Top South Carolina Half-day Tours

Skip the tourist traps and lose yourself in the flavors of true Charleston cuisine. Taste local delicacies like classic Carolina-style BBQ, historic She-Crab soup, and famous fried green tomatoes and, as with all of our tours, you'll also indulge in our decadent Secret Dish, which just might make you leave singing a happy song! Your local guide will steer you toward the very best spots to enjoy these classic Southern dishes.

Visit Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens on this 4.5-hour tour from Charleston, South Carolina. One of the oldest working plantations in the United States, Boone Hall was founded in 1681 and still grows crops. During your tour led by a guide in period costume, you'll see the plantation's slave quarters and learn about its history and modern-day use. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking. Enjoy a personalized experience on this small-group tour of just 15 people.

Magnolia Plantation sits well outside Charleston, which puts it out of reach without a car. This half-day tour includes round-trip transfers from the Charleston Visitor Center, and a guide who walks you through the plantation house on arrival. Choose either the nature train ride through the gardens or the boat trip along the Ashley River to finish.

No one knows more about modern Greenville than we do. We constantly read business magazines, website, and newspapers to here about the latest development. If you are moving here, we can answer nearly anything for you. Beyond that, if you have a very complicated question, we will research it before your tour and give you the information. Finally, this tour is fully customizable. We can visit any of the surrounding towns near Greenville, SC, all the way out to the Spartanburg area. We'll change your tour on the fly for you. Manners are also something you can expect from your tour. We'll check with you multiple times during the tour to make sure you are still enjoying it. Finally, our group has worked with other tours in the area for many years. This business is new, but we've done thousands of other tours under other employers in the area. We have the skills you need. Give us a chance.

Remote Daufuskie Island is accessible only by boat and remains largely undeveloped, despite its fame as the setting of Pat Conroy’s novel “The Water is Wide.” A guided tour makes the trip a cinch—this package includes round-trip boat tickets, plus transportation between island attractions such as the First African Baptist Church and Mary Fields School, all visited with the benefit of commentary from your guide.

Pickup and drop-off from downtown Charleston, South Carolina make it easy to tour Magnolia Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the South. This 4-in-1 tour includes a narrated drive out to the plantation, a walking tour of the garden, tram tour through the property, and tour of the house itself, providing incredible value.

Hear all about Charleston, South Carolina and its storied past with a Ph.D historian for a guide on this walking tour. Walk the city streets as part of a small group, seeing popular local attractions like the French Quarter, St. Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theater, Fort Sumter National Monument, and lots more.

Discover Charleston, South Carolina with the help of a local to guide you around town and share fun facts about the city’s storied past and vibrant present on this private tour. See popular attractions as well as hidden gems you might have missed without your guide to show you. Get around Charleston in a comfortable, air-conditioned car with hotel pickup included, and save your energy for sightseeing.

Let a true local guide you to one of the best fossil hunting sites in the Lowcountry! Before you set off on your hunt, I'll share my knowledge of the area and some pro tips on getting the most out of your excursion. You're sure to enjoy your experience finding one-of-a-kind treasures on this the beautiful barrier island. Since this experience requires a good bit of walking, it is recommended to pack as light as you can while still bringing everything you will need for the trip. I suggest a backpack big enough to hold water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. *There is a 2-person minimum required for this trip.

Discover the enchanting Vanishing Island on this 3-hour cruise from Hilton Head. This unique sandbar, which appears only at low tide, invites beachcombers and dolphin watchers alike to explore its pristine shores. Enjoy the thrill of spotting dolphins in their natural habitat while collecting shells and observing diverse marine life. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, this adventure promises a memorable experience in a stunning coastal environment. - 3-hour cruise to the Vanishing Island sandbar - Ideal for families and nature lovers seeking adventure - Opportunity to spot dolphins and collect shells - Explore a unique marine environment at low tide

Walk on the beach and enjoy beachcombing on this three hour boat trip that accommodates up to 6 guests for an amazing view of Charleston’s skyline by water! Join us for a spectacular Tour of the City of Charleston from the water and find fossilized teeth from the largest shark to ever live, dating back 3.6 to 23 million years ago! Sightsee from our 21 ft center console “Scout” with shade from the bimini T-top and a cuddy cabin with a marine head on a private charter in Charleston for an exciting cruise with your crew. Bring your favorite food and beverages (BYOB) and a small cooler. We will provide a cooler with ice and bottled water! A great getaway at the beach for friends, family, and your crew for quality time and a sharks tooth treasure hunt on the water in Charleston! Finding these teeth can provide insights into the marine ecosystems that existed millions of years ago in the Charleston area. Let’s go explore!

The Holiday Festival of Lights fills James Island County Park with more than 700 displays and 2 million lights. Arrive by round-trip transfer from Charleston Visitor Center and take in the festival at your own pace. Pick up holiday treats, take little ones to meet Santa, ride the Festival Express train or join a reindeer-making workshop.

This walking tour and interactive lunch combo provides a two-in-one experience in Charleston. With a celebrated local chef, Forrest Parker, you'll start with a 1.5-hour historical walking tour about the influences of Lowcountry food in the city of Charleston. Then watch a cooking demonstration from Parker before enjoying lunch paired with wine.

Explore one of the most popular plantations in the Charleston area with ease on this half-day guided tour of Middleton Plantation with a small group. Enjoy convenient pickup from your hotel and a brief driving tour of Charleston’s Old and Historic District on the way. While the entrance fee is not included, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a guide who knows the plantation well as you walk around the estate.

Start the morning with a ride through a scenic tunnel of trees on this guided group ride from our shop at Hampton Station to the charming town of Travelers Rest. Stretch your legs on the 8-mile ride to a ‘must visit’ brunch destination where we will enjoy some local favorites. Then follow your guide on a leisurely ride through Furman University’s picturesque campus before returning to vibrant Hampton Station.

Say good morning to Greenville, SC! Our premium tour spans 3 - 3 1/2 hours, covering approximately 17 miles of picturesque riding on both the Swamp Rabbit Trail and the charming city streets. Your journey will be guided by our experienced tour guides who craft a route that weaves through the heart of our proud city, revealing how quiet natural beauty meets vibrant city bustle. Equipped with state-of-the-art SENA Bluetooth helmets, you'll stay seamlessly connected with your guide throughout the journey. Marvel at the fascinating stories and historical anecdotes that bring each stop to life. Our guides are not just leaders; they're storytellers, weaving together the past and present of Greenville in a captivating narrative. With semi-frequent stops, Instagram-able photo ops, public art, and some nibbly treats from local restaurants, this is a gorgeous way to experience the parks and beauty of downtown Greenville on the ease of premium electric bikes.

Spend the day outside of Charleston and discover the trees, tea, and wines of Wadmalaw Island. Travel by luxury minivan and admire the island’s majestic trees at Angel Oak Park before enjoying a trolley tour and unlimited tea at Charleston Tea Garden. Finally, explore the vineyards and enjoy wine tasting at Deep Water Vineyard.

Step into one of America’s last old-growth forests and explore Congaree National Park at your own pace. Walk shaded boardwalk trails surrounded by giant trees, hanging vines, and wildlife calls that fill the air. The audio guide shares stories about the park’s history, swamp ecosystem, and the people who once lived and worked here. Start your tour from the visitor center and follow the boardwalk or take side trails to see Weston Lake, Bluff Trail, and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center area. Stop to listen to frogs, birds, and the flowing Congaree River. Use GPS directions that work offline, follow local tips, and revisit anytime with lifetime access. Download the tour, bring water, and enjoy a peaceful walk through one of the South’s most beautiful and wild landscapes—your time, your path, your adventure. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Getting to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is difficult without a car. Don't worry about hiring a vehicle or booking a taxi with this bus tour. Skip the hassle of parking at this event and spend more time admiring the festive lights. Keep your energy levels up with included snacks and light refreshments. Perfect for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.

As we make our way through the creeks to Morris Island, you will have the opportunity to see dolphins and wading birds in the marsh and oyster beds. We will land on the south end of Morris Island, near the Lighthouse, where you will have 90 minutes to walk the beach on your own to look for shells, shark teeth and fossils. As we make our way back to the dock, you will likely see dolphins as the inlet behind the island is one of their favorite places to hang out.

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.

Explore America’s oldest public gardens and discover romantic-style landscape designs during this private Magnolia Plantation and Gardens tour with transportation. Stroll historic pathways to admire vast collections of blooming camellias and azaleas while learning about the rich history and botanical heritage of this historic site. Guided commentary and round-trip transport make exploring these expansive grounds effortless and deeply engaging.

The Bulls Island Ferry offers a beautiful 30-minute boat ride to explore the stunning Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Onboard, naturalists share insights about local wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and over 293 bird species. Once on the island, wander through miles of trails leading to serene beaches and unique sites like Boneyard Beach. This tour is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts eager to connect with South Carolina’s wildlife and ecosystems. Plan for a day of adventure with well-trained guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. - Enjoy a scenic ferry ride with naturalists guiding your journey - Explore miles of trails and beautiful beaches on Bulls Island - Ideal for families and wildlife lovers of all ages - Available Tuesday through Saturday from March to November and Saturdays December to March

The audio guide is a convenient mobile companion for a self-guided walk through Charleston. The tour is designed specifically for getting to know the city in a short time (2–2.5 hours). Follow the route on the in-app map to walk from Washington Square to the Charleston City Market, passing the city’s main landmarks. You will definitely see: The Four Corners of Law, Rainbow Row, The Nathaniel Russell House Museum, The Williams Mansion, The French Huguenot Church. The tour includes 25 interesting stops. All stories are written by professional journalists and historians, with a touch of humor and a love of travel. After you download the tour, the app works offline. You can always hear the audio guide clearly through your headphones. Enjoy fascinating stories and legends as you move at your own pace, with no need to follow a tour group. You can stop at any time to rest in a café or turn down a picturesque alley, and then continue your walk around the city later.