Now in its 49th year, the Preservation Society of Charleston’s signature Fall Tours are specially designed to showcase Charleston’s unique cultural and architectural heritage. Enjoy walking tours, house and garden tours, or in-depth tours of neighborhoods and residences all throughout the city.
Join us for the Fall Tours this year to celebrate Charleston’s connections between past and present.
Join us on Bloomberg Connects and see Charleston at your own pace
For the first time ever, guests can explore the streets of Charleston and learn more about its storied history anytime during the Fall Tours. Developed from the PSC’s digital research initiatives, this new series of self-guided walking tours can be easily accessed via mobile device. Simply download the Bloomberg Connects app, search for the PSC guide, and select a tour from the various themes. Follow the suggested walking route, and read or listen to the information about each point along the way.
Please purchase your tickets online at preservationsociety.org/falltours. For questions or assistance purchasing tickets, please call our Fall Tours office at 843-405-1050 during business hours (9 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday).
No, all tickets must be purchased online or over the phone. Tickets must be purchased in advance, no walk-ins please.
The site where guests will meet and depart will depend on the tour purchased. Please note the location specified in your confirmation email.
Children are welcome on our Walking Tours and House and Garden Tours. Tickets for children (ages 6 to 12) may be purchased for $25 by calling the office at 843.405.1050. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Printed confirmations are not required. All guests will be checked in will call style using their first and last name. For House & Garden Tours and Insider’s Tours, ticket holders will receive a tour map and check-in instructions via email one week prior to the tour.
We recommend purchasing tickets as early as possible. The number of guests per tour is very limited and tours may sell out.
Parking
We recommend referring to the City of Charleston’s list of public parking garages here to find the option closet to the starting point of your tour.
The City of Charleston offers various public transportation options. Please visit the CARTA website for more information.
Children are welcome on our Walking Tours and House and Garden Tours. Tickets for children (ages 6 to 12) may be purchased for $25 by calling the office at 843.405.1050. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Miscellaneous
Photography is permitted only within the public right of way. Photography is strictly prohibited on private property.
Other than bottled water (with a cap), no smoking, eating, or drinking is allowed on private property.
Dress comfortably but respectfully. Guests should wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. Guests in high heels or shoes that could damage surfaces may be required to remove their shoes prior to entering a private property. When necessary, bootie coverings will be provided.
The tours typically require walking six or more blocks, often over uneven streets and sidewalks. Due to their historic nature, many tour sites in Charleston are not handicapped accessible. Some, but not all, guests with mobility limitations have felt the tours met their expectations.
No. Out of respect for the tour guides and fellow guests, please silence and put away cell phones and do not take calls or use mobile devices on tour. Photography is prohibited on private property.
Restroom facilities are not readily available in Charleston’s historic residential neighborhoods. Your tour map will indicate the location of the nearest public restroom, which may be a substantial walking distance away. Please plan accordingly.
Tour footprints may cover six or more blocks.
No, most are private houses and gardens owned by supporters of the Preservation Society of Charleston. On occasion, there may be a public building such as a historic church included on tour.
All sales are final. Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis until September 1. After September 1, guests who notify the office in advance may either exchange their tickets for a comparable tour if space is available, or convert their tickets to a tax-deductible charitable contribution.
The Insider’s Architecture and History Tours is the best opportunity to experience the interiors of private residences. Some, but not all, properties on House and Garden Tours will include interiors. Walking Tours do not include any private properties.
There can be a great range in the age of the houses on each tour, from 18th-century dwellings to modern interpretations.
Tours take place rain or shine. Prepare for inclement weather, if forecasted. The Preservation Society reserves the right to cancel the tours if dangerous or threatening conditions arise.
October in Charleston can bring a range of weather experiences. Days can be hot and evenings can be cool. Guests may be more comfortable with a jacket or sweater.
Charleston’s neighborhoods and streets are each unique! Please note the description of each tour. The properties on tour will vary from 18th-century houses to modern interpretations and will include numerous architectural styles.
Current members of the Preservation Society are welcome to apply to be a volunteer docent for Saturday House & Garden Tours during the Fall Tours. For more information, please click here to view our volunteer application.
Yes! Current PSC Members are eligible for member rates on select tours. The member placing the order may purchase up to 4 tickets at the discounted rate. To become a member or learn more about PSC Member benefits, please click here.
Our team works diligently throughout the year to research and recruit homes to participate in the Fall Tours. We hope to curate a walkable cluster of properties, showcasing a diverse array of ages and styles that reflect the history of the neighborhood. If you or someone you know is interested in having your house featured on tour, please contact Courtney Theis, Director of Advancement, at [email protected] or 843.722.4630 ext. 117.
For any other questions, please contact our tours office at 843.405.1050 or [email protected].
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