
Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis
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Quick answer
Is Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis worth booking?
Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis is a 2-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $39 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $39 per person
A city born in the Age of Sail, there was no guarantee that immigrants would make it to Charleston. Those that came before established societies from each country to welcome their neighbors. These charitable groups became members only clubs that have helped guide the city since 1729. Discover the hidden charitable and fraternal organizations that do so much good in the city without anyone knowing it. History comes alive on this engaging walking tour led by local author and historian Chip Sturgis. Explore the historic streets and iconic landmarks, uncovering the captivating stories and lesser-known facts that shape this beautiful city. Connect with Charleston's vibrant past in a way that goes beyond traditional history lessons. - Discover Charleston's iconic landmarks. - Uncover hidden stories and fascinating tales often missed by visitors - Experience history where it happened with a local expert guide - Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike
What you get
About this experience
A city born in the Age of Sail, there was no guarantee that immigrants would make it to Charleston. Those that came before established societies from each country to welcome their neighbors. These charitable groups became members only clubs that have helped guide the city since 1729. Discover the hidden charitable and fraternal organizations that do so much good in the city without anyone knowing it. History comes alive on this engaging walking tour led by local author and historian Chip Sturgis. Explore the historic streets and iconic landmarks, uncovering the captivating stories and lesser-known facts that shape this beautiful city. Connect with Charleston's vibrant past in a way that goes beyond traditional history lessons. - Discover Charleston's iconic landmarks. - Uncover hidden stories and fascinating tales often missed by visitors - Experience history where it happened with a local expert guide - Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide
What you'll see and do
See one of the largest and grandest society halls in Charleston and one of the most prestigious clubs in the city.
10 minutes here
South Carolina Society Hall
Get two clubs in one! See the oldest French society in Charleston and the first society in Charleston, the Saint Andrews Society who share the same building.
10 minutes here
Dock Street Theater
See the first theatre in America with a hidden past as a Freemason Hall and hotel.
10 minutes here
See one of the oldest German American clubs in America who have been having more than 13,000 dinners every week since 1766.
10 minutes here
See the birthplace of the Scottish Rite of Masonry in the U.S.; the first Freemason Hall in South Carolina; the birthplace of the Society of the Cincinnati of S.C. and the first Chamber of Commerce in America.
15 minutes here
See where President George Washington took his meals in 1791 at the former McCrady's Long Room.
Pass by without stopping
Charleston Library Society
See the second oldest private library in America. These pioneers of learning established the country's first museum and the first city college in the U.S.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Charleston
South State Bank at the corner of Broad St and Church St in downtown Charleston
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
South State Bank at the corner of Broad St and Church St in downtown Charleston
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
- Chip Charleston Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






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
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.
How much does Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis cost?
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Prices start at $39 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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis take?
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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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis?
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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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis suitable for kids and families?
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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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis?
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Around 0 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?
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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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis?
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Included: Tour Guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis?
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South State Bank at the corner of Broad St and Church St in downtown Charleston Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis offered in?
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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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis?
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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 Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Secret Societies Walking Tour of Charleston with Chip Sturgis if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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