Top Charleston Outdoor Activities

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.

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 Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Leave the guidebook at home, because this fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina's 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.

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 glide past some of the city's historical sights and watch for dolphins in the water. The route varies depending on the sailing conditions. Drinks are available to purchase on board. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.

Get all the thrills of a Charleston ghost tour without any walking on this haunted horse and carriage ride. A horse and carriage takes you down twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways with ease as your guide shares spooky stories from Charleston’s past. Make your way past the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon in the heart of the Holy City.

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.

See the highlights of Charleston in comfort on this guided tour on a climate-controlled minibus. Learn more from your guide’s narration as you ride past must-see Charleston sights such as the Battery, the Citadel, Old City Market, and Hampton Park. Also enjoy spectacular views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse from a distance. The express tour provides an ideal overview for first-time visitors to Charleston.

Learn more about the city of Charleston and its landmark harbor as you cruise through the waters with this sightseeing cruise. Set off on a comfortable pleasure craft and skirt the coastline to take in the skyline and top historic sites like Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Castle Pinckney. Gain a better understanding of the city’s colorful past with live narration during the cruise.

Charleston is such a relaxed city that it’s hard to believe that it’s much busier than the towns along the coast. Take an opportunity to leave the city streets for the shoreline during this private guided tour. You’ll visit the islands of the Charleston peninsula, first stopping at Folly Beach then visiting Sullivan’s Island. Throughout the tour, you’ll stop for photos at two lighthouses, a popular tourist beach, and a historic fort.

Learn all about 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 lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War—leave your guidebook at home, these stories are better.

Embark on a horse-drawn carriage tour through the heart of historic Charleston, one of the most charming cities in the US. Ride along cobblestone streets and take in the antebellum architecture, historic landmarks, and lush gardens. Your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about Charleston’s rich history and Southern culture. This is a charming introduction to this part of Charleston.

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.

Set sail on the Charleston Princess for an unforgettable evening of live music, stunning harbor views, and Southern BBQ. Enjoy a buffet of pulled pork, smoked chicken, mac and cheese, and more—all while local musicians provide the perfect soundtrack. With three spacious decks, open seating, and a lively onboard atmosphere, this cruise is ideal for date nights, group outings, or a laid-back night on the water.

Enjoy a quintessential lowcountry cruise through the salt marshes of one of Charleston’s most scenic rivers where we see multiple dolphin sightings on 99% of our tours! The waters here are calm and less crowded with land always in sight making this private tour more relaxing, intimate, and enjoyable! You will be onboard a 27’ Coast Guard Certified vessel. “Marsh Mama” is designed with an open concept. She has comfortable cushioned seats, and Bluetooth stereo for your enjoyment. Spacious coolers with ice and waters will be provided. You are welcome to bring whatever food and drink you’d like! (BYOB) Your captain will be experienced, knowledgeable, and fun. He will keep you safe, teach you interesting facts, and take great care of you. Your captain has a Masters License. The tour is great for guests of all ages! It is perfect for families, friends, and celebrations! You can even bring your pet! Inquire for group rates for up to 20 guests.

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.

Discover one of America’s most haunted cities and prepare for a scare as you trundle through historic neighborhoods and past Charleston’s most famous supernatural hotspots by horse-drawn carriage. Hear chilling tales about the city’s past inhabitants, some of which still frequent their homes and graves, and pass eerie graveyards, churches and warehouses said to have paranormal activity. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, this activity is a fascinating insight into Charleston’s history.

On this tour, the boat ride through Folly Beach's most pristine marshlands is a must do and an adventure in itself. Along the way, your captain will teach you about our local estuary and the wildlife that inhabit it. You will get to see many variety of birds and other sea creatures including our resident bottlenose dolphins! Once at Morris you will be able to enjoy the island, look for various sea shells that scatter the area, and take in the stunning views of the historic lighthouse! You will get to explore the barrier island for approximately 1 hour before getting back on the boat. This tour can be enjoyed by the whole family and is the ultimate saltwater experience in Charleston! (This is not a fossil hunting trip - if you are interested in shark teeth, contact us directly!)

Discover a side of the Charleston region that few other visitors get to experience when you visit Wadmalaw Island's Charleston Tea Garden. Hop aboard a trolley bus and head into the fields where hundreds of tea plants grow. As you go, learn insider stories about how tea leaves are transformed into your favorite drink. Finally, enjoy a tea tasting and stop off at the gift shop before the tour's end.

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor for over 12 years, our sailing yachts are the highest quality and operated by two professional crew to give you the best experience possible. Standard 2 hour charters are private, only you and the guests in your party will be on board. Additional hours can be added by request. We depart from the safe Harbor City Marina downtown Charleston and sail out towards fort Sumter or the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge, past the battery and the historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. We always point out the bottlenose dolphins that we see and try to get as close as we can for your viewing pleasure. Great for children and adults alike, we have plenty of shade, two bathrooms and soft drinks refreshments are included. We strive to provide the best customer service giving our guests the finest sailing experience available in Charleston.

Embark on a delightful journey through the heart of Charleston with our exclusive private horse and carriage tour. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, this personalized experience invites you to explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture at a leisurely pace. As you settle into the cozy carriage, your certified guide will share captivating stories about Charleston’s storied past, from its colonial beginnings to its vibrant present. This Charleston horse and carriage tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself into Charleston’s vibrant culture. Begin your private tour of Charleston at the Big Red Barn, just one block off of Market Street in the heart of downtown. Our private horse and carriage tour is the ideal way to create lasting memories in this historic city. The tour concludes back at Palmetto Carriage Works' Big Red Barn. Please select (1) during checkout for the group pricing per carriage. Each carriage can accommodate 1-4 people per group.

Make your way to the leaderboard as you score points along this Charleston Chucktown Crusade scavenger hunt. You make your way through the city at your own pace, without having to follow a guide or join a large tour group. If you need assistance, you can always ask your remote interactive live guide. Learn all about Charleston while having a blast at the same time.

Experience the top-rated escape rooms in Charleston with our "Serial Killer" game, a 60-minute immersive adventure in the house of Chainsaw Chuck. Navigate through multiple rooms filled with unique puzzles and hidden clues, challenging you and your friends with adrenaline-pumping excitement and suspense. Whether you escape or not, this thrilling experience will leave you with lasting memories. Book your adventure and see if you can outsmart Chainsaw Chuck, or fall victim to his sadistic games.

Discover the art, history, and culture of Charleston in a fun, interactive private scavenger hunt focused on the city’s national treasures. Download the app, choose your roles, then head out with your team to answer trivia and solve challenges while learning new facts along the way.