Charleston Tours and Rambles

Charleston Tours

A Locals Guide of What to Do in the Lowcountry

It’s been almost 30 years since Coastal Expeditions brought sea kayaking and nature tours to the Lowcountry.  In that time, we’ve explored just about every nook and cranny of the wild places we can get to using kayaks and powerboats. A few of those places we are going to keep to ourselves.  But others are just too good not to share.

Here are some of our favorite places to wander along the South Carolina coast, along with a few tips on how to enjoy them the most.

 

1. Bulls Island

Hop on the Bulls Island Ferry and set out on a day trip that will exceed your expectations.   After a 30-minute ecotour through the protected waters of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge,  you begin an island adventure on a 5000-acre uninhabited barrier island.  Live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, pines and palmettos create a shaded path through the island.  On your walk to the beach– a 7 mile, undeveloped shoreline- you’ll pass by freshwater impoundments, home to American alligators and migratory birds.  Nearly 300 bird species can be found in the refuge throughout the year!

Guide Tip:  Check the tides before you go to make sure that you’ll be there during low tide. That way you can easily get to Boneyard Beach and enjoy the Degas-like landscape where the forest meets the ocean.

Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island is a destination for photographers and nature lovers from around the world.

2. Ion Swamp Trail

Head up to Awendaw to hike this 1.9 mile trail in Francis Marion National Forest.  Easily accessible from Highway 17N, this trail is family-friendly and engaging.  The Ion Swamp Trail follows the impoundments of old rice fields that date back to the 1700s, creating a wetland ecosystem that supports alligators, owls, deer and songbirds.  Its a favorite place for us to go for a quick walkabout in the winter when mosquitoes are a bay.  The terrain is flat and its an easy hike, so don’t hesitate to bring younger kids.  Chris and I have children that are 7 and 2 and they love this cypress and palmetto landscape.

Guide Tip:  If we’ve had a few days of heavy rain, skip this trail or check with the park rangers before you go.

3. Kayak Shem Creek

This is the quintessential way to see Charleston.  This historic shrimping creek has been a vital waterway for centuries and is the gateway to the views of Charleston Harbor.  This access is why Coastal Expeditions  made Shem Creek its headquarters 28 years ago when it brought sea kayaking to the region.

On a guided tour, you’ll enjoy the professionalism of trained naturalists who get you ready for your excursion with a quick, on-water lesson before you head out.  Once on the water, you’ll ease into a paddling rhythm and enjoy the wildlife that inhabits the creek. Bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, pelicans and osprey commonly make an appearance as we meander down to the mouth of Shem Creek.

If you’ve got 3 hours and a sense of adventure, hop on one of the daily Shem Creek kayak tours that we offer year round.

Guide Tip:  If you’re feeling extra adventurous, sign up for a sunrise Shem Creek Kayak Tour.  Paddling before dawn as the saltmarsh awakens from its slumber….its unforgettable.   It’s one thing to see a dolphin alongside your kayak.  It’s entirely another to hear it breach in the dark.

Kayak Shem Creek with the region’s oldest outfitter for a safe and fun adventure in nature.

4. Longitude Alley in the springtime.

Get up early and make your way downtown south of Broad for a walkabout through hidden alleys and down the most charming streets you’ve ever seen.  Charleston is spring will make you fall in love- with everything.  The dogwoods blooming over brick walls, shattered cherry petals littering the bluestone, ferns sprouting from cracks in tabby walls, birds singing….its just too much.   Find Longitude Alley and follow it through to the adjoining street, then head south to the Battery.  When you can’t take it anymore, make your way up to Broad Street and have breakfast at Fast & French.  Get the Grand Petit Dé Jeuner and a French Press.  And when you pay, get a pound of coffee beans to go.

 

5. Angel Oak.

It just goes without saying that you need to see the Angel Oak at least once.  It is said that it is the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi and when you see it, you’ll believe it.

After you pick your jaw off the ground, go just a little further into the heart of Johns Island to a plant nursery called Sea Island Savory Herbs.  It’s one of those hidden gems that has a golden soul.   You’ll turn left off of Chisolm Road and drive down a wooded road to get to the nursery.  It’s imperfectly perfect.

Explore. Chat. Visit. And come on back, y’all.
@coastalexpeditions

St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Isle of Palms Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Isle of Palms tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text