Charleston, South Carolina is a city truly steeped in history. Founded in 1670 by English colonists, the town was originally named for King Charles II. Since then, it and its inhabitants have played a critical role in the story of the United States. Wherever you step, you are likely passing a building preserved for its architecture, the site of a significant event, or the home of a well-known historical figure. For guests seeking a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the best of Charleston, Gray Line Worldwide has a variety of guided excursions — both by land and sea — that immerse you in the region’s rich past. Don’t miss your chance at visiting this beautiful coastal city!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Charleston
The Historic Charleston City Market has been an established and essential part of the city since the 1790s. Locals and visitors alike regularly take to its bustling mix of artisan shops and local vendors. Must-buy items include traditional sweetgrass baskets handcrafted by Gullah artists. Woven from locally harvested bulrush, these baskets reflect centuries of African craftsmanship and are a stark reminder of Charleston’s controversial perpetuation of and participation in the transatlantic slave trade. In 2010, the market underwent significant enhancements and now hosts a 18,300-square-foot Great Hall that regularly holds over 300 local artisans.
Reserve your spot on one of Charleston’s most captivating tours: a guided excursion through Charleston Harbor. Along with viewing the gorgeous South Carolina shoreline, you’ll also see Fort Sumter, the infamous site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. In addition to the fort, the tour typically emphasizes the harbor’s strategic importance during the war between the states, and participants can also view other landmarks like the USS Yorktown and Ravenel Bridge. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wildlife native to the area.
Located just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s Island Beach is known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and over three miles of sandy beachfront. Like most of the city, Sullivan’s Island Beach provides quick access to a variety of historical sites, including Fort Moultrie and the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. From casual seafood joints to more upscale establishments, the beach also includes a good variety of restaurants. To cap off your day, head down to the beach and get a front-row seat for some sunset watching.
Known as “America’s First Museum,” the Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 and has served as a cornerstone of the area’s cultural and natural past since. The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. The Charleston Museum’s over 2.4 million artifacts provide a distinctive snapshot of daily life in the area for generations. The museum also manages two historic homes in the city as well: the Joseph Manigault House and Heyward-Washington House.
The Pineapple Fountain is a striking installation that serves as a symbol of Southern hospitality. Designed in 1990 and showcasing — you guessed it — a large pineapple, this tiered fountain cascades water within a soothing soundscape. In the evenings, the water feature lights up, which offers a great photo opportunity for you and your group. The Pineapple Fountain itself is part of Waterfront Park, a sanctuary of gardens, walking paths, and scenic views of the Cooper River. A winner of the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects, this fun and different attraction shouldn’t be missed.
In a location filled with pre-Civil War mansions and estates, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is particularly significant as it remains one of the oldest operating plantations in America. Found in Mount Pleasant, guests can book a guided tour or catch public transportation out of Charleston to the nearby town. With a history spanning over 300 years, Boone Hill played a crucial role in agricultural production, including cash crops like indigo. Beyond the gorgeous Avenue of Oaks and the Main House, visitors can explore the Historic Slave Cabins. As one of the most poignant features of the tour, this cluster of nine original slave cabins showcases different aspects of African-American life and heritage in the Carolinas.
As a preeminent local craft distillery located in Charleston, Charleston Distilling Co. is widely celebrated for its handcrafted small-batch spirits. If you decide to book a tour, you’ll go behind the scenes into the craft distilling process and learn how each stage impacts the final drink product. It wouldn’t be a true distillery tour without sampling some of the alcohol-infused spirits. Whether you’re in the mood for something that tastes like maple (the Vesey’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey offering) or straight rye whiskey, Charleston Distilling Co. has an option for all palettes.
As in other cities around the United States with a substantive French influence, Charleston’s French Quarter is renowned for its cobblestone streets, lively culture, and vibrant artistic scene. The district itself got its name from the high concentration of French merchants and Huguenots that lived in the area during the 18th century. In 1973, efforts were made to preserve the many historic warehouses in the French Quarter’s Lodge Alley, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re in the mood for something spooky, book one of the many available ghost tours in the historic area.
As one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks, Rainbow Row consists of a series of 13 historic homes located along East Bay Street. Constructed around the 1740s, these houses were originally designed for merchants who operated businesses on the ground floors while residing in the buildings’ upper levels. After the Civil War, many of the homes were heavily damaged and remained so until the 1920s, when two women — Susan Pringle Frost and Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge — restored the historic dwellings and painted them with the distinctive pastel colors they harbor to this day.
Perhaps the place to go for the best of Charleston nightlife, dining and shopping, Upper King Street stretches from Marion Square to Congress Street. For a meal you won’t soon forget, place a reservation at Upper King Street’s eateries, including Halls Chophouse (an upscale steakhouse), FIG (offers locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood), and Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ (the name is self-explanatory). After visiting some stylish boutiques and local businesses, plan for a night of fun at the Cocktail Club or Music Farm.
Nestled on the Californian shoreline - where the calm waters of San Francisco Bay meet the rolling waves of the Pacific Oc[...]
San Francisco United States
Not far from Portland, Multnomah Falls is an area of incredible natural beauty where water pours 620 feet over two cliff faces
Portland United States
The Empire State Building is a cultural icon built during the Race to the Sky at the end of the Roaring Twenties. New York[...]
New York United States
Gray Line service review
Very good expérience.
Very smooth process.
Notifications