How to Spend 2 Days in Charleston
Historic mansions, fragrant gardens, Low Country cuisine, and Southern charm—you’ll find it all in the Holy City. With two days to spend in Charleston, you’ll have time to explore the historic streets, tour antebellum mansions, and treat your tastebuds to local flavors. Read on for tips on how to spend your two days in Charleston.
Day 1: City Sightseeing
Morning: Start your day with an orientation in Charleston’s historic district the old-fashioned way, by horse-drawn carriage. As you clop along the cobbled streets, you’ll pass historic mansions, churches, and gardens while learning more about the city’s rich history (including its role in the Civil War).
Afternoon: Now that you’ve explored Charleston on land, it’s time to see the city from the water aboard a harbor cruise. As you sail through Charleston Harbor, beneath bridges, and along the Cooper River, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins. Most tours offer narration on what you’re seeing.
Night: After a day of sightseeing, treat your tastebuds to some hearty Low Country cuisine. Book a table at one of the many trendy restaurants in the Historic District, or join a local foodie for a food walking tour of Downtown Charleston or Upper King Street.
Day 2: Step Back in Time
Morning: Start your journey back in time with a morning visit to one of Charleston’s many historic antebellum plantations. Relive Gone with the Wind at Boone Hall, walk among the majestic oaks of Drayton Hall, stroll through the gardens of Magnolia Plantation, or learn about one of Charleston’s most influential families at Middleton Place.
Afternoon: The Civil War began in Charleston on the grounds of Fort Sumter, today a national monument accessible only by boat. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic site to learn more about Charleston’s key role in the Civil War.
Night: Charleston has lived through its fare share of tragedy, and tonight is your chance to uncover its darker side during an evening ghost tour. Learn about the restless spirits of the old city, and walk the overgrown grounds of the notoriously haunted Unitarian Church Graveyard.
23 Tours and Activities
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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
3545
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.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour of French Quarter & City Market
626
The 2.5-hour Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour visits four different food establishments and combines elements of a historical tour with a culinary adventure! Learn about Charleston's history as you enjoy tastings of traditional favorites and contemporary innovations, all of which highlight the cuisine of locally-owned restaurants. Insight into Lowcountry cuisine accompanies the broad range of samples on your food tour. This is our original tour around the French Quarter and City Market and focuses on the traditional flavors of the region.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston
263
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.
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From
$70.77
From
$70.77
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
898
Uncover Charleston’s darkest secrets on an evening ghost and cemetery tour. Stroll through the atmospheric heart of the old city while an entertaining local guide regales you with tales of the dark deeds, restless spirits and supernatural phenomena that make Charleston one of the most haunted cities in America. Get exclusive after-hour access to the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard, where an overgrown southern garden surrounds historic plots said to be haunted by wandering ghosts.
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From
$35.00
From
$35.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
1357
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.
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From
$36.35
From
$36.35
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston
771
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.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Middleton Place All-Access Admission & Guided Tour with Lunch from Charleston
137
Middleton Place is one of the most popular plantations in the Charleston area, but getting there can be tricky without a private car. This tour makes it easy by including transportation from downtown Charleston aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned van, plus a guided tour of the house upon arrival. A 3-course lunch is also included for a taste of Lowcountry cuisine.
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From
$120.90
From
$120.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Boone Hall Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston
124
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.
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From
$60.50
From
$60.50
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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Charleston's Upper King Street Culinary Tour
148
This 2.5-hour tour offers insight into Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood (named as one of the top 10 food neighborhoods in America), showcasing four of Charleston's culinary innovators who exemplify cooking in the New South.
The Upper King Street district has emerged as an area with tremendous energy; showcasing culinary innovation, experimental design, and exuberant nightlife. The restaurants featured on the food tour are trailblazers in Charleston's culinary scene, edgy and innovative, with tremendous passion for their craft. This Upper King Street tour is designed to show off the modern and eclectic side of the Lowcountry while providing insight into Charleston's ever-changing culinary scene.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour
503
Peek into Charleston’s shadowy history with a chilling nighttime walking tour of the city’s most eerie sites! Wind through the dark corridors of the Historic District and hear spooky tales of graveyard hauntings, voodoo and botched burials from your local guide. Pass by infamous locations with grisly histories and wander through the Charleston’s oldest cemetery after hours.
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From
$39.50
From
$39.50
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Night-Time Walking Tour
211
Explore the darker side of Charleston with an evening walking tour of the city’s most eerie sites! Wind through the Historic District’s dark corridors and graveyards, and hear spooky tales of ghosts, voodoo, local superstition and famous haunted spaces from your local guide. Cap off the tour with a chilling visit to the Provost Dungeon, a pre-Revolutionary dungeon steeped in grisly history.
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From
$37.00
From
$37.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More
239
Experience the charm and beauty of Charleston on a morning or afternoon walking tour. With an entertaining guide, take a leisurely stroll through the city’s Historic District, passing antebellum mansions, hidden gardens, historic churches and graveyards, as well as famous sites like Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, and the Waterfront Battery. Along the way, learn about Charleston’s rich history and contemporary culture.
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From
$39.50
From
$39.50
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
276
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.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Evening Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Downtown Charleston
106
Discover downtown Charleston on a Southern-style carriage ride that passes through the Commercial District and Waterfront Park. Learn about the history, architecture, and people of this old South Carolina city throughout the tour.
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From
$40.00
From
$40.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
1383
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.
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From
$49.95
From
$49.95
Private Daytime or Evening Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Historic Charleston
112
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.
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From
$265.00
per group
From
$265.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour
371
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.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
660
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.
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From
$54.00
From
$54.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Charleston History Sightseeing Bus Tour with Joseph Manigault House Option
202
Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided sightseeing tour. Visit a plethora landmarks including Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; 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. Upgrade option available to include a tour of the famous Joseph Manigault House, one of Charleston's most exquisite antebellum structures.
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From
$37.97
From
$37.97
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Charleston Land & Sea Combo: Historical Sightseeing Bus Tour with Harbor Cruise
21
On this historical Charleston tour, journey back in time as your guide reveals the beauty and charm of one of America's most historic cities. Learn about the history of Charleston and discover its pivotal role in American history with visits to more than 100 points of interest including Rainbow Row, Colonial Lake, the Old Exchange Building and Whitepoint Gardens. This tour combines a 90 minute Historic City Tour with a 90 minute narrated, non-stop Harbor Tour. The harbor tour may be taken in conjunction with the city tour or you may choose to split them up and take them on separate days.
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From
$48.00
From
$48.00
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
379
An air-conditioned sightseeing bus offers a refreshing Charleston Sightseeing Tour for summertime visitors trying to escape the heat or those with limited mobility. Roll by popular "Holy City" sights like Rainbow Row, the Battery, White Point Gardens, Nathaniel Russell House, and St. Michael's Church from wide viewing windows while your guide informs and entertains with stories from Charleston's rich past.
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From
$39.00
From
$39.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Charleston City Walking Tour with Edmondston-Alston House Admission
4
This Charleston walking tour not only takes you to top sights around downtown Charleston such as the Battery and South of Broad Street, but also includes access to the Edmondston-Alston House, a gorgeous 19th century home with unobstructed views of the Charleston Harbor. After learning about Charleston history on a guided walking tour, visit the house for a peek inside the lives of Charleston’s elite class—and an unforgettable view.
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From
$50.00
From
$50.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Drayton Hall Plantation Admission Ticket in Charleston
47
One of the most popular plantations in the Charleston Area, Drayton Hall is a top choice among visitors—and tickets can go fast. Guarantee entry by booking ahead, and then visit on your own schedule without having to adhere to a tour. This all-access admission ticket includes a narrated home tour, as well as access to the historic grounds, the Gates Gallery, and an interactive educational program.
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From
$23.98
From
$23.98
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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