horse tours in charleston sc

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Charleston Carriage Tours

Historic, private tours & special occasions in charleston, sc, our carriage tours.

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Vis-a-Vis Private Tour

Experience Charleston’s beauty and charm while touring in style and elegance in one of our private carriages perfect for a more intimate experience in the city.

Experience Charleston’s beauty and charm while touring in style and elegance in one of our private carriages.

Group Carriage Tours

Give us sixty minutes and we’ll give you Charleston as you’ve never experienced it before, on a beautiful group carriage ride on one of various routes through the city.

Join Us For a Tour Like No Other

Carolina Polo and Carriage Company is the only carriage company in Charleston owned and operated by Charlestonians whose families have been here since the 1600s.

Don’t just take a buggy ride, come see the real thing as we show you sights that will leave you breathless and tours that will leave you speechless. Private carriages are available for tours , weddings and other festive occasions.

Give us 60 minutes and we’ll give you Charleston as you’ve never experienced it before.

Charleston's Premier Polo & Carriage Company

"Tim was our guide and was amazing. With his family living in Charleston since the 1800’s he is a wealth of knowledge. I have to Charleston many, many times and have always wanted to do this. Take my word...do it!!! And ask for Tim!!"

"Carriage ride was amazing. Our driver, Eric, was very knowledgeable and fun. It was also great to know the city keeps track of the tours to make sure the route doesn’t get congested and that the horses aren’t overworked."

"A carriage ride is a must do during a visit to Charleston. Our guide was fantastic. I did not remember his name but he is a high school history teacher and his passion for history shines through when he talks about Charleston."

"Had a great time! Found a deal on Groupon saved a couple bucks and made this option cheaper than the rest. (Multiple carriage companies near by) We had a good time, the tour guide pointed out some interesting locations and we learned some interesting facts about the city that we did not know before."

"Our carriage tour of Charleston took us into beautiful and historic commercial and residential neighborhoods that we would never have found on our own. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable. He really helped us get to know our new home town!"

Downtown Charleston Carriage Tours

THERE IS NO CITY IN THE WORLD QUITE LIKE

Charleston, South Carolina

There’s a reason that cruise ships from all over the world dock at the Port of Charleston, just minutes away from the Historic Charleston City Market and the picturesque mansions that line Battery Street. Few places on earth combine old-world charm and modern delights the way Charleston does. Though it’s one of the oldest cities in the South, it’s also home to world-class contemporary cuisine and shopping districts.

What’s the best way to discover the cobblestone streets of Charleston?

Charleston horse carriage tours are one of the most popular sightseeing methods for tourists, but only Charleston Carriage Works can consistently deliver an enjoyable experience with a friendly and knowledgeable local tour guide. Our Charleston horse tours offer rides with varying routes, allowing you to broaden your horizons and see the very best features of this unique city.

Each tour last approximately 1-hour and the route is selected at random, by participating in the oldest lottery system in South Carolina. You can learn more about our routes here:

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Charleston Carriage Tours

Carriage tours of Charleston, in either a horse- or mule-drawn carriage, are still

Several tour companies in Charleston offer narrated horse- or mule-drawn carriage rides around the Historic District. It doesn’t matter too much which company you choose if you are taking the standard public tour: all offer very similar tours at the same price.

Be aware, however, that Charleston’s carriage tours are obliged to take one of several pre-determined routes. Which route your own carriage will take is decided by random lottery: you will not see all of Charleston’s main sights on any individual tour, and some routes see more of the best sights than others.

Most of the standard tours accept walk-up custom, but if you want a guaranteed ride at a particular time, you can book ahead. Specialty tours on specific topics, plus early tours, child-free tours and of course private carriage rides will usually require a reservation.

Pulling carriages in Charleston’s summer heat is hot, tiring work for the mules and horses. If you are concerned about the animals’ welfare, please consider taking a different kind of tour instead.

See also: – Walking tours – Minibus tours – Other attractions and things to do in Charleston – Charleston festivals

Public Tours

Standard tours.

– Group Carriage Tour, with Carolina Polo and Carriage Company 1hr. 16 people max. Every 30 minutes daily. Adults $26, children (4-11) $16. Departs from City Market. Call 844-616-0399 or 843-577-6767 for reservations or book online. More details

– Charleston Carriage Tour, with Charleston Carriage Works 1hr. Every 20-30 minutes daily. Adults $26, military $21, children (3-11) $16, young children (0-2) free. Pets welcome. Departs from 20 Anson Street. Call 843-779-1279 for reservations or book online. More details

– Charleston History Tour, with Classic Carriage Works 1hr. 16 people max. Every 30 minutes daily. Adults $26, children (4-11) $16, young children (0-3) free. Departs from 10 Guignard Street. Call 843-853-3747 for reservations or book online. More details

– Historic Charleston Carriage Tour, with Old South Carriage Company 1hr. 16 people max. Every 30 minutes daily. Adults $26, children (4-11) $16. Departs from 14 Anson Street. Also available in combination with a visit to Fort Sumter or a boat tour of the Charleston Harbor. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– Public Carriage Tour, with Palmetto Carriage Works 1hr. Every 15mins daily. Adults $26, children (4-11) $16. Departs from 8 Guignard Street. Also available in combination with a boat tour of Charleston Harbor, or admission to the Powder Magazine, Middleton Place or the Edmondston-Alston House. Call 843-853-6125 for reservations or book online. More details

Early Morning & Child-Free Tours

– Early Bird Special, with Classic Carriage Works 1hr. 16 people max. Daily, 9:30am, March-December. Adults $21, children (4-11) $16, young children (0-3) free. Departs from 10 Guignard Street. Discounted early morning tour. Advance reservations required, call 843-853-3747 or book online. More details

– Adult Passenger Only Tour, with Classic Carriage Works 1hr. 16 people max. Ages 18+ only. Daily, 10am. $26 per person. Departs from 10 Guignard Street. Standard public carriage tour, children excluded. Advance reservations required, call 843-853-3747 or book online. More details

– Child-Free Historic Carriage Tour, with Old South Carriage Company 1hr. 16 people max. Ages 18+ only. Saturdays, 2pm. $30 per person. Adults only version of the standard carriage tour. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– No Young Children Tour, with Classic Carriage Works 1hr. 16 people max. Ages 8+ only. Daily, 1pm. Adults $26, children (8-11) $16. Departs from 10 Guignard Street. Standard public carriage tour, but without young children. Advance online reservations required. More details

Other Daytime Tours

– Civil War Tour, with Classic Carriage Works 1hr. 16 people max. Thursday-Sunday, 11am. Adults $26, (4-11) $16, young children (0-3) free. Departs from 10 Guignard Street. Narrated carriage tour of Charleston’s Civil War history. Reservations recommended; also available as a private tour. Call 843-853-3747 for reservations or book online. More details

– Slavery to Freedom Tour, with Classic Carriage Works 1hr. 16 people max. Friday-Saturday, 1pm. Adults $26, (4-11) $16, young children (0-3) free. Departs from 10 Guignard Street. Narrated carriage tour exploring the history of slavery in Charleston, and African-American life after freedom. Tour content is not suitable for younger children. Reservations recommended; also available as a private tour. Call 843-853-3747 for reservations or book online. More details

– Meet the Horses, with Old South Carriage Company 15mins. 20 people max. Limited availability. Free. Short tour of the Old South Carriage Company’s barn, seeing some of the horses and learning about their care. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

Evening Tours

– Evening Tour of the Commercial District, with Palmetto Carriage Works 35mins. Early evenings daily, several tours. Adults $16, children (4-11) $12. Evening history tour of Charleston’s Cooper River waterfront and old walled city. Call 843-853-6125 for reservations or book online. More details

– Historic Colonial Charles Towne Tour, with Old South Carriage Company 40mins. 16 people max. Evenings daily. Adults $26, children (4-11) $15. Evening history tour focused on Charleston’s colonial history in the 17th and 18th centuries. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– Haunted Carriage Tour, with Old South Carriage Company 40mins. 16 people max. Seasonal tour. Adults $26, children (4-11) $20. Twilight evening ghost tour of Charleston. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– Santa Sleigh Ride, with Old South Carriage Company 20mins. 16 people max. Selected December evenings. $20 per person, young children (0-2) free. Festive carriage ride, driven by Santa. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

Private Tours

– Vis-a-Vis Private Tour, with Carolina Polo and Carriage Company 1hr. 4 people max. Daily, every hour. $200 per carriage. Private tour of Charleston in a small carriage. Call 844-616-0399 or 843-577-6767 for reservations or book online. More details

– Private Vis-a-Vis Carriage Tour, with Classic Carriage Works 4 people max. Several tours daily. $200 per carriage. History tours of Charleston in a small carriage. Available by reservation only, call 843-853-3747 or book online. More details

– Cupid’s Carriage Tour, with Old South Carriage Company 4 people max. Limited availability. $150 per carriage. Private tour with custom drop-off at French Quarter destination of your choice. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– Intimate Charleston Carriage Tour, with Old South Carriage Company 1hr. 4 people max. Daily. From $200 per carriage. Small-carriage tour of Charleston. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– Daytime Private Carriage Tour, with Palmetto Carriage Works 1hr. 4/8 people max. Daily. From $225 per carriage. Private tour of Charleston in a small or medium carriage. Call 843-853-6125 for reservations or book online. More details

– Wagonette Tour, with Old South Carriage Company 1hr. 8 people max. Daily. From $250 per carriage. Private tour in a medium-size carriage. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– Large Private Tour, with Carolina Polo and Carriage Company 1hr. 16 people max. Daily, every hour. $400 per carriage. Private group carriage tour of Charleston. Call 844-616-0399 or 843-577-6767 for reservations or book online. More details

– Group Tour, with Charleston Carriage Works 16 people max. Call 843-779-1279 or contact online for details and reservations. More details

– Private Tour, with Classic Carriage Works Daily. Private tours available by reservation, call 843-853-3747 or contact online. More details

– Romantic “Sleigh” Ride, with Old South Carriage Company 20mins. 4 people max. Selected December evenings. $120 per carriage. Private holiday season carriage tour through the downtown shopping district. Call 843-723-9712 for reservations or book online. More details

– Evening Private Carriage Ride, with Palmetto Carriage Works 35mins. 4 people max. Evenings daily. $175 per carriage. Call 843-853-6125 for reservations or book online. More details

– Carriage Ride to Dinner, with Palmetto Carriage Works 35mins. 4 people max. Evenings daily. $175 per carriage. Carriage ride through Charleston in a small carriage, ending at the restaurant of your choice. Call 843-853-6125 for reservations or book online. More details

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Palmetto Carriage Works

The big red barn charleston, sc.

The Big Red Barn: Family owned and operated Since 1971

In business since 1971, Palmetto Carriage has created the greatest carriage experience in the city of Charleston at the Big Red Barn. Family owned and operated, the Doyle family, together with a dedicated team of employees, has fine-tuned every aspect of horse and carriage tours – from loading and unloading in our easily accessible barn, to providing lively and accurate accounts of Charleston’s extensive history. The Big Red Barn has become the natural stop for those looking for the best horse & carriage tour experience in town.

Palmetto Carriage Works Our Employees

The quality and longevity of the staff is also a testament to the standard of excellence held at Palmetto Carriage Works– over half the employees have more than ten years of experience in the carriage business. A customer not only receives a quality carriage tour, they can rest assured knowing that they are getting the absolute best product on the market from the most experienced staff at the Big Red Barn.

Palmetto Carriage Works The Big Red Barn

The popularity of the tour has grown out of the Big Red Barn. The quality and longevity of the staff, the remarkable record of animal care, and the thousands of satisfied customers all stand testament to an outstanding product; a product that they stand behind 100%.

Palmetto Carriage was here before any of the other carriage companies and has developed the greatest carriage experience in the city. Come see us at the Big Red Barn to see for yourself why we are the considered the premier carriage company.

Our Team Animal Welfare

In addition to the knowledgeable and professional employees, the animals at Palmetto Carriage Works are specifically trained and well equipped to handle carriage tours in the city. With over 40 horses at the Big Red Barn downtown and at their farm on John’s Island, Palmetto Carriage Works has an excellent animal care record and takes pride in the services provided to the animals. Animals receive ample pasture time throughout the year in addition to working downtown. The animals’ temperatures are taken after every tour, every day of the year.

Animals are pulled from service if their temperature is too high, if the outside temperature reaches 98 degrees, or if the combined temperature and humidity level reaches 180. Our farrier has over 35 years experience shoeing animals and examines them once a week, and our animals receive a yearly visit from a Certified Master Equine Dentist. Additionally, they are seen by an equine veterinarian twice a year for regular checkups. The quality of care that Palmetto Carriage horses receive at the Big Red Barn is truly unmatched.

Charleston Carriage Tour Routes

Historic charleston carriage tours, groups & private tours.

Daily 9am - 9pm (Varies seasonally)

Where History Meets Hospitality ™

Additional tours, private tours, book today & save $2 per person, we are no longer offering the ft. sumter tour combo.

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A guide to Charleston carriage tours. Experience Charleston’s downtown historic district by horse-drawn carriage. Take a relaxing one hour narrated tour through the picturesque and charming streets of downtown Charleston, while engaging guides bring to life the history and architecture of the "Holy City."

One of the fun things to do when visiting Charleston is take a guided carriage tour. Several companies offer guided tours of the historic downtown district. Most tours last around an hour, and during the tour you will learn about the history, architecture, and people of Charleston. The guides encourage riders to ask questions, so this is a great way to get an insider's view of the best places to eat and attractions to visit.  

The tickets for the group carriage ride are about $35 for adults and $25 for children, and the tickets for a private carriage ride for two are $150 - $160.  Most carriage companies offer discounts for purchasing tickets online in advance. Tickets can also be purchased at the carriage tour booths outside the Old City Market. 

Be advised that after your carriage is loaded, the tour guide will go to a designated location where a random lottery system is utilized to choose which route your carriage will take. This ensures that there are not too many carriages in the same part of town at the same time, which can back up traffic. Unfortunately, this also makes it impossible to choose in advance which part of town you want to tour. 

Charleston Carriage Tour Companies

Old south carriage company 14 anson st charleston sc 29401 (843) 723-9712.

Old South Carriage Company, owned and operated by the same family since 1983, features some of the finest tour guides and draft horses in historic Charleston.  The tour is $50 for adults and $40 for children.

Palmetto Carriage Works 8 Guignard St Charleston SC 29401 (843) 853-6125

Palmetto Carriage Works is the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston. The one hour Residential District tour allows riders to see gardens, mansions, churches and parks. The tour is $50 for adults and $40 for children. Palmetto Carriage Works also offers evening tours of the commercial district. 

Charleston Carriage Works 20 Anson St  Charleston SC 29401 (843) 779-1279

Charleston Carriage Works offers an hour long narrated tour that covers 3-4 miles of Charleston’s residential Historic District. The tour is $50 for adults and $40 for children. Charleston Carriage Works also offers early tour specials for the morning tours if you book through the company’s website.

Carolina Polo and Carriage Company 181 Church St Charleston SC 29401 (843) 577-6767

Give them sixty minutes, and they’ll give you Charleston, as you’ve never experienced it before.  Carolina Polo and Carriage Company offers a one hour tour of historic downtown. The tour is $45 for adults and $35 for children.

Other Charleston Tours

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Ultimate weekend in Charleston

Sep 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Let us help you plan the perfect weekend break to Charleston, South Carolina. Joshua Craig/500px

Charleston captivates visitors with its colorful architecture, cobblestone streets and rich tapestry of history spanning the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. Within a single block, visitors can wander a historic pathway, peruse a modern boutique, gawk at a centuries-old abode and enjoy seemingly endless creative culinary finds – dressed-up biscuits at  Callie’s  and the creamiest she crab soup at  82 Queen  are  personal favorites.

As a  Virginia native and South Florida resident, the steeple-clad, ever-friendly “Holy City” has been a favorite destination of mine for decades. I’ve made weekends out of watching leaping dog competitions at SEWE (the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, for Charleston newbies) but, most commonly, I simply like to wander around and be ever dazzled by the most amicable locals and preserved estates that are instantly worth a “what in the world is the significance of this place?” search.

• When to arrive: Come on a Friday for a true long weekend. If you can swing a Thursday through Sunday stay, even better. Charleston’s high seasons are March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and festivals are plenty.
• How to get from the airport: Charleston International Airport is a 20-minute Uber or Lyft to the heart of downtown. Budget-friendly options include  CARTA  (Charleston’s bus service) and hotel shuttles, but they can have varying and sometimes difficult-to-pin-down schedules. A taxi is the easiest option available.
• Getting around town: Charleston is best experienced via a slow saunter . CARTA has a free bus service, DASH , with three different routes serving popular tourist areas like the College of Charleston , King Street, City Market and more. If you want to go further afield , there are more than a dozen routes serving Charleston’s outskirts. Fancy a day of soaking up the rays on Folly Beach ? Renting a car is the best option for ease of packing and also because rideshares on the beach are typically scarce.
• What to pack: Bright colors and patterns are a year-round norm in Charleston. Always pack comfortable and reliable walking shoes for navigating the sometimes uneven urban terrains. Lightweight clothing is a necessity in the summer to combat the heat and humidity.

Unload your bags at your hotel and head to Second State Coffee on Beaufain Street to fuel up for the day ahead. Nestled in a heritage building, this is Charleston’s go-to coffee roaster with a simplistic vibe – natural light floods in through the large windows and black-and-white family photos are dotted around the room. Order a pour over made from top-tier beans. Once buzzed, zip over to the French Quarter and stroll through the 19th-century City Market. It’s where locals and tourists peruse local art, sample local jellies and shop for candles, jewelry and seemingly any trinket in between.

How to spend the day

The south side of town is where you should spend your Friday afternoon, generally encompassing the French Quarter and Lower King Street. Peruse the Gibbes Museum of Art , which, in addition to rotating exhibits, has a permanent collection depicting life in the American South spanning the colonial era to the present day. A half block east, take a tour of the Thomas Elfe House, the oldest restored historical house in town, dating back to 1760. When hunger calls, Poogan’s Porch is a city-wide favorite for Southern fare and is less than a block east from the house.

Oak Steakhouse has tender cuts of steak with equally delightful seafood offerings, including an Oysters Rockefeller drizzled with bacon fat and topped with hollandaise sauce. Making a reservation is essential as it’s the place to be on weekends. Another option is Brasserie La Banque , also on Broad Street – it’s housed in a beautifully updated historic bank with meticulous French-inspired fare.

Catch a show at Dock Street Theatre , the first structure in the US built for theater. It regularly showcases classics like “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Legally Blonde.” End the evening with a nightcap at The Gin Joint and go for the “Bartender’s Choice” – you pick two adjectives, and the bartender will whip together a drink based on them.

Okay, you’ve earned a biscuit by now. For the best in town, head to Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit on King Street, a local favorite spot to grab breakfast . Sure, there may be a lengthy line, but take one bite of a pimento-doused morsel and you’ll get it. Pro-tip: it opens at 8am daily and if you can get there early and beat the College of Charleston rush, you’ll have less of a wait. From here, stroll a few blocks south to Marion Square, which hosts the town’s farmer’s market every Saturday from 8am to 2pm. The freshest of South Carolina peaches, pecans, baked goods and bohemian jewelry are standard fare.

The boutiques along King Street could keep you entertained for days. Sewing Down South is a uniquely Charleston experience – it's the brainchild of Bravo Southern Charm star Craig Conover and features colorful furniture, apparel, kitchen utensils and the in-between. Las Olas , also right there on Upper King Street, is an urban swimwear shop, featuring trendy prints from the likes of Duvin and Bond-Eye. For upscale perusing, Charleston Place is an indoor utopia with outposts from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Bahama and a couple of dozen others. For a reprieve from all the shopping, Brown Dog Deli is nestled four blocks west of King Street. It has 80s decor and a Super Smash Bros Burger – a totally elevated version of a Big Mac.

The Ordinary is billed as an oyster hall and it has plenty of ‘em as well as South Carolina–sourced shrimp, stone crab claws and many other fresh seafood options. Snag a reservation or, if you’re on the fly, the patio and bar areas have first-come, first-served seating. If seafood isn’t your jam, Sorghum & Salt is two blocks southeast and has four- and six-course tasting menus using locally sourced ingredients.

If your spine is okay with being tingled a bit, end your Saturday with a ghost tour. Old South Carriage Co. offers a 40-minute tour and takes sightseers via horse-drawn carriage to Provost Dungeon , Old Exchange and other spooky destinations. Bulldog Tours offers several site-specific tours to Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston Harbor and the permanently docked USS Yorktown on the city’s shores.

Let’s not think about how it’s already your last day, okay? Instead, head to Mercantile and Mash on East Bay Street – order the mammoth avocado toast which is layered with marinated cherry tomatoes and everything seasoning. By now you’ve likely seen the triangular-arched Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge looming in the distance – if you’re up for stretching your legs, it’s 2.5 miles each way and has an open walking path. You'll enjoy unparalleled vistas of the Charleston skyline and, across the bridge, you can tour the USS Yorktown, which has old jets on board.

Post-bridge stroll, you’ve earned a treat from a Charleston barbecue icon. Rodney Scott’s BBQ – back on the east side of the bridge – has won every award in town and beyond, and its sides – like tangy collard greens and ultra-crispy hush puppies – are equally as celebrated as its pit-cooked meats. Once re-energized, it's time to hit Charleston's killer brewery scene on the north side of town. Begin a brewery hop at nearby Palmetto Brewing , which has regular live music in its courtyard. Bounce to  Revelry Brewing , a half-mile north, with open-air rooftop vibes. Edmund’s Oast – a quick 5-minute Uber north – is your final stop with a massive courtyard with yard games, plus a tap list of beers inspired by everything from cereal to apple cider donuts.

By now you’ve learned that Charleston is foodie heaven and hopefully, you’ve saved some room for dinner. Step into  The Grocery , the creation of Kevin and Susan Johnson that’s been a local staple since 2011. New Southern cuisine is the fare, with tapas-style offerings, so be ready to share. Order the roasted peaches, topped with pecan granola and goat cheese. As Sunday evenings are comparatively quiet in the Holy City, take a leisurely stroll back to your hotel and perhaps start planning your next weekend in Charleston.

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The Best Beaches Near Charleston, South Carolina

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While many southern tourists know Myrtle Beach and its boardwalk-style road, offering them every conceivable way to spend their money, just two hours south is the town of Charleston. Here, droves of tourists arrive in sun dresses and surfer shorts, not just for the shopping and art but also for the incredible beaches. Charleston, with its historic charm and a population of over 153,000 inhabitants, is a well-preserved town that welcomes approximately 7.5 million visitors annually, according to Travel and Leisure.

The South Carolina coast is a huge draw for most of these tourists. Charleston’s cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture enthrall visitors at every turn. This town also has a thriving art scene and plenty of delicious food that entices tourists to spend their hard-earned cash, and plenty of it. Food and shopping aren’t the only things that draw visitors to this southern town. These are our recommendations for the best beaches near Charleston. 

The Best Beaches Near Charleston and Their Attractions

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This area of the country has a beach to suit any vacation need. South Carolina has beaches for anything from family outings to solo sunbathing. Here’s what to know about each of these popular beaches and what activities they offer.

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What Is the Most Popular Charleston Beach?

Folly Beach is the most popular and well-trafficked beach in the area. It’s the closest beach to downtown Charleston (between 12 and 15 miles, depending on where you are driving from) and the most populated beach in the area, offering approximately 6 miles of sandy beach to set up your beach chair. Please arrive early to get parking and remember some cash to pay for it.

Folly Beach Activities and Attractions

• Surfing – Folly Beach is a renowned surfing destination for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Its consistent waves and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those looking to ride the surf with Shaka Surf School.
• Fishing – Folly Beach is a haven for anglers looking to catch everything from trout to sharks. The waters surrounding this picturesque beach offer a rich marine habitat, ensuring an exciting and productive fishing experience.
• Cruising – Folly Beach offers a tranquil and enjoyable cruising experience with Sea Breeze Charters, perfect for those looking to unwind on the water. 
• Watersports – This area is a hub for water sports enthusiasts, with FB Water Sports offering a wide range of activities such as kiteboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. The area caters to all skill levels and preferences.

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The Best Beach for Some R&R – Kiawah Island Beach

This beautiful beach is the least crowded of all South Carolina beaches. So if peace and quiet are what you yearn for, this is the beach you want. However, be willing to make the commute to get there. It’s about 28 miles from town.

Kiawah Island Activities and Attractions

• Hiking – If more than ten miles of beach are needed, this one also offers thirty miles of paved trails for hiking and exploring for the hiking enthusiast. 
• Bird Watching – Find your way to the Marsh View Tower, perfect for this activity. Bird enthusiasts will find every bird, from bald eagles to wood storks.
• Nature Education – Try Heron Park Nature Center, where they teach about all the local wildlife in the area. You’ll learn about everything from bobcats to alligators. 

Most Charming Beach

Sullivan’s Island Beach is considered the most charming beach this area has to offer. You’ll have three miles of beach to play on. Remember to take advantage of seeing Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. It’s a square-shaped lighthouse with free parking along the street before the bridge. It makes for a great, classic beach day with plenty of Instagrammable moments.

Sullivan’s Island Beach Activities and Attractions

• Collecting Shells – Bring a bucket for collecting shells because this beach has sand dollars galore. Just be sure only to keep the white ones, as the gray ones are still alive. Nothing beats the thrill of finding a whole, unbroken sand dollar.
• Water Sports – While most people tend to come to this beach to do less with their day, the area does offer water sports such as kayaking, surfing, and even crabbing.
• Shopping – Find small, locally owned, in-town shops selling clothes and souvenirs. If you happen to be visiting between the beginning of April and the end of June, stop by the local farmers market for some local produce, and delicious baked goodies on Thursdays in the late afternoon.

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The Beach for Families

Isle of Palms Beach is excellent for spending a day with family. It offers plenty of parking, restaurants, and shops, and even has a fishing pier for those who love to fish. The beach is about 6 miles long, so there will be room to spread your blanket over the sand.

Isle of Palms Beach Activities and Attractions

• Water Sports – From jet skiing to parasailing or wakeboarding, water sports are a fun way to spend the day at Isle of Palms Beach. Check out Tidal Wave Water Sports for any water sports needs or supplies.
• Take A Wildlife Tour – Prefer searching for wildlife? There are private tours to take, thanks to Barrier Island Eco Tours. To promote wildlife conservation, you’ll learn about bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and numerous birds You’ll watch your guide pull crab traps and throw cast nets all so you can get up close and personal with the creatures that call this area home.
• Play Golf – There are two golf courses to choose from; Wild Dunes Resort runs both. They are open to resort guests and visiting golfers alike, though plenty of local golfers frequent these golf courses.
• Dog Life – If the family dog needs to live his best life at the beach, this is the beach to bring him to. Just be aware that any dog must always be on a leash. Dogs are welcome here year-round.

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Most Private Beach – Seabrook Island Beach

This beach runs along a private, gated, residential community and will give you the seclusion you seek. It has about 3 miles of beach and is approximately thirty minutes from downtown Charleston. Try kayaking and horseback riding if the mood strikes. It’s a great place to get away from it all.

Seabrook Island Beach Activities and Attractions

• Be A Pirate – If the kids are begging for something to do, turn them into pirates for an hour. Pirates Of Charleston offers cruises for the whole family on the Black Ghost. Kids can dress like pirates and even go on a treasure hunt.
• Play Golf – The course here at Crooked Oaks Golf Course offers some fantastic views while you sink that hole in one. They even offer instructors for beginners or for those simply looking to improve their game.
• Horseback Riding – This beach offers horseback riding for a day, riding through the North Beach Surf. Check out The Club’s Equestrian Center at Seabrook Island for more information.

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For Pristine Surroundings and Wildlife – Edisto Beach

If getting back to nature is what you desire, Edisto Beach is the spot for you. This beach is about 45 miles from downtown Charleston, but it’s worth the effort. This area makes it easy to unplug, go fishing and boating, and enjoy the local culture.

Edisto Beach Activities and Attractions

• Fishing – Go fishing with one of the many fishing charters in the area. They offer off-shore and in-shore fishing charters for beginners and experienced fishermen alike.
• Shopping – Check out the small shops in the area for everything from clothing and crafts to gifts and home decor. This area might be smaller, but it will never leave you wanting for things to buy.
• Wildlife Refuge – Explore the local wildlife at Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve. They offer everything from horseback riding to deer and dove hunting.

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For Beach Camping – Capers Island

If camping on a beach sounds like heaven, Capers Island is the place to be. A free permit is all that is needed before pitching a tent. There are 214 acres to explore, which include salt marshes, hiking trails, and caves along the oceanfront.

Capers Island Activities and Attractions

• Kayaking – This breathtaking area offers fantastic kayaking adventures, including overnight camping, day tours, and sunset tours. The sunset tours are spectacular.
• Dolphins and Sea Turtles – Take a two-and-a-half-hour cruise with Barrier Island Eco Tours to spot these sea creatures in their natural habitat.
• Crabbing – Take a crabbing excursion with Barrier Island Eco Tours. It’s three and a half hours, including time to see the island and enjoy some cooked seafood.

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Visit Charleston

Exploring Charleston , South Carolina beaches allow tourists to enjoy the vacation of their dreams. The diversity of experiences makes this an area appropriate for people of all ages. With a wide array of activities available, there truly is something for everyone.  A trip to Charleston is more than just a historical or cultural experience.

It’s a rich experience of the senses. A coastal experience that everyone should partake of firsthand. From kayaking and jet skiing to cruising or just sunbathing, this area of the country is worth exploring.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks .

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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Flipboard, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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