About
Take a trip through history with Adventure Sightseeing of America’s oldest working, living plantation. Boone Hall dates back to 1681 and opened in 1956 to the public after the McRae family purchased it. It is the most popular plantation of Charleston and has been used for filming of The Notebook, North and South, and Days of Our Lives.
**This half day tour (4.5 hours) includes many options:**
• A 30 minute house tour by a well-informed guide in historical dress.
• Enjoy a self-guided tour through the beautiful gardens to view antique roses over 100 years old!
• A guided Slave Street & History Presentation through living quarters and historic relics
• View 8 original slave cabins, all completed in a different theme containing photos, life size figures & much more!
• Gaze at the ¾ mile Avenue of Oaks containing 270 year old giant live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
**Charleston Harbor Tour**
Aboard the classic, 80-foot Carolina Belle, cruise the scenic Charleston Harbor while hearing fascinating local stories and seeing more than 75 landmarks, some critical to our nation’s history, including:
• Fort Sumter: One of Charleston's most popular landmarks, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
• Confederate and Union army Forts Moultrie and Johnson
• USS Yorktown: the famous World War II “Fighting Lady”
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church: A survivor of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, whose steeple was painted black so as not to be an easy target
• Stately homes on the Battery: Symbols of Southern elegance and perseverance
• Cooper River Bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: A state of the art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world
• Dolphins skimming the surface of the water and pelicans diving for food
This family-friendly, relaxing, and insightful cruise is best way to discover the Holy City and its famous Harbor!
Round trip transportation provided by our climate controlled buses and all gate fees are included in the price of the tour!
**Please Note that round trip transportation is for the Boone Hall Plantation Tour ONLY. You will receive a harbor tour voucher that you may use at your convenience. We will do our best to drop you off at the Harbor Tour location for a tour time, but that cannot be guaranteed due to the schedule. There is a free Trolley that drops off and picks up at the Aquarium Wharf (1 block north of the Maritime Center). You will be responsible for your own transportation after the harbor tour. There is free (limited) parking at the Maritime Center during your harbor tour.**
**Want more Charleston? Check out what is included with our tours FOR FREE!**
• The Powder Magazine- South Carolina's oldest public building. Exhibits focus on South Carolina's colonial military history!
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What is not included:
**Gratuities are not included, nor required, but always appreciated for a job well done!**
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FAQ
**Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?**
Advance purchase is highly recommended and tours often sell out in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
**What exactly will I see on the tour?**
This comprehensive 90 minute harbor tour includes all the major points of interest in Charleston's Historic District, including: Rainbow Row, famous churches, and the Customs House, as well as the USS Yorktown and Fort Sumter.
**I booked a harbor tour combination tour... how does that work?**
You booked a specific time and date for your plantation tour. The Harbor Tour ticket can be used at your leisure. You will be given a boarding pass voucher and brochure with current harbor tour times when you check in for your plantation tour.
**Is there a cancellation policy?**
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
**What if it rains?**
The tours run rain or shine, so please dress according to the day’s forecast. Please keep in mind that most of the tour takes place on our vehicle so you will be out of the elements.
**Are children allowed? What type of ticket should I buy?**
Yes, and there is a reduced price for children's tickets. While we welcome children of all ages on the tour, the tour is not recommended for small children. We have reduced price tickets for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 3 and younger can come for free with an accompanying adult ticket and must sit on their parent's lap.
**Can I bring food or beverages on the bus?**
Food and drinks are not allowed on the bus. However, there is a snack bar aboard the Carolina Belle that has bottled water and soda ($2-3), wine ($6), beer ($4-$5.5), mixed cocktails ($6-7), chips, hot dogs, burgers, candy bars, cookies, etc. The snack bar accepts cash or charge on board. Lunch will also be available for purchase at Boone Hall Plantation.
**Are there any stops along the way?**
We will stop at the Battery for a brief photo break.
**Is the bus air conditioned?**
Yes the bus is air conditioned.
**Is the tour narrated?**
Yes, the tour is fully narrated by a licensed, professional tour guide.
**Is there a restroom on the bus?**
No, but restrooms are located at the meeting location. We highly recommend using the bathrooms at the starting location before the tour.
**Do you run year-round?**
Yes, we operate tours seven days a week year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & New Year's Day. Seasonal hours apply so please check our calendar for the most up to date schedule information.
**What kind of a vehicle will we be travelling in?**
The city tours are given in a 25 passenger, air conditioned bus.
**Is there assigned seating on the bus?**
Seating is on a first come first serve basis. If you are traveling with a large group you may want to arrive 15 - 20 minutes prior to departure.
**How should I dress for the tour?**
Check the forecast, buses are climate controlled and you do stay on the bus for the duration of the tour.
**Is the bus handicap accessible?**
At present we cannot accommodate wheelchairs, but the bus is accessible for those with limited mobility if they can be assisted by a companion.
**Will locals enjoy the tour as well or is it mostly for tourists?**
Absolutely! Whether you are looking for a way to entertain out-of-town guests, planning a bachelor/bachelorette party, having a team-building exercise or just want to learn more about the wonderful city you live in, this is the tour for you! You’ll be surprised at how much you will learn on the tour from the comfort of our bus.
**Will we be able to purchase souvenirs or shop during the tour?**
Adventure Sightseeing T shirts are available for purchase at our sister company, Charleston Harbor Tours, ticket kiosk. The kiosk is located at the Charleston Maritime Center at 10 Wharfside Street. In addition to T shirts there are various other Charleston souvenirs available for purchase.
**Are pets allowed?**
No. Service animals are allowed, however.
**Does the tour start and end at the same place?**
The tour starts and ends at the same location.
**Is there parking?**
Yes, there will be parking garages available by the meeting location. Exact meeting location and parking details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.
**Are gratuities included?**
Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. While not required, gratuities are accepted and always appreciated by the tour guides.
**Is smoking allowed on the tour?**
Smoking is not permitted during the tour.
**Can I bring luggage on the bus/leave my belongings on the bus?**
No. We do not have space on the bus for large items such as luggage, wheelchairs, or strollers.
**Is the tour only offered in English?**
Yes, the tour is only given in English.
**Are gift certificates available for the Adventure Sightseeing trips?**
Yes, gift certificates are available and they make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate please click on the "Gift Certificates: Purchase" link in the box above.
**How is my gift certificate delivered? Can I print it out now and give it to the recipient myself?**
Yes, you can! When you purchase your gift certificate online, you will be presented immediately with your gift certificate so that you can print it out and deliver it. If you buy it over the phone, a link to your gift certificate will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is completed.
**What if I want the gift certificate emailed to the recipient instead?**
That's no problem, either! When you purchase your gift certificate, just select the option to have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address. You'll even be able to decide whether you want the email sent immediately or if you'd prefer to schedule it to be emailed on a future date. (For instance, if you want to buy it today so you don't forget, but you don't want it emailed to the recipient until their special day!)
**Can I book a private tour?**
Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests.
Booking Notes
Special Note: November 9 – November 15, 2026 the Visitors Center, Surface Parking Lot and Bus Depot will be closed for a special event. The visitors center operations will move the Best Friend Train Museum next door. The parking garage will remain open and be the best option for parking during this time. Restrooms are available in the train museum as well. Tours will depart from the Charleston Museum across the street from the Visitors Center
**You have purchased the Boone Hall / Charleston Harbor Tour combo. This tour does include transportation to and from Boone Hall Plantation, but NOT for your harbor tour. You will receive discounted admission and a voucher for the harbor tour and you may use that at one of the available tour times. You can get harbor tour departure times from your Boone Hall Tour driver or call Charleston Harbor Tours at 843-722-1112. Tours may be split over different days if you wish. The Charleston Harbor Tour departs from The Charleston Maritime Center at 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401**
**Meeting Location:** Please meet at the Charleston Visitor's Center, 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403. You can spot it by looking for the iron fence and red brick exterior, as it is a massive building & can't be missed. It is a former Train Depot. Please walk around either side of the Visitors Center and proceed directly to the open air bus shed & look for the Adventure Sightseeing tour bus. There is parking right in front of the Visitor's Center & a cash-only parking garage next to the Visitors Center. If you purchased the bus tour combo, it leaves from the same location.
**Important Notice:** Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your Boone Hall tour departure and 30 minutes prior to your harbor tour. All tours will leave on time.
**For questions regarding this activity, contact Adventure Sightseeing:**
Email: reservations@adventuresightseeing.com
Phone: 843-762-0088
**What to Wear**
Please dress according to the weather.
**What to Bring/What Not to Bring**
There will be no food or drinks permitted on the buses.
**Other Tips & Guidelines**
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your Boone Hall tour departure and 30 minutes prior to your harbor tour. All tours will leave on time.
Important: Any directions or maps provided by Adventure Sightseeing are only a rough guide. You are responsible for arriving at the activity's meeting location on time, so make sure to check with a second source that can provide specific directions from your starting point.
**Detailed Directions**
Please meet at the Charleston Visitor's Center, 375 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403. You can spot it by looking for the iron fence and red brick exterior, as it is a massive building and can't be missed. Please proceed directly to the bus shed at the Visitors Center and look for the Adventure Sightseeing tour bus, you can check in directly with your tour guide at the bus. Visitor Center staffers can direct you to the bus shed if you cannot find it. If you are lost or late, call 843-762-0088.
**Parking:** There is parking right in front of the Visitor's Center and a cash-only parking garage next to the Visitors Center.
**From the North:**
Take I-26 E toward Charleston
Take exit 221B on the left for Meeting St toward Visitor Center
Turn right onto Meeting St, follow for .6 miles
The Charleston Visitors Center is on the right
**From the South:**
Take US-17 N to Wescott St/Wescott Ct in Charleston
Turn right onto Wescott St/Wescott Ct
Turn left onto Cannon St
Turn right onto King St
Turn left onto Mary St
Take the 1st right onto Meeting St.
**From Mt. Pleasant**
Head southwest on US-17 S
Take the Meeting St exit toward Visitor Center/N Charleston/I-26 W/Columbia
Turn left onto Meeting St. After 1.1 miles the Visitors Center will be on the right.
Cancellation Policy
>**Non-refundable, can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice.**
> • Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) only if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.
>**Activity takes place rain or shine.**
> • Events occur rain or shine. We may cancel any event because of severe weather, mechanical breakdown or lack of participation. In the unlikely event that we should have to cancel, we will attempt to contact you via phone, email and/or text (where applicable) and your event will be rescheduled or ticket refunded.
