Walk South of Broad with entry to two historic homes and gardens
2.5 Hours
Guide, 2 museum houses
Explore Charleston’s South of Broad neighborhood on a guided walking tour, then step inside two museum houses for curated stories and period details. Go behind the gates to see well-maintained gardens along the way.
Tours meet outside the Mills House Hotel at 115 Meeting Street. Houses vary by day and may include the Edmondston-Alston House, Heyward Washington House, or the Nathaniel Russell House.
Minimum of four to run; if not met, the operator will notify you as soon as possible. Refunds available up until 24 hours prior to start time.
Arrive 15 minutes early.
Meet outside the courtyard to the left of the hotel’s front door, by the black iron gates.
You’ll tour two out of three South of Broad museum houses and gardens. Houses vary by day and may include the Edmondston-Alston House, Heyward Washington House, or the Nathaniel Russell House.
115 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
Standing at the edge of Charleston's High Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House commands sweeping views of Charleston Harbor that have remained largely unchanged for nearly two centuries. Step inside and you move through rooms still furnished with original family pieces, portraits, silver, and books, giving the house a lived-in intimacy that sets it apart from more formally staged historic homes. The Edmondston-Alston House invites you to linger, look closely, and feel the particular weight of a place that has witnessed both ordinary domestic life and extraordinary historical events.
Travelers consistently rave about the tour guides here, and for good reason. Names like Clara, Drew, Gordon, and especially Dave come up repeatedly, with reviewers praising their storytelling abilities, deep knowledge of Charleston's history, and genuine enthusiasm for what they do. The guides seem to strike that perfect balance between being informative and entertaining, making the city's past come alive without feeling overly rehearsed or dramatic. Several people specifically mention how knowledgeable their guides were, and it's clear these aren't just people reading from a script. They know their stuff and genuinely enjoy sharing it. The variety of tours gets attention too, from ghost walks to cemetery tours to the City Jail experience. One reviewer did note that while the content at the Provost Dungeon was solid, the delivery felt a bit contrived and the mannequins could use an upgrade (though they emphasized this wasn't a reflection on the tour company itself). That same person also warned that the jail tour includes some violent history and graphic details, so it might not be suitable for young kids or anyone easily disturbed. The office staff also earned praise for being friendly and efficient, making the check-in process smooth. Overall, these tours seem like an excellent way to explore Charleston's darker history with guides who are clearly passionate about what they do.
Jim the Michigander was the best!! He knows history like a pro and his story telling was deeply captivating. I liked his tour a lot. Hopefully he gets to tour friends of mine when I recommend them to take this tour.
Ana Karla Albisua Bermudez
May 24, 2026
Jim the Michigander was the best!! He knows history like a pro and his story telling was deeply captivating. I liked his tour a lot. Hopefully he gets to tour friends of mine when I recommend them to take this tour.
Ana Karla Albisua Bermudez
May 24, 2026