Visitors to Charleston and its nearby beaches often think of touring the historic district, taking a carriage ride and seeing Charleston Harbor. But there’s a lot more to do around the area.
Ahoy, Me Hearties!
Learn more about Charleston’s buccaneer history with a pirate tour. There are several, including The Charleston Pirate Tour or the Pirates of Charleston adventure cruise.
Run the Bridge
Experience the 43rd Cooper River Bridge Run set April 4. The world-class 10K is a point-to-point race from Charleston to Mount Pleasant, and there are six race categories, including a walk/walk-run.
See Charleston by Water
It’s one thing to see this charming city on land, it’s a whole other thing by water. Take a guided kayak, paddleboard or boat tour of the Lowcountry. One excursion company, Coastal Expeditions, can get you out on the water with dolphin tours, birding excursions, Bulls Island trips and more.
Bike an Island
Sullivan’s Island is 3.3 square miles, which makes it perfect for getting around on two wheels. Rent a bicycle from Sealand Adventure Sports or Isle of Palms Bike Rental Shop. Take a trail ride and enjoy a slow-pace at the seashore.
Go Fly a Kite
Fly a Kite at Beachwalkers County Park on Kiawah Island. Everyone knows spring is the time for kite flying. The park is a bit less crowded than others, which just adds to the allure. In addition, visitors have been known to spot dolphins swimming just offshore.
Instgrammable Spots for Photos
Want to get some great photos of historic lighthouses? You’ve come to the right place. Though not open to the public, you can view Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse or Charleston Light, from National Park Service land surrounding the triangular structure of white and black blocks. The Morris Island Lighthouse is offshore, on the southside of Charleston Harbor. An effort is underway to restore the lighthouse, which dates to 1876. The Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is the best place to take an Instagram-worthy photo.
Take a Food Tour
Take a bite out of the Lowcountry with Charleston Culinary Tours which offers almost a dozen different tours. From the Downtown Culinary Tour to their Farm-to-Table Experience to Sustainable Seafood to Brewery Tours, you’ll get a little history mixed with cuisine combined with culture and cocktails during any one of these expeditions.
Learn a Craft
The Turtle’s Nest Art Studio in the Nature Center at Night Heron Park on Kiawah Island offers an array of classes. Choose from glass fusing, canvas painting for kids, mosaics, wood sign painting and more. Why not learn a new skill while on your beach vacation?
Get outside your comfort zone and do something different during your next visit to the South Carolina coast.