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Charleston Garden & park tours

Our most recommended Charleston Garden & park tours

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

1. Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage through historic downtown Charleston on a guided tour. Listen to live commentary about the city as you pass by the Charleston Harbor, Rainbow Row, King Street, White Point Gardens, and Charleston Battery. Begin the tour at the activity provider's stables. Board a beautiful custom-built carriage and depart from the barn. Ride toward the city gate, located in the Old City Market. Learn about the city's rich history from a professional guide while traveling aboard a unique vehicle. Gaze at vibrant neighborhoods and elegant buildings from your seat. Experience the highlights of the historic downtown area, such as Charleston Harbor, Rainbow Row, 4 Corners of Law, King Street, White Point Gardens, and the Charleston Battery. Take in informative and entertaining commentary from your guide, before arriving back at the stables.

Charleston: Magnolia Plantation Tour and Transport

2. Charleston: Magnolia Plantation Tour and Transport

Witness a slice of living history at Magnolia Plantation and its world-famous gardens, owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations. Visit the Historic Gardens, Petting Zoo, and The Conservatory. Begin your half-day tour by boarding a climate-controlled coach in Charleston. Meet your professional guide and ride to Magnolia Plantation, dating from 1676 and the time of the British colony. Step into one of America's first tourist attractions and first public gardens, which have been open to the public since 1870. Take a guided walk through America's last large-scale romantic garden. Experience history on a 45-minute narrated tram ride through the Audobon Swamp Gardens and visit important locations like Drayton Home (not Drayton Hall), Orientation Theater, and the Old African American Cabin.

Charleston: Magnolia Plantation & Historic City Tour

3. Charleston: Magnolia Plantation & Historic City Tour

Begin your half-day tour by boarding a climate-controlled coach in Charleston. Meet your professional guide and ride to Magnolia Plantation, dating from 1676 and the time of the British colony. Witness a slice of living history at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and get an amazing perspective on Charleston's past and present. The Magnolia Plantation and its world-famous gardens have been owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations. Enjoy your visit to one of America's first tourist attractions and first public gardens, which have been open to the public since 1870. Take a guided walk through America's last large-scale Romantic garden, and experience history on a 45-minute narrated nature tram ride through the Audobon swamp gardens. Step out among the Romantic gardens and Spanish moss to see wildlife such as alligators, egrets, herons, and turtles on the nearly 600-acre plantation. Cap it all off with a 30-minute tour of the Magnolia Plantation Home before boarding your bus back to Charleston. Back in the Holy City, your deluxe, climate-controlled shuttle will take you for a 1.5-hour tour of the city’s historical highlights. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, local guide, visit over 100 of Charleston’s most iconic sights of the past and present whilst listening to amazing tales and anecdotes about the city. On your tour, travel through some of the most historic parts of the city and visit Charleston’s historic homes, The Battery Sea Wall, the Four Corners of Law, and Rainbow Row to name but a few. Other highlights of the tour include a number of historic churches, old markets, and picturesque neighborhoods.

Charleston: Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour

4. Charleston: Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour

Embark on a guided pub crawl through the city of Charleston and hear the dark history lurking behind each turn. Learn about the colonists, pirates, and bootleggers that shaped the city over a few drinks. Visit Charleston's important sites, including Joe Riley Waterfront Park, The Pink House, the Old Exchange Provost Dungeon, and Powder Magazine. Follow in the footsteps of the pirates and bootleggers, and learn about the ghosts that linger in the dark corners of the city from your guide. Make stops along the route for a refreshing drink at The Griffon, Bar Vaute, Blind Tiger Pub, and Tommy Condon's Irish Pub. Trade stories over a few drinks and learn about local life and culture in Charleston.

Charleston: Hidden Gems and Shores E-Bike Tour

5. Charleston: Hidden Gems and Shores E-Bike Tour

Add something special to your trip to Charleston with a leisurely scenic tour by e-bike. Cruise past the city's highlights and hidden gems. Ride with a guide through the old village to Pitt St. Bridge, Shem Creek Park to spot dolphins, and Sullivan's Island. Head back along South Carolina's beachy shores. The route will take you first into the old village and then to Pitt St. Bridge with stunning views of Fort Sumter. Ride through neighborhoods lined with oak trees and Spanish moss. Pass by stunning Southern estate homes, marshlands, boardwalks, and more. Next, ride through Shem Creek Park. With an active shrimp boat fleet and the chance to see dolphins, a visit to Shem Creek is sure to be unforgettable. Then, head to Sullivan’s Island and check out the pristine beach. Ride along the shoreline on your way back to the meeting point.

Wadmalaw Island Adventure Tour: Wine, Tea and a Tree

6. Wadmalaw Island Adventure Tour: Wine, Tea and a Tree

Set off from Charleston and see some of the highlights of Wadmalaw Island and the low country. Admire the 500-year-old angel oak tree, enjoy some tea at the Charleston Tea Garden, and savor wine at a local vineyard. First, visit Angel Tree Park and see the famous angel oak tree, thought to be one of the oldest organisms east of the Mississippi. At 65 feet high and with a circumference of 25.5 feet, this beautiful 500-year-old tree is an awe-inspiring sight. Stop by the Charleston Tea Garden, with hundreds of thousands of tea bushes stretching as far as the eye can see. Take the trolley ride, which makes a stop at a state-of-the-art greenhouse. Enjoy complimentary tea samples as you stroll the beautiful grounds and learn all about how tea is made. Finally, visit Deep Water Vineyard. They grow and harvest their grapes, as well as bottle their wines directly on site. Explore the vineyard which also includes walking trails, many different animals, a garden, a large pond, and a gift shop. Return to the pickup point at the end of the tour.

Charleston: The Complete Lowcountry Tour. Get Out of Town!

7. Charleston: The Complete Lowcountry Tour. Get Out of Town!

Explore historical sights and see breathtaking views of one of America’s most historic cities, Charleston, and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Make stops at lesser-known parts of the city and snap memorable photos on this day trip. See Drayton Hall, Folly Pier, and many more. Visit some memorable points of interest such as Charlotte Street, a street that encompasses several architectural styles, built in the transitional period between the revolutionary to civil wars. Stop by Old St Andrews Parish Church, the oldest surviving church building in South Carolina. Admire Angel Tree Park, which features a 500-year-old tree. Be surprised at the size of the branches and trunk. Pause for lunch and snack on pre-ordered sandwiches. Enjoy some free time to eat and shop in the market. See the Magnolia Plantation and gardens, the oldest public gardens in America. Gaze at the thousands of plant and flower varieties and relax in the tranquil landscape. Visit one of the darkest spots in American history, Fort Moultrie. See the series of fortifications that witnessed the first shots of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Hear how it temporarily lodged thousands of enslaved Africans transported to the country. Head to the coast and appreciate the Morris Lighthouse, Sullivan’s Lighthouse, and the Charleston Harbor Resort. Finally, embark on a 30-minute water taxi ride across the Charleston Harbor. Complete Itinerary: Charlotte Street, Morris Lighthouse, Folly Pier, Angel Tree, Old St Andrews Parish Church, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, Sullivan’s Lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, Charleston Harbor Resort, Water Taxi

Frequently asked questions about Charleston

Other Sightseeing Options in Charleston

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What people are saying about Charleston

Overall rating

3.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

When planning the first, second, third, or twentith trip to Charleston, be sure to begin with a carriage ride. The information is different and just as informative with each driver. It is well worth the money to get information on newly discovered history and other areas of the city outside of the french quarters.

Bruce Burris was amazing!!! Very knowledgeable about Charleston. Though it was storming he continued the tour and was professional and ensured that we were all taken care of and safe. Would 10/10 recommend!!! Bruce is amazing!! The Nashville Girls!!!

We took the carriage tour William (I think) and Ricky(the horse) and we really enjoyed it. We were only in Charleston for one day and this was a very nice way to see the area and hear some of the history. We would definitely recommend it.

Leo was amazing horse! And the tour guide was charming and interesting with her sharing of history.

Recommending a great time! Last row don’t hear the guide that well if you’re into details.