The Battery, Charleston

Enjoy a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter and explore the grounds at your own pace. Pass by the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and take in the sights of Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes. As you approach Fort Sumter, graceful sailboats and playful dolphins add to the photogenic scene. If you depart from Mt. Pleasant you will enjoy views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close, while tours embarking from downtown will see Aquarium Wharf as they depart and return. Arrive at The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, which sits prominently at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, a strategic location that was crucial to its defense.  While here, explore the grounds of Fort Sumter. Stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. A visit to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park provides a window into the life and trials of America’s heroes, from the Civil War to today’s modern conflicts. Learn about the events leading to the war from knowledgeable National Park Rangers who will relay stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

Ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage through historic downtown Charleston on a guided tour. Listen to live commentary about the city as you pass by the Charleston Harbor, Rainbow Row, King Street, White Point Gardens, and Charleston Battery. Begin the tour at the activity provider's stables. Board a beautiful custom-built carriage and depart from the barn. Ride toward the city gate, located in the Old City Market. Learn about the city's rich history from a professional guide while traveling aboard a unique vehicle. Gaze at vibrant neighborhoods and elegant buildings from your seat. Experience the highlights of the historic downtown area, such as Charleston Harbor, Rainbow Row, 4 Corners of Law, King Street, White Point Gardens, and the Charleston Battery. Take in informative and entertaining commentary from your guide, before arriving back at the stables.

Embark on a true Charleston Harbor dining experience aboard the Spirit of Carolina. Enjoy a three-course dinner, made to order from local seasonal ingredients. As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor, past Fort Sumter, along the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge. Take in the views from the large enclosed air-conditioned dining decks or the open-air observation deck. Enjoy music throughout the cruise, as well as a full-service bar. Dinner menu: Soup: Charleston she-crab soup Salad: Edisto green salad with a blend of baby lettuce, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds with herb vinaigrette (gluten-free) Entrées: (All entrees include freshly baked bread and butter) • Braised short rib of beef (gluten-free, dairy-free) with cabernet reduction, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Seared wing tip chicken breast (gluten-free) with white wine lemon sauce, sautéed spinach and feta cheese fillings, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Low country shrimp and grits (gluten-free) with sautéed shrimp, tasso ham, and andouille sausage. Served on creamy stone-ground grits and topped with aged cheddar cheese and bacon jam garnish• Roasted sliced cauliflower (dairy-free, vegetarian) with roasted red pepper drizzle, wilted spinach, lemon and olive oil mixed ancient grains of quinoa, farro, toasted barley (dairy-free, vegetarian), and grilled asparagus (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian) Desserts: • New York-style cheesecake with strawberries and whipped cream • Chocolate pot de crème (gluten-free) with whipped cream and chocolate shavings ($6.00 each) Food is not prepared in a nut-free, shellfish-free, or gluten-free facility.

Discover Charleston harbor in the evening on a sunset cruise by power catamaran. Watch as the city skyline comes alive with glimmering lights as you admire landmarks like the historic Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. Set off from the Maritime Center and cruise through the surrounding waterways of Charleston Harbor. Keep an eye out for dolphins and shore birds and take in the sights and sounds as the sun sets. Admire the sights of the historic forts, the Battery, the islands, and the lighthouses. See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from a different perspective as you cruise beneath it. Enjoy the views of the Charleston skyline as it becomes illuminated for the evening. Relax and choose to purchase some drinks or snacks from the onboard bar as you take in the sights.

Take in the amazing sights of Charleston Harbor on a boat tour with live narration from a guide. Gain insight into the history of Charleston while you glide through the gentle waves of the harbor, passing by the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and more. Depart from Patriots Point or Aquarium Wharf as you cruise along the coastline of the beautiful Holy City. Hear enthralling tales of the city’s colorful past as well as scintillating facts about its most interesting former citizens. Make sure to bring your camera to capture famous American landmarks such as Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and other sites from Charleston's past and present.

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Charleston aboard a custom-built minibus in air-conditioned comfort. Discover iconic landmarks, from the historic Battery and Rainbow Row to the bustling Charleston City Market, all with the flexibility to hop off and explore at designed stops along the route. Join a fully narrated tour of Charleston with licensed guides. Dive into over 350 years of Charleston’s rich history and visit historic landmarks such as Rainbow Row, The Citadel, and the French Quarter. Learn about the city’s role in the American Revolution and explore Charleston’s most iconic sites and hidden gems.

Take in the 350 years of Charleston’s city history on a guided bus tour of the city. Relax with live commentary, and enjoy a stop and photo op at the Battery. Meet your guide at the bus stop and climb aboard. Get comfortable in your seat as the bus takes off for the highlights of Charleston. Sit back as your guide explains the city’s history as you drive. First, drive past Rainbow Row. Then continue past famous churches, the Old City market, and follow it up by driving past Customs House. Next, arrive at the Battery. Hop off the bus for a quick look and photo opportunity at the White Point Gardens and Fort Sumter. Take advantage of the bathrooms at this stop before climbing back on board and continuing on. Finally, circle back to where you started at the Charleston Visitor Center, and thank your guide as you descend from the bus.

Begin your half-day tour by boarding a climate-controlled coach in Charleston. Meet your professional guide and ride to Magnolia Plantation, dating from 1676 and the time of the British colony. Witness a slice of living history at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and get an amazing perspective on Charleston's past and present. The Magnolia Plantation and its world-famous gardens have been owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations. Enjoy your visit to one of America's first tourist attractions and first public gardens, which have been open to the public since 1870. Take a guided walk through America's last large-scale Romantic garden, and experience history on a 30-minute narrated nature tram ride through the Audobon swamp gardens. Step out among the Romantic gardens and Spanish moss to see wildlife such as alligators, egrets, herons, and turtles on the nearly 600-acre plantation. Cap it all off with a 30-minute tour of the Magnolia Plantation Home before boarding your bus back to Charleston. Back in the Charleston, your deluxe, climate-controlled shuttle will take you for a 1.5-hour tour of the city’s historical highlights. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, local guide, visit over 100 of Charleston’s most iconic sights of the past and present whilst listening to amazing tales and anecdotes about the city. On your tour, travel through some of the most historic parts of the city and visit Charleston’s historic homes, The Battery Sea Wall, the Four Corners of Law, and Rainbow Row to name but a few. Other highlights of the tour include a number of historic churches, old markets, and picturesque neighborhoods.

See the best of Charleston on a half-day city tour by minibus and a harbor history tour aboard the Carolina Belle. Drive through the city's historic district in cool, air-conditioned comfort on a 1.5-hour bus tour, the perfect introduction to the Holy City. Discover 350 years of Charleston’s history from your guide, admire the district’s architecture, drive through The Citadel, and see the South's most famous military academy, and the Old City Market, lovely gardens, wrought iron art, and many of the city's 210 churches. Tour around the Battery and stop for a photo opportunity with Fort Sumter in the background. Then, climb aboard the 80-foot Carolina Belle for a 1.5-hour narrated tour of the harbor covering over 75 points of interest. Cruise through the scenic Charleston Harbor while hearing captivating stories. Witness key landmarks, including Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Pass by the Confederate and Union army Forts Moultrie and Johnson, and the World War II USS Yorktown aircraft carrier also known as the “Fighting Lady.” Glide by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, a survivor of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, whose steeple was painted black so as not to be an easy target, and stately homes on the Battery, symbols of Southern elegance and perseverance. See the Cooper River Bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, a state-of-the-art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world. Keep an eye out for dolphins skimming the surface of the water and pelicans diving for food.

Hop aboard our air-conditioned bus in Myrtle Beach and make your way to Charleston. Learn about Charleston’s rich history from your guide and relish the sight of magnificent homes and gardens as you enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of historic downtown. If time allows after the carriage tour, browse the open-air City Market as you make your way back to the bus. Established in 1807 it is open 365 days a year and is Charleston's most visited tourist attraction. Purchase a souvenir to take home, ranging from hand-woven baskets to one-of-a-kind artwork, before heading back to Myrtle Beach. Visit the Charleston harbor and board the Carolina Belle for a tour narrated by your captain. See 75 points of interest, including the USS Yorktown and the Battery while enjoying a delicious deli-style boxed lunch. Enjoy wildlife viewing and dolphin spotting from the deck of your tour boat! Explore the 738-acre Boone Hall Plantation. Pay a respectful visit to its historic brick slave cabins and explore a smokehouse and a cotton gin. Join the house tour for guided tour from a costumed hostess and learn about Southern elegance, strife, and charm.