Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,Carriagetour,Lunch & More

Escaping the crowds of Myrtle Beach, a day trip to historic Charleston offers a captivating experience. Visitors can explore the city’s stunning antebellum architecture on a horse-drawn carriage tour, seeing the past. Discovering the iconic Charleston City Market, they’ll find locally crafted goods and Lowcountry delicacies. But the true highlight awaits as they board a scenic harbor tour, savoring a boxed lunch while witnessing the powerful history of Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. With so much to see and do, this Charleston adventure promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Explore Charleston’s historic district with a horse-drawn carriage tour, admiring antebellum architecture and landmarks to immerse in the city’s rich history.
• Browse the Charleston City Market, a historic open-air marketplace offering locally crafted goods, specialty foods, and unique souvenirs.
• Take a scenic boat tour of Charleston Harbor, enjoying views of iconic architecture, bridges, and Fort Sumter while savoring a local cuisine-inspired boxed lunch.
• Explore the history of the Civil War at the Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the war were fired.
• Discover Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in the US, with its grand mansion, preserved slave cabins, and iconic Avenue of Oaks.

Escape the Crowds of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, a popular coastal destination, can become crowded and overwhelming during peak seasons.

Embarking on a day trip to Charleston provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s rich history and charming ambiance.

Away from the crowds of Myrtle Beach, travelers can explore Charleston’s historic district, browse the local market, and enjoy a relaxing boat tour around the harbor.

This day trip offers a chance to experience a slower pace and appreciate the unique character of the Lowcountry. By leaving the masses behind, visitors can truly savor the beauty and tranquility that Charleston has to offer, making for a memorable and rejuvenating excursion.

Experience Historic Charleston District

Upon arriving in Charleston, visitors can embark on a captivating horse-drawn carriage tour to explore the city’s historic district, seeing the region’s rich past.

This leisurely ride allows them to admire the stunning antebellum architecture, including grand mansions and iconic landmarks like the French Quarter and Battery. As they glide through the charming streets, they’ll learn about the area’s significant role in American history and its enduring influence on southern culture.

After the carriage tour, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Charleston City Market, where they can browse a diverse selection of local crafts, specialty foods, and unique souvenirs, fully embracing the city’s historic ambiance.

Shop at Charleston City Market

Visitors can browse the lively Charleston City Market, a historic open-air marketplace brimming with an array of locally crafted goods, specialty foods, and unique souvenirs.

The market dates back to the 18th century and offers an authentic taste of Charleston’s vibrant culture.

Stroll through the bustling stalls, where vendors display handmade jewelry, artisanal wares, and Lowcountry delicacies.

Discover one-of-a-kind artwork, classic Charleston sweetgrass baskets, and spices and seasonings that capture the essence of the region.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, the Charleston City Market promises an immersive and memorable shopping experience.

Boat Tour of Charleston Harbor

Travelers can enjoy a scenic boat tour around Charleston Harbor, providing a unique perspective of the historic city’s waterfront landmarks.

The tour takes passengers on a leisurely cruise, offering stunning views of the Holy City’s iconic architecture, bridges, and harbor activities.

As the boat winds its way through the harbor, guests can admire the stately homes lining the shores, the impressive Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the iconic Fort Sumter in the distance.

During the tour, a boxed lunch is provided, allowing visitors to savor local cuisine while taking in the sights.

This relaxing boat excursion offers a refreshing break from exploring the bustling streets of Charleston’s historic district.

Boxed Lunch on the Harbor

On the boat tour around Charleston Harbor, guests can enjoy a boxed lunch featuring local flavors. The lunch includes an assortment of sandwiches crafted with fresh ingredients, such as tender pork barbecue or creamy pimento cheese.

Alongside the sandwiches, the box contains a side salad and a sweet treat, like a classic pecan praline.

As the boat glides across the waters, offering stunning views of historic landmarks, travelers can savor the flavors of Charleston’s culinary heritage.

This midday meal provides a delightful respite and sustenance to fuel the rest of the day’s adventures, from exploring the city market to touring the iconic Fort Sumter.

Tour Fort Sumter National Monument

After savoring the local flavors from the boxed lunch on the Charleston Harbor tour, guests make their way to the iconic Fort Sumter National Monument, where they can walk in the footsteps of history.

At this significant site, they’ll learn about the start of the Civil War, as Fort Sumter was where the first shots were fired in 1861. The guided tour provides an in-depth look at the fort’s strategic location and the key events that unfolded here.

Visitors can explore the museum, touch authentic Civil War-era artifacts, and stand on the very spot where the Confederate army opened fire. It’s a powerful and immersive experience that brings the past to life.

Explore Boone Hall Plantation

Visitors explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in the United States. This 18th-century estate offers a captivating glimpse into the past, with its grand Georgian-style mansion, majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and well-preserved slave cabins. During the tour, guests can explore the plantation’s grounds, learn about its role in the Antebellum South, and marvel at the impressive, mile-long Avenue of Oaks leading to the main house.

Key Attractions	Highlights
Mansion Tour	Explore the grand interiors and learn about the plantation’s history.
Slave Cabins	Gain insights into the lives of enslaved individuals who lived on the plantation.
Nature Trails	Stroll through the scenic grounds and admire the iconic oak trees.
Cotton Gin Museum	Discover the significance of cotton production in the Antebellum economy.

Transportation and Duration Details

The tour takes place in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, with a duration of approximately 7 hours.

Travelers should expect a possible bus substitution from a motorcoach to a minibus, depending on the group size. This flexibility allows the tour operator to accommodate groups of varying sizes, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.

The duration of the tour provides ample time to fully explore the historic district, visit the Charleston City Market, embark on a harbor boat tour with a boxed lunch, and tour the iconic Fort Sumter National Monument and Boone Hall Plantation.

Regardless of the vehicle, travelers can expect a seamless and enjoyable transportation experience as they discover the rich history and charm of Charleston.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a boxed lunch during the Charleston Harbor boat tour. Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the tour.

Is There a Bathroom Break Scheduled During the Tour?

The tour itinerary includes several scheduled stops, but there’s no specific bathroom break mentioned. However, guests can likely use facilities at the Charleston City Market, Fort Sumter, and Boone Hall Plantation during the tour’s sightseeing activities.

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

For the tour, it’s best to dress comfortably in lightweight, breathable clothing. Wear closed-toe walking shoes, and bring a light jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly on the boat ride. Dressing in layers is recommended for optimal comfort.

Can I Extend My Stay in Charleston After the Tour?

Absolutely! Travelers can extend their stay in Charleston after the tour. The tour provides transportation to and from the city, allowing visitors to explore Charleston at their own pace before or after the scheduled activities.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children on the Tour?

The tour offers discounted rates for seniors and children. Seniors aged 65 and above receive a 10% discount, while children aged 4-12 are eligible for a 15% discount off the regular adult price. The tour is not suitable for children under 4.

Recap

A day trip to Charleston offers a captivating escape from Myrtle Beach. Explore the historic district, shop at the City Market, and enjoy a scenic harbor tour with a boxed lunch.

Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument to learn about the start of the Civil War.

With its rich history and charming atmosphere, Charleston is a must-see destination for any visitor to the South Carolina coast.