Top 10 Tours in Coastal South Carolina, Coastal South Carolina

August 3, 2021 Dorsey Hagwood

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. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Undiscovered Charleston
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5.0 based on 336 reviews

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!

Inclusions: Chef Forrest will demonstrate how to prepare three of his recipes with heritage Lowcountry ingredients then serve you lunch with carefully curated wine pairings from Bistro a Vin., Cooking Demonstration by Chef Forrest Parker, Bistro Au Vin provides wine tasting pours paired with Chef Forrest's recipes. (Additional wine available for purchase on consumption.), For those who do not wish to have wine, Charleston sweet tea and filtered water will be available., Each guest will leave with copies of Chef Forrest's recipes., 90-minute walking tour of Charleston's historic district

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 526sarahr

I can’t say enough about how awesome this tour is. If you love history and food, book it! Book way in advance. Chef Forrest is a gem. He is an amazing and knowledgeable chef. Best meal we had in Charleston was lunch on this tour. We refused to try shrimp and grits anywhere else because there is no way it could have surpassed his dish.

2. Charleston's Tidal Creeks Eco Boat Cruise with Stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USA Charleston Outdoor Adventures
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5.0 based on 500 reviews

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! 

Inclusions: 2.5-Hour Tidal Creeks Eco Boat Cruise in Charleston, 1-Hour Stop on Morris Island, See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, pelicans, sea turtles, and more, Learn information about the local ecosystems and history from your Naturalist Captain, Live Narration On Board

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Reviewed By jocelynd102

Kade was a FABULOUS tour guide. Knowable, well qualified, and a wonderful guide. He has a degree in marine biology and knew every question asked and more!! We feel so fortunate to have beenwith him he made our trip

3. 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.

4. 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston

1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USA Charleston Outdoor Adventures
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4.9 based on 255 reviews

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.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston, Kayaking Equipment (Kayak, Paddles, Personal Floatation Device), Dry Bag to keep phone or other personal belongings dry, Professional Guide, See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and assorted waterfowl

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Reviewed By jocelynd102

Kade was a FABULOUS tour guide. Knowable, well qualified, and a wonderful guide. He has a degree in marine biology and knew every question asked and more!! We feel so fortunate to have beenwith him he made our trip

5. 2-Hour Guided Kayak Nature Tour of Hilton Head

Outside Hilton Head Activity Outpost, Outside Hilton Head Kiosk 1, Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA Outside Hilton Head
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4.9 based on 369 reviews

Explore Hilton Head Island's beautiful coastal habitat in the seat of a comfortable and stable kayak. A trained interpretive naturalist will lead you through the ever-changing tidal creeks and salt marsh estuaries so you can witness it for yourself. Observe herons and osprey flying gracefully above the sea grasses...perhaps some dolphin dining on menhaden in the shallows...fiddler crabs scurrying in unison across the glistening mud flats. NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY to enjoy a kayak tour with us! Tours depart daily from Shelter Cove Marina, conveniently located mid-island. We also offer full and half-day tours.

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By heyjude2021

Captain Boo was a great ambassador for the Palmetto Bluff area. During our four hour boat trip he told us engaging stories about the history of different islands, shared tips on paddle boarding and kayaking, and managed to find many dolphins for us to watch with one mama dolphin and baby coming within a few feet of my husband's kayak! Captain Boo is your man if you want to have many hours of fun, adventure, and exploration of this beautiful part of South Carolina!

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 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.

8. #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour

1002 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, USA Southurn Rose Buggy Tours
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4.9 based on 74 reviews

Come relax & enjoy Beaufort the way it was meant to be seen, listen to the Clippity-Clop of our gentle horses while our tour guides share their love of Beaufort & its History with you. * Completely Narrated Tour of Old Beaufort SC *55 min duration *Horse drawn Carriage Tour *Passes by all major historical sites in Old Beaufort. *Voted # 1 Historical Tour *Voted # 1 Favorite Tour

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Parking Fees and Gratuities

Reviewed By phoenixrisingtra2021

We absolutely loved out tour through Beaufort on the carriage and would highly recommend it! Our tour guide was informational and funny. A must do but remember your sunscreen!

9. Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA One HHI
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4.9 based on 343 reviews

Experience this 1.5-hour tour in the waters around Hilton Head Island, choosing from multiple departures throughout the day. Enjoy the sights of the waterways and your professional guide’s narration as you seek out incredible friendly and playful dolphins. Bring the whole family on this kid friendly tour.

Inclusions: 90-Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise, Professional Guide with Live Narration, Family-Friendly Experience, Observe dolphins swimming, playing or eating in their natural habitat

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By marina_losorio

Had a great time. Jack was great. Will recommend as well as come back for the jet skis! Thanks for the great memories.

10. 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Walks of Charleston
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4.9 based on 912 reviews

Join your knowledgeable and engaging licensed local tour guide for a relaxing 2-hour stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district, all the while learning about the people and events that shaped Charleston.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Charleston, Professional/Local Guide, Stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district, Learn about the people and events that shaped Charleston

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By kgkjgkjg

We took the historic walking tour with Dennis. We saw and heard plenty of interesting things and moved at a good pace. Well worth it.

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