Day Drinking Tour

Imagine spending an afternoon in Charleston, South Carolina, sampling some of the city’s best craft beers while learning about their brewing roots — all without the hassle of driving or navigating unfamiliar streets. That’s precisely what the Day Drinking Tour promises, and from what travelers say, it delivers a fun, informative experience that’s perfect for groups of friends or family seeking a taste of local flavor and a little camaraderie.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s a small-group experience, limited to 12-14 people, which means you get more personalized attention from your guide and plenty of opportunities to socialize with your fellow beer enthusiasts. Second, the knowledgeable guide makes the journey more than just a drinking session — they share stories and insights about Charleston’s brewing history and techniques that add a layer of authenticity and context to each sip.

That said, it’s worth considering that this tour is highly dependent on the guide and the breweries’ operations, so cancellations or changes could happen, as a few reviews have noted. Also, at $99 per person, it’s a bit of a splurge, but the value is clear when you factor in the quality of the tastings, transportation, and expert commentary. This experience is best suited for those who enjoy craft beer, want to explore Charleston’s local scene, and prefer a relaxed, social atmosphere over a more traditional sightseeing tour.

Key Points

• Small group of up to 14, ensuring a personal experience
• Includes transportation, so you can focus on tasting and socializing
• Explore three breweries with four beer pours at each, totaling 12 tastings
• Guided by a knowledgeable expert sharing brewing stories and Charleston history
• Flexible, private group options available
• Perfect for beer lovers, groups celebrating, or curious travelers seeking local insights

An In-Depth Look at the Charleston Day Drinking Tour

The Tour Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

The tour kicks off at 375 Meeting Street, a central spot in Charleston, making it easy to find and access. The group then travels comfortably by coach, freeing you from worries about parking or designated drivers — a big plus for anyone wanting to relax and truly enjoy the experience.

Each brewery stop is scheduled for approximately 45 minutes, with four beer pours included at each location. That means you’ll sample a total of 12 different beers over the course of about four hours, giving you a broad taste of Charleston’s craft brewing landscape. The pace is relaxed enough to enjoy each pour, talk with your guide, and soak in the atmosphere of each brewery.

The Three Breweries and Their Unique Charm

While the exact breweries visited are not specified, the experience focuses on variety and quality. The guide shares insights about beer-making techniques, the history of brewing, and how Charleston’s local ingredients or traditions influence the beers. This educational angle sets the tour apart from just a bar crawl; it’s about understanding what makes Charleston’s craft scene special.

What the Guide Brings to the Table

Travelers repeatedly praise the guide’s knowledge and storytelling ability. One reviewer notes, “Coby was a great tour guide and we really enjoyed the afternoon,” highlighting how a personable, informed guide enhances the experience. Another mentions, “Coby (guide) was good,” emphasizing the importance of having someone who can weave engaging stories and answer questions along the way.

The Social and Practical Aspects

With small-group sizing and pickup offered, the tour fosters a friendly, inclusive environment. Plus, since transportation is included, you can indulge without concern about who’s driving afterward — a key point for anyone planning to truly enjoy their drinks.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reputation-wise, the tour boasts a 5.0-star rating from 21 reviews, with 95% recommending it. The majority of feedback is glowing, with comments like “Very good and entertaining,” and “Great selection of beers and learned some beer history.” These highlight the tour’s value for money and the quality of the guide.

However, it’s worth noting a negative review from someone who experienced a cancellation and refund issues, emphasizing that confirmation, reliability, and clear communication are critical when booking.

Value for the Price

At $99 per person, the price includes 12 beer pours, transportation, and a guided experience. Considering the breweries visited, the tasting quantity, and the personal attention, this is a competitive rate, especially if you’re looking for an authentic, local, and relaxed way to experience Charleston’s craft beer scene.

Practical Tips

• Book at least 22 days in advance — the tour is popular, and slots fill up quickly.
• The tour is near public transportation and most travelers can participate, making it accessible.
• Remember to tip your guide (~20%) if you enjoy the experience.
• If you’re celebrating or traveling with a group, a private booking up to 14 guests can be arranged.
• You might want to bring a camera or smartphone for photos — your guide is happy to take pictures.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to explore Charleston’s craft brewing world, group travelers looking for a fun social activity, or anyone who values guided experiences that combine education with entertainment. It’s especially good if you prefer a relaxed, hassle-free way to sample local brews without the stress of planning, driving, or figuring out where to go.

Those who appreciate storytelling or want to learn about beer-making will find this tour especially rewarding. Conversely, if you’re looking for a more extensive or in-depth brewery tour, you might want to explore other options — this one strikes a nice balance of variety and intimacy.

Final Thoughts

The Day Drinking Tour in Charleston offers a lively, well-organized way to discover some of the city’s best craft beers while enjoying the company of fellow travelers and learning from a friendly guide. Its small group setup, inclusive transportation, and generous tastings deliver excellent value for those wanting a casual, fun, and authentic taste of Charleston’s brewing culture.

If you’re a beer lover who enjoys stories and socializing, this tour will not disappoint. It’s especially perfect for those who want to combine a bit of education with a laid-back, enjoyable afternoon out. Just remember to book early, go with an open mind, and be prepared to savor a dozen different flavors of Charleston’s craft beer scene.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes comfortable coach transportation, so you can focus on tasting rather than driving.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? This tour is centered around beer tasting, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy craft beers. However, alcohol consumption is optional.

How many breweries are visited? Three breweries are included in the itinerary, with about 45 minutes at each stop.

What’s the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts around four hours, making it a manageable afternoon activity.

Is this tour private? Private tours are available for groups up to 14 guests, providing a more personalized experience.

Are tips included? Tips are not included in the price; a customary gratuity of around 20% is appreciated for guides who enhance your experience.

In essence, the Charleston Day Drinking Tour is a friendly, flavorful way to get a taste of the local craft scene, learn some brewing stories, and enjoy a laid-back afternoon — perfect for groups and curious travelers alike.