Charleston Historic Downtown Exploration Game and Tour
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the history of Downtown Charleston by solving challenges and unlocking stories on your phone, leading you to new places and amazing stories.
Play the engaging exploration game, playing as the brother of the once-governor – murdered by “the Black Thumb”. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure?
Highlights include:
• Explore St. Philip’s Church, Dock Street Theatre, The Fire Station, and other lesser-known places.
• Enjoy a unique story brought to you by our talented writers.
• Learn about the fascinating story of Rainbow Row.
• Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game and a treasure hunt.
After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.
Available options
Charleston Historic Downtown Exploration Game and Tour
What's included
24/7 customer support.
Free for Kids
This experience can be played anytime after booking without rescheduling
If your group is larger than 15 people, no worries. Just make multiple bookings.
Detailed itinerary
1
You will begin at St. Philip’s Church. Here you will be given your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
2
Here you will find your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
3
Study your next clue on The Fire Station.
.
4
To unlock the next part of the story you will be given your next clue to solve the challenge that awaits you.
5
Look up your next clue to unlock the next part of the story and give you the correct directions.
6
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at The Tavern at Rainbow Row. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
7
Receive your next clue. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
8
Enjoy the view and continue exploring at your own pace.
9
Explore at your own pace while admiring the Carolopolis Awards and Carriage Stone around you.
10
Enjoy the view and continue exploring at your own pace.
11
Explore at your own pace while admiring the Flower Boxes around you.
12
Receive your next clue. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
13
See The “Two-Bit” Society and get your next clue to solve the challenge and get new directions.
14
You will finish at Saint Michael’s Church. Here is where both the story and the city exploration games end.
What's not included
A tour guide.
Entry tickets to attractions (not needed to complete the tour)
Available languages
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.8
13 reviews
5★
6
4★
3
3★
1
2★
1
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.6
14 reviews
5★
10
4★
3
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
• Go to St. Philip’s Church (game starting point).
• Bring a charged phone.
• Open the Questo app and follow the instructions.
• You must have downloaded the app and created an account first, using the same email you made the purchase with.
Important notes
To unlock the experience in the Questo app, go to https://www.questoapp.com/unlock, and add your booking number and e-mail address. Then, download the Questo app and create a new account with the e-mail address you used for unlocking.
About Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant food scene. With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and picturesque waterfront, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, charm, and Southern hospitality.
Top Attractions
Historic Charleston City Market
One of the nation's oldest public markets, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and unique souvenirs. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and history.
Market
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for goods
Fort Sumter National Monument
The site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Visitors can take a ferry to the fort and learn about its historical significance.
Historical
Half-day
$24 for adults, $15 for children (includes ferry ride and park entrance)
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, nature trails, and a zoo. It's one of the oldest public gardens in America.
Nature
Half-day to full day
$24 for adults, $12 for children
Must-Try Local Dishes
Shrimp and Grits
A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free
She-Crab Soup
A rich, creamy soup made with blue crab meat, crab roe, and a touch of sherry
Appetizer
Contains shellfish
Popular Activities
Surfing at Folly Beach
Kayaking in the Charleston Harbor
Sunbathing and swimming at local beaches
Spa treatments and wellness retreats
Visiting historic sites and museums
Attending local festivals and events
Boating and sailing in the Charleston Harbor
Fishing and crabbing
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and events.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (ET) - GMT-5 (EST) or GMT-4 (EDT during daylight saving time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Charleston is generally a safe city for travelers, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Charleston International Airport • 12 miles (19 km) from city center
By bus
Charleston Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates a network of buses. The system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Historic District
Mount Pleasant
Day trips
Folly Beach
8 miles (13 km) • Half-day to full day
A popular beach destination known for its laid-back atmosphere, surfing, and seafood restaurants. Folly Beach offers a great escape from the city with its wide sandy shores and ocean views.
Middleton Place
12 miles (19 km) • Half-day
A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, a museum, and a restored rice mill. Middleton Place offers a glimpse into the lives of plantation owners and enslaved people.
Festivals
Spoleto Festival USA • Late May to early June
Charleston Wine + Food Festival • Mid-February
Pro tips
- Visit the Historic District early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cobblestone streets and architecture in a more relaxed atmosphere
- Take a food tour to sample the best of Charleston's culinary scene and learn about the city's rich food history
- Explore the local markets, such as the Charleston City Market, for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
- Consider a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Folly Beach or Middleton Place, for a change of pace and to experience the natural beauty of the Lowcountry
- Attend a local festival or event, such as Spoleto Festival USA or the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, for a unique and memorable experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
