Details for tours and attractions recommended by Traveling Ink can be found by category under the Charleston Attractions menu of the website under Things to Do. For a quick overview of tours and things to do in Charleston, please read the descriptions below.
Palmetto Carriage Tours
Residential carriage tours cover about 30 blocks of the downtown historic district. Guests will enjoy seeing various public buildings, churches, homes, and botany as a tour guide certified by the city gives them the history and background of the places as they pass. Tours begin at 9:00am and typically run every 20 minutes up until 5:00pm during Daylight Saving Time (until 4:00pm November 3rd-March 10th). Carriage tours are an excellent overview of the Charleston historic district and one of the most popular tours to take in town. Learn More.
DIscount: Traveling Ink carriage tour guests are eligible for a discount on their tickets and free parking when they bring in this coupon.
Downtown Historic Walking Tour
Palmetto Tours' two hour tours range from a general history tour to specific subjects such as Charleston Architecture, the Civil War, and Charleston's Slave History. Tours typically also include entrance to an associate historic building such as the Charleston Powder Magazine or the Edmondston-Alston House Museum depending on which tour the guest selects. Walking tours allow guests to stroll down quaint alleys and behind historic buildings that bus or carriage tours are unable to access and offer an extended amount of historical perspective. Learn More.
Discount: Traveling Ink guests are eligible for a discount when they book online with the online promo code: traveling
Steeplechase Running Tours
Guests in the mood for a light workout while learning about the city of Charleston will enjoy this 90 minute tour of the historic district. Runners of all levels are a good fit for Charleston Steeplechase's historic tour. Guests run a few blocks at a time and make 10-12 stops at areas of historical note and general interest. Tours cover approximately 3.5 miles and begin and return to Marion Square. Group and customized private tours are available. Learn More.
Discount: Traveling Ink guests are eligible for a discount when they book a running tour online with promo code: traveling
Charleston Harbor Tours
Climb aboard the Carolina Belle for this hour and a half tour of Charleston Harbor. Guests will cruise by Waterfront Park, The Battery, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the USS Yorktown, and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. This tour is an excellent afternoon excursion, and the bow wake of the boat is a frequent place for dolphins to play while guests learn the history of the landmarks they pass. Boat times vary according to season. A schedule can be found here. Learn More.
Discount: Traveling Ink guests are eligible for a discount on Charleston Harbor Tours when they print out this coupon and bring it with them to purchase tickets. Guests may also purchase tickets for Charleston Harbor Tours online with discount code: travelingink
Schooner Pride Sailing Tour of Charleston Harbor
The Schooner Pride sails with the tides and the wind each afternoon and evening. Guests can help the crew on deck or simply enjoy the smooth ride as they cruise the Charleston Harbor. The Pride is modeled after coastal trading ships that populated the harbor in the 18th century. Reservations are strongly encouraged as these tours are known to sell out. Learn More.
Discount: Traveling Ink guests are eligible for a 10% discount on sailing tours. Guests can book a sailing trip online and should use the coupon code: travelingink to receive the discount.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Magnolia is the oldest public gardens site in America and the first tourist site in the Lowcountry. Magnolia Gardens boasts some of the most beautiful blooms around with flowers ranging from Camellias to Azaleas to Hibiscus. There are plants in bloom year round and a full list of blooms by month can be found here. The grounds at Magnolia also house an Audubon Swamp, a petting zoo, a plantation house, a conservatory, and more. Learn More.
Discount: A Magnolia Plantation coupon is available June through February here for all Traveling Ink adult guests.
Coastal Expeditions Kayak Tours
Coastal Expeditions offers a variety of half and full day kayak tours from various locations including Shem Creek, Folly Creek, and Isle of Palms. Kayak tour guides are dedicated naturalists who are eager to share the beauty and history of these rivers, salt marshes and blackwater for paddlers of almost any level. Guests are likely to not only see beautiful foliage, but also a bevy of wildlife such as pelicans, egrets, herons, crabs, dolphins, and even manatees on tour. Learn More.
Discount: Mention Traveling Ink when you arrive or use promo code: traveling
Charleston Surf Lessons
Learn to surf from experienced instructors out on Folly Beach where guests will find consistent, but typically manageable conditions, perfect for learning to surf. Charleston Surf Lessons has broken down the learning process into three easy steps to maximize the potential for standing up on the board. If you've ever wanted to learn to surf or would like help honing your skills, these are the folks to see. Learn More.
Discount: Mention you were referred by Traveling Ink when you book to receive a $3 discount.
South Carolina Aquarium
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium for a grand dose of aquatic life. The aquarium houses everything from sea turtles to sharks to a very unique albino aligator. Special exhibits rotate on a regular basis. The SC Aquarium is a great place to relax and learn about a variety of wildlife. It is also a great indoor option during inclement weather. Learn More.
Discount: A Discount Coupon for the SC Aquarium tickets can be emailed directly to any Traveling Ink guest.