The 7 Best Private History Tours in the USA

1.Private Guided Historic Electric Cart Tour of St. Augustine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,194 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Explore St. Augustine’s Walled City in a private electric cart with guides such as Tom, Dale, or Diane. In 90 minutes, you’ll hear stories from the Spanish, British, and Flagler periods, pass historic churches and landmarks, and cover more ground with little walking. The cart holds a small private group, with morning and afternoon departures.

“Perfect tour if you want to see the whole city and learn the history. Tom was such a nice host and very knowledgeable! Even my 22 year old who didn’t think a tour would be his thing, enjoyed it.”

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2.Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35Best value

Spend about two hours walking Charleston’s old center with a licensed, certified guide. Kate, Kay, Steve Bailey, or Russ may lead the tour, covering early history, architecture, churches, folklore, and the Charleston Battery. The small-group format makes it easy to ask questions and adjust the walk to your interests.

“We had a wonderful walking tour with Steve Bailey. He is a wealth of knowledge about Charleston. It was only our group of 4 on the tour so we were able to fully engage with Steve. Would definitely recommend this tour.”

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3.Private Photo Session in Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Meet photographer Dennis at 79 East Bay Street for a private Charleston photo walk lasting about one to two hours. Expect Rainbow Row, cobbled streets, cozy lanes, and possible oak-lined settings, with help posing and plenty of room to shape the session around your group. The walk returns to the starting point and is offered in English.

“Dennis was great! He definitely helps with posing and makes you laugh a bit throughout to help ease any tension and make the session more relaxing and enjoyable! We love the pictures he got celebrating our anniversary!”

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4.Private Historic Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 103 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.)

Start near Charleston City Market and spend about 50 minutes riding through the historic district with your own carriage and guide. Guides such as Daniel, Kiki, Ricky, and Michael are praised for lively stories about architecture, families, and the old jail. One carriage holds up to four people, and the route is set by a city official.

“Tour was great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered anything we asked. Horse was also well taken care of in the heat.”

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5.Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two relaxed hours aboard Mystique with a private captain and mate, sailing past Charleston’s Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter. You’ll have soft drinks, bottled water, shade, and a restroom. Dolphin sightings are possible, and guides such as Will, Sam, Rob, Maddie, Scott, and Dustin add local history and sailing know-how.

“Captain Scott Depung and 1st Hand Monique took the time to share their passion about sailing and the local area. We learned alot and enjoyed our morning, private sailing excursion. I highly recommend it.”

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6.Washington DC: African American History Museum Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 54 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your English-speaking guide at the National Museum of African American History and Culture for a two-hour private visit. Your guide connects the museum to the National Mall and African American history, then focuses on key exhibits at a pace suited to your family. Guides such as Nur Ali Gray, Koura, and Michael have been praised for keeping children and adults engaged.

“Nur Ali Gray was a great tour guide—-very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about history! My teens loved him.”

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7.Fairbanks: Private Mush on the Historic Yukon Quest Trail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 1h 30m · from $195

Join a private 90-minute dog sled ride near Fairbanks with guides such as Chase, Bill, or Jeremy. Meet the huskies, ride the historic Yukon Quest trail in a cushioned sled, stop at a remote frozen pond for photos, then warm up beside a wood stove in a Mongolian yurt. Cold-weather clothing is supplied, but bring a neck gaiter.

“Excellent attraction. Individual ride, the opportunity to get acquainted with the dogs, without haste, calmly. Interesting stories of the guide, which made the ride more pleasant. I recommend it to everyone! Thank You so much!”

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