Top Charleston 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.

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.

Explore the enchanting Magnolia Plantation, a gem in the heart of the Lowcountry. This tour takes you to the historic estate, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Magnolia House, rich in Southern heritage. With options for a Nature Train Tour through beautiful gardens or a Wildlife Boat Tour on the Ashley River, there's something for everyone. Unwind on six miles of picturesque trails, wander through the Audubon Swamp Garden, and learn about the fascinating history of the plantation. A perfect day out for nature lovers and history buffs alike. - Round-trip transport from Charleston Visitor Center in luxury minibuses - Guided tour of the Magnolia Plantation House and exclusive Nature Train or Boat Tour - Discover six miles of scenic walking and biking trails and the Wildlife Center - Immerse yourself in the history of the plantation dating back to 1676

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.

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.

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided walking tour. Visit points of interest including Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina's most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, and many more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A combination of two of the historic museums in Charleston. The Aiken-Rhett House offers an intimate, visceral encounter with the human stories and social structures that shaped the city, while the Charleston Museum provides a broader, comprehensive understanding of its pivotal role in American history. Together, they offer a nuanced and unforgettable perspective that will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable city. The museum is a great way to immerse yourself in all things Charleston. It is just half a block from the Aiken-Rhett House and just across the street from the Charleston Visitors Center. The tour is expected to last approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes in total.

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 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.

Discover southern hospitality on our Charleston Brunch Food Tour in the vibrant Upper King Street district! Starting near the historic William Aiken House, we kick off the morning with a buttery, handmade Hot Little Biscuit. As we stroll toward Marion Square, we dive into the soul of Lowcountry cooking with crunchy Fried Green Tomatoes. Walking through the Mazyck-Boragard neighborhood, we'll savor a sweet and savory Croffle with Fried Chicken and local honey. We also indulge in creamy Shrimp & Grits and Pimento Cheese, the 'Caviar of the South.' Before ending near the Aiken-Rhett House Museum, we reveal our incredible Secret Dish—a warm, nostalgic delicacy with a unique local twist!

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.

Visit the historic Middleton Place on a convenient half-day trip from Charleston with the only tour operator to offer this tour. Enjoy comfortable transit in a luxury van with a small group, a Southern lunch at Middleton Place Restaurant, and guided tours including the Beyond the Fields and garden tours of the remarkable plantation. There’s time for shopping and to see additional sights before returning to Charleston.

Discover the captivating beauty and history of South Carolina's Lowcountry on this scenic day tour from Charleston. Begin your adventure at the Angel Oak Tree, one of the oldest living oaks in the U.S., where you can appreciate its grandeur and learn about its rich past. Next, explore the Charleston Tea Garden, North America's only tea plantation, with a trolley ride through its lush fields and a tasting of its locally grown tea. Finally, relax at Deep Water Vineyard, sampling handcrafted wines amidst stunning landscapes. - Visit the iconic Angel Oak Tree and learn about its history - Enjoy a trolley tour and tea tasting at Charleston Tea Garden - Sample wines at Deep Water Vineyard while enjoying the scenic views - Perfect for couples, families, and small groups looking for a memorable escape

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.

Discover local food and learn about the city and its history from a local Charlestonian on this private guided tour. Learn about Southern foods such as grits, fried oysters, and fried green tomatoes and the culture behind them, including how the African slave trade introduced ingredients to the local diet. This private tour provides a more intimate, personalized experience.

Go behind the scenes of the Netflix series "Outer Banks" on a filming locations tour in Charleston. Meet your guide, who was a background actor during the show, for a private behind-the-scenes tour. Hear stories about the cast and crew of "Outer Banks: as you visit locations seen in the series. Learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Charleston during the tour as well.

Enjoy a time-saving way to explore one of the country’s most historic cities on this sightseeing bus tour of Charleston, South Carolina. Visit Rainbow Row, the longest stretch of Georgian row houses in the United States; the Old Exchange Building; White Point Garden, in the heart of the city's historic district; and more. You can also upgrade to include admission to the Joseph Manigault House or the Charleston Museum.

Visiting both Middleton Place Plantation and Drayton Hall on the same tour offers travelers a richer and more complete perspective of Charleston’s history and heritage. Though located close to one another along the Ashley River, each site tells a very different story. Middleton Place is renowned for its breathtaking landscaped gardens, living history demonstrations, and preserved grounds that highlight the lifestyle and agricultural achievements of one of colonial America’s most influential families. In contrast, Drayton Hall is celebrated for its architectural purity as the finest example of Palladian design in the United States, preserved in its original 18th-century state without modern alterations. Together, these plantations allow visitors to experience both artistic beauty and architectural grandeur, while also engaging with the deeper historical narratives of the Low country, including the lives of the enslaved who made these estates possible.

Experience Charleston’s Festival of Lights the intimate way without crowded buses or big group tours. Chicora Tours provides a cozy small group journey with a maximum of twelve guests in a clean, spacious, and comfortable tour van with festive ambiance and holiday music. Enjoy hot chocolate and personal service as we explore millions of sparkling lights and magical displays. Avoid the hassle of parking and large tour groups. Our experience is relaxed, friendly, and perfect for couples, families, and friends seeking something truly special. Celebrate Charleston’s most enchanting holiday tradition in comfort and style. Please note that this experience also includes about 2 hours of free time to explore the park, roast marshmallows, explore Santa’s village or ride the Christmas light train. A moderate amount of walking is required.