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Charleston - Activities

 

Attractions (87)

Activities (129)

Nightlife (12)

Shopping (28)

All (129)
Sightseeing Tours (92)
Adventure (23)
Wellness & Spas (7)
Food & Drink (5)
Classes (1)
Ranch & Farm (1)
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Activities travellers recommend

Adventure Harbor Tours
Ranked #1 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: 2.5 hour boat excursions to Morris Island. Morris Island is unspoiled, undeveloped and undeniably the jewel of the area!... more » Owner description: 2.5 hour boat excursions to Morris Island. Morris Island is unspoiled, undeveloped and undeniably the jewel of the area! Without a doubt the finest shell and sharks teeth hunting beach in Charleston. Overflowing with history, your guide will share details of what makes Morris so special, while helping you find treasure on the beach and keeping the laughs going. Observe dolphins on the way there and back! Definitely kid friendly, check out our website and come and see us! « less
Map | Visitor photos (192)
Ranked #2 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Join 7th-generation Charleston native Michael Trouche for the most genuine tour of the enchanting historic city. Discover... more » Owner description: Join 7th-generation Charleston native Michael Trouche for the most genuine tour of the enchanting historic city. Discover stunning architecture, glorious gardens, Civil and Revolutionary War sites, cobblestone streets, wrought iron gates, legendary graveyards, and the local flavor of the fabled “Holy City” that no one knows better than Michael, who grew up in the famous "South of Broad" area, and has written two popular books on Charleston, where his family has lived for more than 215 years. « less
Map | Visitor photos (101)
Ranked #3 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA) is an Eco-guiding and rental service. Through COA, an experienced naturalist provide... more » Owner description: Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA) is an Eco-guiding and rental service. Through COA, an experienced naturalist provide guests with environmental Eco-tours and rentals throughout the saltwater estuaries of Folly Beach and the Charleston area. Charleston Outdoor Adventures services provide clients the opportunity to explore the saltwater estuaries through guided kayak tours, guided paddle board tours, charter boat Eco-tours, inshore fishing charters and kayak/ paddle board rentals. « less
Map | Visitor photos (119)
Ranked #4 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Sailing in the Charleston harbor is a year round adventure, enjoy this opportunity on Charleston’s finest private air... more » Owner description: Sailing in the Charleston harbor is a year round adventure, enjoy this opportunity on Charleston’s finest private air conditioned luxury yacht. Enjoy the sights of this beautiful city from historical landmarks to a wide variety of wildlife as you relax and feel the ocean breeze, all while your professional captain and stewardess take care of everything else.Available for hourly, daily and overnight adventures. Most of our charters are 3-4 hours in length and circle the entire Charleston Harbor. Catering options are available and you are welcome to bring your favorite beverages along for the ride. Ask about our sunset sail and overnight at the dock for two special. Longer overnight trips for two are available by request. « less
Map | Visitor photos (190)
Ranked #5 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: This private 2 hour boat adventure is what Charleston is really all about! I'm a native captain, so we'll glide through the... more » Owner description: This private 2 hour boat adventure is what Charleston is really all about! I'm a native captain, so we'll glide through the uncrowded backwaters of the most pristine estuaries in the country. We'll learn to harvest oysters, catch shrimp and identify local shore birds. Next, we'll find the Bottlenose Dolphins. Having them swim next to the boat is exciting, but if we find them feeding in the shallows it's spectacular! Our next destination is Morris Island where I'll teach you about its rich Civil War history as well as my own family ties to it. We'll then walk its shores looking for shells and artifacts as the sixth oldest lighthouse in the nation serves as our backdrop! So as you can see we have something for everybody on this trip. The dolphins are always here, the beach is loaded with shells, and if you listen hard enough you just may hear the roar of cannons from the past. So come on and join me! You never know what washed up the night before... « less
Map | Visitor photos (41)
Ranked #6 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Walks In History, LLC is excited to be operating in the most beautiful and historic city in the United States. We offer a... more » Owner description: Walks In History, LLC is excited to be operating in the most beautiful and historic city in the United States. We offer a Haunted Charleston Ghost Tour at the Old Citadel and College of Charleston, a Pirate and Haunted History walking tour along the French Quarter waterfront, and a Marion Square history tour. The Haunted Charleston Tour takes place in the heart of the historic downtown peninsula, one of the oldest parts of the Holy City, including points of interest: the College of Charleston, the Old Citadel, a Revolutionary War Burial Ground, the Site of the ca. 1790 Charleston Orphan House, the Second Presbyterian Churchyard and Confederate graves, and a life-size replica of the Hunley submarine to name a few. We offer the most authentic and detailed tours in The Holy City. « less
Map | Visitor photos (35)
Ranked #7 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Experience Charleston’s incomparable beauty, unique history and flourishing preservation with your acclaimed guide, Joyce... more » Owner description: Experience Charleston’s incomparable beauty, unique history and flourishing preservation with your acclaimed guide, Joyce Aungst, whose knowledge of Charleston heritage, culture, and architecture is unmatched. Your 2 hour tour can be customized to what interests you most, which may include magnificent mansions, mysterious graveyards, graceful gardens, Revolutionary and Civil War sites, secret passageways, cobblestone streets,slave history. Got a camera? Photo tips provided! Tours depart 7 days a week at 96 Meeting Street in Washington Park. 9am in July and August. 10am the rest of the year. $23.50 per person. Reservations Required « less
Map | Visitor photos (74)
Ranked #8 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Walking tours
Owner description: Old Charleston Walking Tours is proud to offer an array of narrated walks that cover the most interesting historical issues... more » Owner description: Old Charleston Walking Tours is proud to offer an array of narrated walks that cover the most interesting historical issues and sights in a city known for its turbulent past and unusual beauty. Our guides are the best in the business, with years of research and storytelling experience. They promise the kind of accuracy, insight and enthusiasm that create a delightful touring experience. Let them lead you to Charleston's hidden alleys and tell you what went on behind its closed doors.The daytime walks last approximately two hours. The ghost walks are shorter (and scarier).We go rain or shine. There are no hills. The pace is easy. Please join us. You'll be glad you did! « less
Map | Visitor photos (12)
Ranked #9 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Walking tours
Owner description: Lowcountry Walking Tours is Charleston's premiere walking tour company. We offer two walking tours -- the Downtown Walking... more » Owner description: Lowcountry Walking Tours is Charleston's premiere walking tour company. We offer two walking tours -- the Downtown Walking Tour and the Mount Pleasant Walking Tour. « less
Map | Visitor photos (9)
Ranked #10 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Boat Tours
Owner description: Join us for a relaxing sail aboard Prevailing Winds, a 27’ Stiletto Catamaran Sailboat, sailing daily from the Charleston... more » Owner description: Join us for a relaxing sail aboard Prevailing Winds, a 27’ Stiletto Catamaran Sailboat, sailing daily from the Charleston Maritime Center. The environmentally friendly way to explore historic Charleston Harbor. Fast and stable, Prevailing Winds is fun for all ages. Experience close encounters with dolphins and other marine wildlife, quietly while under sail. Offering five trips daily. Limited to six passengers for a highly customized experience, with no crowds. Private Charters, special events, and sailing lessons available. « less
Map | Visitor photos (12)
Ranked #11 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Use the tour guide Travel Channel, A&E, Syfy, Lifetime, and ETV use. Explore Charleston’s piratical past on a tour that... more » Owner description: Use the tour guide Travel Channel, A&E, Syfy, Lifetime, and ETV use. Explore Charleston’s piratical past on a tour that begins in one of Charleston’s oldest buildings, the National Historic Landmark Powder Magazine Museum. In authentic costume & accompanied by Capt. Bob, the parrot, Eric Lavender shares stories of the pirates who plundered, partied, and perished in Charles Towne. Eric brings Charleston's Golden Age of Piracy to life with stories of Blackbeard's siege of the city, the capture and execution of Stede Bonnet and other pirates, the romance between Calico Jack and Anne Bonny, and much more! Along the way, learn about the city’s most historical buildings and events. We also offer evening Ghost/Pirate tours and the Charles Towne Pub Stroll. « less
Map | Visitor photos (38)
Ranked #12 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Experience a taste of Charleston's flourishing craft beer scene with an exclusive tour of the five local craft breweries.... more » Owner description: Experience a taste of Charleston's flourishing craft beer scene with an exclusive tour of the five local craft breweries. Enjoy four generous samples as we visit three local breweries on each tour. Learn brewing techniques and expand your palate as you enjoy a taste of Charleston. Tour schedules vary based on the day so visit our website to view which breweries you wish to attend. So sit back and relax because we're doing the driving! « less
Map | Visitor photos (28)
Ranked #13 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Thriller is rocking the boat with a 1 hour and approximately 30 mile tour. See the sites of Charleston along with 5 forts... more » Owner description: Thriller is rocking the boat with a 1 hour and approximately 30 mile tour. See the sites of Charleston along with 5 forts and 2 lighthouses while on your way to an up close view of Morris Island Lighthouse. Live narration and rock tunes on a 43-passenger hi-speed power catamaran will surely put a smile on your face. « less
Map | Visitor photos (46)
Ranked #14 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Join Anne Middleton,a 13th generation Charlestonian, for a personalized local perspective. End the tour in a private garden... more » Owner description: Join Anne Middleton,a 13th generation Charlestonian, for a personalized local perspective. End the tour in a private garden with refreshments. « less
Map | Visitor photos (12)
Ranked #15 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours; Walking tours
Owner description: Take your tastebuds for a stroll! The Charleston Culinary Tour now offers three culinary tours in downtown Charleston: the... more » Owner description: Take your tastebuds for a stroll! The Charleston Culinary Tour now offers three culinary tours in downtown Charleston: the original Downtown Culinary Tour, the Upper King Street Culinary Tour and the Farmers Market Tour. All tours are a combination culinary and historical tour. The Downtown and Upper King Street tours stop at 3 downtown restaurants (plus dessert!) to sample appetizers and chefs' specialty dishes. The Farmers Market Tour allows you to meet some of the market's farmers, where we select some ingredients and then enjoy a true farm-to-table meal at one of our partner restaurants! All tours are fully narrated by a tour guide and guests will have an opportunity to meet the chefs, managers or proprietors at each stop. Downtown Culinary Tours start at 2:00 p.m and meet at the SouthEnd Brewery and Smokehouse at 161 East Bay Street. Upper King Street Culinary Tours start at 2:00 p.m. and meet at HoM Restaurant at 563 King Street. Farmers Market Tours start at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday the farmers market is open and meet outside the Charleston Visitors Center (375 Meeting Street) on the corner of Meeting and John Streets. Check out our website for more info! « less
Map | Visitor photos (91)
Ranked #16 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Ed Grimball is a 12th generation Charlestonian whose family settled on Edisto Island in 1682 and has been here ever since. Ed... more » Owner description: Ed Grimball is a 12th generation Charlestonian whose family settled on Edisto Island in 1682 and has been here ever since. Ed opened his walking tour business in 1996 and would consider it a privilege to personally show you his city.Your tour will explore the cracks and crevices of old, beautiful Charleston, touching on many subjects such as the Civil War, the Great Earthquake, the Preservation Movement, and our magnificent architecture. Must sees on your tour include the Four Corners of Law, the Battery, and Rainbow Row. « less
Map | Visitor photos (59)
Ranked #17 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Charleston native and award-winning photojournalist Liz Legare Duren takes you on a stroll through the city her ancestors... more » Owner description: Charleston native and award-winning photojournalist Liz Legare Duren takes you on a stroll through the city her ancestors helped build. Experience Charleston, while you are being photographed in the city's most beautiful (or tucked away) locations. Limiting the the tour to only 10 people assures you a more intimate look at the city and a chance for some GREAT photography! « less
Map | Visitor photos (33)
Ranked #18 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Explore the Holy City’s history, lore and legends with me, Charleston-native Brian Simms. I will guide you on a memorable... more » Owner description: Explore the Holy City’s history, lore and legends with me, Charleston-native Brian Simms. I will guide you on a memorable two-hour walking tour that includes an introduction to some of our most celebrated landmarks and hidden treasures that make this such a special place to visit. We will start at the Old Exchange Building (Charleston's Independence Hall) then stroll through the streets of Charleston. Just a few of the sites covered are St. Michael’s Church: the oldest church edifice in Charleston, Four Corners of Law: referenced in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not”, Rainbow Row: multi-colored residences today, was once the center of the waterfront economy, Antebellum Mansions: see the grandeur and beauty of these pre-Civil War homes, Historic Waterfront Battery: named for the entrenchments and bastions once protecting the holy city, Revolutionary and Civil Wars: overall history and sites that defined these battles for independence and state rights. There is a rich history and culture I would like to share and look forward to showing you the sights of our beautiful city, creating an experience you will remember for years to come! « less
Map | Visitor photos (31)
Ranked #19 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours; Biking Trails
Owner description: Charleston Bicycle Tours offers 3 and 6 day bicycle tours of Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah and their surrounding quaint... more » Owner description: Charleston Bicycle Tours offers 3 and 6 day bicycle tours of Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah and their surrounding quaint towns and coastal islands. Cycle on back roads,quiet streets and alleys past historical homes and experience the charm of the Low country shown by an 11th generation South Carolinian.Includes luxury accommodations,excellent meals,licensed guide,van support,and fun/small groups. « less
Map | Visitor photos (16)
Ranked #20 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Check out our one-of-a-kind Original Pub Tour of Charleston! Based upon similar pub tours in Europe, it has been featured in... more » Owner description: Check out our one-of-a-kind Original Pub Tour of Charleston! Based upon similar pub tours in Europe, it has been featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Wall Street Journal. The Pub Tour is a fun and unique tour, which includes visits to many historic pubs (some with rooftop views of the city), old taverns frequented by pirates, breweries haunted by ghosts, a dose of history, and a chance to sample some of the area’s tasty micro-brews on tap. The Pub Tour is definitely the most exciting way to see the city of Charleston (and most popular), and it often sells out quickly. Buy tickets now so you don’t miss out on such a cool tour! « less
Map | Visitor photos (23)
Ranked #21 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Experience historic downtown Charleston with one of our licensed guides. We offer walking tours covering everything from... more » Owner description: Experience historic downtown Charleston with one of our licensed guides. We offer walking tours covering everything from pirates and privateers to the Civil War in Charleston. Book online or call us today! With advanced notice, we tailor customizable tours to fit the interests of an individual, couple or group. « less
Map | Visitor photos (12)
Ranked #22 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Classic Carriage Works, LLC. is Charleston's premier provider of high quality carriage tours and carriage service. We hold... more » Owner description: Classic Carriage Works, LLC. is Charleston's premier provider of high quality carriage tours and carriage service. We hold our customers, horses and employees in the highest regard - taking the utmost care of each. Our tours are personalized by the tour guides and tailored to the interest of the passengers as questions are asked. Take one of our tours and see the difference! « less
Map | Visitor photos (40)
Ranked #23 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Religious Sites; Cemeteries
Charleston's oldest church has been tolling its bells on the hour since 1764.
Map | Visitor photos (30)
Ranked #24 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: See Charleston's Historic Sites with Al Ray, Charleston native and licensed guide for 32 years. Enjoy the Old Walled City... more » Owner description: See Charleston's Historic Sites with Al Ray, Charleston native and licensed guide for 32 years. Enjoy the Old Walled City Walk at 10AM or Home and Garden Walk at 1PM Wed-Sun. The Slavery and Freedom Walk is offered at 4PM weekends and by appointment. Tours depart in front of 155 Meeting Street. Open Wednesday-Sunday, Reservations Please! « less
Map | Visitor photos (18)
Ranked #25 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Walking tours
Martine P. Dulles, licensed guide, offers tours of Historic Charleston and the Lowcountry in English and French.
Map | Visitor photos (5)
Ranked #26 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Carolina Polo and Carriage Company is the only carriage company in Charleston owned and operated by Charlestonians whose... more » Owner description: Carolina Polo and Carriage Company is the only carriage company in Charleston owned and operated by Charlestonians whose families have been here since the 1600's.Don't just take a buggy ride, come see the real thing as we show you sights that will leave you breathless and tours that will leave you speechless. Private carriages are available for tours, weddings and other festive occasions. « less
Map | Visitor photos (35)
Ranked #27 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Boat Tours
Owner description: Charleston Kayak Company offers access to some of the most scenic waterways in the Charleston area. Naturalist guided kayak... more » Owner description: Charleston Kayak Company offers access to some of the most scenic waterways in the Charleston area. Naturalist guided kayak tours and rentals are offered year-round from the grounds of historic Middleton Place. Immerse yourself in the rich history, ecology, and protected waterways surrounding this National Historic Landmark site. Tours are suitable for any skill level or experience. If your more comfortable with an engine, join one of our history and dolphin boat tours exploring the salt marshes aboard our 24ft Carolina Skiff. Join a regularly scheduled departure, or arrange a private trip. No matter what the season, we have an offering to get you on the water! « less
Map | Visitor photos (8)
Ranked #28 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Walking tours
Owner description: Free, name-your-own-price sightseeing tours of Charleston. We provide a platform for licensed, professional, freelance tour... more » Owner description: Free, name-your-own-price sightseeing tours of Charleston. We provide a platform for licensed, professional, freelance tour guides to lead tours at no upfront cost, so that you may enjoy a quality sightseeing experience no matter what your budget. « less
Map | Visitor photos (3)
Ranked #29 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Map | Visitor photos (52)
Ranked #30 of 129 activities in Charleston
Category: Tours
Owner description: Pubs, pirates, patriots,priests, police, prostitutes... Charleston's history through the bottom of a glass... Stroll with our... more » Owner description: Pubs, pirates, patriots,priests, police, prostitutes... Charleston's history through the bottom of a glass... Stroll with our pirates to some of Charleston's most historic taverns and hear unusual, but true, Charleston stories that you won't hear on the run-of-the-mill history tours. Where else but Charles Towne would a clergy member get so drunk that he baptized a bear? Discover why Charleston is not only steeped in history, but also steeped in spirits. In fact, in its early days, Charles Towne had 1 pub for every 5 men. Your period-dressed guide regales you stories of early drinking habits, Prohibtion-era criminals, and the historical oddities of the Holy City. « less
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Travellers' advice about Charleston