South of Broad Houses and Gardens
History Tours
Tour Details
Price
Adults: Starting at $60
Child (4-12): Starting at $50
3 and under free
Schedule
9:30 am and 2:00 pm
(times change seasonally)
Duration
2.5 Hours
Meeting Location
Mills House Hotel
115 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Open In Google Maps
Ending Location
Tour ends near the Battery.
Max Group Size:
20
Kid-Friendly?
Yes
Activity Level
Wheelchair Accessible
No
What’s Included?
- Professional Guide
- Efficient way to get an overview of Charleston’s history and tour two museum houses
- Historic walking tour through the historic and residential areas of downtown. Plus a curated tour of two out of three South of Broad museum houses and gardens. Houses vary by day but could include: The Edmondston-Alston House, Heyward Washington House and the Nathaniel Russell House.
What’s Not Included
- Gratuities
- Water
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
Tickets
- Instant confirmation
- Email & mobile tickets accepted
Tour Overview
South of Broad is widely known as Charleston’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhood, located at the tip of the peninsula, south of Broad Street. On this two and a half hour walking tour, you’ll walk the same streets that have been in place since Colonial Charleston. You’ll also visit two museum houses, each from a different era of Charleston’s past with fascinating stories, rich architectural details, and full of period furnishings. Guests will get a glimpse into the lives of the families who occupied these homes as well as those of the enslaved who served within their walls. Finally, the tour will allow you to go behind the gates into the gardens of these houses that are still maintained today.
ESSENTIAL CHARLESTON
This two and a half hour experience offers a history tour combined with curated tours of two South of Broad museum houses and gardens. In a city known for its architecture and historic homes, you’ll want to include this look inside two of the most notable houses and gardens.
EFFICIENT AND ENGAGING
Your curated visit to two historic museum houses combined with our engaging history tour is the most efficient and effective way to get an understanding of Charleston’s important role in American history.
PASSIONATE EXPERTS
On our history tours, you’ll meet our most veteran and experienced tour guides. Professionally licensed and endlessly knowledgeable about our city, there’s a reason they have accumulated over twenty thousand 5-star reviews!
A WAY TO GIVE BACK
A portion of your ticket purchase is donated to the properties we tour, which means you’re helping preserve Charleston’s most historically significant landmarks, structures and sites for future generations.
Book With Confidence
The Lowest Price. Period.
Book directly on BulldogTours.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours. Find it cheaper? We'll refund the difference!
Free Cancellations
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a FULL refund. We know that plans can change, that’s why we offer one of the most generous cancellation policies in the industry.
Great Tour Guarantee
If you don't have a great tour, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit.
Award-Winning Tours
We’re proud to be voted Charleston’s Best Tour Company by Charleston City Paper 14 Years And Counting.
A Brand You Can Trust
- Over 1.5 Million Guests Since 2001
- 20,000+ 5-Star Reviews
- $4.9 Million Donated to Charleston's Historic Sites
Recommended By
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do the Tour Activity Levels mean?
- EASY – Walking tours are designed for a leisurely pace but may include uneven sidewalks, some stairs and a combination of walking and standing for up to two hours.
- MODERATE – Tours will include a more active pace at times including stairs and uneven terrain. Expect to be on your feet for the duration of the tour covering a minimum of a mile and half of the area.
- ACTIVE – A high physical activity level is required to walk and climb narrow stairs. This tour is not recommended for guests who require canes or walkers.
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Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out well in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.
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What if it rains?
We present tours rain or shine, unless the conditions are dangerous. Charleston is famous for its summer afternoon passing showers.
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Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers on this tour. We do offer other history tours that are better suited for these needs.
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How many stops?
Guests will make several stops throughout their trip to hear stories, legends and facts about respective sites. Each tour guide’s route is unique, and will feature a number of stops depending on factors such as their route, the weather, and even your questions! At the very least, this tour will include stops at two historic museum houses.
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How much walking is involved?
Our tours cover approximately one and a half miles of walking and we move at a relaxed and leisurely pace.
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What if I am hard of hearing?
Our professional guides are skilled public speakers and work hard to make sure everyone can hear during the tour. If you are hard of hearing, please let your guide know and we’ll ensure you get a front-row seat.
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Is parking available?
For Downtown Tours:
There are a few precious metered parking spaces throughout the Historic District, though they require constant feeding. For our 10 pm tours, meter parking is free. Otherwise, we recommend parking in a paid lot, parking at the Visitors Center and riding the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), or parking in one of the garages around The City Market. Here are some suggestions:
Charleston Parking
51 PINCKNEY STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401
Cumberland Street Garage
82 CUMBERLAND STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401
Concord/Cumberland Parking Garage
1 CUMBERLAND STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401
For Mt. Pleasant Tours:
Parking is available at Patriots Point for tours aboard the USS Yorktown.
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What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a FULL refund. If you need to change or modify your tickets, simply call us at 843-722-TOUR (8687). We offer trip protection which ensures a refund within the 24 hours prior to the tour if you need to cancel.
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What if I am unhappy with the tour?
Our #1 priority at Bulldog Tours is giving great tours. If you don't have a great experience, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit.
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Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes, we have a free restroom at our office for your convenience and most tours have regular opportunities to use the restroom throughout the tour.
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Are tours offered only in English?
Yes, we only offer tours in English at this time. Please email or call us if you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour.
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Should I tip my Bulldog tour guide?
If you feel your tour guide has provided a great experience, gratuities are encouraged— and welcomed—at the end of your tour. We believe that recognizing excellent service is a personal matter, though 15-20% of your booking fee is a good rule of thumb. Gratuities for your guide are always appreciated, but never expected.
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What if I still have questions?
We’re here to help! Simply call us at 843-722-TOUR (8687) if you have any additional questions or concerns.
PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
We’re happy to arrange private tours or build custom group tours for schools, corporate teams, non-profits, family reunions, and more. Simply contact us or call 843-722-8687 to book.
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Sustaining Charleston's Historic Places
A portion of your ticket purchase is invested back into the properties we tour, ensuring that Charleston’s most historically significant landmarks, structures, sites, and stories endure. As of today, Bulldog Tours has raised $6,000,000 for the preservation of our historic site affiliates in Charleston. Thank you for your generous support.
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