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Charleston Romance & special occasions

Our most recommended Charleston Romance & special occasions

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: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

2. Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

Embark on a true Charleston Harbor dining experience aboard the Spirit of Carolina. Enjoy a three-course dinner, made to order from local seasonal ingredients. As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor, past Fort Sumter, along the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge. Take in the views from the large enclosed air-conditioned dining decks or the open-air observation deck. Enjoy music throughout the cruise, as well as a full-service bar. Dinner menu: Soup: Charleston she-crab soup Salad: Edisto green salad with a blend of baby lettuce, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds with herb vinaigrette (gluten-free) Entrées: (All entrees include freshly baked bread and butter) • Braised short rib of beef (gluten-free, dairy-free) with cabernet reduction, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Seared wing tip chicken breast (gluten-free) with white wine lemon sauce, sautéed spinach and feta cheese fillings, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Low country shrimp and grits (gluten-free) with sautéed shrimp, tasso ham, and andouille sausage. Served on creamy stone-ground grits and topped with aged cheddar cheese and bacon jam garnish• Roasted sliced cauliflower (dairy-free, vegetarian) with roasted red pepper drizzle, wilted spinach, lemon and olive oil mixed ancient grains of quinoa, farro, toasted barley (dairy-free, vegetarian), and grilled asparagus (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian) Desserts: • New York-style cheesecake with strawberries and whipped cream • Chocolate pot de crème (gluten-free) with whipped cream and chocolate shavings ($6.00 each) Food is not prepared in a nut-free, shellfish-free, or gluten-free facility.

Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise

3. Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise

Discover Charleston harbor in the evening on a sunset cruise by power catamaran. Watch as the city skyline comes alive with glimmering lights as you admire landmarks like the historic Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. Set off from the Maritime Center and cruise through the surrounding waterways of Charleston Harbor. Keep an eye out for dolphins and shore birds and take in the sights and sounds as the sun sets. Admire the sights of the historic forts, the Battery, the islands, and the lighthouses. See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from a different perspective as you cruise beneath it. Enjoy the views of the Charleston skyline as it becomes illuminated for the evening. Relax and choose to purchase some drinks or snacks from the onboard bar as you take in the sights.

Charleston: Magnolia Cemetery Nighttime Tour

4. Charleston: Magnolia Cemetery Nighttime Tour

With an expert guide, enjoy a 90-minute walking tour to uncover the best of Magnolia Cemetery’s history, mystery, and spirits. Hear startling stories such as the unsolved murdered socialite, an outraged politician that ordered his butler’s execution, and scandalous tragedies that are never told in history books. Originally a 1790’s rice plantation, Magnolia Cemetery was founded in 1849 on the banks of the Cooper River in Downtown Charleston. Home to 35,000 permanent residents, including authors and poets, artists, Confederate generals and soldiers, prominent politicians, bootleggers, prostitutes, and socialites. Magnolia Cemetery served as a Confederate encampment to defend the city from the Union bombardment during the Civil War. Over 2,000 Confederate soldiers lay at rest in Magnolia, including the eight-man Hunley crew, eighty-four soldiers who fought in the battle at Gettysburg, and six confederate generals.

Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

5. Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

Learn the basics of stand up paddleboard surfing on this 2-hour introductory lesson as you explore the peaceful Folly River. Glide alongside beautiful flora and fauna while keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins. Following the tides and wind direction, your expert instructor will help you go with the flow for a great beginning paddle. Your instructor will point out all the amazing sights in this truly unique landscape. You can commemorate your experience with a group photo at the end of the tour. Choose your perfect experience with the morning, afternoon, and sunset tour options. Paddleboard, paddle, and a personal floatation device will be provided. Just bring your water shoes or flip flops, swim trunks, and a positive attitude and enjoy two amazing hours on the water.

Charleston: Private Carriage Ride

6. Charleston: Private Carriage Ride

Experience Charleston on a private carriage ride. See the “Holy City” in a more intimate setting with your own personal tour guide, who will tell you all about the historical buildings, parks and plazas of the city. You'll get to see more than 25 blocks of this historic town.  For a truly memorable experience, choose the evening option to see the sun set over the city and the city lights coming on.  You will be travelling in a Palmetto vis a vis carriage, where two benches face each other, offering a wonderful experience for a small group or family.

From Myrtle Beach: Charleston Historic Tour

7. From Myrtle Beach: Charleston Historic Tour

Leave from Myrtle Beach in an air-conditioned motorcoach. Once in Charleston, your all-day itinerary includes Palmetto Carriage Works Tour, Hop on a mule driven carriage for a historic old city tour. Learn about Charleston’s rich history from your knowledgable guide. Relish the sight of magnificent homes and gardens. See the historical sites of the old city on a mule-driven carriage ride. Visit the Charleston harbor. Board the Carolina Belle for a 90-minute tour of the harbor, narrated by your captain. See 75 points of interest including the USS Yorktown and the Battery while enjoying in a delicious deli-style boxed lunch. Explore the Boone Hall Plantation, a 738-acre plantation. See the historic brick slave cabins, a smokehouse, and a cotton gin. Receive a guided tour from a costumed hostess and learn about Southern elegance, strife, and charm. Time permitting, you'll be able to browse the open-air Market as you make your way back to the bus. See where the original settlers purchased their daily needs. Take home a souvenir ranging from hand-woven baskets to one-of-a-kind artwork before heading back to Myrtle Beach.

Wadmalaw Island Adventure Tour: Wine, Tea and a Tree

8. 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: Downtown Evening Carriage Tour

9. Charleston: Downtown Evening Carriage Tour

Palmetto Carriage Works, family owned and operated, has been leading tours since 1972.   They are the oldest and largest carriage company in town and boast the most experienced guides.  Their 35-minute evening tour is great way to get in a quick overview of Charleston's world famous history and charm.  Sights include the Charleston City Market, The Old Walled City, Waterfront Park and The Forner Corners of Law. Tours start and end in The Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard street where all are invited to visit with the animals and learn about their world class animal welfare program.   Carriages are easy loading and handicap accessible.  

Charleston: The Edmonston-Alston House Walking Tour

10. Charleston: The Edmonston-Alston House Walking Tour

Charleston's history and unique way of life can be greatly attributed to its location on a small peninsula bounded by two rivers. The southern tip of this peninsula, known as the Battery, has become one of the city's most treasured sites and no visit to Charleston would be complete without touring this historic district. Starting and ending at the Edmondston-Alston House, take an hour-long guided walking tour South of Broad Street, learning not only about the area's rich history, but further about the extended Alston family during the years before the Civil War. Your experience will conclude with a 30-minute tour of the Edmondston-Alston House, which is constructed in lush Greek Revival style, evocative of a classic antebellum architectural trend. Constructed in 1825, the house commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor and 90% of the home's furnishings were originally owned by the family.

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What people are saying about Charleston

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.

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.

What an amazing tour! We had a blast, and our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable & friendly. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend!

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.