Things to do in Coastal South Carolina, Coastal South Carolina: The Best City Tours

September 25, 2021 Misti Hsu

Miles of white sand and romantic island resorts beckon from the hem of the Palmetto State. Families gravitate to Myrtle Beach and the 60-mile span of Grand Strand, where over 100 championship golf courses, tennis courts and nightclubs await. Charleston’s hundreds of heritage buildings, and irresistible charm, are part of its allure. Beach resorts at Kiawah Island, Seabrook and Edisto Island make for romantic getaways. Marshes, moss-bearded palms and oak groves create ambiance in the haunting Lowcountry.
Restaurants in Coastal South Carolina

1. Charleston Historical Walking Tour: Pirates, Patriots, and More

1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Pineapple Tour Group
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Our most popular and diverse tour, A Walk Through Charleston is a comprehensive overview of Charleston history through the centuries. Charleston was founded in 1670 and quickly developed into the most cosmopolitan seaport on the continent. Come walk with us and learn about bawdy taverns & pirates, heroic patriots, the grandeur of antebellum architecture, the devastation of the Civil War, and much more. History will come alive as we stroll through the historic streets and gardens of the “Holy City”

Inclusions: 90-minute Walking Tour of Historic Charleston, Professional Guide, See some of the Charleston sites that can only be accessed on foot, Learn about bawdy taverns & pirates, heroic patriots, antebellum architecture, Civil War and More

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By bethburns133

This was a lovely tour primarily because of the driver. He was pleasant, informative and knowledgeable. The gardens that we viewed were beautiful. The house was interesting. And the dining room had a wonderful ambience, even though the food was just mediocre.

2. Private Charleston Walking Tour

Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina Crafted Travel
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Crafted Travel is Proud to offer Private Historic Charleston Walking Tours. • Experienced Certified City of Charleston Tour Guides makes the biggest difference. • Private Tour specially for your group to leisurely enjoy at your pace. • We can meet your group anywhere on Broad Street or "South of Broad." • Learn Charleston's role in the American Revolution, Civil War and Modern Day Charleston and it's role in the United State's history. • We like to take clients to some of these following Historic Locations:  The Four Corner of Law, Washington Park, Saint Philips Church, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, The Battery, South of the "Old City Wall," Market Street, the Calhoun Mansion, the Nathaniel Russell House, the Powder Magazine, the tomb of the 7th Vice President of the United States, John C. Calhoun and much more!

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Toy232021

Valerie was a great driver/tour guide. She was patient, energetic and contributed to our wonderful experience.

3. Charleston's Best History Walking Tour

Ravenel Waterfront Park, Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Chucktown Tours
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

Hi ya'll, I'm Cooper. There are many walking tours in Charleston. Some better than others. None more informative than this tour. We pride ourselves on providing a story-based tour of the historic district, in a humorous, yet accurately historical way. The information you learn on our tours will simply amaze you. From the events of colonial Charleston, to the quirky little facts no other tour takes the time to research. We teach history in a fun and interactive way. We start by having a discussion about what you like in history. The things that you want to learn. From there we'll craft the tour around such topics as modern-day charleston, the civil war, the revolutionary war, cultural history, architecture, and even talk about the reality of slavery in Charleston. We were voted best history tour in Charleston, and we work hard every day to live up to that title. So come on ya'll...let's learn some history

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: There are no additional items or services included

Reviewed By Stacie S

What a fun and entertaining walking tour! I brought two friends along with me and they LOVED it. Mark is full of knowledge and information about this incredible City and makes the walking tour so enjoyable. He made every person in the tour feel welcome and engaged all in his story telling. It was fantastic!!

4. Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

200 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 1,379 reviews

Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Not included in your ticket price are any parking fees if you choose to drive to your tour. Gratuity is optional, but gratefully accepted.

Reviewed By colinallin

Funny guy who tailored the tour to us. Took us a few ways he normally wouldn’t based on our preferences. Very knowledgeable local South Carolinian. No other option in town as good as him.

5. Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

Charleston in a Nutshell
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4.9 based on 89 reviews

Looking for a stress-free way to see Charleston? Join local guide Jeff Zimmerman on his 2 hour citywide private driving tour. Beat the crowds in a comfortable full sized weatherproof SUV. Experience Charleston your way as Jeff tailors your private tour to suit your own personal interests. As a licensed tour guide since 1997, Jeff provides a unique narrative on the city's history, eclectic architecture, culture, and even the natural world. You will not only visit the must-see places but also get off the beaten path and get closer to less touristy nooks that are off limits to carriage and bus tours.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Peggy-thoughts

So nice to sit back and let someone drive you around the city to most of the historical sites. Lot of interesting info and history. Such a pretty city too. The air conditioning was a great break fome the humidity too!

6. Charleston's Alleys & Hidden Passages Guided Small-Group Walking Tour

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Lowcountry Walking Tours
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4.9 based on 566 reviews

Explore some of Charleston's enchanting alleys and hidden passageways on this small group, 2-hour walking tour. With our small group tours, you are guaranteed a more intimate and up-close experience. Charleston's alleyways are fortunately located within the popular historic district which allows us to include some well known points of interest on the tour and go a little "off the beaten path” while exploring the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways. Generally, we include between four to six different alleyways/passages as well as popular points of interest like Rainbow Row and of course, tons of history! These pedestrian passageways are often overlooked, but walking along these cobbled paths is an opportunity to appreciate Charleston's rich history and hidden, more intimate charms.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Hidden Alleyways & Passages Guided Walking Tour of Charleston, Small-Group for a more personalized experience, Go "off the beaten path" and explore the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways, See a few top Charleston sites along route such as Rainbow Row, Professional/Local Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By bctrvlers

We had an awesome tour with Evans and it sounds like one of his last (moving soon). Great stories, history and hidden views of Historic Charleston. He wove his stories with past and present characters, along with insights into Charleston’s social importance. Highly recommend !!!

7. Charleston's Most Beautiful Walk Guided Small-Group Walking Tour

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Lowcountry Walking Tours
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4.9 based on 46 reviews

This 2-hour, small group walking tour which takes place daily, has been curated by a professional guide and incorporates some of Historic Charleston's most visually appealing elements. The small group tour begins on East Bay Street just north of the Provost Dungeon, and proceeds to explore the streets of Charleston's most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. Notable sights include Rainbow Row, the fountains and gardens of Tradd Street, and the grandiose mansions along East Battery, where views look out toward the water. You'll also stroll the passageways of quaint and quiet Stoll's Alley, and see why this route is considered one of Charleston's most beautiful walks.

Inclusions: Local guide, Small group tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By bctrvlers

We had an awesome tour with Evans and it sounds like one of his last (moving soon). Great stories, history and hidden views of Historic Charleston. He wove his stories with past and present characters, along with insights into Charleston’s social importance. Highly recommend !!!

8. 2-Hour Charleston Historic Downtown Guided Walking Tour

80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Lowcountry Walking Tours
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4.9 based on 32 reviews

This 2-hour, walking tour explores Charleston's Historic District by visiting the streets of the French Quarter and the area South of Broad. Hear the tales of historic churches and view the city architecture, and learn the story of this beautiful city—from its first settlers to today.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Charleston Historic Downtown Guided Walking Tour, Explore Charleston's Historic District, including the French Quarter and the area South of Broad, Hear the tales of historic churches and view the city architecture, Local Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By bctrvlers

We had an awesome tour with Evans and it sounds like one of his last (moving soon). Great stories, history and hidden views of Historic Charleston. He wove his stories with past and present characters, along with insights into Charleston’s social importance. Highly recommend !!!

9. History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart

1006 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, USA Beaufort Tours
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4.9 based on 72 reviews

Learn about Beaufort's 300 years of rich history on this 1-hour tour. While riding in our new 8 passenger Yamaha golf cart, see beautiful antebellum homes and scenic views. Explore the town where famous movies were filmed, such as Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, and Great Santini on this exciting tour!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by 8 passenger Yamaha golf cart

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By tmax0830

We just spent a wonderful afternoon on this tour and all we can say is WOW. What an experience. Our guide (we didnt catch her name) was the best guide we have ever had. So knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon and an historical perspective of Beaufort.

10. Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA Pineapple Tour Group
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4.9 based on 306 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Charleston Sightseeing Tour via luxury minibus, Professional Guide, Air-conditioned transportation, Complimentary bottle of water, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off offered by request ONLY (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By bethburns133

This was a lovely tour primarily because of the driver. He was pleasant, informative and knowledgeable. The gardens that we viewed were beautiful. The house was interesting. And the dining room had a wonderful ambience, even though the food was just mediocre.

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