Charleston Self-Guided Historic Audio Tour

Experience Charleston's rich tapestry of history on your own terms with complete freedom to explore at your own pace, lingering at sites that captivate you most while bypassing crowded group dynamics and rigid schedules. Your expertly crafted audio experience unveils exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even longtime residents rarely know. Unlike traditional guided tours that rush you past Charleston's treasures, this authentic local experience allows you to truly absorb the atmosphere of each sacred space and historic landmark while discovering fascinating details that guidebooks simply cannot capture. Choose your own adventure by selecting which attractions speak to your interests, creating a personalized exploration that reveals Charleston's secrets through engaging storytelling that keeps you captivated from start to finish, all while enjoying the superior flexibility of pausing, replaying, and revisiting any moment that strikes your curiosity.

Meeting Point

Charleston

Charleston, SC, USA

Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.

What's included:

• Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 14 attractions
• Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 14 attractions with audio guide individually
• Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)

Not included:

• Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)

What to expect:

Duration: between 3 hours and 9 hours

St. Matthews Lutheran Church

405 King St, Charleston, 29403-6469, South Carolina

Discover Charleston's German heritage at this stunning Gothic Revival sanctuary where immigrant families found refuge and built a thriving community. Marvel at the intricate stained glass windows that survived both the Civil War and Hurricane Hugo while learning about the church's role as a beacon for Charleston's diverse religious landscape. Explore at leisure as your audio guide reveals the fascinating stories of prominent German families who shaped the city's commerce and culture, including tales of secret tunnels and hidden artifacts that most visitors never hear about.

20 minutes

Marion Square

Charleston, South Carolina

Step into Charleston's former Citadel grounds where cadets once marched and history was made in the shadow of towering palmetto trees. Uncover the square's transformation from military academy to beloved public space while discovering the hidden stories behind the Calhoun Monument and the surprising tales of famous figures who walked these very paths. Your self-paced exploration reveals exclusive insights about political rallies, concerts, and celebrations that have made this ten-acre park the heart of Charleston's cultural life.

20 minutes

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church

110 Calhoun St, Charleston, 29401-3510, South Carolina

Enter one of the South's most significant spiritual landmarks, known as "Mother Emanuel," where courage and faith have triumphed over tragedy for over two centuries. Delve deep into the church's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and its connection to Denmark Vesey's planned uprising while exploring the remarkable resilience of a congregation that has weathered persecution and emerged stronger. The intimate audio narrative shares powerful stories of hope and healing that illuminate why this sacred space remains a beacon of strength.

20 minutes

Charleston City Market

188 Meeting St, Charleston, 29401-3155, South Carolina

Wander through America's oldest public market where sweetgrass basket weavers continue ancient Gullah traditions passed down through generations of enslaved and freed African Americans. Navigate the historic sheds while uncovering fascinating tales of merchants, farmers, and artisans who have traded here since 1804, including stories of secret meetings and hidden messages woven into everyday commerce. Experience the market's evolution from meat and vegetable stalls to today's vibrant cultural destination at your own unhurried pace.

20 minutes

Charleston Waterfront Park

Concord Street, Vendue Range, Charleston, 29401-2129, South Carolina

Stroll along the Cooper River where pirates once roamed and merchant ships brought prosperity to the Holy City. Absorb the stunning harbor views while learning about the park's construction over former shipping wharves and the archaeological discoveries that revealed Charleston's maritime secrets. Your audio experience unveils hidden stories about the famous Pineapple Fountain's symbolism and the park's role in modern Charleston's renaissance, allowing you to pause and reflect on centuries of history lapping at your feet.

20 minutes

French Huguenot Church

136 Church St, At the corner of Church and Queen sts., Charleston, 29401-2802, South Carolina

Explore the only remaining independent Huguenot church in America, where French Protestant refugees established their spiritual home after fleeing religious persecution. Admire the elegant Gothic Revival architecture while uncovering extraordinary tales of survival, including how congregation members preserved their liturgy in French for over three centuries. Your personalized audio journey reveals fascinating connections between Huguenot families and Charleston's most prominent surnames, plus the remarkable story of the church's phoenix-like rise from Civil War ashes.

20 minutes

St. Philip's Church

142 Church St, , Charleston, 29401-2898, South Carolina

Stand in the shadows of Charleston's most recognizable steeple, where George Washington once worshipped and John C. Calhoun rests in the graveyard. Explore the church's role as the ecclesiastical heart of colonial Charleston while discovering hidden details in the magnificent architecture and learning about the secret tunnels beneath the sanctuary. The exclusive audio narrative shares captivating stories about famous parishioners, revolutionary meetings, and the church's miraculous survival through wars, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

20 minutes

Circular Congregational Church

150 Meeting St, Charleston, 29401-2218, South Carolina

Investigate Charleston's "Church of the Patriots" where revolutionary leaders gathered and the city's most influential families worshipped in the distinctive Romanesque Revival sanctuary. Wander the atmospheric graveyard at your own pace while uncovering tales of the church's role in Charleston's independence movement and its connection to the Underground Railroad. Your audio guide reveals fascinating stories about the unique circular architecture's symbolism and the prominent Charlestonians whose legacies rest within these hallowed grounds.

20 minutes

Unitarian Church in Charleston

8 Archdale St, , Charleston, 29401-1959, South Carolina

Marvel at one of America's finest examples of Gothic Revival ecclesiastical architecture while learning about Charleston's progressive religious movements and free-thinking traditions. Discover the church's surprising connections to famous writers, philosophers, and social reformers who found sanctuary within these walls. Your self-guided exploration reveals exclusive insights about the stunning stained glass windows and the remarkable stories of congregation members who challenged conventional thinking in the conservative antebellum South.

20 minutes

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

120 Broad St, , Charleston, 29401-2437, South Carolina

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the South's mother church, where soaring Gothic spires pierce the Charleston sky and magnificent stained glass windows tell biblical stories in brilliant color. Explore the cathedral's remarkable resilience through fires, storms, and reconstruction while discovering the fascinating tales of Irish and German immigrants who built this architectural masterpiece. Your audio experience shares exclusive stories about hidden symbolism in the artwork and the cathedral's role in Charleston's diverse Catholic community.

20 minutes

St. Michael's Church

71 Broad St, Charleston, 29401-2902, South Carolina

Stand before Charleston's oldest church building, where the bells that rang for independence still call faithful to worship in America's second-oldest congregation. Explore the elegant Georgian architecture while learning about the church's extraordinary survival through revolution, earthquake, and civil war, including the dramatic story of how the bells were hidden from British forces. Your audio guide reveals fascinating details about famous parishioners and the church's role as a beacon of stability through Charleston's most turbulent centuries.

20 minutes

Rainbow Row

83-107 E Bay St # 107, , Charleston, 29401-2544, South Carolina

Photograph Charleston's most iconic streetscape while uncovering the fascinating transformation of these 13 Georgian townhouses from merchant stores to colorful residential gems. Explore at leisure while learning about the preservation pioneers who saved these historic buildings from demolition and the surprising stories behind each pastel facade. Your audio narrative reveals exclusive insights about the houses' original owners, including tales of pirates, merchants, and society figures who shaped Charleston's golden age of prosperity.

20 minutes

Battery & White Point Gardens

2 Murray Blvd., , Charleston, 29401, South Carolina

Promenade along Charleston's most romantic waterfront where antebellum mansions face the harbor and ancient live oaks shade Civil War cannons. Discover the area's transformation from colonial fortification to elegant residential district while learning about the dramatic events that unfolded on these grounds. Your self-paced exploration reveals captivating stories about duels, pirates' executions, and the society weddings that made the Battery Charleston's most prestigious address, all while enjoying unparalleled views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor.

20 minutes

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

, , Charleston, 29403, South Carolina

Cross or view Charleston's magnificent cable-stayed bridge while learning about the engineering marvel that transformed the region's landscape and economy. Discover the bridge's role in connecting Charleston's historic peninsula to modern development while uncovering fascinating stories about its construction challenges and environmental innovations. Your audio experience reveals exclusive insights about the bridge's design inspiration, its impact on local communities, and the spectacular views that make it one of America's most beautiful spans.

20 minutes