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Things to do in South Carolina

Our most recommended things to do in South Carolina

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Guided Tour by Boat

1. Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Guided Tour by Boat

Take in the beauty of Hilton Head from the perspective of the water on a fully narrated boat tour. Delight in up-close encounters with dolphins, and find out about their habits, eating patterns, and more with a local guide. As you explore the island's waterways, learn about the history of the area and the surrounding islands from your guide's narration. Hear about oysters, spartina grass, tides, pluff mud, and more. As well as dolphins, keep on the lookout for other wildlife including pelicans, osprey, stingrays, herons, turtles, and more which may be seen along the way.

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

2. Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

Enjoy a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter and explore the grounds at your own pace. Pass by the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and take in the sights of Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes. As you approach Fort Sumter, graceful sailboats and playful dolphins add to the photogenic scene. If you depart from Mt. Pleasant you will enjoy views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close, while tours embarking from downtown will see Aquarium Wharf as they depart and return. Arrive at The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, which sits prominently at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, a strategic location that was crucial to its defense.  While here, explore the grounds of Fort Sumter. Stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. A visit to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park provides a window into the life and trials of America’s heroes, from the Civil War to today’s modern conflicts. Learn about the events leading to the war from knowledgeable National Park Rangers who will relay stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Dagger

3. Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Dagger

Treat your little ones to the adventure of a lifetime aboard an activity-packed pirate cruise on Hilton Head Island. Allow your child to live out their craziest fantasies by turning into a pirate with the help of face paint and temporary tattoos. Help find a sunken treasure and defeat Stinky Pete. Head to the docks to get a new pirate name and learn how to speak like a real pirate. Board the legendary Black Dagger and set sail in search of a treasure. Join in on a race to find Stinky Pete, the island’s smelliest pirate who knows about the treasure map and has stolen the key Locate Stinky Pete before he gets to the treasure first. Watch the crew man the water cannons and blast Stinky Pete until he gives back the key. Enjoy singing and dancing throughout your journey, as you navigate across the ocean before heading back to the starting point.

Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus

4. Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus

Beaufort town, located on Port Royal Island, remains the Queen of the South Carolina Sea Islands thanks to its charm, natural beauty, fascinating history, and rich, diverse cultural heritage. On this 1.25-hour driving tour, explore the historic district of Beaufort, including the famous Old Point area and The Bluff with its antebellum houses and churches.  As you drive around in air-conditioned comfort, your guide will introduce some of these beautiful, historic sites. See townhouses up close and learn about the architecture and people behind them. Discover what happened to the houses and the people of Beaufort during the Civil War Union Occupation. See filming sites made famous by the over 24 Hollywood films shot in the area. Gear up for an exciting and fascinating tour of South Carolina's second-oldest city. Discover an area that delights visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and impressive colonial and antebellum architecture.

Myrtle Beach: Legends in Concert Live Tribute Show Ticket

5. Myrtle Beach: Legends in Concert Live Tribute Show Ticket

The Legends in Concert's state-of-the-art theater is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach at Broadway at the Beach, the Carolina coast's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. A ticket to a live tribute show at this iconic location promises nonstop entertainment. The Legends in Concert Theater boasts an ever-changing cast of top tribute artists performing the greatest hits backed by a live band and professional and talented singers and dancers. See some of the most popular acts in the history of music on one stage. Watch celebrity look-a-likes perform the songs and dances of stars such as Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart, and Dolly Parton, to name just a few. Experience an unforgettable live tribute show and take advantage of the myriad shopping and dining opportunities near the theater before or after the performance. The fall lineup includes tributes to The Blues Brothers, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Garth Brooks, and Elvis Presley.

Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise

6. Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise

Board the luxury Spirit of Harbor Town ship for an evening of mouthwatering cuisine and the island’s best sunsets. Admire unbeatable views as you enjoy a delicious dinner and watch as the sun slips behind the horizon. Choose to dine on the shaded topside deck, or select a table in the collimate-controlled cabin with panoramic windows. Relax with a drink from the full-service bar (at your own expense) as you look out for dolphins. Sunset Dinner Cruise Sail early enough to catch the sunset and return after dark to the lights of Harbour Town. Whether a warm summer evening or a cozy November night, the Sunset Dinner Cruise is a perfect way to end any day of the year on Hilton Head Island. Keep your eye out for dolphins as they typically make an appearance during the sunset dinner cruise. Menu Starter: • Heirloom tomato panzanella salad Your choice of 1 entree:• Fish: blackened mahi-mahi • Chicken: roasted chicken breast • Pork: berbere spiced pork loin • Vegetarian/vegan: fresh pasta primavera Dessert: • Key lime pie or layered chocolate mousse

Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

7. Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Discover the incredible wildlife of Hilton Head Island with a dolphin spotting cruise at sunset. Search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in open water before watching the sunset on Daufuskie Island. Sail towards the open ocean in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on an amazing sightseeing cruise. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on this cruise. After seeing these animals in open water, travel to Daufuskie Island and up Bull Creek to Dolphin Hole to watch the setting sun. Admire the incredible landscape of salt estuaries at sunset. Listen to live commentary from your expert captain, and ask the crew any questions you might have. Beer, wine, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase throughout the trip.

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

8. Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

Set sail on a 14 passenger boat cruise in the surrounding waters of Hilton Head Island and encounter bottlenose dolphins and other coastal species such as osprey, egrets, pelicans, bald eagles, a variety of shorebirds, and more. Get scenic views of Broad Creek and admire the private residential homes in Long Cove, Wexford Lock System, and Spanish Wells Plantations. See famous attractions including the Harbor Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, the Atlantic Ocean, Tybee Island, and the Savannah River Bridge.

Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

9. Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

Embark on a true Charleston Harbor dining experience aboard the Spirit of Carolina. Enjoy a three-course dinner, made to order from local seasonal ingredients. As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor, past Fort Sumter, along the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge. Take in the views from the large enclosed air-conditioned dining decks or the open-air observation deck. Enjoy music throughout the cruise, as well as a full-service bar. Dinner menu: Soup: Charleston she-crab soup Salad: Edisto green salad with a blend of baby lettuce, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds with herb vinaigrette (gluten-free) Entrées: (All entrees include freshly baked bread and butter) • Braised short rib of beef (gluten-free, dairy-free) with cabernet reduction, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Seared wing tip chicken breast (gluten-free) with white wine lemon sauce, sautéed spinach and feta cheese fillings, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Low country shrimp and grits (gluten-free) with sautéed shrimp, tasso ham, and andouille sausage. Served on creamy stone-ground grits and topped with aged cheddar cheese and bacon jam garnish• Roasted sliced cauliflower (dairy-free, vegetarian) with roasted red pepper drizzle, wilted spinach, lemon and olive oil mixed ancient grains of quinoa, farro, toasted barley (dairy-free, vegetarian), and grilled asparagus (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian) Desserts: • New York-style cheesecake with strawberries and whipped cream • Chocolate pot de crème (gluten-free) with whipped cream and chocolate shavings ($6.00 each) Food is not prepared in a nut-free, shellfish-free, or gluten-free facility.

Beaufort: Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart

10. Beaufort: Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart

This 1-hour tour by golf cart covers Beaufort’s historic district and gives you a chance to learn more about the town and its history. Discover the sites and homes where the stars stayed in downtown Beaufort. Ride by locations surrounding Beaufort such as The Gump Medical Center (funded by Forrest’s “gazillions” he earned running the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company) and The National Cemetery where The Great Santini was buried. See the bridge from Forrest Gump that he crossed on the way back east from his cross-country run. Yes, the “Mississippi River” bridge is actually here in Beaufort.

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What people are saying about South Carolina

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 7,758 reviews

The crew was very welcoming and friendly. We had a great time even in the cold weather. Anna was AWESOME at communicating and keeping us updated via text which was super convenient!

What an amazing tour! We had a blast, and our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable & friendly. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend!

Kathy was an excellent tour guide. We really enjoyed her enthusiasm while Sharing information about Beaufort.

We enjoyed the ferry ride and appreciate the team for taking us out even with the weather conditions.

We saw dolphins up close and personal!! Great fun!