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VOTED THE #1 GULLAH TOUR IN CHARLESTON!

The Hidden Culture of the Gullah People 

Come See & Feel the Gullah people:

An amazingly colorful history with so much beauty but most importantly:

It's a history this world has Never Ever Heard before now. The Gullah are a very spiritual people. A special group of Black African Americans descending from before the Atlantic Slave Trade still living here in the Sea Islands of Charleston, SC today.

How DEEP do you REALLY want to go?

*WARNING* 

All we offer is the Truth

True Historical & Biblical Secrets of this great and "Holy City" of Charleston, SC. What does Gullah mean? The “TRUE” meaning of GULLAH is revealed on this tour. No other tour company talks about slavery nor do they talk about the Black African American Experience “like we do.” We teach on the true culture of an ancient people that is hiding right in the front of your eyes. The history everyone wants to know about but nobody wants to talk about. Charleston is the BEGINNING of the African American EXPERIENCE & history. The term "African American" is the newest of the many different “NICKNAMES” given to this peculiar nation of black people brought from Africa to America by way of “Slave Ships”. This history has never been told before now, as the Gullah people say: "Look Yah, Do yu hav da Ears ta Hear or da Eyes ta See?" 

King Charles and his lord proprietors knew all about "The secrets of the Gullah" just as the queen of England knows it today. The Revolution and the Confederacy still keep this part of history hidden; this truth is still kept silent yet the City speaks volumes through its Symbolisms. It is of the highest in the Templar and Masonic Orders of Secrecy. Charleston holds many secrets. Secret societies, secret alleyways and most importantly Charleston is the World's Top Destination because of it’s Secret History. 

Tour Guide: Godfrey Jacob Jefferson Khill is the only Charleston Native Gullah Geechee Licensed Certified tour operator in the WORLD. Raised in the Gullah culture, knowing their ancient secrets and customs, Godfrey keeps the true history of the Gullah culture alive.

Prepare to have your minds blown! This tour will change your historical perspective forever! History you thought you knew challenged, and history you may have not known revealed! At first it may be hard to see but once you see, you will NEVER NOT SEE.

We operate out of a Black Mercedes Benz 2500 Sprinter for the ultimate experience in the finest of comfort. No other tour company offers audio & visuals on a large flat screen TV to give you an up close and personal experience as we journey through the history of the mysterious Gullah Geechee.   

SITES TO SEE The Holy Bible Slave Auction Blocks Rare and Original Moses Bulrush Basket The Gullah’s famous Sweetgrass Roses & Customs  The Aiken Rhett museum house with large slave quarters intact Philip Simmons famous gates  The Garden of Eden Long staple cotton Carolina Gold Rice & Rice Mill The actual GATEWAY into the Holy City Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon Nations largest Auction Block of the 1700's Slave Barr-a-Coons  The Largest Slave Auction Block & Market in the Nation of the 1800’s Slave Hanging tree, Denmark Vessey & Gullah Jack Mother Emanuel Church (Charleston 9 shooting)

Charleston has many happy and fluffy tours giving an amazing perspective of the city's history. This tour is NOT that.

*No Refunds*

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• Gullah Language
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• Did you know that…
• Catfish Row
• Black Slave Owners
• Denmark Vesey’s
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• Hexes, Fixes, Roots
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Visit Denmark Vesey’s home, catfish Row, the Old Slave Mart, and the Market. Learn about the sweetgrass basket makers sewing their baskets, the Aiken-Rhett House slave quarters, black slave owners, and blacksmith Philip Simmons. Brown’s distinctive narration, combined with the detailed maps and vibrant descriptions in a native Gullah, make this a do my homework unique and enjoyable way to experience the Holy City

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Gullah geechee culture tours.

Charleston's #1 Gullah Geechee, Black History, Sea Island and Porgy & Bess Combination City & Island Tour

Explore Charleston's Black History & Gullah Geechee Culture

Explore Charleston’s ubiquitous African American History & Gullah Geechee Culture with Sites and Insights Tours, Inc., departing daily from the Charleston Visitor Center. Let’s travel through the streets of downtown Charleston, or venture off the Charleston peninsula to visit two of our nearby Sea Islands – James & Johns – or perhaps you’d enjoy the unique blend of taking in both downtown & the two Sea Islands. Whichever  tour  you select, you’ll see, hear & experience an inclusive look at one of America’s premier destinations with emphasis on area African American history & culture. Private tours, group tours and lectures are also available.

Tours Depart From Visitors Center located at 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC Explore Our 5 Tour Options:

1 Hr. Charleston Black History, Gullah Geechee & Porgy & Bess Tour

Take to the streets of downtown Charleston with veteran certified tour guide, author, realtor, & lecturer, Al Miller aboard a plush, 25 passenger, air conditioned tour bus . This tour covers Black and Gullah historic sites and insights in downtown Charleston. See Sites and gain Insight on: Mother Emanuel AME Church, Denmark Vesey Slave Insurrection Plot, The East Side, Aiken-Rhett House, Gullah Geechee Culture, Free Blacks, Catfish Row, Porgy & Bess, Civil War, Slave Auction Sites, Philip Simmons Ironwork, The Battery, Old City Jail, Avery School and more. This tour stops at Mother Emanuel Church, Philip Simmons Statue, The Battery.

PLEASE CALL THE RESERVATION LINE at (843) 552-9995 FOR DAILY TOUR SCHEDULE OR CALL AL MILLER DIRECTLY AT (843) 696-8933

Adults: $20, Children: $15 (Ages 6-12)

2 Hr. Charleston Black History, Gullah Geechee & Porgy & Bess Tour

Take to the streets of downtown Charleston with veteran certified tour guide, author, realtor, & lecturer, Al Miller aboard a plush, 25 passenger, air conditioned tour bus . This tour covers most of downtown Charleston's Historic District (more than what is offered by most other tour companies). This tour includes all sites and insights from the 1-Hour tour plus: Site of the Hanging Tree, The West Side, Burke High School, Hampton Park, Wagener Terrace Neighborhood, Lowndes Grove Plantation House and much more.

Adult: $25, Children: $20 (Ages 6-12)

2.5 Hr. Charleston Black History, Gullah Geechee and Porgy & Bess , Sea Island Tour (City/ Island Tour)

Explore Gullah Geechee and Black History found in the city of Charleston and neighboring sea islands with veteran certified tour guide, author, realtor, & lecturer, Al Miller aboard a plush, 25 passenger,  air conditioned tour bus . This combination City/Island Tour offers a dual experience: a condensed tour of Charleston and James and Johns Islands, covering over 38 miles roundtrip.

This tour covers most of the City of Charleston and Island Sites listed except Wagener Terrace Neighborhood, Hampton Park, Lowndes Grove Plantation House and Seashore Farmers' Lodge.

Adults: $40, Children: $25 (Ages 6-12)

2 Hr. Sea Island Tour (James & Johns Island)

Explore the rich Gullah Geechee culture found on the sea islands with veteran certified tour guide, author, realtor, & lecturer, Al Miller aboard a plush, 25 passenger,  air conditioned tour bus . This tour covers approximately 38 miles round trip departing Visitor Center. See and hear about James and Johns Island History, Gullah Geechee Culture, Gullah Geechee communities, McLeod Plantation, Massachusetts 54th Regiment, Stono River Slave Rebellion, Seashore Farmers' Lodge, Porgy's Memorial at Burn Churchyard Cemetery (James Island Presbyterian Church), Angel Oak Tree and more.

Stops are made at Angel Oak Tree, Johns Island; James Island Presbyterian Church and Seashore Farmers' Lodge in Sol Legare, James Island, and much more.

2 Hr. Charleston Amen Church Tour

Take to the streets of downtown Charleston with veteran certified tour guide, author, realtor, & lecturer, Al Miller aboard a plush, 25 passenger,  air conditioned tour bus . See and Hear: Explore history & stories of Charleston's Black & White Houses of Worship from slavery to the present which declared Charleston as The Holy City. Your guide will entertain you with Hymns, Spirituals and Gospel. After this experience, who knows, you might say, "Amen!" Tour stops at some sites.

Adults: $25, Children: $20 (Ages 6-12)

Charleston's #1 Black History, Gullah Geechee, & Sea Island Tour

"I found Al's tour to be the most entertaining and informative tour I have ever taken. It was great to see the standard tourists spots like The Battery District and others, but I was most impressed in visiting areas of historical significance to the black community. Kudos to Al and his tour service!" Gastonia, NC

"I have taken Al's tour three times and it is hands down my favorite tour in Charleston. He not only provides you with a wealth of knowledge on so many of the hidden gems when it comes to Charleston's Black history...but provides you with an incredible inclusive history of Charleston and the sea Islands which you truly can not get anywhere else. I also love the fact that he offers a variety of tour options and is flexible. I highly recommend all of his tours but the City/Island tour is my absolute favorite. You will not be disappointed with your experience. Al is simply the best! " Atlanta, GA

"The tour was not only enlightening but entertaining as well. A performance was put on for our benefit while telling the history of Porgy and Bess." Nettles, NY

"Slave stories are told plainly on Charleston plantation tours. Al Miller doesn't shy away from exploding conventional Charleston historic wisdom if it leads to truths." The Charlotte Observer

"We enjoyed the tour and will recommend it to any of our friends." Chester, CT

PURCHASE A BOOK FROM BY AL MILLER

Sites and Insights Tours owner Al Miller shares over 34 years worth of thoughtful, zany, clever & mouth-dropping remarks that visitors have made while touring Charleston.

In his first book entitled, Tourists Can Say the Darndest Things! : Exploring Historic Charleston, South Carolina, veteran licensed tour guide Al Miller escorts you through sections of the Charleston peninsula such as the Eastside, The Battery, and the French Quarter; he introduces you to the area’s vibrant Gullah Geechee culture; and he shares reflections on his personal loss resulting from the 2015 tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church.

Humorous comments & candid observations made over the years by Miller’s sightseeing guests along with vintage & modern photos, historical documents, discussions of historical figures, events & landmark sites create a very unique view of a very fascinating city.

Future editions will cover other areas in and near Charleston spiked with more of those darndest things that tourists can say!

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Gullah Geechee People of South Carolina

The Gullah Geechee people of South Carolina have a rich heritage that’s associated with both their African roots and adopted European customs. Descended from enslaved African Americans that were brought to Charleston through the 1800s, Gullahs live predominantly in South Carolina, and the Geechee people generally live in Georgia and Florida.

Discover more about this rich heritage, including where to find examples of the Gullah in Charleston today.

Where Are the Gullah Geechee People From?

The Gullahs hailed from many different areas of Africa, including the Gold Coast, Congo, and Angola.

Angola may be the basis of the word Gullah; some believe that Gullah may be derived from the word Gola, which was an African tribe that lived in Sierra Leone. 

Yet, the largest groups of people came from the Rice Coast. Subgroups from this area of Africa included:

Nearly all the Gullahs in South Carolina integrated their ancestral traditions with Western culture. This includes language, religion, and food. They kept what they could (often what they were allowed) and adopted the traditions that were forced upon them in the new world. 

Enslaved African Americans

It’s important to remember how the Gullah Geechee people got to America. They were captured in Africa and brought to the New World on slave ships (surviving horrendous conditions at sea, malnutrition, disease, and abuse from their captors). 

They were sold to South Carolinians as well as other slave owners in the South. 

So many people can trace their roots back through the South Carolina slave trade that it’s estimated that 80% of African Americans have at least one ancestor who was brought to the U.S. through Charleston.

To find out more about the slave trade and Slavery History in Charleston , take our self-guided tour — or, book a private tour to understand more about this topic.

Gullah Geechee Culture

Most Gullah Geechee culture is a combination of African and European music, food, art, and religion. Many enslaved African Americans were forced to abandon their ancestral traditions in the South — though many were allowed to incorporate some traditions as long as they adopted newer, western ones in the process.

The enslaved were allowed to sing while working in the fields because the tunes kept the beat of the work at a steady pace. Some plantation owners outlawed certain styles of heavily rhythmic music (including the playing of drums) because they believed the enslaved might use it as a means of secret communication.

Call-and-response was popular in the fields; it’s still used today in gospel, R&B, and rock-and-roll styles of music (which all have roots in African spirituals). 

Basket weaving is one of the main handicrafts that the Gullahs in South Carolina are known for, and tourists flock to the historic market to purchase them. 

Gullah Geechee Language

Like many Creole languages, the Gullah Geechee language is a mixture of African and European languages. This particular creole is the only African creole in the U.S. and is the basis for much of the language in the South. 

The language is very lyrical, and speakers use a lot of euphemisms and figures of speech. 

An example of one such figure of speech might be, “My head left me,” or, “I forgot.” 

Oral storytelling was of major importance in the culture, as many enslaved African Americans were forbidden (by penalty of death) to learn to read or write. Much like Aesop’s fables, stories of the Gullahs used animals that acted like humans to tell tales of morality. 

Gullah Geechee in the American South is similar to other Creole languages, including:

• Barbadian Creole
• Belizean Creole
• Guyanese Creole
• Jamaican Patois

Culinary History and Cuisine

Food is an extremely important part of Gullah culture and history in South Carolina, and many dishes are rooted in African and European traditions — as well as the traditions of the Gullah people after they reached North America.

Gullah cuisine is based on using what’s available and what’s in season. It utilizes ingredients that were brought to the U.S. from Africa during the slave trade (including okra) and Native American cooking techniques. Fresh seafood, beans, rice, greens, and tomatoes are also staples of the local Gullah cuisine. 

Famous Gullah Geechee chefs, like BJ Dennis and Michael Twitty, are starting to bring this cuisine to a larger audience. 

Religious Practices

Like in most Gullah Geechee culture, religious practices are a melting pot of African and European traditions.

While gatherings of enslaved African Americans of three or more were illegal in most areas of the U.S., many still gathered in secret. African styles of music were used in prayer, and the Gullah Geechee people also incorporated Christian traditions that were forced upon them. 

While many of the tenets of old religions died out, some rituals and practices remained. 

Those who were polytheists began worshipping one god. Christian stories, hymns, and prayers were incorporated into religious practices. Yet, the Gullah people still maintained respect for their ancestors and incorporated their respect and love of nature into sermons and ceremonies. 

The Gullah People of South Carolina

There are plenty of Charleston attractions that celebrate the Gullah culture! If you want to know more about the history of slavery in Charleston, we recommend heading to the Old Slave Mart Museum and the Charleston Museum .

If you want to hear stories of enslaved African Americans who lived on plantations, we recommend visiting Boone Hall Plantation . In addition to the main house and grounds, this museum features a tour of the slave quarters and guides paint a more honest picture of slave life. 

Head to Hannibal’s Kitchen to enjoy some iconic southern cuisine. We recommend trying the crab rice and the okra soup!

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Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways and Passages

Charleston’s alleys occupy spaces that blur the line between public and private areas and offer remarkable insight into the city’s history.

• Hour Glass 2-3 Hours

Charleston Private Walking Tours

Interested in booking a private tour with one of our talented guides? We are happy to accommodate private groups and can assist you in organizing a memorable event.

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Gullah/Geechee Nation

Ef hunnuh wan yeddi who de Gullah/Geechee be,

cum fa tek a Gullah/Geechee Nation journee wid we!

The Gullah/Geechee Nation exist from Jacksonville. NC to Jacksonville, FL and encompasses all of the Sea Islands and thirty to thirty-five miles inland to the St. John’s River.  The Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor runs through the Gullah/Geechee Nation .  Ef hunnuh gwine tru disya land, hunnuh hafa yeddi who webe frum dem who da tru Gullah/Geechee!  So, as you plan your journey to this area rich in history, heritage, culture, and environmental resources, make sure to take an authentic Gullah/Geechee tour and/or participate in a Gullah/Geechee workshop which is lead by native Gullah/Geechees.

Gullah/Geechee Tours

Tours are customized for each group coming to the area.  Most groups follow the tour with an authentic Gullah/Geechee meal.  Thus, taking in the sites, scenes, and the cuisine of the entire cultural experience.

• De Gullah Root Experience Tour 

This authentic Gullah/Geechee interactive tour is hosted by the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition .   Each tour is customize for each group and is conducted for groups of all ages.  Groups must contain 7 or more people.  The tours are done in Gullah/Geechee and in English.  The tour involves engagements at historic sites and Gullah/Geechee owned and operated businesses and institutions for interactions with native Gullah/Geechee not simply a drive through of the island.  The primary location of the tour is historic St. Helena Island, SC which is home to one of the largest contiguous Gullah/Geechee communities.  However, additional islands and sites can be added.

Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation ( www.QueenQuet.com ) originated tours with a Gullah/Geechee theme and personally hosts many of the groups that take this tour.

• Dayclean Journey Tours

This historic engagement tour provides Gullah/Geechee and Black history in Savannah, GA and Riceboro, GA or Hilton Head Island, SC.

• Gullah/Geechee: Igbos and More Tour

This historic step-on guided tour is led by Gullah/Geechee natives of Brunswick, GA.  You get to learn the Gullah/Geechee history of Igbo Landing and the final documented enslavement vessel that entered North America, The Wanderer as you journey to St. Simon’s and Jekyll Islands.  This tour is done for groups of 12 or more.

• Gullah/Geechee Florida Experience Tour

This interactive Gullah/Geechee step-on guide tour conducted by the members of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Committee of Northeast Florida ( [email protected] ) takes you on a journey of Gullah/Geechee and Black history through Yulee, Fernandina, Nassauville, and American Beach on Northeastern Florida which is the southern most point of the Gullah/Geechee Natio n.

 Hunnuh hafa email we fa le we kno wha hunnuh wan see:

[email protected] or call (843) 838-1171.

In addition to these four featured tours, customized itineraries and activities are done at other locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida within the Gullah/Geechee Nation .   There are tour, meal, and workshop combined packages available.

Gullah/Geechee Workshops

Workshops can be done at the “Hunnuh Home Gullah/Geechee Research & Retreat Center” or at your family reunion, community center, school, church, museum or other institution as well as during conferences and special programs.   The workshops that are available are:

• Gullah/Geechee Polyrhythms and Language

• Traditional Gullah/Geechee Quilting

• Cast Net Making & Seawork Traditions

• Sweetgrass Basketry

• Gullah/Geechee Foodways

* Environmental Sustainability on the Sea Islands

• Human Rights and Gullah/Geechee Heritage

Funding from these tours and workshops go to support the Gullah/Geechee Alekbulan Archive which is the ONLY archive totally dedicated to Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, and culture in the world and to the organization that maintains this archive and the Gullah/Geechee Hunnuh Home Research & Retreat Center- the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition :

Cum fa jayn we whey WEBE!  Cum ta de Sea Islands of de Gullah/Geechee!

To obtain authentic Gullah/Geechee crafts, CDs, books, and DVDs, go to www.gullahgeechee.biz .

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16 comments.

Am connected to you thru Facebook, and have seen ‘The Will to Survive’ several times. It doesn’t appear that my situation in life is going to give me the chance to visit, which I would love to do. In lieu of a visit, I would like to obtain a hand carved walking stick. Do you ever sell them? It won’t get me from here to the East Coast, but perhaps it would help me to see more of California than I’m seeing right now. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Peace Ms. Torres!

We have sold them in the past, but are not selling any currently. If we begin to again, we will let you know.

Very interested in booking a tour for my family. Please provide me with info on where we can book a tour.

Email the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition at [email protected] . Also, go to http://www.gullahgeechee.us .

cant wait to visit in 2 weeks

I would like to get more information about of the tour packages to the gullah experience

Email [email protected] and also go to http://www.gullahgeechee.us and http://www.gullahgeechee.net .

Tenki Tenki fa hunnuh support!

I’m looking forward to meeting you all next year and experiencing more of my gullah heritage. Thank you so much for what you do and thank God for who you are. Peace and love, Nadia

my mom grandma is full geechee. how can learn more about the people

Click the numerous links at the top of the page and watch Gullah/Geechee TV and listen to Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio as well as attending the events coming up. You should plan for http://www.gullahgeechee.info . In addition, books and DVDs are available at http://www.gullahgeechee.biz .

I can’t wait to experience all that you have to share! Looking forward to coming this year or next year, this time.

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Gullah Gullah Tours

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Updates From This Business

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Highlights from the Business

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Review Highlights

“ Godfrey says, "once you see, it can't be unseen." He's spot on, don't miss his history lessons. ” in 14 reviews

“ the minute he accepts his power, role in history, and stops arguing with the reality and his destiny. ” in 2 reviews

“ Some may not agree with his approach but you have to respect his knowledge and passion ! ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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375 Meeting St

Charleston, SC 29403

Mazyck-Wraggborough

About the Business

We represent the Original Gullah Geechee Tours of Charleston. We have an International Gullah Geechee Museum on Edisto Island and we offer tours in East Africa. We also offer an Emily Megget soul food experience with her granddaughter Denise Ravenel and her amazingly delicious private Emily Magget dinners. Please call for details. Our tour guide is a native full-blooded Gullah Geechee Barbenyah Ishi and he and his family has worked the Charleston slave Auction Market for over 50 years and still work 7 days a week on the same Slave Auction Market block. Our history tours are unscripted and we are the natives the other tour guides are talking about. We are connected to all of the Black owned operations in Charleston and this allows us to give you a truly genuine Black History Tourism Experience you will never be able to forget. …

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We are absolute history buffs and this tour greatly exceeded our lofty expectations. Godfrey's Native knowledge of the true history of Charleston is mesmerizing. We highly recommend this tour. We'll be back with friends!

Excellent tour guide and very professional and knowledgeable! I would highly recommend this tour guide and his tour to anyone who would like to learn more about South Carolina.

I absolutely loved this tour. The fact that our guide backed up his statements with evidence made it even better. He was very knowledgeable and offered that southern hospitality that is always talked about, but never witnessed in the Charleston area. I would definitely go again and take friends. Do not go if you aren't prepared to hear the truth or if you don't truly love history!

I've lived in Charleston almost 20 years and had never been on any of the tours until recently two of my girlfriends came to visit me from N.C., we decided to take this tour and honey let me tell you I was struck in awe! Godfrey has a way of captivating his guests, he has a lot to share! I HIGHLY recommend this tour!

This was an absolutely fantastic tour that we didn't want to end. Our guide was so full of energy, information and secrets of the Gullah people and secrets all around Charleston. Once you take this tour, you will see Charleston through different eyes and will be looking for and seeing secret signs all over the city. It is a fascinating, "must take" tour!

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New tour: From Negroes back to Hebrews to Gullah & Geechee

Gullah Geechee Tours Charleston

• This is not a slave tour
• While some of the sites of Gullah Geechee Tours include the Underground Railroad, slave quarters, and other slave-related stops, Gullah Geechee Tours serves to tell the story of the Gullah Geechee. While they were enslaved, their culture is very unique.
• Godfrey offers the real deal

Gullah Heritage Tours

• Gullah Heritage
• Gullah Language
• Buy Our Book
• Hours & Prices
• Getting Here
• Helpful Tips
• Book Your Tour
• Gullah Neighborhoods
• Mitchelville
• Juke Joints & Beaches
• Coastal Discovery Museum
• Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
• Gullah Heritage Merchandise
• Company History
• Gullah Past, Present & Future
• Famous Gullah Corridor Descendants
• News Archive

Welcome to Gullah Heritage Hilton Head Island, S.C

An Authentic Culture of the Sea Islands

An Authentic Culture of the Sea Islands Gullah is the West African based system of traditions, customs, beliefs, art forms and family life that have survived centuries of slavery and more than a century of free lifestyle. It is the Unique Culture of enslaved West African who inhabit the Sea Islands of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida prior and since the Civil War. As a whole, this area is known as the Gullah Geechee Corridor. The culture thrives throughout the corridor, which includes Hilton Head Island. Gullah Heritage works to share the values of the culture with the world through Hilton head activities. Tour Guides all of Gullah Heritage, who were born and raised on Hilton Head Island before the bridge connection to the mainland, share their expertise with tour participants to provide the most accurate and engaging cultural experience. The Gullah people are known for preserving more of their African linguistic and cultural heritage than any other African-American community in the United States. The language is an English-based creole language that contains many African loanwords and significant influences from African languages in grammar and sentence structure. There are plenty of things to do in Hilton head so if you are interested in learning more about the culture and Gullah Heritage Trail Tours, explore our website!

Book online now!

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Tour Highlights

• Gullah Family Compounds
• Old Debarkation Point
• Old One-room School House
• Plantation Tabby Ruins
• First Freedom Village Historic Marker

Latest News

• In Honor of Women’s History Month: Harriet Tubman Women’s History Month is celebrated each year during March. In honor of celebrating... Read more →
• Christmas & New Year’s: Old Hilton Head Island Style Until the late 1950’s, there was only one narrow paved road on the... Read more →

Hours and Location

IAA Museum and Gullah Tour

Charleston, SC, USA

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About this trip

Immerse yourself in Gullah and African American history as we take a guided Gullah Tour including Charleston, James Island and Johns Island and complete the day at the new International African American Museum.  Have a delicious lunch at the Charleston Crab House overlooking the beautiful Wappoo Creek.

Additional information:

· The cancellation date for this tour is February 7, 2024, which is the last day to cancel and receive a refund from Capitol Tours. Travel Insurance is available upon request to help protect your investment, subject to eligibility criteria.

· All times listed on the itinerary are approximate. 

· Capitol Tours reserves the right to alter this itinerary if we deem it necessary for the successful completion of this tour.

· Capitol Tours makes every effort to secure reservations for the attractions we show listed, however we cannot guarantee all reservations. In the event a reservation is denied, we will work on your behalf to secure an alternative.

  · In response to COVID-19, there may be limitations, restrictions or additional requirements at attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. As information becomes available that may impact your tour, we will work to pass along information provided to us. We encourage you to be diligent to be prepared for your tour and remain flexible as requirements may change rapidly or without notice.

· Bring your mask. It may be expected at venues.

· You are responsible for your health. Capitol Tours does not warrant nor guarantee protection from any communicable disease including, but not limited to COVID-19. We ask that anyone exposed to or exhibiting symptoms of illness within 14 days from the beginning of your tour to stay at home. If you become ill during your tour, we require that you be isolated from the group. Capitol Tours is not responsible for any costs associated with quarantine requirements or transportation home.

What’s included

• Transportation Roundtrip motorcoach transportation
• Gullah Tour 2.5 hour Gullah Tour of Charleston, James Island and Johns Island.
• Lunch Lunch is included at the Charleston Crab House
• IAA Museum A timed entry to the International African American Museum
• Permit Charleston touring permit
• Gratuities Gratuities for included meal, guide and motorcoach driver

Available Packages

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Friday, March 22

7:00am Gather with your fellow travelers at Capitol Tours office in West Columbia to prepare for departure to Charleston at 7:30am.

9:45am Arrive at the Charleston Visitors Center where we will meet our guide for the morning. Our tour will take us through Charleston’s ubiquitous African American history and the Gullah Geechee Culture; it will take us from the Charleston historic district to the Sea Islands of Johns and James Island.

12:30pm Say goodbye to our guide and continue to lunch at the Charleston Crab House on Wappoo Creek.

2:45pm Arrive at the International African American Museum for a timed entry at 3:00pm for a self-guided tour. The museum documents the journey that began in Africa centuries ago and continues today.

5:00pm It has been a fascinating day in Charleston and it’s time to return to West Columbia. There will be a stop along the way to pick up something to eat (on your own) and bring back on the bus.

7:45pm Estimated arrival at Capitol Tours.

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Charleston African American Tours

immerse yourself in the vast culture of charleston

Reserve your spot today!

At Charleston African American Tours, we provide an all-inclusive historical tour. No matter your race, ethnicity, or religion, you too can fully immerse yourself in the vast culture that Charleston, SC has to offer.

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The story of Robert Smalls

Our Experienced Tour Guide

Meet Nate Hutchinson, your licensed tour guide. He is a native Charlestonian born into the Gullah Geechee culture. He grew up in the Ten Mile section of Awendaw in Charleston County.  Nate is a graduate of Benedict College, an HBCU located in Columbia, SC. He holds a bachelor's degree in American and World History.

Nate has a rich historic

Nate has a rich historical connection to the Gullah Geechee culture, tracing his family lineage to the Black Cotton Kings of Edisto Island on his paternal side. And additionally tracing his ancestry to enslaved Africans and slave owners.

Professionally, Nate spent 25 years in the private sector working in the field of Property and Casualty Insurance as well as commercial Transportation Management. As a part of the public sector, Nate worked and retired from The Office of Inspector General for the South Carolina Dept. of Motor Vehicles. There as a Public Safety Inspector, Nate would audit and inspect private commercial companies in the southern region of the state.

Nate is the proud owner of three companies here in Charleston:

Charleston Black Car Limousine &

How Great Gullah Art

Beautiful Sites

• Old City Market & Historical Battery
• Civil & Revolutionary War
• Gullah Geechee Culture
• Family Gullah Stories
• Porgy & Bess
• History of Slavery and Colonization
• Personal Family History
• Sweetgrass Basket History
• Stono Rebellion
• The East Side
• International African American Museum Site
• 54 Massachusetts Regiment story

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Much time and effort has been taken to ensure visitors comfort and satisfaction. We take great pride in providing a high-quality service to every visitor. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. We also offer private tours combined with a city tour to include James Island, Johns Island, Sullivans Island, Mount Pleasant, Boone Ha

Much time and effort has been taken to ensure visitors comfort and satisfaction. We take great pride in providing a high-quality service to every visitor. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. We also offer private tours combined with a city tour to include James Island, Johns Island, Sullivans Island, Mount Pleasant, Boone Hall, Magnolia & McLeod Plantation. Specialized tours are available upon request.

Our tours are given in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van. The Sprinter departs at 10AM and 2PM from the Visitor Center located on 375 Meeting Street.

Cash Payment

Credit card, special requests available.

For small group tours, we can customize an itinerary to emphasize your interests. For larger group tours, please allow a minimum 3-day advance notice so that accommodations can be made. If you have a special request, give us a call so that we can better assist you. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for phone messages.  Thank you!

Charleston African American Tours (843) 276-0117

Copyright © 2024 Charleston African American Tours - All Rights Reserved.

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16 fun things to do in south carolina.

The Palmetto State offers much to explore, from beaches and golf to historic sites and natural wonders.

Fun Things to Do in South Carolina

Courtesy of Discover South Carolina | SCPRT

South Carolina contains many surprises, such as that it was the first state to open a library in 1698 or that its state fruit is the peach. But beyond what you may not know, South Carolina has plenty of what you would expect, from historic estates and cultural tours to gorgeous shorelines and its ever-present oak trees. It's a state that blends old and new, land and sea.

For everything you plan to do in South Carolina – whether it's playing golf, strolling through manicured gardens or spending a day at the beach – you can seek out something you didn't expect, such as a trolley ride through a tea plantation or a kazoo factory tour. Leave the familiarity of the city for a tour of an African village or a day spent learning about Gullah culture, and venture off the mainland to one of South Carolina's many islands. With this list compiled by U.S. News, discover some of the top ways to spend your time in South Carolina.

Explore the Charleston Historic District

Many of the sites and landmarks pivotal to South Carolina's story are clustered together in the Historic District of Charleston. The Heyward-Washington House is notable because it was built in 1772 as the Georgian-style town house of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. President George Washington also used the home for a weeklong stay in Charleston in 1791. Even the hotels here are historic. The location of Hotel Emeline has hosted various businesses since 1852, including a grocery business and a bank; today, the hotel features its own archive on display spanning collections from 1920 through World War II, as well as a coffee shop called Clerks.

One of the best ways to see downtown Charleston is with a carriage tour. Old South Carriage Company is one of a few that will take you around downtown and explain the sites. The route is assigned at random by the city of Charleston after you depart, so it's always a surprise. The carriage rides are a charming way to see top Charleston attractions like The Battery or Rainbow Row, and guides provide insight into various points of interest, such as the reason for the houses' beautiful colors. If you'd prefer not to use a horse and carriage, other options for tours include tours by pedicab or self-guided walking tours . Whatever you choose, downtown Charleston has plenty of history and beauty to discover.

If you want to re-create a scene from "The Notebook," head up King Street to The American Theater and bask in the make-believe young love of Noah and Allie. Then, take a tour of the Calhoun Mansion, where the home's interior scenes were shot, and go less than 10 miles outside of town to visit Boone Hall Plantation – one of the country's oldest working plantations and the summer home of Allie's family.

Congaree National Park

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Congaree National Park is home to the oldest intact bottomland hardwood forest in North America, so its biodiversity is astonishing, from its endangered indigo snakes to its massive loblolly pines. Across its 26,000 acres, there are more than 25 miles of hiking trails, including 2.4 miles of boardwalk that wind over the Congaree floodplain. The best way to see the park is by following the marked canoe trail that invites visitors to kayak or canoe their way through the park along Cedar Creek. More adventurous and experienced paddlers can take on the Congaree River Blue Trail, a designated 50-mile recreational paddling trail that stretches from Columbia to Congaree Park.

It is also one of just two national parks where synchronous fireflies can be admired once a year. The National Park Service typically holds a lottery in early April for viewings from mid-May to mid-June. The specific dates vary each year, so check the NPS.gov website annually. The lottery costs $1 to enter; if you win, you will be charged another $24 to secure your pass. These are coveted tickets for an experience you will never forget.

Drayton Hall: Charleston

There are many historic homes across the Palmetto State, but Drayton Hall has the distinction of being the oldest unrestored plantation home in America, dating back to 1738. The structure, which homed seven generations, has been stabilized rather than restored to its period decor. Founder John Drayton's wealth largely came from his 100 plantations covering 76,000 acres and the enslaved people that worked them – estimated to have numbered in the thousands and included Native Americans.

Visitors get the unique experience of hearing the untold stories of generations who lived at Drayton Hall, and many note that despite ongoing preservation-related construction, the archaeologists who work excavation sites at Drayton are fascinating to talk to. Drayton Hall takes advance reservations for the main house tour, which will save you a few dollars, or you can purchase them on-site the day you arrive. Hourlong house tours are available each operating day.

Address: 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414

Tour an African village

Covering 27 acres in Seabrook, the Oyotunji African Village is populated by families representing the Yoruba and Dahomey cultures of West Africa. The village, located in the woods, was founded in 1970 by "King" Ofuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I (born Walter Eugene King). Referred to as Oba Waja, he was initiated into the Orisa-Vodun priesthood in Cuba in 1959.

According to its present-day mission statement, the village "serves as a real-time reminder of the sociology and African world view contribution made to society by African ancestors of antiquity." The village is open to guests daily. Be sure to check out the village calendar so you can attend one of its many special events.

Address: 56 Bryant Lane, Seabrook, SC 29940

Touch an ancient oak tree

Johns Island is the largest island in South Carolina, and one-third of it lies within the jurisdiction of Charleston city limits. On the island there is a must-see oak tree that predates the Declaration of Independence. The Angel Oak is a Southern live oak tree believed to be around 300 to 400 years old. Known as "A Lowcountry Treasure," it stands 65 feet tall and casts shade over an area of 17,000 square feet. No trip to South Carolina is complete without a picture of the state's grand oak trees, and the Angel Oak is one of a kind.

Address: 3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston, SC 29402

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is known nationwide as a soft-sanded, family-friendly beach destination that's home to 60 miles of coastline. It's also renowned for its golf and often considered a contender for the title of "Golf Capital of the World." Myrtle Beach offers more than 90 championship golf courses to choose from, including the Dunes Golf and Beach Club; with stunning ocean views, it's consistently rated one of the top golf courses in the U.S. If you're looking for a beach-focused resorts, Myrtle Beach also boasts several top-rated hotel options .

Huntington Beach State Park is a gorgeous place in Myrtle Beach to take a walk or bird-watch – it's known as one of the best birding locations in the state. Among the park's waters and wildlife lies an unexpected estate: Atalaya Castle was the winter home of the Huntington family, who lived on the grounds in the 1930s. If you feel brave, check out the website to sign up for the ghost tour of the castle that runs June through August.

Channel Edgar Allan Poe on Sullivan's Island

Many associate horror writer Edgar Allan Poe with the New England settings of many of his stories, but Poe was a college dropout who joined the military and found himself on Sullivan's Island , South Carolina, in 1827. He only lived on the island for 11 months, but both the place and the man left a lasting impression on each another. In Poe's story "The Gold-Bug," he says Sullivan's Island "consists of little else than the sea sand and is about three miles long." Today, Sullivan's Island remembers the author with his namesake Poe's Tavern. Open daily, the tavern serves sandwiches with names like Raven and Pit & Pendulum.

Wander the oldest landscaped gardens in the country

Courtesy of Middleton Place

First landscaped in 1741, the gardens at Middleton Place are still lovely to walk, but the grounds now provide a framework for the 280-plus years of history since. This National Historic Landmark in Charleston consists of a house museum; the slaves' quarters, called Eliza's House; working stable yards; and, of course, 65 acres of gardens, which were inspired by Versailles in France. There is a fee to access the gardens, but if you stay at The Inn at Middleton Place, admission to the grounds is free.

The three components of the house at Middleton Place were burned two months before the end of the Civil War; they have been restored and opened as a house museum in 1975. In the years since, the curators have worked to incorporate the history of those who lived and worked on the grounds, in addition to the Middleton family. A 10-year research project commissioned by the Middleton Foundation recovered the names and stories of more than 2,800 enslaved people owned by the family over the course of 127 years.

Address: 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414

Hilton Head Island and Gullah culture

Courtesy of Hilton Head Island VCB

There's more to Hilton Head Island than golf courses, beaches, and hotels and resorts . This small island is home to a community of Gullah people, who are the descendants of enslaved West Africans brought to South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia to work on plantations. Their culture – including their Creole language and traditions – is still being preserved today. Descendants remain scattered across the Southeast coast, including South Carolina's low country islands.

The area between Pender County, North Carolina, and St. Johns County, Florida, is referred to as the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, and it encompasses a variety of places significant to the Gullah Geechee people. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours is a great option to learn even more about the culture. Beyond Hilton Head, Charleston's McLeod Plantation Historic Site , once a cotton plantation, is one of many estates strongly associated with the emergence of Gullah culture in the low country.

While visiting Hilton Head, consider heading to Daufuskie Island. During the Civil War, the Union army set up a headquarters in Beaufort, and the former slaves who were left when their owners fled went to Daufuskie Island looking for safety. The Gullah culture is alive and well on this island. This is also the location on which Pat Conroy's book "The Water Is Wide" is based. While you're touring local homes, be on the lookout for "haint blue," a color painted on the ceiling of porches and believed by the Gullah to ward off evil spirits – it's particularly abundant throughout Beaufort. If you're visiting Hilton Head in February, consider attending the annual Gullah Celebration festival.

Learn the history of the kazoo and make your own

Courtesy of Kazoobie Kazoos

When you think of things associated with South Carolina, kazoos are probably not the first thing to come to mind. However, in Beaufort, visitors will find one of the largest public collections of the buzzing musical instrument on the grounds of The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory. America's only plastic kazoo factory is proud of its product, with a museum, tours, a gift shop and a chance to make your own kazoo. Kazoobie was founded in 1997 by Rick Hubbard – a musician who gave away nearly a million kazoos during his lifetime at his traveling shows and became known as "The King of Kazoo."

Recent visitors to the factory say it's a great experience for the young and young at heart. Tours are offered for a fee and last up to an hour; visits to the museum and gift shop are free.

Address: 12 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Columbia

Courtesy of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is one of the capital city's treasures. Located on the banks of the Saluda River, the zoo has interactive experiences sure to thrill any animal lover. You can enjoy the free Mingle with the Marsupials event daily; experiences to feed the giraffes or the lorikeets are available most days as well – the only additional cost is for the food. You can also view a coral reef that is currently growing. The zoo is one of many across the country that is taking part in the AZA-Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project, which is providing vital help to Florida's coastline.

While the animals are the highlight of the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, this top Columbia attraction also has activities the whole family can enjoy at an extra cost – such as the Endangered Species Carousel or, for those who want to be a little more daring, the Sky-High Safari. If you find yourself in Columbia in October, the Boo at the Zoo event is fun for the whole family. While at the zoo, be sure to check out the River Trail, which is part of the city's system of walking trails, to discover the banks of the Broad, Saluda and Congaree rivers that flow through Columbia.

Address: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210

Visit one of the only tea plantations in North America

The majority of the world's tea comes from the delicate plants of China and India; North American tea is rare. One of the very few places it does grow is in South Carolina. Visit the Charleston Tea Garden – one of the only tea gardens in the United States – located on Wadmalaw Island, just a few miles south of Charleston. Today, 127 acres of the island are dedicated to growing 320 varieties of black and green tea.

The property was purchased by the Bigelow Tea Company in 2003, and visitors today can take a free tour, ride a trolley through the fields or have a picnic under ancient oaks – accompanied by some tea, of course. Recent visitors said they found the tea-making process surprisingly interesting and insist on not skipping the trolley tour. If you like something a little stronger than tea, the Firefly Distillery, known for its vodka, is also located on the island. The vodka is a product of the muscadine wine produced from the 48-acre vineyard.

Tea lovers visiting the Charleston area might also enjoy Summerville, which is located about 25 miles north of Charleston and is the self-proclaimed birthplace of the South's famous sweet tea. Summerville's Sweet Tea Trail has several stops, including the Sweet Tea Mural and an attraction in Mason known as The World's Largest Sweet Tea, which can hold more than 2,500 gallons. Sweet tea cocktail bar crawls are held throughout the year, and the annual Sweet Tea Festival takes place each September. Of note, real sweet tea only happens when the sugar is added while the tea is still hot.

Address: 6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487

Explore the state parks and waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains run through South Carolina, with the state's highest point at 3,554 feet on Sassafras Mountain. Located on the border between South Carolina and North Carolina , the mountain gets its name from the sassafras trees that grow on its lower slopes. There are plenty of things to see over the 130 miles of the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway, also known as Highway 11.

Other parks in the Upstate region of South Carolina include Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Table Rock State Park in Pickens. Hiking trails at most of these parks not only feature lakes and mountain views, but also waterfalls. Carrick Creek Falls can be found at Table Rock, and Rainbow Falls is located in Jones Gap State Park in Marietta. Fishing and camping are common pursuits year-round at the parks along the Blue Ridge Mountains. For peak fall colors , check the South Carolina State Parks website for details in the fall.

Bike or hike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Courtesy of VisitGreenvilleSC

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail runs 28 miles and can take visitors from Greenville all the way to scenic Travelers Rest. The trail showcases the Reedy River, and if you want to take a detour off the trail, Greenville boasts more than 200 restaurants in downtown alone. Rent a bike at the family-owned Reedy Rides to explore on two wheels; if you don't want to simply ride the trail by yourself, the shop has tours available.

You can also stay in the park after your ride. The Grand Bohemian Lodge sits right in Falls Park on the Reedy. Guests can enjoy dinner and drinks at the restaurant surrounded by trees and the sound of the river. For those who love nature and the benefits of city life, a stay in Greenville is a good option.

Catch a game at the Fenway-inspired Fluor Field

Head downtown to catch a game with the Greenville Drive, a High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. This minor league baseball team takes its affiliation seriously, and even the ballpark, known as Fluor Field, is designed to resemble Boston's historic Fenway Park . Complete with its own Green Monster and Pesky's Pole – iconic structural features of Fenway – Fluor Field welcomes fans to enjoy the nation's pastime from April through September.

If you have time before the game, check out the museum dedicated to South Carolina's own Shoeless Joe Jackson. The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library is located right beside Fluor Field. It is open on Saturdays.

Address: 945 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Brittany Chrusciel is a writer and editor born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey. While she's never lived far from home, or the beach, her cruise-writing travels have carried her around the globe by river, ocean and expedition ship on 50-plus sailings. She's a fan of offbeat local experiences from a 14-course meal under the midnight sun in Svalbard to the world's largest cranberry festival in Wisconsin.

Keri Lumm is a writer based in Greenville, South Carolina. She grew up in a small town and always dreamed of traveling the world, and now she does just that. When she isn't traveling the world, she can be found at home with her family.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Tours
• The Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
• The Top Things to Do in North Carolina
• The Top Romantic Getaways in North Carolina
• The Top Carry-on Backpacks

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The 28 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

Good times and good eats abound in this beloved South Carolina city.

• Restaurants
• Get Outside

Given that Southern Living readers have named it The South’s Best City several times, Charleston, South Carolina, requires no introduction or persuasive arguments in its favor: The booming food scene, colorful historic homes, and waterfront views make the case for themselves. It’s easy to fill a long weekend itinerary here, and given that it’s nearly impossible to tackle everything on your “to eat” list in just a few days, the Holy City is a place you’ll want to plan a return trip or two . Here are our favorite restaurants, bars, shops , and experiences, from lauded, well-known picks to those that fly a bit further under the radar.

Check Some Restaurants Off Your Bucket List

Savor fresh shrimp at bowens island restaurant.

When it comes to dinner with a view, one place stands out as the finest (but still no-frills) place to eat local shrimp, and that's Bowens Island—a nearly 80-year-old family-owned restaurant perched in a few ramshackle structures on the river. Order a fried shrimp platter with hushpuppies and slaw, or go for the Frogmore Stew (for the uninitiated, that's a shrimp boil), a drool-worthy combination of boiled shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage.

bowensisland.com , 870 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Settle In for Soul Food at Bertha’s Kitchen

The bright purple awning and teal blue facade of this James Beard Award winner (2017 America’s Classic) may be the first things that catch your eye, but it’s the red rice, chicken necks, and okra soup that’ll make it worth your while to join the line of hungry patrons that snakes from the counter register around the restaurant’s perimeter. 

facebook.com , 2332 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston, SC 29405

Try FIG’s Famous Tomato Tarte Tatin

Tourists may be quick to complain about summertime’s soupy humidity and mosquitoes, but locals know that the season’s arrival brings at least one welcome visitor: Chef Mike Lata’s Tomato Tarte Tatin. The dish, crowned with garlic confit and served alongside whipped goat cheese, typically appears on the menu in June and lingers until September or October—in other words, only when the local tomatoes are at their best. But even if your trip doesn’t fall in line with this window, FIG is still worth the reservation: the staff is gracious and knowledgeable, and the food is singularly memorable even in a town swamped with dining options.

eatatfig.com , 232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 

Order a Plate of Fried Chicken at Leon’s

The worst kept secret in the city is a must-visit for first-timers. Few other places in town capture so well the relaxed ease that seems woven into Charleston’s very DNA. Housed in an old garage and outfitted with warm wooden tables and an art collection that feels like it was passed down from generation to generation until it landed here, Leon’s is the kind of place that feels like it’s always been part of the Charleston dining landscape—a triumph considering it’s a relative newcomer, opened in 2014. Fried chicken and oysters (raw and char-grilled) are the main draws on the menu, but don’t miss the scalloped potatoes either; it all pairs nicely with a bucket of Miller High Life ‘Ponies.’

leonsoystershop.com , 698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Tuck into a Thali at Ma’am Saab

Helmed by Chef Maryam Ghaznavi, this Pakistani spot celebrates inventive twists on storied dishes. At lunchtime, order the Signature Thali, a plate that Southerners might recognize as being akin to a meal at a meat-and-three; choose from creamy butter chicken, saag paneer (a vegetarian dish with spinach and cheese), curried chickpeas, and smoked ground beef. 

maamsaabchs.com, 251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 

Sample Chez Nous’ Changing Menu 

Nestled in an historic house on a hidden away street, you likely wouldn’t just happen upon this neighborhood eatery that feels like a mini escape to Europe, and that’s half the charm. The cozy atmosphere is elevated but inviting, and the handwritten menu of seasonally driven dishes changes daily. It’s fortunate, too, that the options are so few (two appetizers, two mains, two desserts), as you’ve got a good excuse to order one of each.

cheznouschs.com , 6 Payne Court, Charleston, SC 29403

Save Room for a Slice of Cake

While Peninsula Grill could claim many of their dishes as “worth traveling for,” the fine dining establishment is best known for its Ultimate Coconut Cake, a 12-layer confection stuffed with cream cheese icing, coated in toasted coconut, and topped with strawberries. 

peninsulagrill.com; 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

Learn About The City’s History Firsthand

Spend an afternoon at the international african american museum (iaam).

Opened in June 2023 and positioned on what was once Gadsden’s Wharf (the arrival site around 40% of all enslaved people in North America), the IAAM houses 12 permanent exhibitions and a Special Exhibitions gallery, which explore a wide range of topics, from the Gullah Geechee peoples in South Carolina and Georgia to the African Diaspora’s impact on the U.S. at large. The museum is also home to the Center for Family History, where visitors can use on-site resources to discover their own families’ stories. Carve out time to explore the African Ancestors Memorial Garden below the building, as well; it’s free and open to the public.

iaamuseum.org , 14 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401

Squeeze In Multiple Sites with a Walking Tour

There’s no better way to experience Charleston than by strolling its streets with someone who’s both well-versed in its history—including the “historic gossip” that makes learning about the past especially exciting—and has a pulse on what’s current. You’ll find just that with Walk and Talk Charleston. Helmed by hat-wearing founder, “Lid Lady” Tyler Page Wright Friedman, the company offers a variety of educational experiences, from their “Classic Charleston History and Historic Gossip Tour” to “The Real Rainbow Row Tour,” which chronicles the city’s LGBTQ+ history.

walkandtalkchs.com

Take the Ferry to Fort Sumter

For history buffs, a visit to Fort Sumter —the place where the Civil War began—is a must. On April 12, 1861, Confederate troops fired on this then-Union-held fort, launching the four-year war. Today, Fort Sumter is a national park and designated historic and commemorative site with a museum. Positioned in the middle of Charleston Harbor, the only way to reach it is via a tour boat, which can be booked through Fort Sumter Tours. Opt for the day’s first time slot for a chance to help the park rangers raise the U.S. flag over the fort. 

fortsumtertours.com

Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Built in 1820, the Aiken-Rhett House is today considered one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the country. Rather than restoring the home upon acquiring it in 1995, the Historic Charleston Foundation took a preserved-as-found approach, which means the furniture, finishes, and architecture on site haven’t been changed since the mid-19th century. Perhaps most unique to the site is that the quarters in which enslaved people lived were also left essentially untouched, offering a more comprehensive look into life in antebellum Charleston. You can move through the museum with a guide or opt for a self-guided tour with the Historic Charleston Foundation’s free app.

historiccharleston.org , 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403

Step Aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown

Visit WWII’s “Fighting Lady,” a decorated aircraft carrier that also served in the Vietnam War and recovered the astronauts and capsule from the Apollo 8’s spaceflight (the first with humans to reach the moon). For a truly immersive experience, book a one- or two-night stay aboard the ship through the Yorktown’s Operation Overnight program.

patriotspoint.org, 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 

Toast Your Travels With Delicious Drinks

Pair your cocktail with a view.

Formerly a federal building, circa-1964 The Dewberry is now one of the city’s most lauded boutique hotels. Even if a stay here isn’t in the cards, reserve a table at Citrus Club on the hotel’s 8th floor terrace for a light lunch and tasty drinks with a prime view of the city. Looking to make a scene? Order the Tropical Itch, a rum-and-bourbon concoction garnished with a back scratcher. 

thedewberrycharleston.com; 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC, 29403

Discover New-to-You Wines 

Whether you’re committed to a grocery store Pinot Grigio or you’re always on the hunt for the next best thing, Femi Oyediran and Miles White, sommeliers and co-owners of Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar, can school you in the latest and greatest glass. At this neighborhood spot, you’re sure to find good wine and good music and be welcomed like a local.

graftchs.com , 700b King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Sip a Poolside Paloma at Little Palm

Revel in the delightfully retro atmosphere of The Ryder hotel’s poolside bar and café, which is awash in peach and pistachio hues. We’re suckers for Little Palm’s playful cocktail names, like the “Extra Leg Room,” made with gin and oolong tea soda, and the “Offshore Accounts,” which features three different spirits.

littlepalmbar.com ; 237 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Sample Edmunds Oast’s Local Brews

Check out the city’s craft beer scene with a stop at Edmund’s Oast, a local brewery that churns out dozens of ales, from classic blondes to fruity sours. Choose from two locations: the original “fine casual” restaurant and cocktail bar on Morrison, or the production brewery and taproom on King, where they’ve always got 20 house-brewed beers on tap. 

edmundsoast.com ; 1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403 and 1505 King St #115, Charleston, SC 29405

Have a Nightcap at Félix

If you’re hoping for an early A.M. drink without venturing to a dive, Félix Cocktails et Cuisine is the move. Sink into a leather-wrapped banquette at this Paris-inspired bistro and end your evening with a Félix Royale, a draft cocktail crafted with local gin, lime juice, and sparkling wine.

felixchs.com , 550 King St #100, Charleston, SC 29403

Revel In the City’s Arts Scene

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Catch a Show at America’s First Theater

The Dock Street Theater originally opened in Charleston’s French Quarter in 1736, the first building constructed exclusively for theater performances. After the city’s Great Fire, which wiped out the original building, the theater was rebuilt in 1809 as a hotel and didn’t serve as a performing arts center again until 1937, after an extensive renovation. Today, the Dock Street Theater is an inspired venue to see a musical or play; the theater’s resident professional company, Charleston Stage, offers more than 100 performances each year. 

charlestonstage.com ; 135 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401

Peruse the Collection at the Gibbes Museum of Art

Opened in 1905, the city’s historic art museum is home to more than 7,000 pieces in various mediums which date from the colonial era to present. Don’t miss the Mary Jackson Modern and Contemporary Gallery (part of the museum’s permanent collection), which is named for the famous Charleston sweetgrass basket artist and features pieces by artists native to the area or who have spent time here, as well as those who have created works that present a compelling and honest portrait of South. 

gibbesmuseum.org , 135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Pop Into the Local Galleries

With more than 40 galleries in the area, the Holy City has no shortage of places to connect with local artists and peruse their works. Time your trip with the first weekend of the month and join the Charleston Gallery Association for its First Friday Artwalk, when local galleries keep their doors open after hours for a convivial celebration of Charleston’s arts community.

charlestongalleryassociation.com

Mark Your Calendar for Spoleto

While the local arts scene never sleeps, Spoleto Festival USA is an especially exhilarating time for local arts lovers and visitors. Each spring, for more than two weeks, the city plays host to one of the country’s most impressive arts festivals, in which renowned and up-and-coming musicians, singers, dancers, actors, and other artists descend upon Charleston for a series of memorable performances, exhibitions, and shows. 

spoletousa.org

Shop for A Memorable Souvenir

Find a sweetgrass basket at the charleston city market.

One of the oldest markets in the country, Charleston City Market runs the length of four blocks in the heart of downtown, anchored by the Great Hall on Meeting Street with a series of one-story sheds that continue until you reach East Bay. Here, you can shop for a wide variety of souvenirs (there are some 300 vendors), but the real treasures here are sweetgrass baskets, which are hand-woven by Gullah artists, many of whom learned to weave from the generations before them.

thecharlestoncitymarket.com , 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Browse New and Antique Pieces at Croghan’s Jewel Box

A go-to destination for finding meaningful, heirloom-worthy gifts, this century-old shop on King Street is helmed by the third and fourth generations of the same family. Beyond curating an incredible assortment of new and estate jewelry and silver, they also carry the Goldbug Collection , a cheeky, more approachable line of pieces designed in-house and inspired by the city.

croghansjewelbox.com ; 308 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Try the Latest Trend at The Tiny Tassel 

With “Live colorfully!” for her motto, it’s little wonder that founder Mimi Striplin’s shop in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood is filled with jewelry, accessories, and clothing that give Rainbow Row a run for its money. Named for the brand’s signature tassel earrings, the brand (led by Striplin and her lead designer mom, Keiko) releases a new collection each season, so you’re sure to find something unique every time you shop. 

thetinytassel.com ; 46 Spring St Unit B, Charleston, SC 29403 

Explore Artisan-Made Luxury Goods at Ibu Movement’s Showroom

Founded by former minister Susan Hull Walker in 2014, this organization partners with women artisans in 40 countries, empowering them with living wages that enable them to move towards financial independence and provide for their families. Ibu’s cozy shop on King Street peddles an assortment of their beautifully crafted goods, from raffia handbags made in Colombia to silk-and-cotton dresses made in Uzbekistan.

ibumovement.com , 183 King St 2nd Floor, Charleston, SC 29401

Play Outside

Stroll the arthur ravenel jr. bridge.

The two-and-a-half mile cable-stayed crossing between downtown Charleston and the suburb of Mount Pleasant is a scenic place to break a sweat. Climb the hilly spans on the protected pedestrian path, and stop at the top to catch your breath and score a bird’s-eye view of the sparkling Cooper River and downtown Charleston, including the many steeples that earned the place its Holy City moniker.

Look for Sharks’ Teeth at Melton Peter Demetre Park

Only a few miles from downtown, James Island is largely residential without downtown’s draws for tourists. For a true locals-only experience, head to the city-owned waterfront spot , where you can hunt for sharks’ teeth with panoramic views of downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant or cast a line off the 190-foot fishing pier.

charleston-sc.gov ; 640 Wampler Drive, Charleston, SC 29412

Enjoy a Beach Day

Make the short drive to Sullivan’s Island , a small barrier island ten miles from downtown Charleston. There’s not a trace of touristy kitsch in this bitty beach town, where historic homes line oak-shaded streets and storybook cottages invite passersby to stop and smell rose-wrapped trellises. Up for dinner and a show? Pick up a pizza from The Obstinate Daughter and take it to the sand for a sunset picnic.

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Meet a mermaid or become one yourself

Hang out with the Mermaid of Hilton Head or even become a mermaid yourself! Grab your family and embark on the mermaid encounter tour . This 75-minute tour provides children with tattoos and magic name tags that grow wildflowers if planted, bubble wands, an opportunity to meet a mermaid, a restroom aboard a cover boat and other opportunities throughout the tour.

For more mermaid fun, travel to the Mermaid of Hilton Head retail store, located at Tanger 2 Outlets, or become a mermaid with a special mermaid experience and professional photo shoot. Both children and adults can become a mermaid and may choose between options such as the beach at sunset, an indoor beach experience or a bachelorette experience.

Visit the Angel Oak

Although not in the Hilton Head area but still in the Lowcountry, take a day trip to the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island. If you want to explore a bit north of the island, it’s only an approximately 2-hour drive from Hilton Head.

The Angel Oak Tree is 65 feet high with a circumference of 25.5 feet, shading an area of 17,000 square feet, and is a hot commodity as the destination receives approximately 400,000 visitors each year, according to the City of Charleston’s official website.

This tree is considered to be the largest Live Oak Tree found east of the Mississippi River and is estimated to be approximately 300 to 400 years old.

Angel Oak Tree Park can be found at 3688 Angel Oak Road on Johns Island and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5 p.m.

Charles Fraser Statue

Placed just off the side of the road, you may have noticed this sight without ever giving it much thought.

Located on the south end of the island on Pope Avenue nearly halfway to Coligny Plaza, this hidden statue is a token toward part of the island’s history, especially to the Sea Pines resort community.

Charles Fraser, the man behind much of Hilton Head Island’s story, advocated to keep the island’s flora and fauna to preserve the natural beauty of Hilton Head as he worked to develop the resort destination.

A statue of Fraser walking beside an alligator can be found in Compass Rose Park , which is a small, quiet park dedicated to remembering the island’s unique history. It includes art, water features and covered plazas.

Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse

Also known as the Leamington Lighthouse, the Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse is located in the Leamington community of the Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island. This lighthouse can be entered through Palmetto Dunes, is free to visit and can be found between the 5th and 15th greens of the Arthur Hills Golf Course . For your visit, it’s important to note that passes are not given after 5 p.m. and motorcycles are not allowed in Palmetto Dunes.

The inside of this lighthouse is no longer open to the public. However, it is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Inventory of Historic Light Stations. Additionally, visitors can get their U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Book stamped at three different nearby locations. These include the Arthur Hills Pro Shop, Palmetto Dunes General Store and the Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center.

This lighthouse is considered to be “the one true lighthouse” of Hilton Head Island, according to the lighthouse’s website, the only historic lighthouse of Hilton Head and one of only a handful of surviving lighthouses in the state of South Carolina.

However, at the moment, the lighthouse is currently closed to visitors due to a golf course project, but is expected to reopen on Aug. 27.

Go horseback riding under live oaks

Take your family, friends or other half horseback riding through the island’s south end with Lawton Stables . The beloved stable has been named as a ‘must do’ on Hilton Head by many and is a place the entire family can enjoy. Lawton Stables’ trail rides allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the Lowcountry environment as they make their way through trails in over 600 acres of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Pony rides are available for children aged 7 and under and there is a free animal farm with several small animals to feed and for everyone to enjoy.

Further trail ride information can be found online at https://www.lawtonstables.com/information .

Reservations may be made over the phone at 843-671-2586 between 1-5 p.m. daily or online at https://www.lawtonstables.com/book-online .

Audubon Newhall Preserve

The Audubon Newhall Preserve is a great place to observe and be surrounded by nature in a less populated area of the island.

The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset and has free guided tours led by a Master Birder every Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. No reservations are required in advance. Parking is available to the public and the preserve is dog-friendly as long as pets remain leashed and are picked up after.

The Audubon Newhall Preserve is a 50-acre nature preserve with over 140 recorded bird species on the south end of the island with interconnected trails that add up to around a mile total with wide paths and an observation deck.

The preserve is located at 55 Palmetto Bay Road, which can be found on the south end of Hilton Head Island. It is owned and operated by the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society.

Have a pirate day

Become a pirate by spending the day with Pirates of Hilton Head . Join them on the island’s first and only custom pirate ship as your kids will become part of a pirate crew throughout the entirety of your journey. Everyone on board will get their own pirate name, learn how to talk like a pirate and search for treasure on the Hilton Head Pirate Cruise. The 1.5 hour cruise has a $39 admission and $10 admission for infants.

For more information and to book your adventure, go online and visit https://www.piratesofhiltonhead.com/pirate-ship-of-hilton-head/ or call 843-363- 7000.

If you’re looking to continue your pirate’s way of life, continue your journey to Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf of Hilton Head to follow in the footsteps of the pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd as you read along to their stories while engaging in an immersive miniature golf experience. During each of the pirate’s courses, you’ll get to climb a mountain or explore hidden caves.

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf of Hilton Head is located at 8 Marina Side Drive from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

Gullah Heritage Trail Tours

Hilton Head Island’s Gullah Heritage Trail Tours was founded in 1996 by a Gullah Family Partnership on Hilton Head Island. Since then, the “family has been involved in preserving Gullah cultural heritage, blending Gullah cultural values in the SC-GA Low Country, for more than 40 years,” states the company’s website.

Based on the island, Gullah Heritage Trail Tours aims to cater to visitors and locals in the Lowcountry who have an interest in learning more about the history of Gullah culture in the surrounding area. This company gives guests the opportunity to learn more about the rich history and add an important learning element to their vacation or aid a curiosity in the deeper history of the Lowcountry. The pick-up location for tours can be found at 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC on the north end of the island.

Stoney-Baynard Ruins

The Stoney-Baynard ruins on Hilton Head’s south end is a sight to see for any history buff scouring the area. Located in the resort community of Sea Pines, visitors can still see bits of the old home to this day.

The mansion was once used as quarters for Federal forces and was later burned down, allegedly by Confederate arsonists, and the mansion’s tabby foundation, a corner wall, and the foundations of other outbuildings are what remain. These ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places list.

Today, the ruins are located off of Plantation Drive in Sea Pines. Baynard Ruins Park is on the right just after passing Baynard Cove Road and Marsh Drive.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park , located on Hilton Head Island’s north end at 40 Harriet Tubman Way, is a place of historical significance and is the location of the first freedmen community established during the Civil War.

The park features interpretive signs for visitors to learn from as well as beach access, walking trails, an observation gazebo, historic exhibits and a picnic pavilion. In addition, the island’s Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is one of 26 sites in the state of South Carolina that is recognized on the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network .

Visitors may go on a self-guided tour of the land or a private tour on select dates and several programs and events take place in the area.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Located within the Sea Pines community on the south end of Hilton Head Island, the forest preserve may come as a surprise to many who view the island’s southernmost end as a shopping, dining and golfing destination nestled throughout winding neighborhoods and between the South Beach Marina and Harbour Town.

The preserve has been a protected area for wildlife, their inhabitants and guests to explore the outdoors since 1970 and encompasses 605 acres of natural flora and fauna. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve includes boardwalks over wetlands, pathways suitable for horseback riding, fishing docks and bridges.

The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. Guests looking to explore the area will have to pay a $9 gate fee into Sea Pines, unless they hold a resident or guest pass.

Take a helicopter ride

Want to see a bird’s eye view of Hilton Head Island? Travel high in the sky with Hilton Head Helicopters and view the island from the clouds. The company offers nine different tours that will certainly make for a thrilling memory for years to come. Budget-friendly options are also featured, such as the “Ocean View” tour that begins at just $39 per person.

Many tours will take you over different parts of the island, but other options are available as well. These options include tours that will take you over Old Town Bluffton, remote islands and downtown Savannah or a remote island populated by over 3,000 monkeys.

To view available tours, get more information or book your flight time, interested parties may call 843-505-7182, email [email protected] or go online at https://www.flyhhi.com/helicopter-tours/ .