Sip your way through Upper King Street with a licensed local guide
2 hours
Cocktail samples, Local guide
Explore Charleston’s Upper King Street bars and lounges on a guided cocktail stroll. Learn how the district became a hub for cocktails, culture, and hospitality as you sample signature drinks along the way.
Ages 21+ only. No food is served. Cocktails may contain multiple ingredients—share any allergies when booking.
Minimum 4 required; if not met, you will be contacted and get a full refund. Refunds are available up to 24 hours before start time.
You must be 21 or older to join the cocktail tour.
No. The Upper King Street Cocktail Tour does not serve food.
Handmade cocktails may contain several different ingredients. Share any allergies when you book.
360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Just a short stroll from the lively bars and lounges of Upper King Street sits The Charleston Museum, America's first museum and a cornerstone of the city's cultural identity. Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum offers a fascinating window into the Lowcountry's past, from its colonial roots and antebellum society to its natural history and decorative arts. Before you set out on an evening of cocktail tasting along Upper King, spending an afternoon at The Charleston Museum is the perfect way to ground yourself in the stories, traditions, and Southern hospitality that shaped this remarkable city.
The Upper King Street Cocktail Tasting Tour weaves through one of Charleston's most dynamic neighborhoods, where craft bartenders mix locally inspired drinks rooted in centuries of Southern flavor. After exploring The Charleston Museum's exhibits on rice and indigo plantations, historic silver, and the everyday objects of Charleston life, the cocktails you sip later take on new meaning. You will taste the bourbons, sweet teas, and citrus that echo the region's culinary heritage, hear bartenders share the history behind each pour, and move between three of the area's most beloved spots. The contrast between the quiet, reflective halls of The Charleston Museum and the buzz of Upper King at golden hour gives the day a memorable rhythm.
This pairing is ideal for curious travelers, couples on a weekend escape, and small groups of friends who love mixing culture with great food and drink. History lovers will appreciate how The Charleston Museum sets the stage for understanding what makes Charleston's cocktail scene so distinct, while cocktail enthusiasts will enjoy connecting each sip back to the stories they discovered earlier in the day. Whether you are visiting Charleston for the first time or returning to dig deeper, beginning at The Charleston Museum and ending with handcrafted cocktails on Upper King Street is a delicious way to experience the city at its most authentic.
Travelers consistently rave about the tour guides here, and for good reason. Names like Clara, Drew, Gordon, and especially Dave come up repeatedly, with reviewers praising their storytelling abilities, deep knowledge of Charleston's history, and genuine enthusiasm for what they do. The guides seem to strike that perfect balance between being informative and entertaining, making the city's past come alive without feeling overly rehearsed or dramatic. Several people specifically mention how knowledgeable their guides were, and it's clear these aren't just people reading from a script. They know their stuff and genuinely enjoy sharing it. The variety of tours gets attention too, from ghost walks to cemetery tours to the City Jail experience. One reviewer did note that while the content at the Provost Dungeon was solid, the delivery felt a bit contrived and the mannequins could use an upgrade (though they emphasized this wasn't a reflection on the tour company itself). That same person also warned that the jail tour includes some violent history and graphic details, so it might not be suitable for young kids or anyone easily disturbed. The office staff also earned praise for being friendly and efficient, making the check-in process smooth. Overall, these tours seem like an excellent way to explore Charleston's darker history with guides who are clearly passionate about what they do.
Grace was a great tour guide, who was very knowledgeable of the history of Charleston and quite funny.
James Quinn
April 3, 2026
Grace was a great tour guide, who was very knowledgeable of the history of Charleston and quite funny.
James Quinn
April 3, 2026