Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Trip
Charleston, South Carolina is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in the United States — and from Myrtle Beach, it’s just 90 miles down US-17, making it one of the most rewarding day trips on the entire East Coast. Guided day tours departing from Myrtle Beach area hotels typically run 10 to 12 hours and cover the city’s most iconic sights: the colorful pastel homes of Rainbow Row, the Battery with its stunning harbor views and antebellum mansions, the historic City Market dating to the 1790s, and the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter. Many tours include narrated carriage rides through the downtown historic district, visits to Fort Sumter National Monument by ferry, and time for lunch and independent exploration along King Street — one of the top shopping streets in the Southeast. Expert local guides bring the city’s layered history to life, from its role in the transatlantic slave trade and the Civil War’s opening shots to its Gullah Geechee cultural heritage and its current reputation as one of America’s top food cities. Self-driving is also very feasible — the GPS route takes approximately 90 minutes each way. Charleston is strongly recommended for any Myrtle Beach visitor staying four nights or more.