Take a Day Trip to Charleston

For a fun day trip, travel to the beautiful area of Charleston, South Carolina. Watch as horse and carriages gallop by along the cobblestone streets and palm trees while you sip some of the best sweet tea in the South. Below you'll find a list of many different things you can enjoy on a quick trip to Charleston. Be sure to check out the Old Town Carriage Tour, where a horse drawn carriage allows you to experience the charming storied city up close, and stop by the historic open-air market where you'll find all kinds of original artwork, hand-woven low country baskets and much more.

Shopping at Charleston's Historic Covered Open-Air Market

Spend your last hour visiting the Market and see the charm of where the original settlers purchased their daily needs. Take home a remembrance ranging from hand-woven Low country baskets to one-of-a-kind artwork or a souvenir. There is something for everyone! Today when visiting Charleston, the City Market is a must to see. There are a total of four buildings spanning from Meeting Street to East Bay Street. An assortment of wares is sold by hundreds of vendors. Merchandise is first quality. Sweet grass basket weavers can be seen in every building, along with, local artists, jewelry, tapestry, souvenirs, church dolls, afghans, rugs, rice, beans and sauces, local candies and cookies and much more. The horse and carriages gallop by with people from all over the world, restaurants line both North and South Market street.

The land, on which the market sits, was donated by a wealthy Charleston family in the early 1800s. The main building, Market Hall, was erected in 1841. Modeled after a Greek temple, the building houses the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. Behind Market Hall, four open-air buildings span from Meeting Street to East Bay Street, near the waterfront. The market originally sold foodstuffs, including meat, fish and fresh produce grown locally. Today, the market is filled with vendors selling local art, food, books, baskets, clothing and souvenirs.

Haunted Jail Tour

The Haunted Jail Tour offers guests exclusive access to the Old City Jail, Charleston's most haunted building. Explore the gloomy cells which once housed pirates, Civil war prisoners, and serial killers and learn about the thousands of people who died in the structure during its 139 year history. Charleston's worst criminals lived and died in the Old City Jail and many are rumored to still lurk within the halls today. Take this behind the scenes tour, if you dare, and discover for yourself the truth behind the ghostly tales. Tour lasts 45 minutes and start at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night.

You can purchase tickets for this tour at 40 North Market Street.
Adults: $18.00
Children: $10.00 (7-12)

South Carolina Aquarium

Come to the South Carolina Aquarium to get an overview of the animals found in Charleston's waterways. You will encounter thousands of fascinating creatures including otters, snakes, jellyfish, alligators, turtles, free-flying birds, sharks, and many other species of fish. After your visit, board the Palmetto, a 45 ft. USCG certified catamaran. Take pleasure in being in the midst of a maritime forest while walking down a salt-marsh creek or two (depending on the tide). Sneak up-close views of wading and shore birds, such as Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Eastern Brown Pelicans, and Least Terns, in their natural habitat. A naturalist will discuss the habitats of the abundant wildlife as seen in Charleston's harbor estuaries. You will sure to be refreshed after spending an afternoon in the salty air and discovering where the wild things live.

Boone Hall Plantation

A National Historic Site and one of America's oldest working plantations, Boone Hall Plantation offers a glimpse of Charleston's storied past. Drive down the world-renowned Avenue of Oaks onto the 738-acre plantation to see the historic brick slave cabins, a smoke house and a cotton gin. Costumed hostesses will greet you at the mansion and provide guided tours of the first floor. Take pleasure antique roses, camellias and other native South Carolina plants.

In 1743, the son of Major John Boone planted live oak trees, arranging them in two evenly spaced rows. This spectacular approach to his home symbolizes Southern heritage and will take root in your memory for many years to come. It would take two centuries for the massive, moss-draped branches to meet overhead, forming today's natural corridor and a scene that will overflow your camera before you even get started.

From the original slave cabins to the butterfly gardens, Boone Hall Plantation is a tour that will reveal to you a true sense of Southern elegance, strife, charm and beauty. Be sure your camera has plenty of film or memory. This is going to be an unforgettable tour – one you'll want in your photo album to enjoy forever.

Harbor Boat Tour

Board the ‘Carolina Belle' at the Charleston Maritime Center for a 90 minute, non-stop "Harbor of History Tour" live-narrated by the Captain. You'll see the forts that shaped our history such as Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and Fort Johnson. Take in breathtaking views of the "Holy City" and experience 75 points of interest including the USS Yorktown and the Battery. A delicious Deli-Style Boxed Lunch will be served.

Touring Charleston aboard the "Carolina Belle" offers you the absolute joy of being on the breezy waters while relaxing in comfort on the observation deck of Charleston Harbor Tours newest vessel. Our professional USCG licensed captain narrates the rich history; local points of interest and facts about Charleston Harbor. The 90-minute non-stop Harbor of History Tour captures the history of the Holy City from a unique perspective.

You'll see the white steeple of St. Michael's Episcopal Church which was saved from destruction during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars because it was painted black so as not to be an easy target; and the stately homes along the Battery that have survived war, hurricanes and earthquakes and are now a symbol of Southern elegance and perseverance. The tour continues past the three forts – Moultrie, Sumter, and Johnson that have played a significant role in our history from the Revolution through World War II; and Patriot's Point, the home of the Yorktown, the famous "Fighting Lady" of World War II. You can catch a glance of dolphin skimming the surface as they feed or a pelican as he nose dives into the water in search of a tasty tidbit. Don't miss getting a good look at the Charleston's landmark Cooper River, a new state of the art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world. There is no better way to see the Low country.

Olde Towne Carriage Tour

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic old city with a professional tour guide who is certain to entertain and inform you. Relish the charm and beauty of Charleston, and it magnificent homes and gardens and its way of life, past and present. The Olde Towne Carriage Company will delight you with an exciting horse drawn tour of Charleston you will never forget.

One of Charleston's oldest, Olde Towne Carriage Company has been the leader in carriage tours in Charleston for over 25 years. Our goal has always been to offer the best value in sightseeing tours, while providing our customers with the absolute best service available. Step aboard one of Olde Towne Carriage tours and get ready for a fun filled informative trip through 25 blocks of Charleston's oldest residential and business district.

When taking a day trip to Charleston, South Carolina you will embark on an entertaining adventure filled with rich history and spectacular sights. You can see Charleston by strolling down the beautifully designed alleys and streets on foot or take a journey on the horse drawn carriages, each journey will take you on an unforgettable trip back through time.

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