Walking Tours

Walking tours are the backbone of sightseeing in South Carolina, making up 28% of all tours in the state. They range from history walks in Charleston to ghost stories and food-focused strolls, with 91% of them rated 4 stars or higher by past guests.

These tours attract a wide mix: first-time visitors wanting an overview, foodies seeking local flavors, and anyone curious about the state's layered past. With prices starting at $15 and most tours under $60, they’re accessible for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.

With 190 walking tours on offer, South Carolina has more options in this category than almost any other type—only historical tours come close. Prices start at $15, and 129 of these tours cost less than $60, making walking tours one of the most affordable ways to explore the state.

The median price for a walking tour is $63, in line with other major categories like bus and historical tours. Food-focused walking tours are the exception, with prices often above $100—reflecting included tastings or meals. In contrast, most history and ghost walks fall in the $25–$40 range.

Compared to the rest of the destination, walking tours offer the widest spread of price points and themes, from quick introductions to half-day culinary experiences.

If you want a classic introduction to Charleston or another historic town, the best-rated general walking tours typically last about two hours and cost between $25 and $40. These tours consistently earn ratings above 4.9 stars, with guides praised for deep local knowledge and engaging storytelling. For example, the Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour is among the highest rated and is priced at $26, offering a strong value for visitors wanting a broad overview.

Ghost tours and haunted pub crawls are popular for evening entertainment, with prices from $29 to $39. Reviews highlight guides who bring legends to life, but some guests on these tours have been disappointed when the experience relied too much on stories told from photos or lacked engaging delivery. Still, most ghost tours maintain high ratings, and the best are led by guides with decades of local experience.

Food tours are the most expensive in the walking category, with prices starting around $111 and reaching $250 for tours that include cooking classes and wine pairings. These tours are praised for combining generous tastings with insights into Charleston’s culinary history, but a few guests have felt the cost outweighed the food quality or that the focus shifted too much to history over food. If food is your main goal, check the itinerary and inclusions before booking.

What disappoints people? Across all types, the most common complaints are about guides who go off-topic or share personal opinions (noted on some history tours), tours that don’t enter advertised buildings, or experiences that feel rushed or less engaging than expected (especially on some ghost and pub tours). Cancellations due to weather or last-minute changes have also frustrated a few guests, especially on longer or higher-priced tours. Still, with only 9% of walking tours rated below 4 stars, most travelers find these tours a highlight of their trip.