The Grand Strand is more than just a popular vacation destination full of resorts and modern attractions. Amid all the amusement parks, waterslides and, of course, the white sandy beaches, there are scenic vistas, beautiful natural landscapes, and interesting local history. With a number of guided tours available in the area, visitors (and locals) are able to appreciate often overlooked sights and details sometimes lost in the hustle and bustle. With tours covering everything from local history to up close encounters with local wildlife, you may gain a familiarity with the area that is well worth the small average price of the tours offered. From casual open-aired Jeep tours, steeped in unique local trivia, to serene Jet Ski and dolphin excursions just off the Carolina coast, you might spend your vacation letting others lead you. Courteous and knowledgeable guides are eager to answer questions, whether you’re new to the area or have been visiting for years.
Brookgreen Gardens offers guided tours of the gardens daily so that guests can learn all about the history and the beauty behind this favorite attraction. Additional guided tours include the Creek Excursion, which tours area creeks past former rice plantations; the Trekker Excursion, a ride-along tour down an avenue of historic Live Oaks to a plantation cemetery, a Civil War earthen fort site, and a historic rice mill chimney; and the Oaks Excursion, which travels via mini-bus to the site of the Oaks Plantation and the Alston family cemetery and grounds of the slave village.
Explore Hobcaw Barony’s rich history and ecology on a two-hour tour that requires little walking. This 16,000-acre private reserve encompasses the Lowcountry’s diverse environments. Step back in time at the opulent Hobcaw House, residence of Bernard Baruch and a meeting place for historical figures. The tour also includes a glimpse of Bellefield Plantation, home to Baruch’s daughter, and a stop at a preserved slave village, offering a poignant look at the property’s past. Learn about coastal ecosystems, fascinating wildlife, and endangered species. This tour is best suited for ages 7 and up.
Take a guided tour of the backwaters of coastal South Carolina on the Waccamaw Cooter Airboat. You’ll be surrounded by the beautiful outdoors and all it has to offer. The tour may offer close encounters with some of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures, from native alligators to regal ospreys. Ride through backwaters framed by moss-laden oak and cypress trees on your airboat tour!
The next time you’re in Myrtle Beach, experience Southern charm and rich history on a convenient day trip to Charleston, consistently ranked among the top travel destinations. Unwind from the Myrtle Beach bustle and immerse yourself in the beauty of Charleston with Day Trips to Charleston. They take the hassle out of planning, offering comfortable transportation and diverse tour options to suit your preferences. They’ll pick you up from a central location in Myrtle Beach or your oceanfront hotel (between 29th Avenue North and 29th Avenue South). Relax and enjoy the scenic 2-hour drive on an air-conditioned motorcoach. Tailor Your Experience with popular tour options. Tour #7: See It All – The Ultimate Charleston Experience Explore Charleston on your preferred mode – a city bus tour with Adventure Sightseeing, a charming horse-drawn carriage ride, or a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Historic Market. Embark on a narrated Charleston Harbor Tour aboard the Carolina Belle, offering close-up views of Fort Sumter and over 70 points of interest. Enjoy a deli lunch on the harbor tour. Finally, immerse yourself in history at Boone Hall Plantation, America’s most photographed plantation. Tour #5: Unveiling Charleston’s Gems Delve into the city’s rich past with a comprehensive city bus tour of the historic district. Indulge in extended shopping time at the bustling Historic Market. Enjoy a deli lunch provided upon your return to the motorcoach. Explore Boone Hall Plantation and delve into its captivating story. Tour #2: Charleston Your Way Craft your own Charleston adventure while you explore at your own pace. Enjoy the sights, savor the flavors, and soak in the atmosphere before the motocoach picks you up for the return trip to Myrtle Beach.
Cape Fear Riverboats has been running tours out of downtown Wilmington since 1987, making it the longest continuously operating boat tour on the Cape Fear River. The lineup of tours gives you plenty of options depending on what you’re after. The daily one-hour sightseeing tours feature live narration from experienced captains covering the history, legends, and culture of Wilmington, with views of the Battleship USS North Carolina, Eagle Island, downtown murals and buildings, and the NC State Port. If you want something more immersive, the Black River Nature Tour is a four-hour excursion into a beautiful coastal environment with narration from local ecologist Andy Wood, running twice a month from May through October. Sunset cruises are also available for those who just want to relax on the water. The main vessel, the Henrietta, holds up to 100 passengers and comes with air conditioning, a full-service bar, and indoor and outdoor decks. The smaller Osprey holds up to 25 guests and is great for more intimate outings or private charters. Both boats are available to rent for private events including weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions, and reunions.
If you’re looking for a unique way to take in the coast, OceanFront Helicopters has you covered. They offer scenic flights, private charters, and special occasion rides that let you see the ocean from a whole new angle. Whether you’re celebrating something or just in the mood for a little adventure, their experienced pilots and well-kept helicopters make sure your ride is smooth, safe, and seriously memorable.
Plantation River Tours departs from Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and takes its guests on scenic boat tours along historic plantations of South Carolina’s beautiful Lowcountry rivers. On your tour, you will see rice plantations, trunk gates, slave cabins, moss-laden oak trees, alligators, eagles, and osprey, and you will see transit yachts on the Intracoastal Waterway! The tour will be narrated by a local historian who will educate you on the Rice Plantations’ history, mystery, and legends. The Plantation River Tour is on a 60-foot Pontoon Boat named the Waccamaw Lady, which features shaded seating and clean restrooms on board. The Waccamaw Lady is also handicapped accessible. The Plantation River Tour costs $35 for adults, $25 for kids ages 6 to 12, and the tour is free for children 5 and under! Plantation River Tours also offers an airboat tour! Airboat Tours takes you along the Waccamaw, Black, and Pee Dee Rivers for an unforgettable experience. You’ll find yourself up close to beautiful creatures like alligators and osprey and in canals where no other boat could take you. Private Charters are also available upon request.
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