The 10 Best Cultural Tours in South Carolina, United States

Pat Conroy's family moved to Beaufort when he was 15.  He adopted Beaufort as his home and Beaufort adopted Pat as our own!  Join us on this 1 1/2 hour tour of "Pat's Conroy's Beaufort," from his boyhood home to his favorite restaurant to Prince of Tides and Great Santini locations in the film adaptations of Pat's such autobiographical novels.

Inclusions: Tour by Golf Cart

Exclusions: Tips are not included.

The Strong Women of the South History Tour is an exploration of historical Charleston from the perspective of the founding mothers and women of every color who contributed to our Great American Dream. Along the way, you will discover the beautiful truth: Charleston is the matriarchal capital of the western world, a city once owned and controlled by women. Our exploration begins at the alleged execution site of America's First Female Serial Killer. We stand in the spot where she met her fate and hear her story. Then, you get to decide: was she really a serial killer or a woman protecting her rights! Next, we visit the homes and sites of the “Old Maids," Women’s Rights Activists, Printers, Artisans, Madams, Shopkeepers, and Plantation owners while discovering their contributions and conundrums, all written over by modern history. Last, we visit the homes and shops of the women who built this great city.

Inclusions: Museum entry fee for the Philip Simmons House at 30-1/2 Blake Street., Entry fee for the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art at 161 Calhoun Street.

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This historical overview of Charleston's French Quarter highlights the Holy City's finest points of interest. Bring a camera to capture the beauty, and enjoy a breathtaking walk through colonial and early American architecture. Your native Charleston guide will show you unique landmarks with intriguing narratives of how these structures originated. The tour includes visits through cobblestone alleys and passages to admire the spectacular historic fabric of the district. The tour also includes an easy stroll along Charleston's majestic harbor with its castle and forts that shaped much of America's maritime and military history.

Inclusions: Professional Guide, Historic look at the French Quarter

Exclusions: Gratuities

This tour is an exploration of Charleston's 350 year old African community. Our experience starts at the Philip Simmons House where one of the greatest African-American artists of the 20th century created a lifetime of beauty. Led by museum docents, witness the humble life of a great Charleston artisan. We continue our experience by walking down America Street, the center of Charleston’s African-American community. Along the way, learn about and witness the trials and tribulations of the past and present. We stop briefly at the edge of the African-American community to give a powerful visualization of class division that still exists in the city today. Finally, we walk to Mother Emanuel AME Church. Learn about how free people of color came together to form flourishing communities and houses of worship. Learn how the Emanuel 9 Shooting brought the entire world together in the fight against racism.

Inclusions: Museum entry fee for the Philip Simmons House at 30-1/2 Blake Street., Entry fee for the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art at 161 Calhoun Street.

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This walking tour led by Captain Bryan is not your average "sit there and shut up" tour where the guide won't even remember you. Rather, after brief introduction, Captain Bryan will lead you on a historic journey of how Shem Creek came to prominence with its famous shrimping fleet and much more. Unlike any other tour in the area, guest have the ability to see the industry at work. Perhaps the group will meet Mr. Rector at Geechie Seafood with his several shrimp boats, beautiful reminders of the bountiful harvest to be conducted offshore. Furthermore, sample some of the key lime pie made by the family of Mrs. Fitch who is the owner of Mt. Pleasant Seafood or try your hand cast netting or a crabbing. This is not a tour, it is an experience to immerse yourself in the Shem Culture. Take back history, culture, language, snacks, but most of all guests will take from this experience an underlying appreciation for our local shrimpers and the history behind these hard working men and women.

Inclusions: Snacks

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Come experience “The Other Charleston” as a walking tour. Frankly Charleston Black History Tours and Sightseeing offers a historical stroll through the antebellum section of the 5th ward of colonial Charles Town (now known as Wraggborough). Experience not only the reclaimed acreage of what was once known as the suburbs, but also a predominantly African American colonial neighborhood. During this tour, you will also witness: Colonial parks known as malls Live Oak trees Suburban plantation mansions Renovated colonial architecture Historical Churches And much, much more!

Inclusions: Pets are included but you must clean up after them., Will work with guest with in reason on this matter.

Exclusions: No Alcoholic Beverages.

TOUR REFLECT The truthful acknowledgment of African American contributions to these United States of America since its founding, which is still in limbo or in denial compared to the racism that is wide spread throughout this country for the sake of its southern heritage, in step with keeping it a tradition? Why can’t Americans get with the time? We break down the other Charleston and the stereo typical mind set of the institution of slavery in this country or shall I say in the Low Country Charles Towne. Were we GULLAH? Or were we AFRICANS? What was the reward for not running? How wealthy were the free People of Color?

Inclusions: Pets are included but you must clean up after them., Will work with guest with in reason on this matter.

Exclusions: No Alcoholic Beverages.

The trolley tour takes guests around the Market Common District in Myrtle Beach that was once the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and an Army Air Corp Airfield during WWII which also housed a German POW camp. It makes three stops at Warbird Park where military planes are on static display, the General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center which has a small military museum, and the Norton General Aviation Terminal that displays military memorabilia. Guests are divided into two groups with each half enjoying a catered reception and historical presentation at Tupelo Honey either before or after the trolley portion of the tour. This is the fifth season of this popular tour that was recognized by the local county's board of historic preservation. The tour's creator will also be the narrator. The talk at the reception will be given by a historic figure who helped shape the history of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The trolley is enclosed and climate-controlled.

Inclusions: The tour includes a one-hour narrated trolley ride with three stops. Each half of the guests will enjoy a catered reception and historical talk at Tupelo Honey either before or after the trolley ride.

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Most Tours in Charleston will take out 20 people on a tour. I keep my tours smaller and max out at 10 people. By having smaller groups it allows my guests to have a more personalized and unique experience. You get me, an experienced tour guide (Adam Moore) as your tour guide. I do every tour so you can be assured you will be getting the real deal :) So grab a coffee and get your day started off right with a morning history tour of beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. I will provide Intricate and detailed history, plus great storytelling and personality on our tour. Again, I like to keep these tours smaller in size to encourage conversations and questions.

Inclusions: Good Stories and a Great Time!, History From a Licensed & Experienced Tour Guide, History From a University Of South Carolina History Graduate, 10 People Or Less

Exclusions: Admission Inside The Old Ryan Slave Mart, Admission Inside The Old Exchange Building

You will be swept up in the 500 year history of Beaufort, the jewel of the south. You will hear of Indian massacres, Pirates, Slaves, planters wealthy beyond belief, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, a great fire, a catastrophic hurricane, and the wonderful stories of the brave and tenacious people of Beaufort.

Inclusions: Guide

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