Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour
Charleston, United States

Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 81 4.9 · 455 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $40
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Outty Ranking

81/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 455 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour worth booking?

Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $40 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 455 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
81 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (455)
Duration
2 hours
From
$40 per person

Listen to the lost stories of black Charleston on this 2-hour walking tour. Hear forgotten folktales and learn about the heroes and heroines who were left out of the history books. Gain more understanding about Charleston's role in the nation's history on this enthralling walking tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    Listen to the lost stories of black Charleston on this 2-hour walking tour. Hear forgotten folktales and learn about the heroes and heroines who were left out of the history books. Gain more understanding about Charleston's role in the nation's history on this enthralling walking tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Experience Mother Emanuel A.M. E. Church stories that have faded from memory over the centuries.
    • Tours narrated by writer, historian, educator, and licensed tour guide, Damon Fordham
    • Walk by historical Charleston sites such as Old Slave Mart Museum and the Heyward-Washington House
    • 2-hour Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Tour Charleston

      "IF THESE STREETS COULD TALK..." and now they will. Author, historian, educator and licensed tour guide, Damon Fordham combines his powerful blend of artful storytelling with solid historical and personal perspective.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Charleston City Market

      Visit sites starting with the Charleston City Market, a historic marketplace located in downtown Charleston. Then, head on to Jehu Jones Hotel, Catfish Row (of Porgy and Bess fame).

      30 minutes here

    3. Heyward-Washington House

      Pass by the Heyward-Washington House which belonged to Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Old Slave Mart Museum

      Old Slave Mart Museum is the building that once held slave auction galleries, located in downtown Charleston.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Charleston Waterfront Park

      See and hear about lesser known places where heroes and heroines made history...but missed the history books. Walk the path from slavery through Reconstruction to civil rights. End by walking along the beautiful Charleston Harbor through Waterfront Park. Discover the forgotten stories of black Charleston on this captivating walking tour.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Charleston

    Departure Point: Tour Charleston Headquarters (inside Buxton Books) Address: 160 King Street Charleston, SC 29401

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Departure Point: Tour Charleston Headquarters (inside Buxton Books) Address: 160 King Street Charleston, SC 29401

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tour Charleston, LLC

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, photo 2Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, photo 3Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, photo 4Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, photo 5Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, photo 6Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 453 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    453 verified traveler reviews for Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    416
    4 star
    27
    3 star
    5
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Ronald_A · September 2026

    Our tour guide, Damon...

    Our tour guide, Damon Fordham, is a published, subject matter expert. It was an exciting and interesting tour discussion of African American history and contributions to Charleston and South Carolina. One of the best tours that we’ve ever taken. Well worth putting on your schedule of Things To Do in Charleston!

    via Viator

    Codman2014 · September 2026

    Great and Fact-Based Tour!

    The tour was great! The tour guide Damon was extremely and learned. He spent many years researching what he spoke about.I learned so many facts about everyday people taking extraordinary actions and challenging racism. Their actions changed laws with positive implications for Black people and others. I highly recommend this tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Kimberly_C · September 2026

    A Must Do in Chaleston

    The was an amazing history tour. I would recommend this tour to get to know the history of the area.

    via Viator

    Sandreanie_D · September 2026

    Damon was an amazing...

    Damon was an amazing Tour-guide and storyteller! He made the retelling of our black history, fun, enthusiastic and informative.

    via Viator

    gaias524 · August 2026

    Important Fundamental History of Charleston

    Important tour and a great introduction to the city of Charleston. The historical accounts are complimented by a musical rendition. Thank you for the experience

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    159
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tour Charleston, LLC, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.2.

    See everything Tour Charleston, LLC runs

    Why this scores 81

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)74
    Booking momentum (14% weight)70
    Value for money (12% weight)86
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)63
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.

    How much does Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Charleston usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Charleston is not rushed.

    Is Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 455 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Charleston, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 159 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Charleston can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Charleston and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Charleston within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Charleston?

    +

    Charleston's best experiences are small: house museum tours with an architectural historian, Gullah heritage walks, harbour sails at sunset and Lowcountry food crawls through the market district. Plantation day trips vary enormously in how honestly they handle the history, and our ranking factors that in directly. On Outty we rank every Charleston experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel, Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Charleston?

    +

    March to May and September to November, the two mild shoulder windows. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Charleston?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: Experience Mother Emanuel A.M. E. Church stories that have faded from memory over the cent; Tours narrated by writer, historian, educator, and licensed tour guide, Damon Fordham; Walk by historical Charleston sites such as Old Slave Mart Museum and the Heyward-Washingt; and 2-hour Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour?

    +

    Departure Point: Tour Charleston Headquarters (inside Buxton Books) Address: 160 King Street Charleston, SC 29401 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour?

    +

    Across 455 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour.

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