Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall

Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall offers an engaging way to experience one of America’s most picturesque and historically significant cities in a single, well-organized day. For $215 per person, you’ll spend around 10.5 hours immersed in Charleston’s scenic streets, beautiful gardens, and waterfront views—all with round-trip transportation from Myrtle Beach included.

What we appreciate most about this tour are the personalized touches like the guided carriage ride and the delicious boxed lunch served aboard the harbor cruise. These small details make the day feel special and hassle-free. Plus, visiting Boone Hall Plantation—famous for its “Avenue of the Oaks” and well-maintained grounds—adds a tangible sense of history that’s both educational and visually stunning.

One thing to keep in mind is the tight schedule: with only limited time at each stop, you’ll want to enjoy the highlights without expecting to see everything thoroughly. If you’re eager to explore Charleston at a slower pace or wander through neighborhoods, this might not be the right fit.

This trip is best suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a rundown of Charleston’s main attractions. The all-inclusive nature makes it ideal for travelers who prefer to relax and let someone else handle the logistics—especially since the reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and drivers as a real plus.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines a carriage ride, harbor cruise, and plantation visit for a full taste of Charleston.
• Convenience & Comfort: Round-trip transportation from Myrtle Beach, with a fixed schedule, means no stress about logistics.
• Authentic Local Insights: Guides and narrators are praised for their knowledge, adding depth to each stop.
• Balanced Itinerary: While packed, the stops are curated to showcase Charleston’s most photogenic and historically significant sites.
• Value for Money: For just over $200, you get multiple activities, a boxed lunch, and transportation—great for those who want to maximize their day.
• Mixed Feedback: Some travelers wish for more time at certain stops or more storytelling, but overall, most find it worthwhile.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Your Day: Pickup & Departure

You’ll meet your bus early at Myrtle Beach’s Ripley’s Aquarium at 7:00 am. The comfortable motor coach, which features onboard restrooms—a practical touch—will ferry you south to Charleston. Expect a smooth ride, with friendly drivers like Wendy or Bobby receiving praise for their professionalism and safety. While you won’t be riding in luxury buses with charging ports, most reviews focus on the overall convenience and friendliness of the journey.

The Carriage Ride Through Historic Charleston

Once in Charleston, your first highlight is a guided horse-drawn carriage tour around the historic downtown district. This is a real treat—most reviews describe guides like Hunter as knowledgeable, engaging, and adding humor to the storytelling. Expect to see key sights like Rainbow Row, the Battery, and perhaps some hidden gems, all while hearing stories that bring the city’s past to life.

Several reviews praise the carriage ride as both informative and enjoyable. One reviewer, Cathy, called it “both informative and fun,” and mentioned Harmony, their horse, was fantastic. Others appreciated guides who struck a good balance between education and humor, making the experience memorable without feeling overly scripted.

Exploring the Charleston City Market

After the carriage, you’ll have about 30 minutes at the Old City Market. This is a perfect window for a quick browse of local crafts, souvenirs, or just soaking in the lively atmosphere. Some travelers mention it’s a brief visit, but it offers a taste of local commerce and culture. Be prepared to be brisk—time is limited, but you can always return on your own if you wish to explore more.

The Harbor Cruise on the Carolina Belle

Next, you’ll board the Carolina Belle for a 90-minute harbor cruise. Most reviews highlight the beautiful views and the well-narrated commentary about Charleston’s waterfront, forts, and maritime history. The cruise includes a boxed lunch served onboard—most say the sandwiches of ham, turkey, and cheese on hoagie rolls are satisfying, with snacks like cookies and chips to round out the meal.

While some found the harbor cruise a highlight, a few wished for more detailed historical commentary about the area. Regardless, most agree that the scenery and fresh sea air make it a relaxing and picturesque interlude.

Boone Hall Plantation: A Taste of Southern Elegance

The final stop is Boone Hall Plantation, renowned for its long avenue of ancient oak trees and well-kept gardens. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the grounds and the house—which many describe as beautiful but not necessarily a “plantation” from the past, as the house has been rebuilt and is newer than you might assume.

Several reviews praise the grounds and gardens as spectacular, with the house tour being a little brief but still worthwhile. The visit offers a solid dose of Southern architecture and horticulture, and some guides include Gullah storytelling, which adds cultural depth.

Most travelers find this stop worthwhile, with many wishing they had more time to explore or walk around the gardens. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to round out your day.

Return Journey & Reflection

By late afternoon, your bus heads back to Myrtle Beach, usually arriving around 5:30-6:00 pm. The journey home offers time to reflect on your busy day of sightseeing and maybe plan to explore Charleston more at your leisure someday.

Practical Details & Tips

• Pricing & Value: At $215, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that’s hard to replicate on your own in one day. It includes transportation, all attractions, and a boxed lunch, making it quite convenient.
• Timing & Pacing: With a 10.5-hour schedule, expect a full day. Be prepared for some quick transitions between stops; if you prefer a leisurely pace, you might find this a bit rushed.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Most trips are capped at 48 travelers, fostering a friendly, social atmosphere. Reviews note that the guides and drivers are personable and attentive.
• Weather & Cancellation: The tour depends on good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach and want to get a taste of Charleston’s charm without the hassle of organizing multiple activities yourself, this trip is ideal. It’s especially suited for first-timers eager to see the highlights—Rainbow Row, Boone Hall, the harbor, and the market—in one smooth, guided day. If you’re interested in history, architecture, and scenic boat rides, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

However, those seeking more time at each stop or in-depth exploration might find this tour a bit compact. Also, if you’re not a fan of early mornings or tight schedules, consider that in your planning.

FAQ

Does transportation to and from Myrtle Beach go smoothly?
Yes, most reviews highlight the comfort and professionalism of the bus drivers, making the transfer hassle-free.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers find it accessible, and service animals are allowed. Casual dress is recommended, and the itinerary is designed to be engaging for a broad audience.

How much time do we spend at each stop?
Expect about an hour for the carriage ride, 1.5 hours for the harbor cruise including lunch, and around 2 hours at Boone Hall. The market visit is limited to 30 minutes.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for souvenirs or extras, and consider light jackets as the weather can vary. The bus includes a restroom, which is handy for the long day.

Can I customize this tour or extend my stay in Charleston?
This is a fixed, all-inclusive day trip. To explore more deeply, plan additional time on your own before or after the tour.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Myrtle Beach to Charleston tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the city’s iconic sights, historic charm, and scenic beauty in one day. For travelers who want convenience, variety, and expert guides, it delivers a lot of value. You’ll love the carriage ride’s charm, the harbor cruise’s views, and Boone Hall’s picturesque grounds—each providing a different window into Charleston’s soul.

While it’s not a deep dive into every corner of the city, it’s a perfect sampler for first-timers or those short on time. The thoughtfully curated stops and friendly guides make it feel like a day spent with a knowledgeable friend, not just a tour group.

If you’re craving a stress-free, all-in-one experience that combines history, scenery, and culture, this trip can be a highlight of your South Carolina visit. Just be ready for a full day—and plenty of memorable moments along the way.