From Myrtle Beach: Charleston Day Trip, Boone Hall & Cruise

Traveling from Myrtle Beach to Charleston for a day offers a taste of Southern elegance, historic charm, and scenic beauty. This tour, offered by Adventure Sightseeing, packs in a lot—covering historic architecture, a boat cruise, a plantation visit, and some shopping in the City Market—all within roughly 10 hours. With a solid 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 28 reviews, it seems like a well-loved choice for those wanting a comprehensive glimpse into Charleston without the hassle of planning each step.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how it balances different modes of exploration—by bus, carriage, and boat—making it engaging and varied. Plus, the guides are frequently mentioned as knowledgeable and friendly, adding depth to every stop.

Of course, no trip is perfect. The duration means it’s a packed day, so if you’re after a more relaxed pace, this might feel hurried. Also, the tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared for weather, whether sun or showers.

This trip tends to suit history buffs, lovers of scenic landscapes, and anyone eager to see Charleston’s highlights in a single day. If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded experience, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary offers a mix of history, scenery, and shopping.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of Charleston’s stories.
• Multiple modes of transport keep the experience lively—bus, carriage, boat.
• Good value for the price at $210, considering the many activities included.
• Time management is tight; expect a full, busy day.
• Weather considerations: the tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Pickup and Travel to Charleston

Starting from Myrtle Beach, you’ll hop aboard an air-conditioned coach, making the two-hour journey more comfortable than you might expect. The ride itself is a good time to get introduced to some context about what you’re about to see, thanks to a guide whose insights set the scene for Charleston’s historic streets and architecture.

The Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Once in Charleston, the highlight for many is the carriage tour with the Old South Carriage Company. This hour-long ride weaves through the city’s historic downtown, showcasing its beautiful antebellum homes, cobblestone streets, and lush gardens.

What truly makes this part shine is the guide’s storytelling. Reviewers like Nancy praised the experience, complimenting the “excellent experience” provided by knowledgeable guides. The carriage allows for a leisurely appreciation of Charleston’s architecture and charm, making it a perfect way to see the city without the distraction of navigating on your own.

The Harbor Cruise

Next, you’ll board the Carolina Belle for a boat tour of Charleston Harbor. This 1.5-hour cruise is narrated by a captain who points out 75 points of interest, including the historic USS Yorktown and the Battery. It’s not just a sightseeing trip—it’s an opportunity to see wildlife, spot dolphins, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.

We loved the way the cruise combined scenic views with informative commentary, making it both relaxing and educational. Reviewers like Krystal appreciated the seamless experience, mentioning the “very comfortable ride” and great driver. The deli-style boxed lunch adds a nice touch, allowing you to enjoy your meal while gazing over the harbor’s scenery.

Shopping at the City Market

Post-cruise, there’s some free time at Charleston’s famous City Market. Open 365 days a year, this bustling marketplace is a treasure trove for souvenirs—hand-woven baskets, artwork, jewelry, and more. It caters to all budgets and tastes, making it the perfect spot for picking up a keepsake or just soaking in local life.

According to reviews, this shopping stop is a highlight for many, providing a more casual, authentic experience of Charleston’s vibrant marketplace culture.

Boone Hall Plantation

The final major stop is the 738-acre Boone Hall Plantation, where you’ll explore historic buildings, including slave cabins, a smokehouse, and cotton gin. The guided house tour, led by a costumed hostess, offers insights into the plantation’s history, including its strife and elegance.

Visitors often find Boone Hall to be both beautiful and sobering. The plantation’s grounds are picturesque, but the historical significance is profound. Guests like Nancy appreciated the “excellent trip” and the chance to learn about the realities of Southern history.

Return Journey

After the plantation visit, you’ll head back to Myrtle Beach, concluding a packed but rewarding day. The logistics of the timing mean this is a full-day experience, leaving little downtime but offering a comprehensive snapshot of Charleston.

Practical Details and What You Need to Know

• Duration & Timing: The tour lasts about 10 hours, with starting times varying (check availability). Expect an early start and a busy schedule.
• Price & Value: At $210 per person, the tour covers transportation, multiple guided activities, and meals, which many reviewers feel offers good value—especially since it removes the stress of planning.
• Transportation: Modern, air-conditioned coaches ensure comfort on the two-hour ride each way. Group sizes are not specified but are likely moderate to large.
• Weather: The tour operates rain or shine, so pack accordingly—umbrella, hat, sunscreen depending on the forecast.
• Guides: Known for their knowledge and friendliness, guides like Joe and others make a significant positive difference, according to reviewers.
• Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a rundown of Charleston without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transportation. History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those who enjoy scenic boat rides will find plenty to love. It also suits visitors with limited time who want to maximize their exposure to Charleston’s highlights.

However, if you prefer a very slow pace or in-depth exploration of one site, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. It’s best for those eager to see the main sights and enjoy a mix of activities in one day.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Myrtle Beach offers a well-rounded day packed with history, scenic views, and local culture. The inclusion of a carriage ride and harbor cruise adds an authentic, fun element that elevates the experience beyond a simple sightseeing bus tour. Knowledgeable guides bring history alive, making the stops both educational and engaging.

The cost is reasonable considering the range of activities and the convenience of transportation. It’s especially suitable for visitors who want a curated, all-in-one trip that hits major highlights without the stress of planning.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety and quality of experiences make it worthwhile for those keen on experiencing Charleston’s charm in a single day. Expect a mix of awe-inspiring architecture, lush plantations, bustling markets, and scenic vistas—delivered with friendly professionalism.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour from Myrtle Beach?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, with departure and return from Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers roundtrip transportation, a carriage tour with Old South Carriage Company, shopping time at the City Market, a harbor cruise aboard the Carolina Belle, a deli lunch during the harbor tour, and a guided tour of Boone Hall Plantation.

Is the tour suitable for all weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. Be sure to dress appropriately for weather conditions to stay comfortable throughout the day.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Expect approximately one hour for the carriage ride, 1.5 hours for the boat cruise, and 2.5 hours at Boone Hall Plantation. The shopping at City Market is flexible, depending on your pace.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers consistently mention guides like Joe and others as being friendly, informative, and engaging, significantly enhancing the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour ideal for families?
While it’s a full day, the variety of activities and scenic stops make it suitable for families, especially those interested in history and sightseeing.

How crowded does it get?
While group sizes aren’t specified, the tour is popular, so expect a lively atmosphere with other travelers eager to see Charleston.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the sights.

This day trip from Myrtle Beach to Charleston offers a well-balanced dose of history, scenery, and local color. It’s a smart choice for those wanting an efficient, engaging way to explore one of the South’s most captivating cities.