Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

Explore Historic Charleston in One Day from Myrtle Beach

This $215 full-day tour from Myrtle Beach offers a comprehensive glimpse into Charleston’s rich heritage. With about 11 to 12 hours of activity, it combines scenic carriage rides, harbor cruises, and visits to iconic sites like Fort Sumter and Boone Hall Plantation. The tour features hassle-free transportation, spacious air-conditioned coaches, and a delicious boxed lunch on the boat, making it a convenient way to experience Charleston’s highlights in just one day.

While the tour is packed with attractions and educational stops, it’s particularly suited for those who want to explore South Carolina history without multiple travel days. Be prepared for a busy schedule and some limited time at each location—most reviews highlight the expert guides, interesting sites, and well-organized experience as key strengths.

Key Points

• All-inclusive day trip from Myrtle Beach with transport, tours, and lunch
• Visit Charleston’s historic district on a horse-drawn carriage
• Boat tour includes Harbor narration and views of Fort Sumter
• Tour Boone Hall Plantation, the most photographed plantation in America
• Hassle-free pickups and air-conditioned coaches enhance comfort
• Tours are most often booked 27 days in advance and suited for ages over 4

Departure from Myrtle Beach to Charleston’s Historic District

This tour departs from Myrtle Beach, with pickup options available at multiple locations, making it convenient to join. The journey takes approximately 11 to 12 hours round-trip, and travelers are transported in spacious, air-conditioned motorcoaches. The full-day schedule allows for a comprehensive experience, with most activities scheduled between morning and late afternoon.

The pickup service streamlines logistics, allowing travelers to skip the stress of arranging transportation, and most bookings are made about a month in advance. The tour is suited for most ages, but not recommended for children under 4 due to the length and activity level.

Highlights of Charleston’s Historic District with a Horse-Drawn Carriage

The day begins with a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour through Charleston’s largest historic district. This guided ride showcases mansions of the wealthy that predate the Civil War, providing a leisurely and informative overview of the city’s architecture and history. The guides are noted for their knowledgeable narration, making the ride both educational and relaxing.

After the carriage, travelers have 45 minutes to explore the City Market, a four-block-long area where vendors sell local arts and crafts. This time allows for a quick browse and some souvenir shopping, although some reviews suggest that more time at this spot would be preferred.

Charleston Harbor Boat Tour with Boxed Lunch

One of the tour’s standout features is the boat ride around Charleston Harbor. This 90-minute narrated tour offers up-close views of Fort Sumter, the site of the Civil War’s first shot. The live narration provides historical context and enhances the experience of seeing this iconic location from the water.

Passengers enjoy a boxed lunch served during the harbor cruise, with the option of full bar service onboard. This relaxing activity provides a scenic break and an opportunity to learn about Charleston’s maritime history from a live guide.

Fort Sumter and the Civil War Connection

The harbor tour passes near Fort Sumter, allowing visitors to see the famous site without a lengthy stop. The tour’s narration covers its role in American history, especially its significance as the location where the Civil War’s first shot was fired. This offers a meaningful perspective on Charleston’s pivotal place in the nation’s past.

Tour of Boone Hall Plantation

After the harbor cruise, the tour visits Boone Hall Plantation, often called the most photographed plantation in America. This 2-hour guided tour explores the plantation house, the original slave cabins, and other historic buildings. Visitors gain insight into plantation life, agriculture, and the history of slavery, all through engaging guides.

The plantation’s picturesque setting and classic Southern architecture make it a favorite for photographs. Reviewers frequently note the educational value and well-presented history of this stop.

Practical Aspects: Transport, Comfort, and Accessibility

The tour operates in air-conditioned coaches, designed to keep travelers comfortable throughout the long day. The round-trip transportation includes pickups at designated locations, reducing logistical concerns.

Most travelers find the group size manageable, with a maximum of 55 participants, ensuring space and comfort. The tour is accessible to most, with service animals allowed and most activities suitable for travelers over 4 years old. However, the pace and length may be tiring for some, especially younger children or those with mobility limitations.

Tour Reviews and Guide Experience

With a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 248 reviews, the tour generally receives high marks for organization, guides, and overall value. Many reviews praise knowledgeable, personable guides who effectively narrate and enhance each stop.

While some reviewers mention timing issues or wish for more free time at certain sites, the majority highlight the informative and enjoyable experience. The harbor tour and plantation visit are consistently praised, and the driver’s professionalism is a recurring compliment.

Value and Booking Considerations

Priced at $215 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day of sightseeing with all major activities included. Most bookings are made about 27 days in advance, indicating good demand and planning. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, adding flexibility for travelers.

The tour balances value with convenience, ideal for visitors who want to maximize their time and experience multiple highlights of Charleston in one day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This full-day experience suits history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those seeking a convenient, all-in-one trip from Myrtle Beach. It’s particularly good for travelers who prefer guided, organized tours over DIY exploration.

People comfortable with long days and a busy itinerary will appreciate the mix of outdoor and indoor activities, detailed narration, and scenic views. Those looking for more free time or a slower pace may find the schedule a bit tight but will still benefit from the expert guides and well-curated stops.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day Trip to Charleston

The Day Trips to Charleston#7 offers a robust overview of South Carolina’s historic city. Combining horse-drawn carriage rides, boat tours, and visits to historic sites, it delivers a rich, educational experience in a single day. The professional guides, comfortable transport, and variety of attractions make it a valuable choice for anyone wanting to learn about Charleston’s past without multiple overnight stays.

While some may wish for more time at certain locations, the organized nature and comprehensive itinerary mean most will leave feeling they’ve seen the best of Charleston. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy guided sightseeing and history-driven exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, round-trip transportation aboard spacious, air-conditioned coaches is included, with pickup from several locations.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, covering all activities from departure to return.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Charleston’s historic district carriage ride, City Market, Charleston Harbor boat tour, Fort Sumter views, and Boone Hall Plantation.

Is food provided?
A boxed lunch is included and served during the harbor boat tour. Full bar service is also available onboard.

Can children participate?
Most travelers over 4 years old can participate; younger children should consider the length and activity level.

Are there any physical requirements?
Participants should be comfortable with walking during stops and able to endure a full day of sightseeing.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of detailed narration, multiple major sites, and convenient logistics makes this an efficient way to see Charleston’s highlights in one day.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, numerous reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling as key strengths of this tour.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
Yes, with a maximum of 55 travelers, the experience remains comfortable and well-managed.