Top 20 Experiences in Charleston
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
Travel by horse-drawn carriage along the picturesque streets of Charleston and take in the history of this South Carolina city. See highlights such as historically significant homes, churches and gardens while listening to informative commentary about the city’s role in our nation's history from your certified guide. Enjoy the relaxed pace of a carriage tour as you soak up the southern charm of Charleston.
Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
During this scenic and relaxing 90 minute tour you will experience Charleston Harbor on the unique 80-foot Carolina Belle. Your professional licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass locations critical to United States history. Enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn its rich history while you are in town.
Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Enjoy this 2.5-hour small-group boat cruise through the treasured tidal creeks of Charleston, South Carolina. This tour includes up to an hour long stop on the beautiful Morris Island, during which you can set out on foot and explore the pristine beach, collect seashells, hunt for sharks teeth, and enjoy the beautiful views of the historic lighthouse. On your way to and from the island, your naturalist captain will share information about the local ecosystems and history. Your captain will also point out and describe any wildlife seen along the journey, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, pelicans, sea turtles, and much more!
Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston
On this twilight tour, discover where spirits are reported to linger in downtown Charleston. A licensed guide will regale you with spooky tales from Charleston's long history as you pass haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels and even a dungeon!
Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
Experience 25-30 blocks of Charleston’s historic downtown district on this 1-Hour Daytime Palmetto Carriage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour. See houses, gardens, mansions, churches & parks, learn about buildings, history, architecture, flora & the people that make up the “Holy City." Palmetto Carriage Works is the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston and has developed the greatest carriage experience in the city! A Palmetto Carriage tour offers a blend of knowledge, wit, humor, and history and is exciting and ever-changing; a seamless fusion of 19th-century conveyance in a 21st-century city.
Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
Come walk with us on The Ghosts of Charleston walking tour, leaving nightly from Buxton Books, Charleston’s independent bookstore located at 160 King Street. Our licensed guides are expert storytellers who lead you through centuries old alleys and paths while sharing stories and solid history from Julian Buxton’s best-selling book, The Ghosts of Charleston. The true tales of intrigue, tragedy, and lost love reveal a rich underside of Charleston’s character that isn’t apparent during the day. The highlight of your tour is our exclusive nighttime access to the 18th century Unitarian Church Graveyard, where you will experience something magical. The Ghosts of Charleston is Buxton Books’ signature and most popular book-based walking tour -- a favorite of visitors and locals for over 23 years.
Charleston walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours
On our Secret Food Tour: Charleston, let our experienced guides take you on a foodie adventure through the picturesque and historic streets of the French Quarter. Learn how pirates, pandemics, natural disasters, and war have all shaped our local food scene. At the end of the tour, you'll have sampled classic Carolina-style BBQ, fresh seafood, and even a local delicacy crafted for a U.S. President. Plus, our decadent Secret Dish might just make you leave singing a happy song!
90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
On this historical Charleston tour, journey back in time as your guide reveals the beauty and charm of one of America's most historic cities. Learn about the history of Charleston and discover its pivotal role in American history with visits to more than 100 points of interest including Rainbow Row, Colonial Lake, the Old Exchange Building and Whitepoint Gardens. Upgrade to include a visit to the restored Joseph Manigault House, an early 19th-century plantation home or the Charleston Museum.
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing Admission to Fort Sumer National Monument and Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. Cruise by top Charleston sites from your ferry such as Rainbow Row and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close. Explore the grounds of Fort Sumter and stand where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger who will greet you upon arrival. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Every corner of Charleston hides a world of history. Join us as your guide shares with you hundreds of years of stories, history, and local knowledge. This is a relaxing 2-hour stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district including the French Quarter and the residential area "South of Broad", all the while learning about the people and events that shaped Charleston. Admission to the Powder Magazine Museum is included with the price of your walking tour! Just show them your ticket at the door. Visit the museum at your leisure before or after your walking tour. Located at 79 Cumberland St. Visit their website for more info and opening hours.
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the Charleston harbor and surrounding waterways aboard our 45-foot USCG certified power catamaran as Charleston’s unique skyline comes alive with peaceful and breathtaking views of sunset silhouetted steeples. Dolphins and shore birds will entertain you with their whimsy. You'll enjoy seeing sites such as the forts, the Battery, the islands and the lighthouses. See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from a different perspective as we cruise under it. This is not a guided tour. However, our captain and mate are prepared to answer any questions that you may have. Soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase.
Downtown Charleston Food Tour
The 2.5-hour Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour visits four different food establishments and combines elements of a historical tour with a culinary adventure! Learn about Charleston's history as you enjoy tastings of traditional favorites and contemporary innovations, all of which highlight the cuisine of locally-owned restaurants. Insight into Lowcountry cuisine accompanies the broad range of samples on your food tour. This is our original tour around the French Quarter and City Market and focuses on the traditional flavors of the region.
Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston
Enjoy this 4.5-hour tour of Magnolia Plantation and see the plantation has stood the test of time dating back to 1676. One of America's most important historical sights, you will travel in comfort on board an air conditioned coach. This tour is led by a knowledgeable and professional guide, that can transport you back in time.
Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
Charleston's only chef led historic walking tour, cooking demonstration and lunch! Our experience begins with a 90 minute food history walking tour in the historic district, followed by a cooking demonstration, lunch & paired wine tasting at the popular local's spot Bistro a Vin. It's led by Charleston's only South Carolina Chef Ambassador & Palmetto Guild Certified tour guide, Forrest Parker. Leading the teams at some of Charleston's most iconic restaurants, Parker has been called a "visionary who calls upon the culture, history & flavor traditions of South Carolina to create heritage-infused experiences." Parker was recognized by then Governor Nikki Haley as a S.C. Chef Ambassador in 2016, a capstone for a culinary career that began in 1995. Chef Forrest invites you to take the path less traveled; to see, touch, sip and taste the Undiscovered Charleston!
Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music
Relax and experience beautiful panoramic views aboard the Spirit of Carolina on this 2.5-Hour Luxury Dinner Cruise of Charleston Harbor. Guests will receive a 3-Course Dinner made to order from local seasonal ingredients, along with our full service bar. As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, listen to the live onboard music entertainment and enjoy stunning harbor views (and even watch the sunset during the summer months). Cruise past top Charleston sites such as Fort Sumter, the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge for incredible photo opportunities.
2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston
Enjoy a guided, eco-based kayaking adventure through Folly Creek and its maze of tidal creeks that wrap around uninhabited hammock islands. This 2-hour marsh kayaking excursion is paced for intermediate, novice, and young adult paddlers alike. You and a small-group (up to 12) will experience the pristine coastal marshes, laid back atmosphere, and stunning wildlife of Charleston's estuaries, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and assorted waterfowl.
Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour
Experience the chills of Charleston's only on-site graveyard tour. You will get an exclusive opportunity to walk inside the gates of Charleston's oldest graveyard after dark. Walk through Charleston's haunted Historic District, and hear stories of ghosts, haunted houses, voodoo and Low-country superstitions.
Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
Walk, talk and taste your way through historic Charleston South Carolina. This small-group 2.5-hour tour will immerse you in the history and culture of the Lowcountry and allow you to experience a remarkable culinary scene in downtown Charleston. Stops along the way will include many of the city’s leading restaurants through out the city. Typical tastings include: stone ground grits, Southern pralines, sweet tea, collard greens, Lowcountry barbeque, and fried green tomatoes. ***PLEASE NOTE: If there are any food allergies in your party, we must know at least 48 hours in advance or some restaurants may not be able to accommodate. We also can't guarantee there will be a substitution at every location due to some allergies.
Sip History in a Secret Speakeasy Cocktail Class
The worlds top Alchemist's teach about Prohibition through the lens of Cocktails. Drink History and have a chat about Cocktail Technique, Mixers, and Spirits along the way!
Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Tour in comfort and safety as we show you the beauty of the Holy City. Let us do the driving as you relax and watch as 300 years of history pass by your window. Our guide will escort you and your group through the historic streets of Charleston. You will see the beautiful buildings and churches of the queen city of the south in air conditioned comfort.