Explore Charleston’s Historic Homes: Limited-Time Tours Available

It’s easy to fall in love with Charleston’s laid-back pace, painted houses, and royal palmetto trees. For the next few weeks, you can delve deeper as some of the city’s cherished landmarks open their doors, revealing hidden secrets.

Charleston’s historic homes are inviting visitors to the 75th annual Festival of Houses and Gardens this year. Since 1947, Charleston’s oldest and best-preserved homes have been welcoming inquisitive visitors through guided tours and events, evolving into the Historic Charleston Foundation’s largest fundraiser. Exploring the city’s historic and impressive buildings is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

The festival allows you to immerse yourself in significant cultural and architectural sites in Charleston, some with histories extending back more than 350 years. The main attraction is the daily house and garden tour (priced at $75 per person). There are seven distinct tours, each based around a central street. Visitors on these tours can explore private houses, lush gardens, and notable public buildings that date back to the colonial era.

Moreover, the festival hosts additional events such as morning history walks and Food for Thought luncheon lectures. There are also Splendor Tours, offering guided visits to some of Charleston’s most elaborate and luxurious historic homes. For those looking for an active exploration of the city, options include “photography walkabouts” or a delightful experience of “rosé and roses” at one of the historic gardens.

This year’s festival runs until April 9 and includes events throughout Charleston’s Historic District. If you are interested in discovering more about the events happening or wish to plan your visit, check the festival website for further details.

Furthermore, if you are unable to visit Charleston before the festival concludes, there are virtual activities available, including lectures on vintage hair work and the fascinating secrets of historic houses.

Cailey Rizzo is a contributing writer for iBestTravel, currently based in Brooklyn. You can find her on Twitter or Instagram.