Beaches. Ice cream. Shrimp and grits.
Charleston is a popular vacation spot in summer—and for good reason, of course—but no need to wait for June to swing by. After all, spending spring break in South Carolina is always an excellent decision.
Whether your ideal Charleston vacation involves surfing at Folly Beach, shopping on King Street, or checking out one of the many festivals in Charleston seemingly every weekend, good times all around are a given.
Dolphin Sightseeing Sail on the Schooner Pride
For all the history buffs out there, have you ever sailed aboard an authentic schooner? And for all other adventurers, would hoisting the sails of an antique tall ship pique your interest?
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is available to you each day, with a few time options. For a daytime dolphin sightseeing sail, drink in the sights of the harbor, the sounds of the waves lapping against the boat and the seagulls flying up ahead. And be sure to bring sunscreen!
For a more exclusive, intimate sunset sail experience, the Schooner Pride offers views of the sunset from the water unlike any you’ve encountered. Why not top off the experience with a bottle of bubbly to share?
The Schooner Pride is modeled after the 18th century trading schooners that once dotted the Charleston harbor, and she carries on this tradition today by dutifully providing up to 49 passengers a unique view of Charleston, sailing through the harbor. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins breaching the surface, and perhaps other native wildlife as well! Otters love to play near the Aquarium Wharf where the Pride departs.
Interested in another time? Looking for a stunning venue for a party or work event? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Charleston Harbor Tours about a potential private charter, or read more about what such an experience would entail.
Blues & BBQ Cruise
Scandalous that we’ve not yet touched on local cuisine! Food is the one-stop topic for some quintessential southern flair, and it really deserves its own blog post. Music is equally as important to the lowcountry, as are activities on the water.
Blues, barbecue, and a harbor cruise—why choose between them?
Come aboard the Charleston Princess for a dinner cruise unlike any other in town, and be prepared for a sunset on the water you won’t soon forget. Each Thursday beginning on March 16, Charleston Harbor Tours will be hosting this celebration of southern cuisine featuring local bands and local caterers. Locals and travelers alike are welcome to join us, whether the occasion be date night or a family reunion.
Feeling especially fancy? VIP tickets can be purchased here. which allow you to board 30 minutes ahead of everyone else, and also includes a complimentary drink.
Second Sunday on King
Aptly named, every second Sunday of each month, a large section of King Street closes to traffic and becomes the location of a pedestrian takeover. Food trucks and local business owners showcase what they have to offer in a festive environment that every Charlestonian looks forward to each month.
Bring your dogs and your good spirits; after all, when Woof Gang sets up a Valentines Kissing Booth and Pure Fluff Co brings out their cotton candy, great memories are guaranteed. You should also bring your pencil and notebook if you plan to attend the various seminars the Apple Store will hold in March, from customizing your device’s settings to how to manage your iPhone privacy.
Live dancing performances, artists in action, and more cement this monthly festival as a must-do activity this spring break.
Ghost Tour Pub Crawl
Ghost tours in Charleston are seemingly on every corner, which makes sense given this city’s exceptionally long—and at times gruesome—history. And who doesn’t love a good ghost story?
But with precious vacation time in question, why not make your ghost tour more memorable with a twisted twist?
Familiarize yourself with some of the oldest pubs and restaurants in Charleston via haunted pub crawl, where you will learn the history behind many breathtaking, antique architectural marvels—and the souls who may still reside within them.
Bulldog Tours offers one such tour, as does Nightly Spirits. Simply book online, rendezvous with your period-dressed guide, and set off on an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Enjoying Charleston’s Beaches
Charleston, being a coastal city, encompasses quite a bit of coastline—and beaches.
For a fun, upbeat day in the sun, Folly Beach’s bustling pier and vibrant shops will brighten up your day. Eclectic restaurants like Chico Feo and Taco Boy have been carefully decorated to match the laid back atmosphere of Folly Beach, where something exciting is always happening.
For a peaceful, out-of-the-way beach day free from distractions, Sullivan’s Island is the place to be. Long stretches of sand and water largely undisturbed by overwhelming crowds make this a great candidate for those days when you simply want to get away from it all.
If luxe is your style, Kiawah Island is known for golf and private beaches. The famous resort on this island is highly exclusive, and if you’d rather dip your toes in a beachside pool than the ocean, they can accommodate that.
Spring Break is in the Air
A well-deserved break is on the horizon. We’ve sprung forward with time shift, the flowers at Magnolia Plantation are in bloom, and the sun sets later in the day.
We at Charleston Tours & Events look forward to seeing you on your spring break!
