The Fall Tours

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.

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.

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.