Self-guided Tours in Charleston

Discover Charleston at your own pace with our carefully designed self-guided tours. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or someone who enjoys wandering through hidden streets and local markets, our self-guided itineraries provide the perfect blend of flexibility and discovery. Unlike traditional guided tours, self-guided experiences allow you to explore without time restrictions, pause for a coffee, or spend extra time at the places that capture your interest most. Each route is curated to showcase the cultural, historical, and scenic highlights of Charleston, while also introducing you to unique, off-the-beaten-path gems that most visitors miss. With digital maps, audio guides, and insider tips included, you’ll feel like you have a knowledgeable local by your side, but with the freedom to design your own schedule. From iconic landmarks to hidden alleys, from bustling neighborhoods to tranquil spots, our self-guided tours in Charleston make it easy to create an experience that is truly personal. Enjoy the freedom of exploration while still ensuring that you see the very best that Charleston has to offer.

Top Self-guided Tours in Charleston

Pirate Escape Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Free Museum in Charleston

Charleston , South Carolina

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (35 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 10.00

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

The Pirate Escape Scavenger Hunt will take guests back in time to the Golden Age of Piracy along the Carolina Coastline. Two local historians have designed an immersive experience like no other scavenger hunts currently offered in Charleston. Guests will start at the Fireproof Museum where admittance is free as part of the experience. Using the provided packet guests will follow a themed escape of Pirates during the Pirate Siege of Charles Towne in 1718. The hunt will have guests visit sites and locations that were around during the very real pirate siege of 1718 and find items to help "escape." Information and details provided along the route have been vetted and will provide hidden insight that most guests would have difficulty finding on their own. Great for families, friends, solo travelers and corporate groups; this scavenger hunt will provide a budget friendly way to explore Charleston's colonial era on your own time. Join us in taking this Pirate Escape Adventure!

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Patriot Escape Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Free Museum in Charleston

Charleston , South Carolina

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (3 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 12.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Travel back in time to the 1700's on this Self-Guided Patriot Escape Scavenger Hunt! Guests will start out with Free Access to the Fireproof Museum and receive instructions on how to "escape" the British occupation of Charleston. After receiving the instruction packet, guests will follow the footsteps of a Patriot Spy trying to escape the city and have to find a multitude of hidden gems including historic structures, secret alleyways, and artifacts. All these sites are directly related to the American Revolution as it would affect Charleston specifically and even find out how certain events would have repercussions for other colonies. This is the ONLY historically accurate scavenger hunt designed by three area historians related to the American Revolution. *As a moderately difficult escape, we recommended for adults only. We do have a child friendly Pirate Escape Scavenger hunt as well. Good luck Patriots as you embark on this historic one of a kind adventure in Charleston.

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The Chucktown Crusade Scavenger Hunt  in Charleston

Charleston , South Carolina

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (1 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 22.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

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Why Choose Our Self-guided Tours in Charleston?

Our self-guided tours in Charleston are perfect for travelers who want freedom without missing out on the highlights. With carefully curated routes, insider tips, and easy-to-use digital tools, you can explore at your own pace while still enjoying the benefits of a thoughtfully planned itinerary. Whether you’re short on time or seeking hidden gems, these tours provide the flexibility and depth that make your trip unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each tour includes a digital map, clear directions, and audio or written commentary. You’ll also receive local tips to make exploring Charleston smooth and enjoyable.

Most tours can be downloaded in advance, so you don’t need constant internet access. We recommend saving maps and content before starting your journey.

On average, tours take between 2–4 hours. However, since you control the pace, you can make the experience shorter or longer based on your preferences.

Absolutely! Self-guided tours are family-friendly, giving you the freedom to stop whenever needed and adjust the pace for kids or older family members.
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