Top Charleston Outdoor Activities

Ride a horse-drawn carriage through the heart of historic Charleston on a guided tour through the heart of the city. Soak up the old fashioned charm of cobblestone streets lined with antebellum houses, lush gardens, and landmark churches as you listen to stories about Charleston history, architecture, and culture.

Visit historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, the site of the battle which signified the start of the American Civil War. This tour is provided by the only operator within the city that includes both round trip ferry service in addition to entry into Fort Sumter. Enjoy a scenic 30-minute cruise each way along Charleston Harbor from two convenient departure locations, Liberty Square and Patriots Point. On the way, view top Charleston sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery from your ferry. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by National Park Rangers who will relay stories of America's deadliest war before your 1-hour self-guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument. Make sure to leave time for a stop at the museum and souvenir shop before making your way back to Charleston or Mt. Pleasant.

Experience more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses will you lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War.

More than a welcome sight for sore eyes, the tidal marshes around Charleston are a hotbed for Lowcountry biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of wildlife such as Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more as you paddle down Folly Creek en route to the tidal creeks that wrap around the Hammock Islands. This leisurely paced kayaking tour is capped at 12 participants for a more personalized experience.

Explore Charleston by water taxi with this convenient harbor cruise. Utilize quick and scenic water-based transportation to reach several popular landmarks including Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. Check out attractions like Joe Riley Waterfront Park and the Charleston Harbor Marina at your leisure. Keep an eye out for dolphins during the cruise.

Take in views of some of Charleston’s top historic sights from a unique perspective with this panoramic dinner cruise through Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a three-course dinner and full-service bar as you cruise past Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Ravenel Bridge. Capture spectacular harbor views, watch the sunset (for summer cruises), and relax to live musical entertainment on board.

Watch the sun set above Charleston, South Carolina with a 2-hour sunset harbor cruise aboard a 45-foot motorized catamaran. Find a comfortable seat on deck, spot the landmarks of downtown Charleston and the waterfront, and watch for the dolphins and sea birds that thrive along the South Carolina shoreline. Enjoy a relaxing break from the city while spending a romantic evening on the water.

See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. This fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.

Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.

Charleston's colonial history, laid-back vibe, and beautiful sites continue to steal the hearts of visitors to the Holy City. See the highlights of the peninsula in comfort on this 90-minute guided tour on a climate-controlled minibus with a maximum of 15 passengers. This narrated tour keeps you cool as you ride past must-see Charleston sights such as the Battery, the Citadel, Old City Market, and Hampton Park as well as enjoy spectacular views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse at a distance. Bonus: Admission to Charleston Powder Museum is also included with the price of your tour.

Get out on the waters of Charleston Harbor during this cruise aboard an 84-foot-tall (25-meter) classic tall ship. As the crew hoists the sails of the schooner, you'll glide past some of the city's historical sights and watch for dolphins in the water. Drinks are available for purchase on board. Select a departure time when booking.

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided small-group walking tour. Explore some of the city’s most enchanting alleys and hidden passages. Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history; Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; plus historic Philadelphia Alley, and many more.

Travel back to Colonial times aboard a horse-drawn carriage and discover more than 300 years of history on this guided, 1-hour tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches and gardens of yesteryear on this narrated tour around historic Charleston. Enjoy the romantic clip-clop sound as this educational adventure winds through the streets and learn about this ‘Holy City’ and its rich history and role in Civil War times. See the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, one of the most historic buildings in America, and much more.

This Charleston ghost cruise brings you to the city’s spooky sites that can’t be reached on foot. Board a 45-foot catamaran and set sail on the Charleston Harbor, passing by the sites of pirate attacks, naval battles, and more. As you sail, your guide tells haunting stories of Charleston’s past.

See Charleston from the water during a dinner cruise that includes a barbecue buffet and live entertainment. Watch the sky change color as the sun sets, and take in sweeping views of Charleston. Choose from classic dishes such as pulled pork, smoked chicken, mac and cheese, and coleslaw, and have the option to purchase drinks from the bar.

Get behind the wheel of an F13 speedboat for a guided tour of Charleston Harbor. Learn the basics of operating the speedboat from your guide, and then follow the guide boat past the Battery, under the Ravenel Bridge, to the USS Yorktown, and more, stopping for photo ops and to optionally change drivers.

The Pirate Escape Scavenger Hunt will take guests back in time to the Golden Age of Piracy along the Carolina Coastline. Two local historians have designed an immersive experience like no other scavenger hunts currently offered in Charleston. Guests will start at the Powder Magazine where admittance is free as part of the experience. Using the provided packet guests will follow a themed escape of Pirates during the Pirate Siege of Charles Towne in 1718. The hunt will have guests visit sites and locations that were around during the very real pirate siege of 1718 and find items to help "escape." Information and details provided along the route have been vetted and will provide hidden insight that most guests would have difficulty finding on their own. Great for families, friends, solo travelers and corporate groups; this scavenger hunt will provide a budget friendly way to explore Charleston's colonial era on your own time. Join us in taking this Pirate Escape Adventure!

See Charleston from the water, and enjoy a luxurious way to admire the sights, with this private sailing charter. This flexible experience is tailored to your preferences: pick your own departure time, bring aboard a picnic and drinks (or upgrade for gourmet catering), and request a photographer if you want to capture the moment. As you go, circle the Charleston Harbor, see landmarks like Fort Sumter, and enjoy a relaxing ambiance.

Charleston is packed with fun activities, and it can be hard to zero down on which ones to do. This Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park Admission Ticket lets you prebook your time at the exciting outdoor park, and it makes a great day for the whole family. Gain access to the ground school to learn how to navigate the rope course and then take on the Wild Blue Ropes Challenge Course.

This one-hour tour tells the tales of Charleston's most pivotal moments and will have travelers falling in love with the unique culture and beautiful landscapes of this southern city. Your experience begins in the stable opposite Market Street, where you'll interact with horses before riding along in a custom carriage through the landmarks and attractions of this coastal town. The 16-passenger carriages are lighter and more comfortable that most, making them as enjoyable for the horses are they are for travelers!

Travel back to Colonial times aboard a horse-drawn carriage and discover more than 300 years of history on this private, 1-hour tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches and gardens of yesteryear on this narrated tour around historic Charleston. Enjoy the romantic clip-clop sound as this educational adventure winds through the streets and learn about this ‘Holy City’ and its rich history and role in Civil War times. See the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, one of the most historic buildings in America, and much more. Price displayed is per carriage, please select quantity of one (1) during checkout to reserve one carriage. Each carriage can accomodate groups of 1-4 people.

Explore Charleston in an intimate horse-drawn carriage during this private tour. Get personalized attention from your guide while riding through the historic streets of the old walled town.

The trolley ride takes about 35-40 minutes and you'll get to see our many acres and acres of tea bushes. You'll learn more about tea both from our trolley guide as well as our founder, Bill Hall, who narrates a portion of the tour over the bus sound system. The trolley also makes a stop at the greenhouse where everyone departs the trolley and gets to see up close and personal just what it takes to bring new tea bushes into the world. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience