Charleston, South Carolina, a city steeped in history, was established in 1670 by English colonists. Remarkably, it has preserved its rich culture, significant monuments, and original architectural beauty through centuries. As you wander through Charleston’s streets, you’re instantly transported to a bygone era, feeling the echoes of history at every corner.
This free Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour is designed to guide you through the city’s captivating narrative, from its early beginnings to the vibrant Charlestonian life of today. Prepare to explore iconic landmarks such as the bustling Charleston City Market, the historic Fort Sumter and Patriots Point, the picturesque Rainbow Row, and the poignant Old Slave Mart, all at your own pace. This self-guided tour is your key to unlocking the historical treasures of Charleston.
Your Charleston Self-Guided Walking Tour: Explore Historic Charm
Inspired by our acclaimed Charleston history tour, this self-guided walk invites you to discover the city’s most treasured sites in a unique and personal way. It’s a fantastic and budget-friendly way to experience Charleston’s rich heritage. If you desire a more in-depth exploration of the Lowcountry’s fascinating past, we encourage you to explore our diverse range of guided tours.
However, for those who prefer independent exploration, this self-guided tour provides an exceptional starting point, allowing you to delve into the heart of Charleston’s history and culture at your leisure.
Stop 1: Charleston City Market – A Hub of History and Commerce
No visit to Charleston is complete without experiencing the vibrant Charleston City Market. Its story began in 1788 when Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a prominent Charlestonian, generously donated land to the city for a public market. Construction spanned from 1804 to the 1830s, resulting in the iconic structure we see today.
Today, the City Market remains a bustling center of commerce and culture. Visitors can explore a myriad of stalls offering local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious food. Don’t miss the market’s most celebrated artistry – the exquisite handmade sweetgrass baskets, a unique Charleston tradition passed down through generations of African artisans.
To continue your self-guided walking tour, walk east on Market Street, then turn right onto Concord Street. A short stroll will lead you to Waterfront Park and the iconic Pineapple Fountain.
Stop 2: Waterfront Park & Fort Sumter Views – Hospitality and History by the Harbor
Your second stop on this Charleston self guided walking tour is the picturesque Waterfront Park. Extending half a mile along the Cooper River, this park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbor, making it a photographer’s paradise.
The park’s centerpiece is the renowned Pineapple Fountain, erected in 1990 as a symbol of Charleston’s warm Southern hospitality. From this vantage point, you can also admire the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and the historic Fort Sumter, the site where the American Civil War began. Imagine the pivotal moments in American history that unfolded within sight of this serene park.
From Waterfront Park, walk two blocks east and turn right onto Church Street. St. Philip’s Church will be located between Cumberland and Queen Streets.
Stop 3: St. Philip’s Church – Echoes of Charleston’s Oldest Congregation
St. Philip’s Church is home to Charleston’s oldest religious congregation and the oldest in South Carolina, established in 1680. Affectionately known as the “Mother Church of the Diocese of South Carolina,” the current building dates back to 1838. Its towering steeple historically served as a lighthouse, guiding ships into Charleston Harbor.
The churchyard is the final resting place of numerous notable Charlestonians, including Charles Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, and Edward Rutledge, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. Take a moment to appreciate the historical weight within these grounds.
Continue south on Church Street and you’ll arrive at the French Huguenot Church, situated at the corner of Church and Queen Streets.
Stop 4: French Huguenot Church – A Testament to Religious Freedom
The French Huguenot Church, constructed in 1845, stands as the third church on this very site, reflecting Charleston’s long history of religious diversity. It is a significant part of Charleston’s identity as “The Holy City,” a nickname earned due to its numerous churches and steeples dotting the skyline.
Historically known as the “Church of the Tides,” its original service schedule was dictated by the tidal patterns of the harbor, as many congregants arrived by boat. Remarkably, services are still conducted in French, preserving the heritage of the Huguenot refugees who sought religious freedom in Charleston.
Stop 5: Dock Street Theatre – America’s First Theatre
Across from the French Huguenot Church, you’ll find the Dock Street Theatre, the fifth stop on your Charleston self guided walking tour. Opened in 1736, it holds the distinction of being the first building in America designed exclusively for theatrical performances.
The theatre’s inaugural performance was “The Recruiting Officer,” and it also hosted the first opera ever performed in America, “Flora.” The Dock Street Theatre remains a public building, and visitors are welcome to explore its lobby and public areas during daytime hours. Consider checking their schedule for evening performances to experience a show in this historic venue.
Continue south on Church Street, then turn left onto Chalmers Street. The Pink House will be on the south side of the street. Remember, indoor stops like the Dock Street Theatre offer a welcome respite, especially if you are taking this walking tour during the cooler months of January or February in Charleston.
Stop 6: The Pink House – Charleston’s Second Oldest Residence
While it no longer functions as a public gallery, the Pink House remains a charming and historically significant landmark, easily admired from the outside. Believed to be Charleston’s second oldest structure, dating back to 1712, it has witnessed centuries of Charleston’s evolution.
In the 18th century, it served as a tavern and reportedly a brothel, adding a colorful chapter to its past. Later, it housed a publishing house and a law office before becoming an art gallery. Today, it is a private residence, but its distinctive pink facade continues to captivate passersby.
Stop 7: Old Slave Mart Museum – A Somber Reminder of History
Just a few doors down from The Pink House, you’ll find the Old Slave Mart Museum. Once an antebellum slave auction gallery, this museum now serves as a poignant and essential space for learning about the history of the transatlantic slave trade, the horrific conditions of slave ships, and the lives of enslaved Africans once they arrived in America.
Stepping into the Old Slave Mart Museum offers a deeply moving and educational experience, crucial for understanding the complex history of Charleston and the United States. Allow ample time to respectfully engage with the exhibits.
Head east down Chalmers Street, turn right on State Street, and then left on Broad Street. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon will be just across East Bay Street.
Stop 8: Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon – From Colonial Trade to Revolutionary War Prison
By the late 1700s, enslaved African Americans constituted half of Charleston’s population. While Charleston was a major port, it was often a transit point rather than the final destination for enslaved people, who were frequently sold to plantations throughout the American colonies. The Old Exchange Building served as a primary site for these slave auctions, a stark reminder of this dark period in American history.
During the American Revolutionary War, the building’s basement, known as the Provost Dungeon, was used by the British to imprison American soldiers. This site embodies multiple layers of Charleston’s rich and sometimes difficult past.
While the Old Exchange Building is easily accessible on your self-guided tour, consider joining a guided history tour for a more in-depth understanding of its significance and the surrounding historical context.
Head south for one block on East Bay Street, and then turn left onto East Elliot Street.
Stop 9: Coates’ Row – Architectural Elegance on East Bay Street
The elegant buildings at 114-120 East Bay Street are collectively known as Coate’s Row, constructed between 1788 and 1806. Originally commissioned by Thomas Coates, these structures have served diverse purposes over time, including commercial spaces, residences, a tavern, and a coffee house.
Notably, 120 East Bay Street once hosted meetings of the Jacobin Club, a reflection of the political and social currents of the late 18th century. Admire the architectural details of these historic buildings as you stroll by.
Continue south on East Bay Street towards N. Adgers Wharf.
Stop 10: Rainbow Row – A Palette of Historic Homes
Perhaps Charleston’s most iconic and photographed street, Rainbow Row showcases a captivating row of brightly colored historic houses, reflecting Caribbean architectural influences prevalent in Lowcountry homes.
Constructed in the 1740s, these charming homes were originally owned by prominent Charleston merchants. While the rainbow hues are now famous, the exact reasons behind this vibrant color scheme remain a subject of historical debate, adding to the street’s mystique. Rainbow Row is a must-see highlight on any Charleston self guided walking tour.
Head north on East Bay Street, then turn left onto Broad Street. City Hall will be located at the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets.
Stop 11: Charleston City Hall – A Neoclassical Masterpiece
Charleston City Hall, built between 1800 and 1804, stands as a magnificent example of Adamesque architecture. Originally built to house the Bank of the United States, the building was transformed into City Hall in 1818, becoming the center of Charleston’s municipal government.
Visitors are welcome to step inside City Hall for a free self-guided tour, allowing you to appreciate the building’s interior architecture and learn more about its civic role.
Head west on Broad Street and turn left onto Legare Street.
Stop 12: Legare Street – A Corridor of Historic Grandeur
Legare Street is renowned for its concentration of historically significant buildings, each with its own unique story. Notable examples include the Robert Trail Chisolm House at 23 Legare Street, which remarkably survived a major earthquake. This house was once owned by George A. Trenholm, a figure some historians believe to be the inspiration for the character Rhett Butler in “Gone With the Wind.”
Exploring Legare Street is like stepping back in time, surrounded by architectural gems and echoes of Charleston’s past. For a deeper dive into the hidden histories of this area, consider exploring a guided tour focused on Charleston’s alleys and hidden passages.
Continue south on Legare Street and turn left at South Battery. White Point Gardens will be a block down the street.
Stop 13: White Point Gardens (The Battery) – Scenic Views and Civil War History
The final stop on your Charleston self guided walking tour is White Point Gardens, also known as The Battery. Initially established as a public garden in 1837, it was transformed into a strategic battery during the Civil War, playing a significant role in the city’s defenses.
We highly recommend a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk at The Battery. From this scenic location, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers merging to form Charleston Harbor, as well as Fort Sumter and the expansive harbor itself. Reflect on the rich history you’ve encountered throughout your Charleston self guided walking tour as you take in these breathtaking vistas.
This concludes your Charleston self-guided walking tour. We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the historical heart of this captivating city!
