driving tour charleston sc

The Southeastern Spine Institute

A Driving Tour of Charleston, SC A Driving Tour of Charleston, SC

More than seven million people visit Charleston, South Carolina at its historic locale in a given year. There are many things that make this small city so beloved by travelers. Its lovingly preserved architecture and lush waterfronts often draw vacationers, but the city’s adaptability to personal needs is what keeps people coming back.

No matter what brings you to Charleston, there are going to be days when you prefer to see the sights from the comfort of a vehicle. Tour Charleston in the comfort of your car, whether you’re:

• Waiting for a procedure at the Southeastern Spine Institute and Ambulatory Surgery Center (SSI)
• Recovering from an outpatient surgery
• Concerned about social distancing
• Worried about inclement weather

Bus Tours of Charleston

It’s a breeze to tour Charleston without having to put undue stress on your spine, expose yourself to unwanted germs or visit the sites without having to walk for miles. Find something catered to your specific tastes in sightseeing or look to go with the flow of a more general downtown excursion. Charleston’s bus tour offerings can help you craft a perfect, personalized visit for you and your guests. You can find something special even if you want to head out in the company of others.

There is something for everyone and tours for all tastes. Bus tour options in Charleston include:

• Charleston Harbor Tours offers a variety of motorized sightseeing options designed for groups big and small. Explore Charleston’s most awe-inspiring locations on the 1.5-hour “See It All City Tour.” This bus trip not only drives by some of the city’s oldest preserved architecture, but it also takes you through The Old City Market, the historic Charleston promenade, The Battery and many stunning attractions. Charleston has sights you won’t find anywhere else.
• Crafted Travel Charleston  is the luxury traveler’s way to get a taste of the Holy City. This tour company offers chauffeured driving tours led by certified guides who are lifelong Charlestonians. With their assortment of brewery, winery and restaurant tours, your spirit and stomach will be satisfied after you tour Charleston in style.

Self-Guided Tours of Charleston

A self-guided tour is the ideal way to see the city’s breathtaking sights at your own pace. The freedom of your own vehicle lets you tour Charleston the way you want without having to worry about exhaustion, awkward tour group interactions or pesky weather issues. Do some research ahead of time and then design a basic itinerary to take away any pre-trip anxieties and streamline your day.

The Historic Charleston Foundation  has designed their own app for the tourist like you who wants to see the city on your own terms. With a focus on storytelling through architectural preservation, the City Guide app has more than 300 text stops and 30 audio stops designed to paint the picture of past and present Charleston.

While a self-guided tour might seem daunting at first, the ability to edit your schedule, be spontaneous and let the history of the city envelope you has its benefits. The expansive guide provided by the app helps you tour Charleston while being able to choose on the fly which destinations you want to see by car. Have fun!

DRIVING TOURS IN CHARLESTON, SC

Experience charleston by driving tour.

Charleston, South Carolina offers so many great ways to explore it’s beautiful city and one of our favorite ways is through one of their personal chauffeur driving tours. There are many Charleston driving tours to choose from and a variety of types including, history tours, plantation tours, distillery tours, beer tours, and more! Whether you’re visiting the city solo, with a partner, or with a group, you’re sure to find a driving tour that will be the highlight of your trip to Charleston. Book your Charleston driving tour today!

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• Tags Driving
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Private Historic Charleston Driving Tour

Crafted charleston tours.

Welcome to Crafted Travel’s 2 Hour Exclusive Historic Driving Tour. Let us cruise while you relax in our luxury vehicles, and leave the rest to your Private Certified Charleston Tour Guide.

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Private Boone Hall Plantation Tour

Tour Charleston’s only working plantation open to the public for a 5 hr Private Tour with your own personal tour guide for the most intimate setting with your friends, family, or significant other.

Private Magnolia Plantation Tour

Enjoy a 5 Hour Magnolia Plantation Private Tour around the oldest privately owned gardens in America. Immerse yourself in thousands of exotic flowers and plants as your private guide shows you hidden gems.

• Hour Glass 4.5 hours

Private Bourbon, Beer & BBQ Tour

Hop on in one of our luxury vehicles with beer for a scenic drive through The Battery for pictures then visit 1 Charleston Brewery and 1 Distillery to pregame before your local meal.

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Private Distillery & Brewery Tour

Join us to Booze ‘n Cruise to 3 different sites and drink in Charleston.

Private Sippin’ Wadmalaw Island – Winery, Distillery, and Brewery Tour

This All-Inclusive scenic Lowcountry drinking tour is NOT FOR LIGHTWEIGHTS!!! First you will stop at the majestic Angel Oak Tree for pictures.

• Tags Carriage , Driving
• Hour Glass 1 hour

Group Carriage Tours

Carolina polo and carriage tour company.

Experience Charleston’s Downtown Historic District by carriage. Take a relaxing 1 hour fully narrated group tour through the quaint and charming streets of downtown Charleston.

Vis-a-Vis Private Tour

Experience Charleston’s beauty and charm in one of our intimate vis-à-vis carriages. The term is French for “face-to-face” and refers to the seating position of the guests in the carriage.

Large Group Private Tour

Take a private tour with your family, friends or business associates. Carolina Polo and Carriage Company has the capacity and training to specialize in groups of all sizes.

• Ax Throwing Booze & BBQ Tour
• Bourbon Beer & BBQ
• Brewery/Distillery Tour
• Sippin' Tour
• Tea Plantation & Winery Tour
• Charleston Food & Wine Tour

Magnolia Gardens Tour

• Boone Hall Plantation Tours
• Middleton Place Plantation Tour
• Historic Charleston Driving Tour
• Charleston Walking Tours
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• Privacy Policy

Historic Charleston Tours

Charleston Walking Tours

Join us along with the President of the Charleston Tour Association, Al Ray for a tour of Charleston you won't forget. Al Ray is a truly unique Charleston legend who can make the history of Charleston come alive as you enjoy the sites of the lowcountry.

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Charleston Driving Tours

See Charleston in style and comfort with our 2 Hour Exlusive Historic Driving Tour. Relax in one of our luxury vehicles as your learn the local history with your Private Certified Charleston Tour Guide. We invite you to enjoy the history of Charleston in style.

Enjoy a 4 hr tour of America's oldest privately owned gardens with chauffeured limo service and a personal expert tour guide. See the hidden gems of this botanical wonder immersed in thousands of exotic flowers and plants.

Middleton Plantation Tour

Visit America's oldest landscaped gardends that has survived a revolution, a civil war, and an earthquake. See one of the most beautiful places in America with your own certified expert tour guide and enjoy the rich past of this National Historic Landmark.

Boone Hall Plantation Tour

Come enjoy a 4 hr private tour of Charleston's only working plantation open to the public. See America's most photographed plantation with your own personal tour guide, we guarantee you won't be disappointed with this historic tour.

Enjoy some of the best Charleston sightseeing tours the lowcountry has to offer.

There are so many historic landmarks, plantations, distillerys, brewerys and more to visit in the Charleston, SC area.

Take a look below at some of our   Historic Charleston Tours ,   Plantation Tours   and   Distillery Tours . We guarantee you will have an amazing time and there is something for everyone

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Historic Charleston | A Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided tour takes you through a section of the city with a large density of 18th-century sites, including those open to the public for free and some that that charge admission.  

• Self-Guided Tour
• Audio Tour Option
• A Brief History of Charleston
• Nearby Attractions
• Walking Tours of Charleston

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

As an alternative to using the below self-guided tour, you can now use one of our affordable AUDIO TOURS ! 

We have partnered with Atlantis Audio Tours to provide you with a convenient way to experience our tours.

Of course, you can always join our pay-what-you-wish walking tours of Charleston .

But our audio tours of Charleston give you the chance to be led by an experienced tour guide at a time of your choosing.

The tour is also available with an off-line option to view the map and hear the audio of each stop so that you don't need to have GPS maps running with the app.

Here a sample of the tour.  "The Dock Street Theater".

This self-guided tour starts at the red marker on the map at the intersection of East Bay Street and Broad Street.

With houses and buildings that have remained intact since before the American Revolution, Charleston allows your imagination to travel back in time to the when stately horse-drawn carriages rode down quaint cobblestone streets.

It also is a reminder of America's darker past when slavery was legal and Charleston was one of the biggest hubs of the slave trade. 

This tour was designed to show you both sides of the city.

(1)  The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon , East Bay Street at Broad Street

By the 1770s Charleston’s population was around 12,000 people, half of whom were slaves. In one year, over 7,000 black Africans were channeled through the city to other parts of the colonies.

The city’s commercial center was Bay Street, anchored by the Custom’s House (Exchange Building) where public slave auctions were held outside and along the adjacent factors’ wharves.

Other enterprises included brokers’ offices and a large number of merchants who catered to the maritime trade. Rope, tar, lumber, canvas, and nails were kept in good supply.

Great sailing ships arrived with bulk cargo from Europe, while smaller boats and canoes arrived via the local waterways loaded with animal skins, corn, and other goods.

Walk west on Broad Street, turn right on State Street, walk one block north and then  left on Chalmers Street, one of the few remaining cobblestone streets in Charleston.

(2)  The Old Slave Mart 6 Chalmers Street

The building at this site, which now houses the Old Slave Mart Museum , is the only surviving building in South Carolina that had been used as a slave auction gallery.

In the antebellum period, the era leading up to the Civil War, Charleston was a commercial center for the plantation economy. Where there were plantations, there were slaves.

The Old Slave Mart was built in 1859 as a result of a city regulation that prohibited public sales of slaves.

The Old Slave Mart made it possible for the slave trade to continue in Charleston now that it had been moved to an indoor private location.   It only operated for four years, closing its doors in 1863 in the idle years of the Civil War. 

Two years later, slavery would be abolished in all the United States. After 1865, the building’s ownership and use changed many times. Between 1878 and 1937 the building was a tenement for African-Americans. 

In 1938, Miriam B. Wilson purchased the building, called locally the Old Slave Mart. Wilson established a museum featuring African and African-American arts and crafts.  

In 1964, Judith Wragg Chase and Louise Wragg Graves took over the Old Slave Mart Museum and got the Old Slave Mart building placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and operated it until 1987.

The City of Charleston bought the property in 1988, having recognized its importance in the history of the slave trade in Charleston.

(3) The Old Slave Mart Museum  located inside the Old Slave Mart

The museum displays accounts, many firsthand, of the slave trade from freed slaves told through photos and writings on display.  There are very few objects or interactive exhibits so children may be bored.

If you don’t know much about the history of the slave trade, you will find the museum interesting. It will take under an hour to go through the museum.  

Hours and Admission: Open Monday-Saturday. $7 (adults 17 and up);  $5 (ages 5-17 and seniors 60 and older); children under 5 free.

Continue on Chalmers Street one block.

(4)  The Pink House   17 Chalmers Street

Built around 1712, the Pink House is believed to be the second oldest remaining structure in Charleston. It never was a house; rather it was a tavern and rumored to have housed a brothel on the upper floor.

The Pink House was just one of the structures along cobble-stoned  “Chalmers Alley” part of the bawdy, rollicking tavern and bordello district that lay adjacent to the wharves. It remained a tavern through the 1700s when the neighborhood became more residential.

Since then it has been a publishing house, a law office and is now an art gallery. Some say that the Pink House has, from time to time, “visitors” long since departed from this earthly world.

Turn right on Church Street and walk about half a block.

(5)  The Douxsaint-Macauley House 132 Church Street

In 1726, a house was erected by a French Huguenot Paul Douxsaint. This is noted on the historic marker next to the front door.

The first house burned down in the massively destructive fire of June 13-14, 1796.  (Because of the close proximity of the houses in this area, the fire spread rapidly. It has been estimated that at least 300 families had lost their homes in the blaze).

The current house here was built after the fire and remains a fine example of early Federal period homes with its beaded weatherboarding on the exterior, 9-over-9 windows, and a roof with dormers. 

In the 19th century Daniel Macaulay, a member of one of Charleston’s leading Scottish merchant families, owned and occupied the dwelling.

Walk about 200 feet further along Church Street until you are standing in front of a very small graveyard. 

(6)  The French Huguenot (Protestant) Church   140 Church Street

The graveyard belongs to the pink neo-gothic building, the French Huguenot Church. Three church buildings have stood on this site, the current one was built in 1845.  

The first church building was completed in 1687, but during the great fire of 1796 was deliberately blown up to create a “firebreak” (a strip of cleared land made to prevent the spread of a fire).

The second church was built in 1800 but closed in 1823 as the congregation membership dwindled. Huguenot descendants revitalized the congregation in 1844 and the second church was razed and the current church was built.

The church came to be known as the C hurch of the Tides because Sunday services were held based on the tidal schedule as most in attendance came to town on boats from their up-river homes.

Throughout the 1900s, the church was used periodically by the Huguenot Society of South Carolina for special events. Today's congregation was reestablished in 1983 and is the only French Calvinist congregation in the United States today.

Across the street from the Church and graveyard, you will see an eye-catching two-story building with a balcony.

(7)  The Dock Street Theatre 135 Church Street

This ornate building with its intricate wrought-iron balcony is now home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company. However, it was built as a hotel around 1809.

Named The Planter’s Hotel, it is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. At that time the hotel’s guests were mainly planters from around the state who came to Charleston for the horse-racing season.

The hotel was well-known for its good food and delicious alcoholic drinks. Some believe that the South's famous Planter's Punch may have been created here. 

The building itself has had several additions to it over the years, as is evident from the different differences in brick coloration.  The prior building from 1730 is believed to have been the first building constructed specifically for theatrical performances in America.  

In 1736, the grand opening of the theatre featured a production of The Recruiting Officer by Irish playwright George Farquhar. Having left acting after accidentally stabbing a fellow actor on stage, Farquhar later served in the army as a recruiter and drew from those experiences in writing his play.

During the building’s days as the Planter’s Hotel, actors performing in nearby theaters routinely stayed at the hotel. Among the guests was Junius Brutus Booth, the father of John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin.

Cross Queen Street and walk straight ahead one block.

(8)  St. Phillips Episcopal Church  146 Church Street

The congregation who built the current church grew out of colonial congregation who built a small wooden church in 1681. That wooden church was the first Anglican church south of Virginia.

As such, St. Phillips is home to the oldest congregation in South Carolina. In the early 18th century, a brick church was built on this site but which burned down in 1835.

The church you know see was constructed from 1835 to 1838 by architect Joseph Hyde. Many notable people from the colonial era and post-Revolutionary War years are buried in the graveyard.  Several colonial governors are interned there, including Rawlins Lowndes, the governor during the Revolutionary War.

Prominent early Americans are also buried there such as Christopher Gadsden, a general in the Continental Army, Daniel Huger, a member of the Continental Congress, Edward Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Charles Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Note:  The building and graveyard are open to the public Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Turn left on Cumberland Street.

(9)   The Old Powder Magazine   79 Cumberland Street 

This building is so old that when it was built the word magazine had only one meaning – it was an arsenal of gunpowder from 1713 until 1748.

At that time, the colony was young and was afraid of attacks by Native Americans, and French or Spanish forces also staking a claim in the New World.

The city was so fortified that the colonists built a wall around it, making Charleston one of only three fortified cities on the entire eastern seaboard of British Colonial America. The magazine is also the oldest public building in the state of South Carolina. 

By the 1740s the colony was fully protected by the British Crown and the local government felt the magazine was no longer necessary.

Although it was used as an arsenal again during the Revolutionary War, after that the building served as a stable, a print shop and a carriage house.

In 1902, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in The State of South Carolina   bought the building to ensure its preservation as a historical landmark. They converted the magazine into a museum and it has remained one ever since.

The museum is just one small room, as you can see from the size of the building. For history buffs and guns, powder and cannon enthusiasts, a visit might be worth your while.

Many people enjoy the thrill of being inside a building over 300 years old. The staff is enthusiastic and very knowledgeable and there is a diorama of the city when it was walled. Who doesn’t love dioramas!  

Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Walk half a block north on Cumberland to Meeting Street. Turn left on Meeting Street and about halfway down the block you will see the church and a gated path that enters the graveyard of the church.

(10) The Circular Congregational Church 150 Meeting Street

In 1681, Charles Town settlers including English Congregationalists, Scottish Presbyterians, and French Huguenots built a wooden meeting house in the northwest corner of the walled city.

As non-followers of the Anglican Church, these settlers were considered dissenters and as such was not allowed by law to call their place of worship a ‘church'.

They were allowed to call it a meeting house, and the street that led to the wooden building was called "Meeting House Street” later shortened to Meeting Street.

The current church building stands on the exact site of the wooden house. A century after its construction, the wooden meeting house was replaced with a circular brick building designed by esteemed architect Robert Mills.

That church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1861.  In 1890 the present-day church was constructed. The church is striking due to its Romanesque style that stands out among the surrounding buildings.

The graveyard is the city’s oldest burial ground with monuments dating from 1695. Among the gravestones, 50 slate stone markers were imported from New England and constitute the largest cluster of that region’s carvers in the Southeast. 

If you are not easily spooked, take our  Charleston Ghost Tour and learn more about the "residents" of the Circular Church's graveyard .

Follow the path in the graveyard and you will exit onto Meeting Street.

(11) Meeting Street

  In 1861, a devastating fire ripped through the city and Meeting Street (between Cumberland Street and Church Street) was one of many streets whose buildings were burned to the ground, including the second Circular Church.  

The fire started from an unknown source on the night of December 11, 1861, and burned a trail through the city until 5 am on December 12. The blaze covered 540 acres and over 500 hundred buildings were burned to the ground.

More than a third of the city was gone. At the time, the damages were estimated to be $7 million dollars. This fire caused more damage to Charleston than did the damage caused by the events of the Civil War.

The image on the right shows the scope of devastation along Meeting Street (image from Library of Congress).

At 108 Meeting Street, you will find a Visitor Center housed in a former Esso gas station. This is a great place for a pit-stop for restrooms, cold drinks, and sweets. There are exhibits on local history and special events are dynamic and informative.

The gift shop features a fully-stocked book store, loaded with works on history, architecture and public figures. Better still, purchases are tax exempt!  

Hours: Monday- Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12pm- 5pm.

Continue south one block until Broad Street. The intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets is known today as the "Four Corners of the Law" since the four buildings situated here represent four arms of law -- city, state, federal and clerical.

(12) City Hall 80 Broad Street

This hub of municipal government was constructed between 1800 and 1804 on the site of the city’s meat market from 1739 until it was destroyed by fire in 1796.

Free tours are offered and feature portraits of key Revolutionary War figures, including an odd portrait of General George Washington.  There are public restrooms and a rest area, as well as an early town archaeological exhibit on the first floor. 

Note: This is a secured public building, and visitors to the upper floors must pass through metal detector screening before getting on the elevator.

Look across the street to the northwest corner of the Four Corners of Law.

(13) Charleston County Courthouse   84 Broad Street

The Charleston County Courthouse is one of the most significant buildings in South Carolina as it served at the provincial capital for the state when it was still a British colony.

The first building was in 1753 and it was here in 1776 that the first public reading in the colony of the Declaration of Independence took place on the second story balcony overlooking Meeting Street. 

The first building was destroyed by a fire that occurred towards the end of the Revolutionary War and a new building was erected in 1792.

The building took another hit as it was badly damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It has since been restored to its 18th-century splendor.

Note : Before entering you must inquire at the entrance whether the building is open to the public because sometimes private events are happening. If it is open, you will have to pass through security screening by guards at the door.

Look across the street to the southwest corner of the Four Corners of Law.

(14) Post Office and Federal District Court  83 Broad Street

Built in 1896 in the Renaissance Revival style, this attractive building is the federal element on the Four Corners of the Law .

The post office is on the first level and above are the courtrooms.  You can walk in during normal business hours and you should. It’s simply sumptuous.

The interior is palatial with balustrade balconies, carved mahogany woodwork, a marble staircase, brass and ironwork, and stone columns. Who knew that buying a stamp could make you feel like royalty.

Cross over to the southeast corner for our next stop.

(15)  St. Michael’s Episcopal Church   71 Broad Street/80 Meeting Street

Here is the ecclesiastical corner of the Four Corners and it is the oldest and the oldest church in Charleston.  The church was built between 1752 and 1761.

St. Michael’s congregation grew out of  St. Philip's Episcopal Church a few blocks away. In fact, the first St. Philip's church stood at this site from approximately 1681 to 1727.

Then in 1751, the congregation split and St. Michael's was built. St. Michael's was the city’s focal point of Colonial resistance to the British. The church steeple was an easy target for British ship gunners.

At one point, the congregation had the steeple painted black hoping to decrease its visibility. The reverse effect occurred and it was even more visible against the blue sky.

Incredibly, St Michael’s has survived hurricanes, wars, fires, earthquakes and even a cyclone with little damage.

The interior of the church has a typical 18th-century English design, with native cedar box-pews. Pew Number 43 was used by George Washington in 1791 and later, in 1861, General Robert E. Lee sat in the same pew. 

The church and graveyard are open to the public Monday-Friday 8:45 am to 4:45 pm and Saturday mornings.

Continue south on Meeting Street for one block until Tradd Street. Turn left and enjoy one of Charleston’s most picturesque and historic streets, with at least 10 homes with landmark status.  After two blocks you will reach East Bay Street. Make a left and walk half-way up the block.

(16)  Rainbow Row  79-107 East Bay Street

Just one look and you know how this stretch of houses along East Bay Street acquired its name. This series of row houses, painted in bright colors, dates back to about 1740.

As it is near what was the waterfront district of the city back in the 18th century, the houses were owned to well-off merchants who had stores on the ground floor and lived on the upper floors.

You can read in-depth information on these festive houses in our post  What is Rainbow Row?

Continue north on East Bay Street and at 112-114 you will find the next and last stop on the tour.

(17)  Coates' Row   114-120 East Bay Street

This small simple brick and stone cluster of businesses and dwellings was built between 1710-1841.

A historic marker by the door of No. 120 says that "recently discovered documents and maps found in Scotland and the Netherlands" indicate that a seafarer's tavern was on this site as early as 1686, which would make this the oldest intact building in Charleston.  

The entire strip of buildings came into the possession of Captain Thomas Coates & his wife Catherine around 1775. It has been known as Coates’ Row ever since.  

Mrs. Coates took over Harris' Tavern, (which before that was The Tavern on the Bluffs) and renamed it "Mrs. Coates's Tavern on the Bay."

Regardless of the name, the taverns on that site were a happy site for thirsty sailors pulling into port and seeking grog, rum, and flavored beer. 

Be sure to ask the storekeeper at the liquor store about the secret tunnels that run from under the row.

Just north of Coates' Row is Old Exchange Building, where your journey through historic Charleston began.

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HISTORY OF CHARLES TOWN

In 1670 English settlers pulled into port on the west banks of the Ashley River. They named their settlement Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England.

Charles Town (renamed Charleston in 1783) was the political, social, and economic heart of the center of South Carolina during the colonial and antebellum (pre-Civil War) eras and was the state capital until 1790.

Plantation life and high merchant activity made Charleston one of the busiest ports along the East Coast of the British colonies.

During the Revolutionary War, the soon-to-be American forces defeated the British fleet in the attack of Charleston in June 1776.  Another victory against the British Army was when a palmetto tree log fort (later named Fort Moultrie) on Sullivan's Island withstood an intense barrage of British cannonballs.

Today the South Carolina flag features a palmetto tree. Charleston's place in American history will never be forgotten because of its role in the Civil War.

In April 1861,   Fort Sumter  a federal stronghold was fired upon by Confederate forces signaling the start of the Civil War.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• When you are finished touring, be sure to visit Ft. Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island north of the city. 
• Charleston Museum , directly across from the Visitors Center on Meeting Street, has an outstanding display of colonial-era dishes, furniture, fabric, art, and militaria. 
•  The Charleston City Day Market , which is over 200 years old. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and features several hundred artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs.

Be sure to check out our pay-what-you-wish walking tours of Charleston and make the most of your time and money in this beautiful city.

RELATED POSTS

• Charleston Architecture Tour
• Charleston Civil War Tour
• Charleston Plantation Tours

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Scenic drives in Charleston, SC

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Explore Botany Bay Plantation. | Photo by @bkussardphoto

Charleston is known for its Southern landscapes and waterfront views, and what better way to enjoy them than on a scenic drive. We rounded up six local roads great for cruising down year-round that will make you fall in love with the Lowcountry all over again.

🚗 Botany Bay Road is located on Edisto Island and runs along Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area. This picturesque path features a lush green tree tunnel. Visitors are welcome between sunrise + sunset. Heads up: The site is closed on Tuesdays.

🚗 Murray Boulevard runs along the Ashley River in downtown Charleston. If you love waterfront views, this one’s for you . We think this palmetto tree-lined road is perfect for a sunset drive. Bonus: Spot White Point Garden along the way.

🚗 Boone Hall Avenue of the Oaks winds through Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mt. Pleasant. Discover this scenic avenue draped with Spanish moss made up of live oaks planted in 1743. Tickets are available online for Boone Hall.

🚗 Old Sheldon Church Road in Beaufort County features a historical landmark: The Old Sheldon Church Ruins . Originally built in the mid-1700s, the church is said to have been damaged by fires. Heads up: Visitors can view this site from outside of the gate.

🚗 Bohicket Road is found on Johns Island along Bohicket Creek and features postcard-worthy views of Lowcountry foliage. Stop by the 500-year-old Angel Oak , then drive to Salty Dog Cafe Seabrook to enjoy seafood by the water.

🚗 Coffin Point Avenue of Oaks on St. Helena Island is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Beaufort County. Visit the nearby Camelot Farms Equestrian Center where you can ride horses beneath the towering trees.

Grab a road trip buddy and go for a drive through the Lowcountry. Snap photos and make some memories.

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Charleston, South Carolina

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Home › Things To Do › Minibus Tours

Minibus & Driving Tours Of Charleston

The City of Charleston doesn’t allow sightseeing trolley tours downtown, but several narrated minibus tours are offered as an alternative way to get an overview of Charleston’s history and major sights.

These tours are a popular activity with visitors to Charleston, and there will usually be dozens of departures daily, available at a time to suit you. Many tours begin right at the Visitors Center, with tickets available for purchase whenever you wish to take your tour.

A minibus tour is best taken at the beginning of your stay. Once you have acquired a better sense of the city and its history, you can explore by yourself, or take a more detailed tour of some other aspect of Charleston’s past, such as its African-American history, ghost and pirate history, or the city’s architecture.

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From $125 per hour for 2 people Private car or walking tour of Charleston's key sights and history.

From $125 per hour for 2 people. Plantation admission fees are not included. Private car tour of one or several Charleston area plantations. Tours are available to Middleton Place, Drayton Hall, Boone Hall Plantation, and the Charleston Tea Garden and Angel Oak.

From $125 per hour for 2 people Private car tour visiting Charleston's downtown and peninsular Civil War and other military history sights.

From $125 per hour for 2 people. Additional admission fees may apply. Private car tour exploring the arts, crafts and culture of the Gullah people, also visiting Boone Hall Plantation.

Old Walled City Walking Tours

From $170 Customizable private tour of Charleston, up to a full day in length.

Adults $80, children $50 Private car tour of Charleston's history.

Sites and Insights Tours

$20 per person Bus tour of downtown Charleston's Black history sites.

$25 per person Bus tour of peninsular Charleston's Black history sites.

$40 per person Bus tour of Black history sites in peninsular Charleston and James and Johns Islands.

$40 per person Bus tour of Black history sites on James and Johns Islands.

$25 per person Bus tour of Charleston's historic Black and White houses of worship.

Gullah Tours

$25 per person, or $625 for a private tour or step-on guide Bus tour exploring Charleston's Black history sites and the language and culture of the Gullah people.

Charleston in a Nutshell

Adults from $98, children $22.50 Private car tour of Charleston's sights and history.

Adults from $98, children $22.50 Private tour of Charleston's sights and history.

Introductory History Tours

Charleston Bus Tour, 1hr30 With Charms of Charleston Tours. Available Monday-Saturday, morning or afternoon. Adults $20, children (12 and under) $12. Call 843-614-7167 for reservations. More details – Also available in combination with admission to the Aiken-Rhett House. Adults $29, children (12 and under) $16. – Also available in combination with admission to the Charleston Museum and the Aiken-Rhett House. Adults $38, children (12 and under) $24.

Historical City Tour, 1hr30 With Southern Accent Tours. Two tour departures daily, free hotel pickup available. Adults $28, children (4-12) $18. Call 843-509-9613 for reservations. More details

“See it All” City Tour (25 max) 1hr30 With Adventure Sightseeing. Multiple departures daily. Adults $23, children (4-11) $14, young children (0-3) free – included admission to the Powder Magazine. Call 843-762-0088 for reservations or book online. More details – Also available in combination with a Charleston Belle boat tour, offered through Charleston Harbor Tours. Adults $40, children (4-11) $30, young children (0-3) free. – Also available in combination with admission to the Joseph Manigault House. Adults $31, children (4-11) $18, young children (0-3) free.

Historic City Tour, 1hr30 With Gray Line of Charleston. Daily tours departing every 30 minutes. Adults $23, children (4-11) $14. Hotel pick-up available. Call 843-722-4444 for reservations or book online. More details – Also available in the following combinations: with a Fort Sumter tour; a narrated harbor cruise (provided by Spirit Line Cruises); a downtown historic house museum or the Charleston Museum; or with a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium, Magnolia Plantation or Boone Hall Plantation.

Daily Bus Tour, 1hr30 With Pineapple Tour Group. Tours available daily, morning or afternoon. Adults $30, seniors (65+)/veterans $25, children (12 and under) $18. Call 877-553-1670 for reservations or book online. More details

Historic Charleston Driving Tour, 2hrs With Crafted Charleston Tours. $85 per person, advance reservations required. Call 843-804-9933 for reservations or book online. More details

Other Driving Tours

(Seasonal) Festival of Lights Tour, 3hrs With Adventure Sightseeing. Evening bus tour of the annual Festival of Lights on James Island. Available mid November through December, daily. Adults $24, children (4-11) $14, young children (0-3) free. Call 843-762-0088 for reservations or book online. More details

© Melanie K Jones 2024

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Road Trip: Carolina Coast Itinerary (4 Nights)

Posted by hotelcoupons | Apr 22, 2014 | Beaches , Places , Road Trips | 0

1. Charleston, SC (1 Day/Night)

Take a historic homes tour, browse the shops on Kings Street, tour Fort Sumter or explore the South Carolina Aquarium. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Charleston offers wonderful activities for travelers of all ages.

Find a last-minute hotel deal in Charleston, SC .

2. Myrtle Beach, SC (1 Day/Night)

Opt for a day on the putting green, whether you love miniature golf or the nearby championship courses; experience a thrilling ride at a local waterpark, boardwalk or amusement park; hunt for souvenirs at local beach stores, and much more when you visit Myrtle Beach.

It’s easy to find hotel deals in Myrtle Beach – just use our helpful coupon book!

3. Wilmington, NC (1 Day/Night)

There are so many things to do in Wilmington. You could shop in the Cotton Exchange, an old cotton mill that now serves as a unique shopping center along the Cape Fear River. Explore the Battleship North Carolina. Visit nearby beach towns for antiquing and sunbathing. Or, take a tour of your favorite film/TV locations, including Iron Man 3 , One Tree Hill , The Conjuring, Dawson’s Creek, Cape Fear , numerous Nicholas Sparks films, and many more. Don’t forget to grab a bite at Slice of Life pizza on Market Street.

Then, stay the night at a convenient hotel in Wilmington, NC before heading north to Beaufort the next day.

4. Beaufort, NC (1 Day/Night)

We highly recommend a boat ride to Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve or Shackleford Banks, where you can see wild horses roaming coastal islands. A trip to Cape Lookout will provide an afternoon at the beach and a visit to one of the oldest lighthouses in the region. You may also want to visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum, or simply walk the historic streets of Beaufort.

Find a hotel deal in Beaufort, NC .

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Enter OWC25 to get $3.50/person for Old Walled City Walking Tour and CGT25  for Charleston Ghost Tour

Top Tours in Charleston

For those wanting to see historical sites and become engrossed in the tales that shaped Charleston, Old Walled City Tours provides carefully planned trips. We want you to leave knowing what makes Charleston special and significant to the world, so we’re here to demystify the city. We guarantee that with our Best tours in Charleston, you will adore our trips because they are quite comprehensive and distinctive.

Are you visiting and would like a customized private tour in Charleston ? We invite you to collaborate with us to create a curated experience that suits your interests and schedule. Charleston  Old Walled City Tours offers walking tours throughout the city that showcase the mixture of the city’s historic neighbourhoods and rich architectural heritage. Apart from city walks, you can experience our ghostly escapades and delve into the intriguing history with a Spectral Adventure Charleston Ghost Tour. For Top tours in Charleston, join Old Walled City Tours. We are eager to relate Charleston’s mystery and history.

Best Tours in Charleston

Charleston Old Walled CityWalking Tour

We offer our Charleston walking tour six days a week at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tour capacity is 14

Charleston Ghost Tour

Charleston Gardens AndArchitecture Walking Tour

Custom private tour.

Special Request Tour

Our Slavery and Freedom Tour and Charleston Ghost Walking Tour are offered by special request and then..

Private Historic CharlestonDriving Tour

Cruising Thru History

7 BEST Boat Tours In Charleston SC (2024)

Are you searching for the best boat tours in charleston sc.

Looking for the best boat tours in Charleston SC? Going on a boat tour in Charleston is the perfect way to see the city’s southern charm and natural beauty from a new perspective! 

Whether you are looking to learn more about Charleston’s rich history, seeking a unique adventure, or looking for wildlife off the coast, there is a boat tour in Charleston for everyone to enjoy! 

We’ve spent a great amount of time in Charleston and always love heading back to experience its warm weather, delicious food, and incredible views. One of the absolute best ways to take in the coastal views of Charleston is by heading out on a boat tour.

After doing hours of research, we came up with the ultimate list of the best boat tours in Charleston SC! Continue reading below so that you can have the best experience possible on the waters surrounding this beautiful southern city.

Short on time and not able to read all about the best boat tours in Charleston SC? The #1 best boat tour in Charleston SC is the Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise ! This tour has 5/5 stars from over 260 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. This is the perfect option for those looking to take in the beautiful coastal scenery and sail around the Charleston Harbor on a private sailboat charter.

Best Boat Tours In Charleston SC

Below I have highlighted the best boat tours in Charleston SC for your enjoyment.

1. Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise

For those looking to sail the Charleston Harbor on a private sailing charter, look no further!

This Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise is the perfect option for those looking for an intimate experience with friends or loved ones. 

We particularly love that you are able to pick your own departure time so that you can make sure it fits within your schedule.

Another feature that stands out about this tour is that you can bring abroad your own food and beverages!

This is so nice for those looking to save a little money on food or for those that are picky eaters and want to bring your favorites to munch on and enjoy! 

Additionally, this tour does offer some upgrades if you would rather hire gourmet catering or a personal photographer to capture your excursion. 

We love that this tour comes with an abundance of options so you can pick what works best for you and your personal preferences!

This tour is the perfect way to experience some of Charleston’s most popular landmarks such as Fort Sumter and a great way to view the Charleston southern coast. 

Total Duration of the Tour: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting Location: 33 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401

“Can’t say enough good things about this experience. The crew and the boat were amazing and we had a blast! Captain Wit and Mireia are very accommodating and kind. Very relaxing and luxurious sailing experience. Would 100% recommend! You won’t regret it!” – Megan (read more reviews )

Click here to learn more about rates and availability for the Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise !

2. Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop At Morris Island Lighthouse

The Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop At Morris Island Lighthouse is one of the very best boat tours in Charleston SC! 

This two and a half hour tour is the perfect escape from the city life of Charleston and allows you to take in marvelous views of the coastal town, explore Morris Island, take photos of the beautiful lighthouse, and you may even see some sea turtles or dolphins along the way!

This is the perfect tour for those looking for a quick and fun excursion in the area!

Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting Location: 1871 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412

“The weather was perfect! The sea life was amazing. Captain Craig was delightful. Recommend this trip to anyone that loves water, dolphins and lighthouses.” – Sherri (read more reviews )

Check rates and availability for the Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop At Morris Island Lighthouse !

3. Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

For history buffs or those looking to learn more about Charleston’s roots, the Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise is the perfect boat tour for you!

We love that this fully narrated cruise teaches you all about Charleston’s Civil War sites and landmarks as you float along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. 

Make sure to be on the lookout as you listen and take in the aquatic views, it is not uncommon to see marine life such as dolphins or pelicans while you sail around the Charleston Harbor! 

We specifically love that you can choose between morning, afternoon, and sunset cruise options. This is a great choice for those looking to go on an excursion but would like it to fit within their own schedule!

Total Duration of the Tour: About 1 hour and 30 minutes

Meeting Location: 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401

“Learning all the history of the area. The guide was very informative. I recommend it to anyone thinking of a harbor cruise!!” – Zane (read more reviews )

Be sure to click here to learn more about rates and availability for the Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise !

4. Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour

For those looking for a thrill and a hands-on experience, the Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour is the perfect option for you! 

Your guide will teach you how to operate an F13 speedboat. From there, you will hop behind the wheel and follow your guide past several of Charleston’s top attractions including the USS Yorktown. 

Throughout the tour, your guide will talk about various attractions and pull over so that you have plenty of photo opportunities and a chance for you to change drivers as well. 

This is a great experience for those looking for a thrilling adventure with memories that will last a lifetime!

Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours 

Meeting Location: 56 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

“The view of the water was amazing. Tour guide was excellent and gave clear instructions and made us feel safe despite it being our first time.” – Shavon (read more reviews )

Check out the rates and availability for the Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour here!

5. Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Are you ready to embark a Schooner and explore Charleston from the water? The Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor is an excellent option for those looking to take in the views of Fort Sumter, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and potentially see some dolphins swimming in the natural habitat!

Some features that stick out about this tour is that you are able to bring your own snacks on board and that you can purchase beverages on board!

This is the perfect option for those looking to gain some incredible views of Charleston and some of its famous landmarks from a large ship.

Meeting Location: 360 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401

“This was a 10/10 experience. The captain and the other workers were amazing and super knowledgeable. We had the best time and met another super sweet couple. Definitely recommend!!” – McKenna (read more reviews )

Check out rates and availability for the Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor tour here!

6. Nature Boat Tour with Certified Naturalist in Charleston 

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about Charleston and its nature and wildlife? The Nature Boat Tour with Certified Naturalist in Charleston is the perfect option for you!

We love that this boat tour is guided by a Certified Naturalist, someone that is trained to teach others about natural environments. 

This tour includes a nature walk and boating tour and is very informative about the city of Charleston, the environment surrounding Charleston, and the wildlife in the area. 

Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours

“This was a fascinating tour and especially so with a naturalist on board and a charming and knowledgeable captain. I did not realize when I booked this that we would have a chance to disembark at the island. Other tours seemed too long for us and this one was a perfect length – and gave us adequate time to explore the island. The boat went out even though we were not completely full so we all had plenty of room.” – MaryEllen (read more reviews )

Click here to learn about rates and availability for the Nature Boat Tour with Certified Naturalist in Charleston ! 

7. Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

This is not your typical boat tour of Charleston but it is an excellent option for those looking to discover many of Charleston famous landmarks from the water and a perfect mode of transportation for those looking to explore the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. 

The Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting is a great water taxi service that allows you to travel to some of the top Charleston landmarks by boat and you may even see a dolphin (or multiple) along the way!

Additionally, we love that you can pick from a handful of meeting locations depending on where you are coming from. This is a super convenient option for those that have a packed schedule or itinerary!

Total Duration of the Tour: About 1 to 2 hours

Meeting Location: You can pick from the Charleston Maritime Center, Waterfront Park Pier, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, and the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

“This was a great experience, a great way to move about the Island. We did get to see dolphins which was really cool!” – Javonka (read more reviews )

Check out this link to learn about rates and availability for the Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting !

Is Charleston SC Worth Visiting? 

Charleston SC is definitely worth visiting due to its rich history, beautiful southern charm, tasty cuisine, and endless things to see and do. 

How To Get To Charleston

The best way to get to Charleston is by driving your own vehicle so that you can explore all that the city has to offer!

If you are traveling from afar, the best way to get to Charleston is by flying into the Charleston International Airport and then renting a vehicle . 

Be sure to grab our favorite travel insurance from SafetyWing before embarking on your journey to Charleston!

Where To Stay In Charleston 

There are countless accommodation options when it comes to picking where to stay in Charleston. Check out our three favorites below to help make your decision a bit easier!

• Budget-Friendly: Moxy Charleston Downtown – This is a great modern budget-friendly option for those looking to stay in downtown Charleston.
• Mid-Range: The Spectator Hotel – For those looking for a chic hotel with a beautiful aesthetic on the interior and exterior, look no further. We love that this hotel is not only gorgeous but it is also near countless restaurants and bars that you can easily walk to!
• Luxury: Hotel Bennett Charleston – This is the perfect high end option for those looking for a fabulous location with great amenities such as a pool and a spa. 

Best Time To Visit Charleston

The best time to visit Charleston is during the summer months! Charleston comes to life in the summer with endless things to see and do, countless beaches to explore nearby, and endless restaurants and bars to check out. 

It is important to note that Charleston can get quite busy during the summer months so you can expect large crowds and lines when visiting the area. 

If you are looking to avoid some of the crowds, we recommend visiting during shoulder season.

Particularly, we recommend visiting Charleston during the months of April-May and September-October, for those looking for some of the crowds to die out but still experience some great coastal weather. 

FAQs About The Best Boat Tours In Charleston SC

Below I have answered a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best boat tours in Charleston SC.

How much is a boat tour in Charleston SC?

Boat tours in Charleston cost anywhere between $50 and $550 depending on whether you are going on a private charter, how long the boat tour is, and many other factors. 

How long is the Harbor Tour in Charleston?

The Harbor Tour is about 1 hour and 30 minutes in length. This is the perfect amount of time to learn more about Charleston and take in the coastal views but it still gives you plenty of time to adventure and explore Charleston beforehand or afterwards.

Final Thoughts On The Best Boat Tours In Charleston SC

Charleston is home to southern charm, delicious cuisine, coastal vibes, and a rich history.

Going on one of the best boat tours in Charleston SC is the perfect way to learn more about this delightful city and take in its beautiful coastal surroundings. 

If you are searching for the best option, we recommend the Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise !

This is the perfect experience for those looking to get to know more about Charleston and take in some breathtaking coastal views.

For similar posts, be sure to check out the best walking tours in Charleston ! Happy Exploring!

Travel | Your friends aren’t wrong: For girls trips,…

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Travel | your friends aren’t wrong: for girls trips, charleston is now a mainstay.

Walking out of the Charleston airport, we trailed behind a group of women, including one with a gold crown and birthday sash. Clearly this was a girls trip.

And we, too, were there for such a trip, three friends celebrating the five-year anniversary of our friendship and hoping for good food and some sunshine.

Turns out, we found just the place.

We chose South Carolina because we kept hearing about the historic port city of Charleston. A friend’s friend had gone there; a neighbor had just returned from a girls trip, drinking frozen rosé and riding a mechanical bull at El Jefe restaurant.

The city won out over mainstays like Miami and Nashville because it had sun — a must for leaving Chicago in March — and none of us had been there. Plus, so many friends couldn’t be wrong, right?

Charleston’s Instagram-worthy streets have long made it a wedding destination and now, too, a women’s trip destination. Gorgeous scenery abounds, from the brightly colored houses on Rainbow Row to the poolside scene at Little Palm restaurant and the fragrant, blooming wisteria trees.

The city’s tourism bureau actively advertises the Girlfriend Getaway for “4 days to sip, shop & selfie in Charleston,” including candle shops, spa offerings and Parisian cocktails.

The hospitality director of the downtown Guesthouse Charleston, where we stayed, said it often hosts such getaways. “Women travel groups have definitely increased in the last few years,” Kerri Beasley said. “Ages range from early 20s to 70s-plus.”

We arrived on a sunny day in Charleston, escaping cold, driving rain in Chicago. We lucked out with the weather, which featured 70-degree days. But the bright greenery flowing throughout the city and bold colors of the homes would have brightened our winter getaway regardless of weather. Every street seemed to have some hidden courtyard or bright blooms.

Our goal was simple: wine with dinner, interruption-free sleep and some unfettered time to really talk and hang out together.

Charleston itself skews more toward women; the city is 52.5% female, according to census data. And as we kept asking various people we encountered, more than one told us it’s hard to date in Charleston because the apps seem to have way more single men than women.

On our first morning, we took a walking excursion offered by Two Sisters Tours, run by two sisters whose family roots in Charleston date to 1793. We heard about Charleston’s history while strolling through streets and hidden nooks we’d never have known were pathways. We learned about everything from how the palm trees are actually palmettos to noting bolts used to repair earthquake damage to buildings.

Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, many of which we meandered through on the walking tour. We also saw horse-drawn carriages ferrying people on their own historical tours. The city also has many historic houses; we visited during the annual Charleston Festival, which provided access to some private homes and gardens .

We stopped outside the Nathaniel Russell House Museum and toured its garden. If we had more time, we would’ve gone inside to see exhibits about the lives of both the elite and the “enslaved men and women whose forced labor made possible their lavish lifestyles,” according to the website of the Historic Charleston Foundation.

On King Street, the Preservation Society of Charleston has a neat shop with local art and items like feathered jewelry and thoughtful, local children’s books. Proceeds help preserve the city’s character, quality of life and diverse neighborhoods.

Walking along King Street, dotted with shops and restaurants, we saw so many groups of three or four women clearly vacationing together it felt comical at first, but eventually we began to feel a sense of camaraderie. One morning we waved to a group of four ladies on a porch on the same property where we were staying, all with coffees and gold under-eye masks.

The female-heavy vibe felt empowering, not overpowering. We saw bachelorette parties. We saw midlife women celebrating birthdays. We met a waitress whose mom had just come through on her own trip.

Charleston’s restaurants are well known for award-winning cuisine, and we found our experience no different. At Vern’s, often seen on must-visit lists, we ordered multiple dishes, including a delicious pork loin and appreciated the selection of natural wines. Our waiter was patient with our slow decisions, and it was a cozy space to watch the sky darken outside.

We also enjoyed a laid-back vibe downtown at Indaco, where the spicy soppressata pizza had a surprising amount of flavor and the pastas included raviolini with peas and prosciutto.

Wherever you dine, make reservations early as places book up. Even a 7:15 p.m. reservation couldn’t be moved to 8, as many spaces are small and can’t easily shift table plans.

At Sorelle, which opened about a year ago, we found an inviting space with small, elegant touches throughout, including marble imported from Italy. The airy space serves espresso in the morning, inventive cocktails in the afternoon and dinner as well. We went twice.

Over at Millers All Day, we watched women filter in with matching hats or shirts for the popular brunch, boasting a hot honey chicken sandwich and the King Street bowl, a flavorful mix of eggs, grits, sausage, pimento cheese, home fries and sausage gravy.

Server Noelle Verrusio said girls trips are ubiquitous. At a previous place where she worked, which was coated in pink décor, she said, “It was like 15, 15, 15 (in each party) and we were on a wait all the time.”

If she saw a bachelor’s party, she said laughing, “I would’ve been like, ‘Are you guys, OK?’”

When we ventured to Folly Beach, seeing men playing frisbee in the sand brought to mind the feeling of leaving Barbieland and entering Kendom.

Throughout our trip, we encountered Southern hospitality, with people always eager to give us recommendations for activities. Downtown shop Candlefish offers BYOB candle-making classes at $60; or you can try your hand as a mixologist at Sweet Grass Vodka , with classes at $85 per person.

Be sure to visit the water. We tried a sunset cruise on the Schooner Pride — cruise options include dolphin spotting — which departed from a harbor by the aquarium and featured a gorgeous sunset; passengers could even help put up the sail. But do note, however, that alcohol is not allowed on public beaches, and police do issue tickets.

As we were leaving Charleston, we were already planning to perhaps bring back the families and stay on the water, driving into downtown for those delicious meals.

On the flight home, I sat near yet another woman returning from a girls trip. So did my friend, in a separate row.

Although we never did try the mechanical bull at El Jefe, it’s awaiting our next girls trip. We’ll prepare to wait in line.

Alison Bowen is a freelancer.

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