledge made the tour a very engaging, relaxed and fun adventure.
He was kind with that kind, sweet southern charm. Welcoming us, to feel right at home traversing 100s of years of history, and growing an intimate appreciation for our surroundings.
This is a "no barking" facts and commands kind of tour experience.
Rather a friendly sharing of his passion toward Charleston's and SC heritage with keen insights that laid a framework for a rich exerience during and well beyond the tour.
Most enjoyable, highly recommended.
He was kind with that kind, sweet southern charm. Welcoming us, to feel right at home traversing 100s of years of history, and growing an intimate appreciation for our surroundings.
This is a "no barking" facts and commands kind of tour experience.
Rather a friendly sharing of his passion toward Charleston's and SC heritage with keen insights that laid a framework for a rich exerience during and well beyond the tour.
Most enjoyable, highly recommended.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrew_w_1322
Boston, MA18 contributions
Nov 2020
Excellent. This was an amazing intro to the city that was brutally honest about the dark roots of the city while offering a load of historical information combined with a brilliant sense of humor. A well done intro to a beautiful city that doesn't avoid the truth. I highly recommend to anyone that is willing to hear the real history while somehow managing to have a few laughs on the way. Guide was brilliant, extremely knowledgeable, honest and hilarious.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry L
Greenville, SC15 contributions
Nov 2021
Dustin led us on an easy walk around the historic parts of Charleston, stopping frequently to explain some historically interesting sight. While we walked, Dustin frequently entertained us with fun facts and funny quips.
This was a very wrothwhile tour on our first day that helped us learn much about Charleston and its colorful history.
This was a very wrothwhile tour on our first day that helped us learn much about Charleston and its colorful history.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road408045
Minneapolis, MN2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Bill is the most knowledgeable tour guide we have ever been on a tour with. We learned so much behind the scenes history of Charleston and he answered every question we had. Doesn’t sugar coat the truth like so many tour guides. Highly recommend!
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce B
Simpsonville, SC654 contributions
Jan 2020
Bill gave us four hours packed into two. Great insights on the importance of Charleston during the Revolutionary War and later development after the Civil War. His info on post hurricane Hugo was amazing. Great sights and places of interest.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven_J1001
Charleston, SC4 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
The roughly hour and a half long tour started at the Battery and ended near the Market. I learned more fascinating specifics about Charleston's history than I ever thought possible. From learning about the fire that ravaged the city while General Lee was staying in a nearby hotel, to simple offhand comments such as Tradd street being the only street in the city where you can turn one way and actually see the two rivers, the tour drove home just how important and uniquely historic Charleston is.
My tour was given by Bill Harris, whose enthusiasm kept me interested and entertained the entire tour. Carriage tours have never done it for me, Oyster Point's walking tour was more engaging. Bill really brought us into the days of the Civil War.
My tour was given by Bill Harris, whose enthusiasm kept me interested and entertained the entire tour. Carriage tours have never done it for me, Oyster Point's walking tour was more engaging. Bill really brought us into the days of the Civil War.
Written January 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Savannalynhenderson
3 contributions
I had the amazing opportunity to take the pirate tour through oyster point tours and fell in love. I never knew how passionate I could feel about pirates and the history of a city I've only been to a few times. Bill Harris was our tour guide and he completely entranced me. This man knows everything one could ever wish to know about the history of charleston and pirates. Much to the dismay of my friends and family, I cannot stop repeating the stories Bill told us about Blackbeard, Anne Bonney, the "gentleman pirate" steve bonnet, and much much more that I won't spoil for you here.
This counts my 3rd tour in charleston, including a carriage tour and speedboat tour and this hour and a half walking tour blew them both out of the water. I cannot wait to return and experience oyster points other tours. I highly recommend oyster point tours, the pirate tour especially. Bill Harris truly spellbounded me with his charisma, knowledge and passion for the subject. Please put this on your list of things to do next time you're in charleston. I promise you will not regret it.
This counts my 3rd tour in charleston, including a carriage tour and speedboat tour and this hour and a half walking tour blew them both out of the water. I cannot wait to return and experience oyster points other tours. I highly recommend oyster point tours, the pirate tour especially. Bill Harris truly spellbounded me with his charisma, knowledge and passion for the subject. Please put this on your list of things to do next time you're in charleston. I promise you will not regret it.
Written February 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmandaFall
2 contributions
I do not usually make a point of taking a guided tour when I visit Charleston, however, I am so glad I did this time around!! I had the pleasure of taking the pirate tour with William Harris a few weeks ago and had an amazing time. William was both informative and entertaining--probably one of the greatest story tellers of all time. Having previously lived in Charleston for 5 years, I had no idea how little I knew about the city...or how truly awesome pirates are.
Written February 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott f
3 contributions
Oyster Point tours feature a wide variety of historical background throughout the Charleston area. They deliver a much more laid back and personal feel rather than your typical touristy walking tours that exist in the city of Charleston. Very entertaining too!
Written February 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have a group of 31 adults coming to Charleston. Can we all do the tour at same time in two smaller groups? We can do Friday Nov 12th or Saturday Nov 13th.
Also looking to do carriage ride around Charleston for all of us before dinner one night.
Written July 14, 2021
Saludos. Me gustaría visitar Charleston pero solo tendríamos dos dias. Es este tour el adecuado para conocer los mejores lugares de Charleston, su cultura, gastronomía, paisajes, su ciudad? Ofrecen tours en español? Por favor, me puede responder a mi correo electronico jessica.chabert@yahoo
Written October 11, 2018
Hello Jessica, the tour is fine, to get a very good impression of the history ditric of Charleston. And you get a lot of infromation about the historic background of the city. And the tour guide is a clever guy who studied history. Bot you don't get outside the city limits. Check the homepage for the language provided. S.
Written November 20, 2018
Hello,
Is this tour stroller friendly?
Written June 16, 2018
Hi Kristen!
The tour is stroller friendly. There are a few uneven sidewalks, at least one cobblestone street, and a few stairs to contend with, but we’ve had many guests with strollers take the tour without issue and our guides are always happy to help you lift your stroller over stairs and obstacles when necessary.
Written June 17, 2018
How many guests do you usually have on a walking tour? We’re looking to book for this Sat & are on fence about private vs group. This is our only free day to sight see while in Charleston. As such, squeezing as much in as possible is important and I’m concerned by others comments/reviews of “needing knee replacement” or “brought my 2 y/o” and how they may impact our walking speed and therefor our ability to see/do it all.
Written February 19, 2018
The most any guide in Charleston can take on a walking tour is 20 people. How many are in your group will vary by season, time of the week, and time of year. There are a lot of factors that can affect how much we cover in two hours, but our route is quite packed with sights and our guides attempt to cover as much as possible per the group's comfort and walking speed. If you are curious about what the group size might be while you're in town, we recommend you call us. We're always happy to give our professional opinion on what tour time might be best while you're in town.
Written April 11, 2018
344sweetr
Winchester, Virginia
Interested in knowing what all we will see on the tour. So many tours...confused as to which one to book. We need a Sunday tour, though, and that eliminated some.
Written April 26, 2017
Thanks for the question! We offer a two hour walking tour that explores the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Over those two hours we discuss Charleston's nearly 350 year history, with some emphasis on the antebellum period. We'll talk about the geography, architecture, cultural history and economic history of the region while viewing a wide variety of historic sites. These include St. Philip's Church, the Old Exchange and Customs House, the French Huguenot Church, the Pink House, the Old Slave Mart Museum, Rainbow Row, Charleston's Harbor and forts, among many others. We also view and discuss a number of the historic homes in our residential neighborhoods. In addition, we offer an honest look at the role of the slave trade in Charleston's economic and social development - a topic often not discussed in detail by other tour companies. I hope this is helpful to your decision-making!
Written April 26, 2017
I would love to do the walking tour but may need some assistance with mobility due to a recent knee injury. Any suggestions?
Written April 12, 2017
While we have had some folks with mobility issues take our tour, I'm not sure I have a particular recommendation for assistance without knowing more about your injury? We recently took a young man using a knee scooter on the route, which worked well, as he could hop off the scooter and carry it up and down stairs or across cobblestones. Folks using rascal scooters or other small ride-on conveyances generally find they have some trouble or discomfort on uneven sidewalks (of which the city has many), even when they avoid stairs or cobbles, so I would not recommend that for transportation on a tour. You might consider taking one or two walking sticks to use while you walk around our downtown. While the peninsula itself is quite flat, uneven sidewalks, exposed tree roots, and cobblestones are all common, and tend to make an electric scooter or something similar fairly difficult to use.
Written April 26, 2017
We would like to know which walking tour to take of the city. Just in Charleston for 2 1/2 days. Going to Ft. Sumter the first day
Written March 19, 2017
We currently offer one two hour walking tour - our Highlights of Charleston tour. We are also able to customize private tours for any interest. Please visit our website for a description of our Highlights tour!
Written March 20, 2017
What is the difference between the civil war tour and the highlights of charleston? I am also wondering if we can have Bill as our guide? The reviews about his tours are so good. We will be there October 20th
Written September 18, 2016
The Civil War tour handles exclusively Seccesion and Civil War events, while the Highlights of Charleston tour covers a much wider range of historical eras, events, and topics, including architecture, local geography, local plant life, and historical figures of note throughout Charleston's life as a colony and city.
Written February 1, 2017
We're booked for the Highlights of Charleston Walking Tour on Saturday, May 21st. There's a 90% chance of thunderstorms that day. How will we know if the walking tour has been cancelled due?
Written May 17, 2016
Tours typically run rain or shine. If we feel the weather is too dangerous or disruptive to the route (lightning, flooding, etc.) we will contact our guests prior to tour time to notify of cancellation. In the event of tour cancellation for weather we will reschedule or refund all guests as they prefer. If guests do not wish to walk in rain, they can contact us prior to their tour time to reschedule or be refunded.
Written February 1, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.