Charleston’s shopping tours combine practicality with Southern charm. Two standout experiences make the most of your time and money: The Farm-to-Table Food Tour packs serious value into 4 hours, combining market visits with a memorable 5-course meal. The King Street Shopping Tour hits all the right notes for smart shoppers, offering both historic context and modern deals at local boutiques, plus some bubbly to boot.
I especially love these tours because they’re efficiently organized and avoid tourist traps. The food tour’s market-to-meal concept teaches you about local cuisine while filling your belly, and the King Street excursion includes actually useful shop discounts – something rare in tourist-heavy Charleston.
Let’s look at our favorite Charleston shopping tours in detail:
Key Points
- The King Street Shopping Tour offers a 2-hour immersive experience exploring Charleston’s historic shopping district with exclusive discounts and complimentary drinks.
- The Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour provides a unique culinary experience that combines local history, ingredient selection, and a 5-course meal at a downtown restaurant.
- Both tours are wheelchair accessible, cater to dietary restrictions, and offer a personable guide to enhance the overall experience.
- The King Street Shopping Tour is priced at Kč 1,556 per person, while the Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour is priced at $109 per person.
- The Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour is available on Fridays and Saturdays year-round, with a maximum capacity of 12 travelers per tour.
Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chefs Challenge
The Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chefs Challenge offers an immersive culinary experience that combines local history, interactive ingredient selection, and a multi-course farm-to-table brunch. Rated 5 stars by travelers, this 4-hour tour takes guests through downtown Charleston, where they’ll visit The Veggie Bin to choose fresh local ingredients with a featured chef.
The group then enjoys a walking tour, learning about the city’s history and legends, before rejoining the chef at a downtown restaurant for a 5-course meal crafted from the selected items and other local produce.
The tour is available on Fridays and Saturdays year-round, with a maximum of 12 travelers. Priced at $109 per person, it includes the multi-course meal, a city-certified guide, gratuities, transportation, and alcoholic drinks.
While dietary restrictions can be accommodated, vegan, dairy/lactose, and soy restrictions may not be possible. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for children under 8.
Guests are encouraged to explore other Charleston attractions after the culinary experience.
Read our full review: Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chefs Challenge Review
Book now: Check availability
Charleston: King Street Shopping Tour With Drinks
A 2-hour Charleston: King Street Shopping Tour with Drinks offers visitors a chance to explore the historic King Street, renowned for its Southern charm.
Priced from Kč 1,556 per person, the tour takes guests on a shopping adventure, visiting trendy boutiques with exclusive discounts ranging from 10-20%.
Throughout the experience, participants enjoy complimentary drinks, including Margaritas, wine, and champagne.
The tour concludes with a champagne toast at Kendra Scott, providing a celebratory ending to the outing.
Wheelchair accessible and with a meeting point inside the Restoration Hotel, the tour is conveniently located.
Customers can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
According to a 4/5 rated review, the tour was “fun” with a “personable” guide, and the chosen shops were “great”.
Read our full review: Charleston: King Street Shopping Tour With Drinks Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Duration of the Tours?
The average duration of the shopping tours is typically between 2 to 3 hours, allowing visitors ample time to explore the various shops and boutiques in the area.
What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size?
The minimum group size is typically 2 people, while the maximum group size varies across different tour providers, often ranging from 10 to 20 participants. The specific group size depends on the tour and company.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tours do accommodate dietary restrictions. Customers can inform the tour operator of any dietary needs, and the operator will work to provide appropriate food options or alternatives during the tour.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children?
The tours are generally suitable for children, with most offering activities and accommodations to keep them engaged. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator about any age restrictions or special considerations for young participants.
Are Transportation and Parking Options Provided?
Most shopping tours provide transportation and parking options for convenience. Some offer shuttle services or recommend nearby parking garages to make getting to and from the shopping destinations easy and hassle-free for participants.
Recap
Charleston offers a range of shopping experiences, from the farm-to-table food tour to the King Street shopping excursion. Whether you’re seeking a culinary adventure or a chance to explore the city’s boutiques, these tours provide an engaging way to discover the best of what Charleston has to offer. With knowledgeable guides and unique local insights, visitors can make the most of their shopping experience in this historic Southern city.