10 Sightseeing Tours in Coastal South Carolina That You Shouldn't Miss

October 25, 2021 Milan Banda

Miles of white sand and romantic island resorts beckon from the hem of the Palmetto State. Families gravitate to Myrtle Beach and the 60-mile span of Grand Strand, where over 100 championship golf courses, tennis courts and nightclubs await. Charleston’s hundreds of heritage buildings, and irresistible charm, are part of its allure. Beach resorts at Kiawah Island, Seabrook and Edisto Island make for romantic getaways. Marshes, moss-bearded palms and oak groves create ambiance in the haunting Lowcountry.
Restaurants in Coastal South Carolina

1. Charleston's Tidal Creeks Eco Boat Cruise with Stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USA Charleston Outdoor Adventures
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5.0 based on 500 reviews

Enjoy this 2.5-hour small-group boat cruise through the treasured tidal creeks of Charleston, South Carolina. This tour includes up to an hour long stop on the beautiful Morris Island, during which you can set out on foot and explore the pristine beach, collect seashells, hunt for sharks teeth, and enjoy the beautiful views of the historic lighthouse. On your way to and from the island, your naturalist captain will share information about the local ecosystems and history. Your captain will also point out and describe any wildlife seen along the journey, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, pelicans, sea turtles, and much more! 

Inclusions: 2.5-Hour Tidal Creeks Eco Boat Cruise in Charleston, 1-Hour Stop on Morris Island, See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, pelicans, sea turtles, and more, Learn information about the local ecosystems and history from your Naturalist Captain, Live Narration On Board

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Reviewed By jocelynd102

Kade was a FABULOUS tour guide. Knowable, well qualified, and a wonderful guide. He has a degree in marine biology and knew every question asked and more!! We feel so fortunate to have beenwith him he made our trip

2. Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

200 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 1,379 reviews

Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Not included in your ticket price are any parking fees if you choose to drive to your tour. Gratuity is optional, but gratefully accepted.

Reviewed By colinallin

Funny guy who tailored the tour to us. Took us a few ways he normally wouldn’t based on our preferences. Very knowledgeable local South Carolinian. No other option in town as good as him.

3. Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

Charleston in a Nutshell
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4.9 based on 89 reviews

Looking for a stress-free way to see Charleston? Join local guide Jeff Zimmerman on his 2 hour citywide private driving tour. Beat the crowds in a comfortable full sized weatherproof SUV. Experience Charleston your way as Jeff tailors your private tour to suit your own personal interests. As a licensed tour guide since 1997, Jeff provides a unique narrative on the city's history, eclectic architecture, culture, and even the natural world. You will not only visit the must-see places but also get off the beaten path and get closer to less touristy nooks that are off limits to carriage and bus tours.

Inclusions: Private transportation

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Reviewed By Peggy-thoughts

So nice to sit back and let someone drive you around the city to most of the historical sites. Lot of interesting info and history. Such a pretty city too. The air conditioning was a great break fome the humidity too!

4. Charleston's Alleys & Hidden Passages Guided Small-Group Walking Tour

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Lowcountry Walking Tours
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4.9 based on 566 reviews

Explore some of Charleston's enchanting alleys and hidden passageways on this small group, 2-hour walking tour. With our small group tours, you are guaranteed a more intimate and up-close experience. Charleston's alleyways are fortunately located within the popular historic district which allows us to include some well known points of interest on the tour and go a little "off the beaten path” while exploring the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways. Generally, we include between four to six different alleyways/passages as well as popular points of interest like Rainbow Row and of course, tons of history! These pedestrian passageways are often overlooked, but walking along these cobbled paths is an opportunity to appreciate Charleston's rich history and hidden, more intimate charms.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Hidden Alleyways & Passages Guided Walking Tour of Charleston, Small-Group for a more personalized experience, Go "off the beaten path" and explore the history and beauty of Charleston's enchanting alleyways, See a few top Charleston sites along route such as Rainbow Row, Professional/Local Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By bctrvlers

We had an awesome tour with Evans and it sounds like one of his last (moving soon). Great stories, history and hidden views of Historic Charleston. He wove his stories with past and present characters, along with insights into Charleston’s social importance. Highly recommend !!!

5. History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart

1006 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, USA Beaufort Tours
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4.9 based on 72 reviews

Learn about Beaufort's 300 years of rich history on this 1-hour tour. While riding in our new 8 passenger Yamaha golf cart, see beautiful antebellum homes and scenic views. Explore the town where famous movies were filmed, such as Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, and Great Santini on this exciting tour!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by 8 passenger Yamaha golf cart

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By tmax0830

We just spent a wonderful afternoon on this tour and all we can say is WOW. What an experience. Our guide (we didnt catch her name) was the best guide we have ever had. So knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon and an historical perspective of Beaufort.

6. Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA Pineapple Tour Group
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4.9 based on 306 reviews

Tour in comfort and safety as we show you the beauty of the Holy City. Let us do the driving as you relax and watch as 300 years of history pass by your window. Our guide will escort you and your group through the historic streets of Charleston. You will see the beautiful buildings and churches of the queen city of the south in air conditioned comfort.

Inclusions: Charleston Sightseeing Tour via luxury minibus, Professional Guide, Air-conditioned transportation, Complimentary bottle of water, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off offered by request ONLY (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By bethburns133

This was a lovely tour primarily because of the driver. He was pleasant, informative and knowledgeable. The gardens that we viewed were beautiful. The house was interesting. And the dining room had a wonderful ambience, even though the food was just mediocre.

7. Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head

Shelter Cove Marina, 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA Outside Hilton Head
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4.9 based on 150 reviews

Tucked between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, and accessible only by boat, Daufuskie Island is a real gem. This trip provides a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of Lowcountry history on the undeveloped side of the island. Visit several one-of-a-kind places, including the First African Baptist Church, the Praise House, Mary Fields School (memorialized in Pat Conroy’s ‘The Water is Wide’) and the site of the Bloody Point Lighthouse.

Inclusions: Golf Cart, Boat ride there and back, Historian, Guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By heyjude2021

Captain Boo was a great ambassador for the Palmetto Bluff area. During our four hour boat trip he told us engaging stories about the history of different islands, shared tips on paddle boarding and kayaking, and managed to find many dolphins for us to watch with one mama dolphin and baby coming within a few feet of my husband's kayak! Captain Boo is your man if you want to have many hours of fun, adventure, and exploration of this beautiful part of South Carolina!

8. Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA One HHI
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4.9 based on 343 reviews

Experience this 1.5-hour tour in the waters around Hilton Head Island, choosing from multiple departures throughout the day. Enjoy the sights of the waterways and your professional guide’s narration as you seek out incredible friendly and playful dolphins. Bring the whole family on this kid friendly tour.

Inclusions: 90-Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise, Professional Guide with Live Narration, Family-Friendly Experience, Observe dolphins swimming, playing or eating in their natural habitat

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By marina_losorio

Had a great time. Jack was great. Will recommend as well as come back for the jet skis! Thanks for the great memories.

9. 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Walks of Charleston
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4.9 based on 912 reviews

Join your knowledgeable and engaging licensed local tour guide for a relaxing 2-hour stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district, all the while learning about the people and events that shaped Charleston.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Charleston, Professional/Local Guide, Stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district, Learn about the people and events that shaped Charleston

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By kgkjgkjg

We took the historic walking tour with Dennis. We saw and heard plenty of interesting things and moved at a good pace. Well worth it.

10. Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour

Buxton Books & Tour Charleston Headquarters, 160 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA Tour Charleston
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4.8 based on 82 reviews

Listen to the lost stories of black Charleston on this 2-hour walking tour. Hear forgotten folktales and learn about the heroes and heroines who were left out of the history books. Gain more understanding about Charleston's role in the nation's history on this enthralling walking tour.

Inclusions: 2-hour Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, Tours narrated by writer, historian, educator, and licensed tour guide, Damon Fordham , Experience Mother Emanuel A.M. E. Church stories that have faded from memory over the centuries., Walk by historical Charleston sites such as Old Slave Mart Museum and the Heyward-Washington House

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Reviewed By 959kristyy

Painfully boring. The fact that I spent money on that really hurts. I would not do that tour again if I was paid to.

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