Charleston’s drinking tours combine Southern hospitality with historic charm. The most worthwhile options include haunted pub crawls through centuries-old taverns and prohibition-themed walks that bring the roaring ’20s to life.
I especially love the harbor pedal boat tours – they offer great skyline views while you enjoy local craft beers.
The city’s beer scene is best experienced through organized brewery tours, which typically visit 3-4 craft breweries in the historic district.
For wine enthusiasts, Charleston’s winery tours showcase regional vintages in intimate tasting rooms.
My favorite option remains the private distillery tours – they’re pricier but allow flexibility and deep insights into the city’s spirits-making heritage.
Let’s look at Charleston’s most rewarding drinking tours.
Key Points
- Charleston offers a range of drinking tours, including haunted pub crawls, prohibition-era speakeasy excursions, and brewery/winery tasting experiences.
- Many tours provide engaging storytelling, historical insights, and a mix of bar/pub visits, with durations ranging from 1.5 to 5 hours.
- Some tours cater to smaller group sizes for a more personalized experience, while others accommodate larger groups on party buses or boats.
- Accessibility and age restrictions vary, but most tours are designed for adult participants 21 and older.
- For a premium experience, private luxury transportation services are available to transport guests to distilleries, breweries, and other drinking establishments.
Charleston History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk
Embarking on the Charleston History and Hops Tour, you’ll explore the city’s rich past while indulging in its vibrant bar scene.
This 2-hour walking tour takes you to historical sites like the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon and Dock Street Theater, while also delving into Charleston’s Prohibition era.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’ll enjoy a small-group experience led by knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s stories to life through engaging storytelling.
While alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, a small snack is provided at the first bar.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: Charleston History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk Review
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Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour
The Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour offers a chilling and captivating experience, blending the city’s haunting history with its vibrant bar scene.
Led by the knowledgeable and engaging Captain Bryan, this 5-star rated tour takes guests on a journey through Charleston’s spookier side.
You’ll hear unique ghost stories, learn about the city’s rich history, and visit local bars all within a half-mile of the starting point.
While not wheelchair accessible or recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour is a must for anyone 21+ seeking an educational and entertaining evening in Charleston.
Read our full review: Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour Review
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Day Drinking Tour
Enjoy Charleston’s vibrant bar scene with the Day Drinking Tour, an acclaimed 5-hour experience curated by Charleston Brews Cruise.
Enjoy 12 beer pours while a knowledgeable guide shares the city’s brewing history. With a 5.0 rating and 95% recommendation from travelers, this tour promises an engaging and fun-filled journey.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation and suitable for most participants. While some have reported issues with cancellations, the tour generally receives praise for its selection of beers and the guide’s expertise.
At $99 per person, the Day Drinking Tour offers an immersive way to explore Charleston’s lively bar culture.
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Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl
Combining Charleston’s storied past with its vibrant pub scene, the Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl offers a unique blend of spooky tales and social exploration.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour promises an evening of learning about Charleston’s haunted history while visiting various bars and pubs. Guests can expect an average rating of 3.5 stars based on 83 reviews, with praise for the entertaining and passionate guides.
While the tour experience may vary, many recommend it as a fun way to discover the city’s history and socialize. Just be aware that the tour’s stops can change, and it may not align perfectly with the traditional pub crawl format.
Read our full review: Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl Review
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Charleston Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour
Explore Charleston’s vibrant beverage scene with the Charleston Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour. This highly-rated tour offers a comprehensive look at the city’s top wineries, breweries, and landmarks.
Board a luxury party bus and enjoy complimentary drinks like mimosas, wine, and beer as you’re driven to various destinations. With a minimum age of 21, the tour caters to adult travelers seeking an immersive experience.
You’ll receive local insights from the knowledgeable driver/host and have the option of a complimentary drop-off at the end of the day.
With 100% of travelers recommending this tour, it’s an excellent choice for discovering Charleston’s thriving drinking culture.
Read our full review: Charleston Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour Review
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Speakeasy Sagas – Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl
Tracing the hidden history of Charleston’s Prohibition-era speakeasies, the Speakeasy Sagas – Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl offers an immersive journey through the city’s illicit drinking scene of the 1920s.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour visits historic landmarks, vintage restaurants, and bars, providing insights into the 18th Amendment and Charleston’s vibrant party culture. Guests can expect to sample popular breweries and bars while learning about the city’s Prohibition past.
Though some reviews note issues with organization and expectations, the majority of participants describe the tour as an engaging and informative experience, praising the guides’ storytelling abilities.
Read our full review: Speakeasy Sagas – Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl Review
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Frequently, the Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston takes participants on an immersive journey through the city’s captivating true crime stories and historical narratives, spanning from the 1600s to the 1980s.
This 4-bar (or sometimes 3-bar) tour is conducted by knowledgeable guides like Alex, Abby, John, Moth, and Ken, who are praised for their engaging storytelling.
While most guests enjoy the experience, some have reported a lack of enthusiasm and detail from certain guides.
Nevertheless, the tour offers a unique blend of history and pub visits, with the U.S. Custom House and Blind Tiger Pub serving as the starting and ending points, respectively.
Read our full review: Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston Review
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Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour)
On this Charleston Brewery District Cruise, you’ll embark on a delightful tour through the city’s flourishing craft beer scene.
Aboard a party bus, you’ll enjoy 2 domestic beers and up to 3 craft pints as you explore the breweries. The 5-star rated tour departs from the Charleston Visitor Center and lasts around 3 hours.
While lunch and additional drinks aren’t included, you’ll have access to bottled water and snacks. With a maximum capacity of 40 travelers, this public tour offers an intimate experience exploring Charleston’s bustling brewery district.
Boasting a 5.0 average rating from 5 reviews, this is an excellent way to discover the city’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour) Review
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Historic Pubs, Taverns, and Taprooms Tour
Set out on a captivating exploration of Charleston’s historic pubs, taverns, and taprooms on this immersive tour.
You’ll visit three local establishments in the city’s French Quarter, accompanied by a city-certified guide who’ll regale you with tales of pirates, politics, and local history.
Savor one complimentary drink and a shared appetizer at each stop, as you learn about the charming ambiance.
With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience and the opportunity to connect with fellow participants.
Though not suitable for pregnant travelers or those in wheelchairs, the tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
Boasting a 94% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour blends history and leisure for an unforgettable outing.
Read our full review: Historic Pubs, Taverns, and Taprooms Tour Review
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Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise
Step aboard the premier Charleston Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise, a captivating 1.5-hour journey along the iconic Ashley River. Priced at $50 per person, this premier party cruise features a spacious 39-foot pontoon boat with 12 pedaling stations, bow seating, and an engine for convenience.
Admire the city’s stunning coastline, including the Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and the USS Yorktown, while spotting local wildlife like pelicans and dolphins. The cruise includes a live English-language tour guide, a Bluetooth stereo for music, and a restroom on board.
You’re welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks, making this an enjoyable and customizable experience. With an impressive 4.9/5 rating, this party cruise is a must-try for those seeking a unique and memorable adventure in Charleston.
Read our full review: Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise Review
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Charleston: Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour
Enjoy Charleston’s eerie past on the Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour.
For $40, you’ll spend 2 hours exploring the city’s haunted taverns and locations with a live guide. You’ll learn about Charleston’s dark history, including pirates, tragic lovers, and ghostly encounters.
Enjoy complimentary appetizers at some stops and purchase drinks along the way. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those 21 and older. It runs rain or shine, and the pace is adjusted for guest comfort.
With a minimum of 2 participants required, you’ll discover the spectral patrons of Charleston’s theaters, restaurants, and hotels, experiencing the city’s reputation as one of the most haunted in the U.S.
Read our full review: Charleston: Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour Review
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Charleston: Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl
Frequently, travelers to Charleston can discover the city’s hidden speakeasies and cocktail lounges of the Prohibition era on the Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl.
This 2-hour walking tour is limited to 6 participants and is wheelchair accessible.
You’ll learn about Prohibition’s origins in Charleston and taste cocktails while exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife.
The knowledgeable guide shares entertaining stories from the Prohibition era as you visit notable bars and lounges.
Though the tour can’t accommodate video recording or allow drinks between bars, it offers a fun and informative experience, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 157 reviews.
Read our full review: Charleston: Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl Review
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Charleston: Boo-Hag and Brews Haunted Bar Hop
Although Charleston is renowned for its antebellum architecture and southern charm, the city also harbors a dark and haunting history that comes alive on the Charleston: Boo-Hag and Brews Haunted Bar Hop.
This unique 2-hour tour combines ghost stories and drinks, taking you to 2 historic bars with drink recommendations. Start with a complimentary appetizer at Tommy Condons Irish Pub, then explore downtown Charleston, including graveyards and homes over 200 years old.
The tour ends at a local park associated with a historical female serial killer. Rated 4.8/5 by participants, this tour is led by the energetic Captain Bryan, who provides engaging storytelling and historical insights.
Read our full review: Charleston: Boo-Hag and Brews Haunted Bar Hop Review
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Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour
Charleston’s storied past comes alive on the Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour.
For $32, you’ll explore the French Quarter, visit two popular bars, and learn about the city’s Prohibition era from a licensed guide.
Sip local brews and enjoy a small snack at the first bar, then wander through charming alleys and cobblestone streets, hearing tales known only to locals.
The tour culminates with a final story at a waterfront park.
Though not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or the under-21 crowd, the 2-hour experience earns a stellar 5/5 rating from over 50 reviewers, who praise the guide’s engaging storytelling and the perfect blend of history and relaxation.
Read our full review: Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour Review
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Private Luxury Chauffeured Transportation to & From Distilleries, Breweries
If you’re seeking a luxurious and hassle-free way to explore Charleston’s thriving craft beverage scene, the Private Luxury Chauffeured Transportation to & From Distilleries, Breweries tour offers an unparalleled experience.
Priced from $700 per person, this private tour provides door-to-door service within 20 miles of Charleston, allowing you to visit multiple distilleries and breweries without the worry of transportation.
The service is available seven days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and accommodates service animals and infant seats, making it accessible for most travelers.
Read our full review: Private Luxury Chauffeured Transportation to & From Distilleries, Breweries Review
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The Sum Up
Charleston offers a variety of guided drinking tours that allow you to explore the city’s rich history, architecture, and haunted lore while sampling local craft beverages. Whether you’re interested in bar hopping, visiting wineries and breweries, or taking a spooky haunted pub crawl, there’s a tour to suit your preferences and ensure you have a memorable drinking experience in the Holy City.