Mount Pleasant

Outdoor activities

Enjoy a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter and explore the grounds at your own pace. Pass by the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and take in the sights of Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes. As you approach Fort Sumter, graceful sailboats and playful dolphins add to the photogenic scene. If you depart from Mt. Pleasant you will enjoy views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close, while tours embarking from downtown will see Aquarium Wharf as they depart and return. Arrive at The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, which sits prominently at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, a strategic location that was crucial to its defense.  While here, explore the grounds of Fort Sumter. Stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. A visit to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park provides a window into the life and trials of America’s heroes, from the Civil War to today’s modern conflicts. Learn about the events leading to the war from knowledgeable National Park Rangers who will relay stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

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.

Take in the amazing sights of Charleston Harbor on a boat tour with live narration from a guide. Gain insight into the history of Charleston while you glide through the gentle waves of the harbor, passing by the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and more. Depart from Patriots Point or Aquarium Wharf as you cruise along the coastline of the beautiful Holy City. Hear enthralling tales of the city’s colorful past as well as scintillating facts about its most interesting former citizens. Make sure to bring your camera to capture famous American landmarks such as Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and other sites from Charleston's past and present.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable, local guide, pass by 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 city’s most historic parts. 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 several historic churches, old markets, and picturesque neighborhoods.

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.

Discover 300 years of Charleston history from land and sea with passionate licensed tour guides. Experience a 90-minute narrated tour of Charleston in a climate-controlled luxury coach and then head to the water for another perspective of the city from Charleston Harbor. Learn fascinating historical facts about Charleston while you cruise the gentle waves of her harbor. Knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides are licensed by the City of Charleston and are eager to share their knowledge with all guests aboard the cruise. Don't forget your camera as you will see all that the Holy City has to offer: Charleston's Historic Homes and Churches, the Old Market, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and incredible views from Charleston Harbor.

Hop aboard a comfortable coach have and uncover local history with a tour of Boone Hall Plantation. Afterwards travel through over 100 of Charleston’s most iconic sights and get up close to the past with some stops along the way. Meet your guide in Charleston and depart for Boone Hall in a deluxe on a climate-controlled coach. Upon arrival, enjoy a 30-minute guided tour of the main house. Have free time at the plantation to enjoy tours of the house or garden, or listen to presentations on history or culture. Choose to take the house tour and begin on the front porch with a guide in historical dress. Be introduced to the history of Boone Hall Plantation and its evolution through several owners since 1681. Select the garden tour to see antique varieties of roses that are over 100. Travel back in time if you select the 'Slave Street and History' presentation. Look at the living quarters, historic relics, and hear about what life was like for the enslaved people that lived and worked at Boone Hall. Immerse yourself in local culture if you choose to participate in the 'Exploring The Gullah Culture' presentation. Boone Hall Plantation is the only plantation in the state's Lowcountry to present a live presentation of this unique culture adapted by African slaves. Drive back to the city for a guided 90-minute tour of the city’s historical highlights. Listening to amazing tales and anecdotes about the city as you ride through some of the most historic parts of the city. 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.

Tour the historic Boone Hall Plantation, a beautiful gem nestled in the town of Mount Pleasant, just across the harbor from Charleston. Enter through the Avenue of Oaks and take a guided tour of the historic mansion. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the original slave cabins and learn about the experience of enslaved people with a presentation by a knowledgeable guide. Learn the history of the area, tour the grounds and homes with expert storytellers and guides. Enjoy roundtrip transportation to and from downtown Charleston.

Hop aboard a comfortable and air-conditioned bus at the Charleston Visitor Center downtown and relax on the drive to Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. Begin your tour on the front porch of the plantation with a guide in historical clothing. Be introduced to the the history of Boone Hall Plantation and its evolution through several owners since 1681. Watch the "Slave Cabin and History Presentation" for a look at the living quarters, historic relics, and lifestyle of the enslaved people who lived here at Boone Hall. Gain insights into the culture and life of enslaved people with moving stories and songs performed at the Gullah Theater. Stroll around manicured grounds and soak up the beauty of the gardens where one of the main features are antique roses that are over 100 years old. Be mesmerized by fluttering wings in the Butterfly Pavilion (in season). Board a tram to see the plantation from a different perspective. Head back to Charleston with a deeper understanding of South Carolina's complicated past.

Come aboard the USS Yorktown and hear the stories of the American heroes who lived, died, and are still rumored to be here today. Commissioned in 1943, the Fighting Lady was once manned by over 3,000 people and designed to fight off enemies all over the globe during WWII. Learn about the ultimate sacrifice and heroism of the people who once inhabited this ship.  This tour gives you exclusive nighttime access to areas of the ship that are usually closed to the public, including the flight deck after dark. Don't forget your camera, you never know who or what you might capture.