Charleston Activities & Things to Do: Outdoor Attractions, Harbor Cruises & City Tours

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Downtown Charleston
This historic part of the city is perhaps the most popular. Just a few of the most notable attractions that you may want to see during your trip include places such as the historical Fort Sumter and The Battery. Visitors will also be able to picnic at Waterfront Park or grab a bite to eat at the Historic Charleston City Market or the farmers market after visiting all the marine life at the South Carolina Aquarium or another interesting Charleston museum. The downtown area of Charleston is brimming with an array of activities and fun attractions. Be sure to also see the beauty along the Charleston Harbor in this historic district.

Historic Tours
For history buffs, there really is no better place to visit than Charletson, SC. Here, visitors can explore the Civil War era through real historic sites. Visit places such as the Magnolia Plantation, Fort Moultrie, Boone Hall Plantation, and the French Quarter. There are also famous homes located throughout the city including those of North Charleston and places such as the Nathaniel Russell House, Edmondston-Alston House, Joseph Manigault House, Heyward-Washington House, Aiken-Rhett House, and various plantation mansions including that of a Charleston Tea Plantation.

Sightseeing Tours
There are also many awesome ways to see the city. Explore the cobblestone streets on a horse-drawn carriage tour such as Charleston Carriage Tour of Antebellum Mansions, Churches & Gardens, which showcases the best of the best in this holy city. Guests can even embark upon fun culinary endeavors such as Charleston Culinary Tours to explore the unique flavors and cuisine of the city or embark upon the Charleston Old Walled City Walking Tour to enjoy some amazing fun and sightseeing opportunities.

Attractions
There are so many awesome things to see and do in Charleston, SC! The South Carolina Aquarium allows visitors of all ages to get to know marine life in a brand new way. Educate yourself about these creatures through various exhibits including hands-on interactive displays. Guests will also have a blast visiting places such as the Children’s Museum, or even go shopping at one of the amazing shopping malls and venues located within the city and along historic district areas such as King Street or the beautiful Mount Pleasant or White Point Gardens.

The things to do in Charleston, SC are practically unlimited! Experience a historic adventure at one of the many historic homes, plantations or Fort Sumter National Monument, visit the cobblestone street landscape and explore some of the lowcountry areas. Visit Charleston for an amazing time during your next vacation. There is so much fun to be had in this gorgeous and entertaining Southern city!  

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Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting    
The Charleston Water Taxi is a scenic way to get around town with your family and friends. If you're visiting Charleston for the first time, this is one of those things that should be a great addition to your getaway! See some of the best sights while enjoying a marvelous view on this brilliant cruise.
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Charleston Historical Walking Tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel    
Are you looking for a fun and educational way to explore the rich history of Charleston, South Carolina? Look no further than this historical walking tour with a professor of history at The Citadel. Led by an experienced historian, you will learn about the city's past while taking in its many sights and sounds. Discover how Charleston has evolved and gain insight into its unique culture. Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of America's most beautiful cities! Are you looking for a unique way to explore the history of Charleston? Join us on a walking tour led by a professor of history from The Citadel! Get an insider's look at the city and uncover the secrets behind its long and fascinating past. From its colonial roots to the modern day, you'll gain an appreciation for all that Charleston has to offer.
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The newest addition to the Historic Charleston Foundation’s family of sites, Middleton Place offers visitors a glimpse into Southern history as it was lived for two centuries. Located on an 18th-century rice plantation, the house tour of one mile is narrated by three generations of present-day Middleton descendants and winds through over 100 acres of gardens. Highlights include a magnificent oak-lined drive, formal gardens with boxwoods and topiary, a one-mile nature trail, and the indigo vat. Middleton Place has been featured in more than 100 national magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and New Yorker magazine; the cover of the Smithsonian magazine; been studied by universities across the country. Charleston Plantation Tour - Middleton Place Plantation is one of the most popular tours in Charleston, drawing thousands of people each year.
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Experience Charleston Harbor like never before on a Schooner. Our comfortable, spacious vessel takes you sailing up and down Charleston Harbor. Hear the sounds of coastal wildlife through our outdoor decks as you enjoy the sun and sea breezes. We take you to undiscovered vantage points where sailors anchor with the dolphins. Spend a beautiful afternoon exploring our rich waters. Our Charleston Harbor Schooner offers a special treat for those wanting to experience the history, beauty and culture of Charleston. We will sail up and down our beautiful harbor to give you a beautiful panoramic view. We offer a variety of tours that involve different levels of sailing, docking, or walking. You will have a great time at the same time learning about our Charleston Harbor and all its history. Dolphin Cruise $85 per person (Please note: The price listed above is for three people) This tour takes you to see the marine life that gives Charleston Harbor its nickname "Dolphin Capital".
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The Wadmalaw Adventure, offered by the Wadmalaw Island Foundation, is a delightful way to learn about the amazing wildlife and scenery of Wadmalaw Island. The tour is designed for all ages and abilities but there are some physical requirements for this particular excursion. The tour begins promptly at 1:00 p.m. from our meeting spot at Uncle Tony's Marina in Haddrellville, South Carolina where we board one of two custom made pontoon boats for a leisurely paddle through the backcountry waters of this beautiful island. The backcountry waters of this island are brackish and teeming with life including oysters, fish, alligators, deer, and more than 350 species of birds. Our guide is a true lover of nature who is proud to share the natural heritage of Wadmalaw Island. He will tell tales of the proud early Native American settlers, the Scottish plantation owners and their slaves who occupied this same land over 300 hundred years ago and provide an overview to what you may encounter along our tour.
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Have you ever dreamed of exploring the rich history, culture, and landscapes of the Lowcountry? Now you can do it all in one fantastic half-day tour! Throughout this exciting adventure, you'll visit four plantations and learn about their architecture, stories, and lifestyles. Come along for a journey into the heart of southern hospitality and see what life was like back in colonial times! Have you ever wanted to explore the rich history and culture of the Lowcountry but needed more time? Well, now you can! On this 1/2 day tour, you'll get the chance to visit four iconic plantations and learn about their fascinating histories. From discovering how they were used during the Civil War to learning about their role in the cotton trade, this tour will surely be an unforgettable experience. So don't wait – book your plantation extravaganza today!
Available 54 days between Dec 6 & Nov 24
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Dessert with Death in Charleston Dessert with Death in Charleston is a culinary walking tour showcasing some of the most delicious desserts found at family-owned and operated establishments on King Street, one of America's oldest streets. Visit bakeries, ice cream shops, and renowned restaurants to learn how their desserts are made and what makes them unique. Throughout the tour, taste samples of desserts such as hand-scooped ice cream and homemade jellies, fudge, and cookies. Learn how to make simple Charleston desserts such as Peaches Nutmeg Cake or Chilled Blue Ridge Pudding while listening to stories about the city and its food. After completing the Dessert with Death walking tour, you can choose your favorite dessert spots for future visits. Most of the desserts on this tour can be eaten with a fork (no dishes to wash!) – great for lazy vacationing couples and families. Accessible to all ages, it is a walking tour that is not strenuous and will provide ample opportunities to shop on King Street.
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Charleston Self-Guided Audio Tour This self-guided audio tour of Charleston is the perfect way to explore this picturesque city. The tour covers over 12 miles, taking in iconic landmarks such as St Michael's Church, City Hall and Battery Park. Along the way, one will learn about the history and culture of Charleston from an expert local guide, who provides fascinating insights into each place. One will also be able to meander through the charming cobblestone streets and explore the city's many shops, restaurants and galleries. With the tour lasting around two hours, it's an ideal way to experience Charleston's unique charm. Join this immersive audio tour today for a one-of-a-kind journey that someone won't forget.
Available 363 days between Now & Nov 30
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The Charleston Harbor Guided Cruise is a trip to remember! On this cruise, visitors will be able to explore Charleston Harbor and some of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. See places like Fort Sumter, the Jetties, and Castle Pickney on this adventure.
Available 360 days between Dec 5 & Nov 30
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In this post, we'll teach readers how to create their very own custom perfume or cologne in Charleston. You'll need these ingredients: 1-3 drops of essential oil, alcohol, and water. Mix one drop of each essential oil for a light scent and two for a more powerful fragrance. The type of alcohol depends on the number of oils you're working with - typically, mixers like vodka or rum will work just as well as an expensive gin tonic. You'll also need an atomizer or spray bottle. If you want to create something less conventional, you can experiment with the amount of water and alcohol your body can handle. For example, 10% alcohol and 90% water gives a light scent and 15% alcohol gives a heavy scent.
Available 362 days between Dec 5 & Nov 30
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