AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Things to do in Charleston

Book unique activities hosted by local experts on Airbnb.

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Taste Lowcountry flavors at a boozy brunch

Try signature dishes like she-crab soup paired with espresso martinis and other cocktails. This is a walking food tour, we will cover .4 miles total. Meet Elise Start outside the iconic 82 Queen restaurant. Taste she-crab soup Sample 82 Queen's award-winning dish and a craft cocktail. Stroll to next stop Enjoy a short walk through Charleston's historic streets. Savor French toast Have Iron Rose's tres leches French toast with a cocktail. Walk Queen Street Enjoy the scenic beauty of the street as we relocate. End at Rudy Royale Try the restaurant's acclaimed fried chicken and cocktails.

5 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviews

Bike through Charleston's history with a preservationist

Pedal through Charleston’s storied past on this engaging 90-minute bike tour of historic Uptown. From the Colonial period through the Civil Rights Era, you’ll uncover the city’s rich heritage, fascinating local landmarks, and hidden gems—all while enjoying a scenic ride through its charming streets. • Uncover Charleston’s diverse history at Civil War-era sites like Hampton Park (once a plantation, racetrack, and Civil War encampment); the William Enston Homes with its stunning Romanesque Revival architecture; and cultural icons such as The Citadel, Charleston’s prestigious military college. • Hidden stories abound along our route, including through the National Register Historic District of Hampton Park Terrace where we will see the homes of nationally politicians, business leaders, and the man responsible for bringing down Al Capone. • We'll see imporant landmarks including houses and schools that were important in Charleston's 20th century Civil Rights Era struggles. Note: The tours are set up for 11:30 to 1:00 on Satursdays and Sundays because I teach during the academic year. But if other times or dates work better, let me know! Note: You'll need a bike for the tour. If you don't have one, a locally-owned bike shop (BildaBike) is just two blocks off the tour route. You can rent a bike for the whole day there for (currently) $30 and keep it to ride the rest of the day.

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Explore herbalism and tea in a Charleston Plant Walk

Join a local herbalist for a tea ceremony and plant walk in Pinckney Park that weaves together the history of Charleston with folklore and plant identification. • After we get to know one another, I’ll share about the rebellious history of tea in Charleston, and then pour tea to open our ritual tea ceremony. • Next, I’ll lead you through a short guided meditation, and we’ll discuss the tea experience. I'll share with you a plant monograph so you can understand how plants are • Then we will take a plant walk through Pinckney Park. As we walk the land, I’ll share 5-7 plants and their edible and medicinal qualities. I’ll answer any questions you may have about herbalism and native plants. In closing, I’ll send you a copy of my one-of-a-kind e-book. You’ll choose a plant to continue your connection with, and begin a new relationship with nature!

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4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1576 reviews

The Best Charleston History Tour-10am

Explore Charleston's rich history with the most popular Airbnb tour experience in South Carolina. This History Tour offers an exceptional learning adventure, tracing the city's evolution from its fascinating origins to the vibrant Charleston of today. Unearth incredible facts spanning from Slavery to Santa Claus, all delivered in an engaging and narrative style. The tour is customized to your interests, blending humor and occasional irreverence to bring Charleston's history to life. We begin at Waterfront Park, where the first part of the tour focuses on Charleston's early development. The second part builds on this foundation as we explore the remarkable historic sights of the city. The tour concludes near our starting point, ensuring you leave with cherished memories and the most valuable souvenir of your trip...knowledge. So come on y'all—this tour ain't gonna book itself! :) (Note: Airbnb sells a maximum of 10 tickets per tour, but to meet high demand, up to 15 people may join the tour. For direct bookings, visit Chucktown Tours' website.)

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

Charleston Walking & Storytelling Tour

This tour is an exploration of Charleston that highlights the women and men who helped found Charleston and the United States. Did you know, without the pirates and patriots of Charleston, the United States may not exist today? We start our experience in front of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, one of Charleston’s oldest and most historical buildings. Learn about George Washington’s visit in 1791, and the dungeon’s prisoners who met their fate. Next, we venture down East Bay Street, passing Rainbow Row. Behold gorgeous mansions, and witness breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor and White Point Garden. Walk in the footsteps of pirates and their captors. Next, we turn inward and walk through Charleston’s South of Broad neighborhood. Learn about the man George Washington and Thomas Jefferson said was the true father of America. stand on the same grounds where many pirates and robber barons met their fate. Learn the true stories of how pirates looted and plundered to make their way. Last, we venture back to our starting point, passing by the Four Corners of the Law and the shops and residences on Broad Street. Join us for an exploration, an awakening, and an empowerment trip through time in Charleston’s oldest neighborhood.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 517 reviews

Boo-Hag and Brews Ghost/Bar Tour

Is this a walking brew tour with a side of ghosts or a ghost tour with a side of brews? While guests will have to decide on that, we can tell you this is not an average "sit there and shut up " tour, but rather an opportunity to engage back and forth with a 7th gen. local. As a combined bar and ghost tour guests will start out at a local Irish pub where an appetizer will be provided complimentary and guests can order some delicious cocktails or beers (yes the Guinness is on tap ) while the guide goes over the basics of local history and the ghosts present in the City of Charleston. From there guests will walk by several historic graveyards and alleyways to hear in-depth stories of local ghosts and spirits such as the notorious BOO-HAG which is only known to Charleston. Guests will begin to understand why/how ghostly activity can take place after particular circumstances of love, tragedy, and horror. Eventually the group will make its way over to the relative safety of another bar. The tour will wind down at a hauntingly beautiful local park to hear about one of the first female serial killers. Don't stick around too long after... -Please bring valid photo identification (license or passport). -Experience is for guests 21+ only. -This experience is Not for guests with walking difficulties -One small snack provided at beginning of tour - Two bars are visited

Your guide to Charleston

What are some of the best neighborhoods in Charleston?

Downtown, also known as the Peninsula, is packed with action: shopping, dining, events, and historic attractions. While it does attract out-of-town visitors with its historic mansions, ghost stories, horse-drawn carriages, and lively energy, it’s also where many locals hang out — with plenty of walkable neighborhoods offering their own spins on Lowcountry hospitality.

King Street

This part of the Historic District often gets pinned as the place to enjoy upscale shopping, but it’s also an extremely walkable (and beloved) part of the city to grab drinks, catch live music, and enjoy ​​some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. On Saturdays, don’t miss the Charleston Farmers Market for fresh fare and locally made arts and crafts.

Ansonborough

While not technically downtown, its close proximity to King Street, Marion Square, and the bustling City Market makes it easy to get to for those who want to enjoy the grandeur of the Historic District in a quieter setting. Beautiful homes are nestled between oak trees strewn with Spanish moss, and there are still plenty of places to grab a 5-star bite, or check out galleries and boutiques. It’s also where you can find lush gardens.

Harleston Village

Students, families, professors, and young professionals love this area, in part because it’s within walking distance to the College of Charleston. The 10-acre Colonial Lake Park is a favorite place to unwind, while the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art and Library Society (one of the first of its kind in the United States) are hot spots for exhibits and events.

Cannonborough/Elliotborough

While they are technically two neighborhoods, most residents would consider them one. This revitalized area of downtown is where to come for a glimpse into today’s Charleston: a place for classic Southern cooking and Victorian homes as much as new housing development, global cuisine, and thriving independent businesses.

What do locals recommend doing?

Spend the day on Folly Island

Locals and out-of-towners don’t mind sharing here, where you can take surfing lessons, a dolphin cruise, or just relax on Folly Beach.

Walk (or jog, or bike) the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

The iconic bridge that swoops over Cooper River is a favorite local spot for a walk, jog, or bike ride. The bridge spans about 2.5 miles, connecting Charleston to the nearby suburb of Mount Pleasant, where you’ll find fresh seafood, local dives, and fun fishing outings in the Shem Creek area.

Spend time in the West Ashley suburb

Head out to get some quintessential South Carolina barbecue, and stroll the neighborhoods of Avondale and River Terrace for gorgeous green spaces.

What are important historical landmarks in Charleston?

History is down every cobblestoned alley and extends to the rivers and marshes of this Lowcountry city founded in 1670. Here’s some of the most important historical things to do in Charleston.

Visit the Boroughs of Charleston

The Boroughs — Cannonborough/Elliotborough, Radcliffeborough, Ansonborough and Mazyk-Wraggborough — are home to important landmarks, including the Aiken-Rhett House Museum, that educate on what life was like here in the 18th and 19th centuries. Set to open in 2022, the International African American Museum sheds light on the history and ancestry of the African Americans of South Carolina (and beyond) with exhibits, a family center where people can trace their genealogy, and a memorial garden, among other innovative programs in Radcliffeborough.

Take a ferry to Fort Sumter

This is the site where the Civil War began, and a national historical park shrouded in significant American history best told by a park ranger, or a local historian as your guide. You can reach the monument via ferry at Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center in Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

Experience the French Quarter

This area, and the neighboring South of Broad, host some of Charleston’s most known attractions such as Rainbow Row, the Battery, White Point Garden, historic mansions, and more. If it’s your first time in Charleston, a historic walking tour around here is an important and fascinating introduction to Charleston’s past. For an immersive experience, visit the Historic Charleston Supper Club. What do locals do in an area like this? Spend time with friends and family at Waterfront Park where kids splash in the fountains and residents relax in the grass. Each year, the Dock Street Theatre is a must for those attending the annual Spoleto Festival.

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