charleston harbor lunch cruise

Charleston Day Cruises

There’s nothing like spending the day out on the water, exploring the gorgeous Charleston sights with your closest friends and loved ones. High Tide Harbor Tours offers a full range of Charleston Day Cruises to help you get out on the water in style. Browse the various trip types below, or contact us to create a custom itinerary for your cruise. Our private boat rides are designed to give you a customized experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

Fleet & Sample Itineraries

We have several boat options in our fleet to help you get the perfect day cruise experience. From luxurious, intimate yachts to large skiffs that can hold up to 18 guests, you’re sure to find the perfect boat for your needs. Explore our fleet options and rates here . We offer private boat rides, so your trip can be as flexible as you’d like it to be. We’ll take you wherever you’d like to go. Here are just some possible Charleston Day Cruises to consider.

Charleston Harbor Cruise

You simply can’t say you’ve experienced Charleston until you’ve been out on its famous harbor. We can take you out on the water in style. See the Harbor’s famous historic sites like the USS Yorktown, Fort Sumter, Charleston Battery and more. Get a new perspective on the city!

Family Boat Cruises

You bring the family and the sunscreen and we’ll provide a family-friendly cruise that everyone will love. Our flexible itineraries allow families to create an experience that fits their schedule and allows for quality time in the sun and waves.

Party Cruises

Nothing says “Celebrate!” like you and your closest friends enjoying time out on a private luxury boat. Spend your next event touring the sites of Charleston. We’ll provide the coolers, ice and Bluetooth speakers for the ultimate party on the water.

Island Tours

Board one of our luxury watercrafts and head to one of the many islands off of the coast. We go where you want, when you want, so you can customize your island tour to fit your schedule.

Lunch & Brunch Cruises

Take your next midday meal up a notch in a luxury watercraft cruising through the waters of Charleston. Our boat cruises are not fixed to set times or destinations, so you can create the perfect on-the-water dining experience for your group.

River Cruises

High Tide offers cruises through Charleston’s gorgeous rivers, allowing guests to experience the lesser-known areas of the city. Enjoy the views as you glide down the Ashley, Cooper, Wando and Stono Rivers, and experience a calm and quiet water getaway.

Morris Island

If you can only get to Morris Island by boat, it might as well be a luxury, private boat! Our professional team can get you to the hidden gem of an island to experience the wildlife, the history and the breathtaking scenery.

Fort Sumter

The only way to truly grasp the magnitude of Fort Sumter is from the water. This impressive part of American history serves as the backdrop for a relaxing day on the water. See one of Charleston’s most famous landmarks up close from the comfort of a private boat packed with luxury features.

Have something else in mind? Tell us what you’d like to do and see, and we’ll work with you to make it happen.

Last Minute Request?

We love last minute requests! Call Captain Dan at 843-860-5719

Book With Us Today

Have something else in mind? Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to make it happen for you. We’ll do our best to accommodate you and will work closely with you to create a great itinerary for your trip.

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Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music

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SpiritLine Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Charleston Voyage > Cruise Terminal > Attractions > Day Cruises

Charleston Harbor Cruises

A harbor cruise is a great way to see Charleston, SC. Sail by Fort Sumter, the Battery, the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge and other sights. The city is surrounded by water so a day cruise is a natural way to tour.

The Carolina Belle offers daily tours and private group charters on the Charleston harbor. Fully narrated tours. This is the oldest continually operating harbor sightseeing tour company in Charleston.

Spirit Line harbor tours depart from Aquarium Wharf or Patriot's Point. 90 minutes. See sights such as Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, Battery Point, and the Cooper River Bridge.

The Tall Ship Sailboat cruises offers sails of the Charleston harbor or a romantic sunset sail. The sailing tours are two-hours. The ship sails with the winds and there's no fixed course.

Charleston Dinner Cruises

Dinner cruises on the Spirit of Carolina are a fine way to enjoy a unique meal. Dinner cruises include food, live music and the great views. Full service cash bar available. No smoking. 7:00pm to 9:30pm, departing from Patriot's Point Naval Museum in Mt Pleasant.

CHARLESTON BOAT TOURS

Charleston’s premiere boat tour, cruise and private charter company., explore charleston by sea.

Welcome to Sea Glass Charters, your premier charter service for exploring the beautiful waters of Charleston, South Carolina. Our team of experienced captains and crew are passionate about sharing the beauty and history of Charleston’s waterways, and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for our guests. 

COME ONBOARD

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely sunset cruise or morning and afternoon trips , or a private yacht charter for a special event, Sea Glass Charters has everything you need to create lasting memories on the water. So come aboard and let us show you the best of Charleston from a whole new perspective.

Discover Charleston's Iconic Sights on a Harbor Cruise

• Fort Sumter National Monument
• The Battery
• Ravenel Bridge
• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
• Waterfront Park

Morning Cruise

Afternoon cruise, sunset cruise.

• Special Occasions

MORNING CRUISE

• Up to 6 people
• $150 for each additional hour

AFTERNOON CRUISE

Sunset cruise, custom charters.

24 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Home › Tours › Fort Sumter Dinner Cruise and Tour

Featured Tour Fort Sumter Dinner Cruise and Tour

Fort Sumter Dinner Cruise and Tour

History, historic Charleston city views and dinner combine for one fantastic evening experience.

The Fort Sumter Dinner Cruise & Tour sails Fridays only May 24, July 5th, and August 30.

Take a boat ride through Charleston Harbor and view one of the country’s top cities. Arrive at Fort Sumter where National Park Service rangers will share the rich history of the site. For the return cruise, relax and take in the spectacular harbor views while dining on Southern barbecue ( sample menu ). Beer and wine are available for purchase on the tour boat on the return trip.  Please note that neither of the gift shops will not be open for this cruise.

Advance reservations are recommended. Book online or call 843-722-BOAT . Cancel within 24 hours and receive a full refund. Walk-up reservations are welcome at the Liberty Square departure point, 340 Concord St. on a space available basis. Parking is available at the nearby Aquarium Wharf garage.

Tour Details

• 5:15 p.m.  Boarding at Liberty Square
• 5:30 p.m. Depart Dock
• 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tour Fort Sumter
• 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Sunset Cruise on the Harbor
• 8:00 p.m. Arrive back at Liberty Square

Ticket Prices

Seniors/active military, children 3 and under, details you need to know about fort sumter tours.

The Sunset Tour is hosted by Fort Sumter Tours, an authorized National Park Service concessioner. Rates are subject to availability and change without notice.

Fort Sumter Tour daytime tickets are 100% refundable if canceled 2 hours in advance of the departure time. If tickets are canceled less than 2 hours from departure time they are non-refundable. Rates and times are subject to availability and change without notice.  For Fort Sumter Dinner Cruise and Tours (Friday evenings only) the cancellation is 24 hours prior to the departure time.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, frequently referred to as the National Parks pass does not apply to the ferry fee. This includes the Interagency Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade Pass and Annual passes.

Fort Sumter tours cruise in most weather conditions year-round. The Charleston area experiences a high number of lightning strikes during the summer. Know the latest weather conditions and seek safe shelter in the event of lightning or thunder. Lightning identified within 10 miles of Fort Sumter will prompt the closure of the observation deck, and visitors are advised to shelter in the fort’s museum or on the ferry. The National Park Service and Fort Sumter Tours will inform visitors when there is a possibility that storms may impact the length of time visitors can spend at the fort. For more weather information, visit www.nps.gov/fosu .

Accessibility

The Fort Sumter Tour is a boat excursion. Due to changing weather and tide conditions, Fort Sumter Tours cannot and does not guarantee accessibility. The Liberty Square boarding ramp can accommodate electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters except in extreme tide situations. The Patriots Point location cannot accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. To ensure your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend calling Fort Sumter Tours on the day of your visit at 843-722-2628 .

Fort Sumter has limited accessibility for those with mobility issues. There is no elevator service at Fort Sumter. The museum, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs. The tour boat does have restrooms and will remain at the fort during your visit. The tour boats are equipped with an elevator/lift and handicapped accessible restrooms. Please visit the National Park Service Accessibility page for more details.

No concealed weapons are allowed on any vessels operated by Fort Sumter Tours.

Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter due to the high volume of visitors to this secluded island fort. Fort Sumter Tours does not permit pets on board vessels.  Please visit the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park website for details.

Public Notice

This service is operated by Fort Sumter Tours, a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting the operations in a satisfactory manner. Prices are approved by the National Park Service.

Please address comments to: Superintendent Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park 1214 Middle Street Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 [email protected]

Charleston Area Tours

Charleston Dinner Cruises

Charleston City Tours

Charleston Harbor Tours

Check out our new combo tour with Palmetto Carriage Works !

CHARLESTON’S DINNER CRUISE

SpiritLine Cruises offers the only waterfront dining experience in Charleston. Aboard the Spirit of Carolina, you and your betrothed will enjoy a four course dinner, made to order from local seasonal ingredients.

As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, the Spirit of Carolina will cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor, past Fort Sumter, along the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge. Pair that with live music, amazing Charleston harbor sunset views, full service bars, add a special cruise enhancement and you have the makings for an unforgettable evening on the water.

See for yourself why others are raving:

“The cruise was wonderful. The skip even let my son drive the boat! The tour guide/bartender was hilarious and made for a fun evening!”

– Emily G, Google Reviews

“We loved it. It was nice with how much walking we did over the previous 3 days to take a seat to see a new image of Charleston. The guide was a born and raised local who clearly had a strong grasp of the rich Charleston history on many levels. “

– Kristi Buczek, Google Reviews Local Guide

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our experience with SpiritLine Cruises! The food was delicious, the servers were polite and efficient, and the night went off without a hitch. The cruise director was exceptional! He was extremely professional and easy to work with. This was an A+ experience and we will definitely be doing this again in the future.”

– Tim Bryant, Google Reviews Local Guide

• Water Tours

Dinner Cruise

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SpiritLine Cruises

Aboard the Spirit of Carolina, enjoy a three- or four-course dinner, made to order from local seasonal ingredients, as we cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor.

WE'RE OPEN! COVID-19 Information .

Explore Charleston by Land and Sea

Tour updates & safety information.

Charleston Tours & Events is excited to be able to continue our long tradition of creating memorable Charleston experiences form tours to private events. The health and well-being of our guests and crew members is our number one priority. Our policies are designed to keep everyone safe, while also allowing for an enjoyable experience.

• All unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 are requested to wear a facial mask while indoors on the vessel.

We are running at up to full capacities which does not allow for much distancing on a passenger vessel. Please bring your mask if you are uncomfortable in what could be a crowded environment or if you are unvaccinated.

Small Group PRIVATE CHARTER & HARBOR TOUR options are available!

More Questions? Call or text our sales department at 843-722-1112 . Live support office hours are 7 days a week 8am-5:30pm

WE'RE OPEN AND SAFELY CRUISING. See our COVID-19 Safety Information.

Tours & Cruises

Choose A Category For Your

Tour experience.

The best way to see the historic city of Charleston is by taking one or more of the sightseeing tours offered by Charleston Tours & Events. Experience the beauty, grandeur, and majesty of Charleston first-hand and learn about the place Travel + Leisure once named the “World’s Best City.”

Please Select One of the Following

Sightseeing Cruises

Climb aboard the Carolina Belle to enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn the rich history of the Holy City. During the scenic and relaxing 90-minute tour, you will see over 75 landmarks and points of interest! Your professional USCG licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass locations critical to the history of the United States.

Charleston Harbor Tour

Prices Start At: $42 Adult (12 & up) $25  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Historic Carriage Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $82  Adult (12 & up) $59.50 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Boone Hall Plantation Combo

Prices Start At: $59  Adult (12 & up) $34  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Historic Carriage Tour Combo / Boone Hall Plantation Combo (“Tri Combo”)

Prices Start At: $105  Adult (12 & up) $67  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Adventure Sightseeing City Bus Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $34.50 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / SC Aquarium Combo

Prices Start At: $60 Adult (12 & up) $35 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Private Sunset Cruise on the Charleston Lady

Prices Start At: $1,200

Sunset Harbor Tour

Prices Start At: $50  Adult (12 & up) $28  Child (4-11)

Patriot’s Point / Harbor Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $59 Adult (12 & up) $34 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Lady – Afternoon Dolphin Sightseeing

Prices Start At: $40  Adult (12 & up) $28  Child (4-11)

Charleston Lady – Sunset Sightseeing Cruises

Prices Start At: $55  Adult (12 & up) – includes one drink $34  Child (4-11)

Harbor Tour & Middleton Place Combo

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $32 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Not finding what you’re looking for?

SAILBOAT CRUISES ABOARD SCHOONER PRIDE

Get an up-close-and-personal look at Charleston Harbor on Charleston’s only 3-mast, tall ship. People of all walks of life can enjoy two-hour public sails! There are no set courses; she sails with the winds and tides, so every cruise is unique. You will always be in the sheltered harbor area and see all the sites—just closer to some than others.

Daytime Dolphin Sail

Prices Start At: $50  Adult (12 & up) $34 Child (11 & under)

Sunset Sail

Prices Start At: $75  All Tickets (Adult & Child)

Full Moon Sail

Prices Start At: $55 Adult (21 & up)

THEMED & DINING CRUISES

The most fun you can have on a summer night in Charleston! Combine great music with great food while cruising on the scenic waters of the Charleston Harbor. Check out our calendar to see what cruise might suit you best as we combine blues and BBQ, jazz and brunch, BBQ and “Harbor-ritaville” music—any of these cruises will most certainly end up on your “best things you did in Charleston this summer” list.

4th of July Cruises

Blues & BBQ Cruise

Prices Start At: $59.95 Adult (12 & up) $40 Child (4-11)

Brunch Cruises

Prices Start At: $54.95 Adult (12 & up) $35.95 Child (4-11)

Wine Down Wednesday Cruise

Prices Start At: $52.95 Adult (21 & up) $26.95  Child (4-11)

CITY BUS TOURS

There is no better way to sightsee the historic and charming city of Charleston than on one of Charleston Tours & Events’ City Tours! Take in all the incredible sights and sounds of Charleston from a comfortable and climate-controlled bus. Each City Tour ride has a knowledgeable and engaging narrator on board who will both inform you and show you the true meaning of “Southern hospitality.”

See It All City Tour

Prices Start At: $32 Adult (12 & up) $20  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

See it All City Tour / Harbor Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $64  Adult (12 & up) $39 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Boone Hall Plantation Tour (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $65  Adult (12 & up) $34  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Boone Hall / City Tour Combo (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $86 Adult (12 & up) $50  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Magnolia Plantation Tour (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $80 Adult (12 & up) $45 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Magnolia Plantation Tour / City Tour Combo (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $110  Adult (12 & up) $65 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

See it All City Tour / Mansion or Charleston Museum Combo

Prices Start At: $35 Adult (12 & up) $27  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Private Bus Tours & Transportation

Enjoy a Private Tour or City Transportation on a Climate-Controlled Bus.

USS Yorktown – Patriot’s Point Tour

Prices Start At: $55  Adult (12 & up) $30  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

With transportation from the downtown Charleston Visitors Center.

Festival of Lights Tour

Prices Start At: $35  Adult (12 & up) $22  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

City Tours By Carriage

CARRIAGE TOURS

The one-hour carriage tour of Charleston’s historic district areas is an interesting blend of history combined with the witticism and humor of the tour guides. The licensed tour guides have passed a rigorous test to have the privilege to showcase the “old and the new” that is Charleston to our visitors. Carriage tours are a great way to get an up-close-and-personal look at Charleston and its many landmarks.

Prices Start At: $105  Adult (12 & up) $67 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Haunted Tours

Among the top things to do in Charleston – join us for a haunted carriage tour of Charleston, one of America’s spookiest cities. Hear surprising tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots from Charleston’s fascinating past. A knowledgeable guide will share informative and spine-tingling local tales while you pass by haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, and the famous Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon during this chilling, haunted tour through the Holy City.

Charleston Harbor Tour & Haunted Carriage Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $82  Adult (12 & up) $59.50 Child (4-11)

PLANTATION TOURS

Take a trip back in time by going on Charleston Tours & Events’ Plantation Tours. The Magnolia Plantation tour immerses visitors in a true “low-country” experience with a trip through America’s first public gardens—dating back to 1676! Boone Hall Plantation is another must-see landmark, with the “Avenue of Oaks” leading up to the incredible mansion featured in the movie, “The Notebook.”

Boone Hall / Harbor Tour Combo ( Includes Transportation )

Prices Start At: $91 Adult (12 & up) $49.50 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Magnolia Plantation Tour / Harbor Tour Combo (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $115 Adult (12 & up) $65  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $32  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

HISTORICAL TOURS

Charleston, a port city founded in 1670, is a magical place with deep roots that trace as far back as anywhere in America. Defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and antebellum houses, particularly in the Battery promenade and Waterfront Park that both overlook Charleston Harbor, and at Fort Sumter, the iconic spot where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. Our historical tours are among the best things to do in Charleston!

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $38  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

AQUARIUM TOURS

Enjoy a unique sea excursion combining two of Charleston’s most respected tourist attractions, Charleston Tours & Events and the South Carolina Aquarium. The aquarium is an exciting adventure for the whole family—providing a captivating journey from the mountains to the sea, featuring 60 unique habitats, including a 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank.

Charleston Tours & Events is the one-stop solution for the top-rated Charleston experiences through harbor cruises, historic tours, day trips & more!

Latest Updates

Charleston Charm: Unwrapping the Top 10 Holiday Festivities in the Holy City

December 15, 2023

Top 5 Spring Break Activities in Charleston

April 21, 2023

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CORPORATE OFFICE Charleston Tours & Events 11 Isabella St. Unit B Charleston, SC 29403 MAILING ADDRESS Charleston Tours & Events P.O. Box 21360 Charleston, SC 29413

Phone: 843-722-1112

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Home » About » Our Fleet

Our Fleet Charleston Harbor Boat Tours

SpiritLine Cruises & Events operates four vessels in scenic Charleston Harbor, including the grand and impressive Spirit of Carolina. This three-deck luxury dining yacht is the largest passenger vessel operating in the harbor. With three other vessels varying in size and amenities, we can easily accommodate your event needs.

No other venue in the city offers such a unique space, spectacular views, and delectable cuisine with warm southern hospitality.

We dare you to find a better way to enjoy this magical city than on the water.

Spirit of Carolina

Built and designed to comfortably accommodate large groups, the Spirit of Carolina hosts our dining cruises and is available for daytime chartered events.

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Spirit of the Lowcountry

Elegant southern style and charm combined with functionality make this boat a great choice for weddings and corporate events.

Spirit of Charleston

The Spirit of Charleston has an open-air deck that can be fully enclosed in inclement weather. The lower deck is spacious and elegantly decorated with beautiful amber sconces for lighting and a color palette that works well with any personal style.

Palmetto Spirit

The Palmetto Spirit is a custom-designed touring vessel. Two deck vessel with fixed seating on the lower level and a canopied open aired upper deck.

Cruise Charleston Harbor

Enjoy some of the very best views of the area’s historic architecture.

Check out our new combo tour with Palmetto Carriage Works !

Day Trips From Charleston

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48-Hour Itinerary

48 Hours in Charleston: The Perfect Itinerary

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There's a reason Charleston is a top travel destination. Continually ranked one of the world's friendliest cities, this coastal town has it all: rich history, world-class dining, a vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, moderate year-round weather, and endless recreational activities. It has so much to offer that choosing what to do and where to go for a weekend getaway can be a real challenge, but we've selected the highlights every visitor to Charleston should see.

Day 1: Morning

 GordonBellPhotography / Getty Images 

10 a.m.: Once you've landed at Charleston International Airport , grab your rental car, hail a taxi, or use a ride share for the 20 to 25-minute drive into the Historic District. While we can't guarantee early check-in, we do recommend a trio of hotels adjacent to Marion Square—the mid-century inspired  The Dewberry , the luxurious  Hotel Bennett , and the historic  Francis Marion Hotel —in the heart of the city for stellar views of the Charleston's famed church steeples and picturesque harbor (ask for a south-facing room) as well as walkability to major attractions. Drop off your bags, freshen up, and prepare to explore the city.

11 a.m.: Head to  Queen Street Grocery  for a late breakfast or early lunch. Order one of the signature crepes or a savory omelet to enjoy on the sidewalk patio. Alternatively, grab a smoothie, salad, or hot pressed sandwich to go and head to the nearby Colonial Lake park for a scenic picnic. Then walk to the nearby Battery and White Point Garden on the south end of the peninsula. Bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, the seawall promenade includes walking paths, remnants of Civil War artillery, harbor views, and stately Antebellum homes.

Day 1: Afternoon

Nine OK / Getty Images 

1:30 p.m.: Explore the city on foot with  Charleston Sole Walking Tours , owned and operated by a 10th-generation resident. The two-hour, 1.5-mile guided tour starts at the Old Exchange Building on East Bay Street and includes city landmarks like the Dock Street Theatre, Nathaniel Russell House garden, St. Michael's Church, and Rainbow Row. Book in advance to reserve your spot.

For a free, self-guided audio experience, download  Free Tours on Foot,  with tour options ranging from the  city's origins  to Civil War history to notable architectural landmarks.

4 p.m.: If hunger sets in, stop by  goat.sheep.cow 's Church Street outpost for a snack of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and wine. Eat there or pack some snacks and head to Waterfront Park to watch boats on the harbor, catch a glimpse of Fort Sumter, and snap photos in front of the Instagram-able pineapple fountain.

Then stroll through nearby galleries like the  Dog & Horse Fine Art & Portraiture and Sculpture Garden ,  DiNello Gallery , and  Helena Fox Fine Gallery , which showcase the best of locally and nationally renowned international artists. If you have time, tour one of the many churches—like St. Philip's and its adjoining cemetery—that give Charleston its "Holy City" moniker.

Day 1: Evening

TripSavvy / Anna Haines

6 p.m.: While Charleston has plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the much-lauded  Husk . While founding chef Sean Brock has moved on to other ventures, his celebration of Southern ingredients lives on in dishes like deviled eggs with pickled okra and trout row and okra stew with Carolina Gold rice. If you can't score a reservation, visit the restaurant's bar which offers a rotating a la carte menu and an extensive menu of craft cocktails, Southern spirits, wine, beer, and cider.

8 p.m.: After dinner, walk over to the  Charleston Gaillard Center  or  Charleston Music Hall  for a show. The former is a non-profit performing arts venue with programming ranging from touring Broadway hits and orchestras to concerts from contemporary artists like Tony Bennett and Little Big Town. The latter is a 19th-century Gothic revival building that offers live music, comedy, dance, and theater productions year-round.

Additional options for live music include  The Royal American,  vintage jazz club  The Commodore , and the  Music Farm .

10:30 p.m.: Charleston stays open late, so finish your evening with a nightcap at the mid-century brass bar at  The Living Room at the Dewberry Hotel,  or cocktails at the intimate, 1920s-inspired the Gin Joint.

Day 2: Morning

8 a.m.: Fuel your second day of adventures with hearty soul food from  Hannibal's Kitchen  in Eastside Charleston. The casual, family-owned spot has been dishing up soul food for over 35 years, and at $6, the Blake Street Breakfast—with choice of meat like sausage patties or bacon along with two eggs, grits, and a side of toast—can't be beaten. The $2.75 build-your-own East Bay Breakfast Sandwiches, with options of lettuce, cheese, or tomato plus a protein, are another great option. The menu also includes shrimp and grits, corned beef hash, and fried local shark.

Want something on the lighter side? Go for Stumptown coffee, salmon or avocado toast, sauteed greens with eggs, or a smoothie from the light and airy neighborhood cafe  The Daily  on King Street.

10 a.m.: Hop aboard the  Morris Island Boat Tour  with Adventure Harbor Tours. The three-hour excursion includes sightings of some of the city's most notable landmarks such as the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Battery, Fort Sumter, and Waterfront Park, as well as a stop at nearby Morris Island, an undeveloped barrier island teeming with wildlife and unspoiled beauty. During the 90-minute walking tour, you'll learn about the tides and the island's history, the ecology of barrier islands and marshland, and search for treasures like shark teeth and shells. You may even spot a dolphin or two!

Day 2: Afternoon

1 p.m.: South Carolina native's  Rodney Scott's BBQ  specializes in whole hog barbecue, smoked over oak coals mixed with hickory and pecan wood and generously doused in the pitmaster's signature sauce. Get it on a sandwich, over grits with cornbread, by the pound, or on a plate piled high with two sides, like hush puppies, greens, and mac and cheese. The restaurant's menu also includes BBQ spare ribs, fried catfish fillets, wings, and smoked turkey. Save room for dessert; Ella's banana pudding is not to be missed.

2:30 p.m.: Make your way further down King Street to browse the shops in the Historic District. From estate jewelry at  Croghan's Jewel Box  to rare and vintage finds at  Blue Bicycle Books  to art galleries like Robert Lange Studio and women's fashion at  Hampden Clothing , this well-traveled thoroughfare has something for everyone. National retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, and lululemon have locations here as well.

4 p.m.: Head to the  Gibbes Art Museum , one of the oldest arts organizations in the United States. The permanent collection includes over four centuries of paintings, decorative works, sculptures, and other works from American artists like Angelica Kaufmann and Conrad Wise Chapman. As the country's first-ever miniatures were painted in the city, it's fitting that the Gibbes houses the largest collection of the genre, with over 600 pieces from the Colonial era through the early 20th century.

If you missed the Daily in the morning, the museum has an outpost, which offers coffee, smoothies, juices, and a variety of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads for a quick afternoon pick-me-up.

Day 2: Evening

Andrew Cebulka 

5:30 p.m.: You can't visit Charleston without eating fresh-caught seafood. Located in a former 1920s era bank, The Ordinary on King Street offers $1.50 oysters during weekday happy hour, Tuesday through Friday between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Grab a seat at the raw bar to watch the shucking in action, then order a selection of East Coast bivalves, peel and eat South Carolina shrimp, littleneck clams, or all of the above plus lobster cocktail and other oceanic specialties on a shellfish tower. Feeling fancy? Indulge in the restaurant's caviar service served with Johnny cakes and traditional garnishes. The Ordinary also has a full dinner menu, plus cocktails, beer, and wines by the bottle and glass.

Another can't miss happy hour can be found at  Prohibition , which offers $1 oysters on the half shell, plus $5 for all snacks (get the fried oyster roll), classic cocktails like the Moscow Mule, and select beers Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., all in a speakeasy setting in the heart of the Historic District.

7 p.m.: Head to The Ordinary's sister restaurant,  FIG , for dinner. Helmed by Chef Jason Stanhope, the Meeting Street spot offers a tight menu of Southern, seasonally-inspired dishes like Jimmy Red cornbread with cottage cheese and persimmon and fish stew Provençal, which pair well with selections from the restaurant's award-winning wine program.

10 p.m. End the night (and your weekend) at The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue . Located on East Bay Street, the bar is open seven days a week and offers unparalleled views of Charleston Harbor and Waterfront Park, as well as snacks, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. For $100, you can order a bucket of bubbles to toast to the perfect weekend in the Holy City.

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• Charleston Harbor Fish House
• Brunch Menu

Specialty Drinks

Moscow mule.

Smirnoff and ginger beer with lime

• Samantha R.
• Cumberland, Marietta, GA
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A little disappointed.  The food was amazing!   We had the house made pork rinds & pimento cheese. It was so much food that we ended up ordering only 1 meal & splitting it.  We had the Market Fish.  They split the meal for us and didn't charge us. The upstairs outdoor bar was amazing!   And the view and the bartender was terrific.  He made me the best Moscow mule I think I've ever had.   IThe restaurant was not as exciting.  They advertise large "garage doors" that open to the marsh.  And they do, but they didn't have them open. Where the garage doors end and the glass walls start there is a foot wide beam that runs between. If you are at a regular height dining table, you won't get to see the view. So get a high top if possible.  The prices on the electronic wine list are outdated & we were charged more than the price list said.

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As part of a water taxi ride around the harbor, we got off here to check out the USS Yorktown and grab lunch. The Fish House has a good location and is nice place to set yourself down for a relaxing lunch with a nice view of the harbor. We started with tasty hushpuppies and a decent cocktail (of the three Moscow Mules I enjoyed in Charleston, this one came in third). Our server (the bartender) was outstanding throughout. The shrimp in the po boy was frozen, not local, so I had the fish taco (blackened). The fish was fine, but the garnish in the taco was coleslaw. Regular old coleslaw. Companion's burger was good. Overall, no complaints and a nice lunch spot, but nothing great.

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Charleston Harbor Fish House Menu: Brunch Menu

Blue Marlin-Rita

Pain killer, dark and stormy, strawberry fields.

Seasonal Mojito

Shrimp Caesar

Mariner's mimosas.

Price details

P.Y.O.M Bloody Mary (Pick Your Own Mix)

Bottled beers, import bottles, amstel light, corona light, craft bottles, dogfish 90 min, abita purple haze, abita turbo dog, angry orchard, domestic bottles, miller lite, coors light, fish hose martini, lemon shark, blue lagoon, mr. bloody belvedere, frozen drinks, seasonal daiquiris, captain colada, brain freeze (frozen painkiller).

Banana Boat

Dad's root beer float, eg inspiration, ciroc peach, van gogh dbl espresso, gosling's family reserve, ron zacapa anejo, mt. gay xtra old, cockspur 12yr., angostura 1919, captain morgan black, appleton's estate, myer's dark, gosling's black, captain morgan, parrot bay coconut, naked turtle, don julio reposado, don julio blanco, avion anejo, avion reposado, avion blanco, avion espresso, jose cuervo black, jose cuervo gold, nolet's, hendrick's, bombay sapphire, gordon's, bourbon / whiskey, pappy van winkle 20yr., pappy van winkle 15yr., woodford reserve, basil hayden, makers mark, bulliet bourbon, virgil kaine, jack daniels, crown royal, seagram's 7, macallan 12yr., dewar's, beverages, floats & smoothies, ice cream floats, fruit smoothies.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Biscuits and Gravy

Hushpuppies, pinach & artichoke dip.

Smoked Fish Dip

Chilled Seafood Castle & Tower

From the sea.

Smoked Salmon Platter

Oysters on the Half Shell

Local Peel & Eat Shrimp

Jumbo shrimp cocktail.

Clam Chowder

She Crab Soup

Soup of the day, chef's caesar salad, fish house salad.

Arugula Salad

For the fork, fried chicken and a biscuit.

Crab Cake Benedict

Smoked salmon and egg benedict, seafood crepes, two eggs ny style.

Stuffed French Toast

Shrimp N Grits

Omelet of he day, brunch waffles, for the hand, "chuck" burger house burger.

Crab Cake Sandwich

Shrimp or oyster po' boy, caprese chicken sandwich, breakfast burrito.

Lobster Roll

Fresh fruit.

Collard Greens

Scrambled eggs, seasonal vegetable, bacon/sausage.