This is part 1 of our series on Southern United States trip ideas. We start with a South Carolina Lowcountry escape.
A preferred partner shared a few itineraries on how to explore the South and I had to share these great ideas. There is so much to experience from beautiful scenery and architecture to award-winning cuisine. In part 1, we focus on the Lowcountry. However, keep in mind that these are only suggestions and any itinerary can be modified to match your preferences. And of course, when you’re traveling with LBL Travel, you get insider access and exclusive experiences.
This Lowcountry itinerary takes you from charming Charleston, South Carolina to historic Savannah, Georgia via a beach break on Kiawah Island. There are many things to discover from Civil War history to delicious seafood.
Day 1 to 3: Charleston
Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina. Ths port city was founded in 1670 and is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum houses.
Below are a few suggested activities in Charleston:
- Charleston Architecture Tour – Take a walking tour of Charleston and learn about its history while seeing some of its most spectacular sites. This tour is led by one of the most prominent figures in the city’s architecture scene.
- Charleston Tea and Garden Tour – Accompanied by your charming native Charlestonian guide, experience the city’s distinctive architecture, gardens, and culture with the rare opportunity to go inside some of America’s most beautiful residences.
- Fort Sumter Private Tour – Take a ferry ride across Charleston Harbor and see where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on a private guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument.
- Private Tour of Drayton Hall – At Drayton Hall, enjoy a private tour from an archaeologist working on the property and be introduced to an ongoing excavation site.
- Lowcountry Cruise & Beachside Boil – Cruise from Charleston to Capers Islands and explore the Lowcountry, before enjoying an authentic, casual beach-side seafood boil.
- Plantation & Historic Mansion Tour – Get swept away during a driving tour in the scenic countryside of Charleston and visit some of the most historic plantations in the region.
- Private Carriage Tour of Historic Charleston – Explore historic downtown Charleston’s charming estates, cobblestone streets, and manicured gardens by horse-drawn carriage.
- Private Culinary Food Tour of Charleston – Sink your teeth into Charleston’s culture, history, and culinary delights on a private, guided tasting tour of the historic Southern city.
- Private Ghosts & Graveyards Night Tour – As twilight falls, connect with the spirits of Charleston’s past during a private guided ghost and graveyard tour based on historical facts and local lore.
We recommend staying at Belmond Charleston Place. This retreat is nestled in the historic district and feels like a home away from home. Experience the world-famous Southern hospitality with a perfect blend of 18th-century style and 21st-century comfort.
Day 3 to 6: Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is a sea island/barrier island, located about 25 miles southwest of Charleston. It is an oasis of untouched natural beauty, where you can enjoy perfectly preserved maritime forests, sand dunes and marshes.
Below are a few suggested activities in Kiawah Island:
- Biking Wetlands Tour with a Naturalist – Join a naturalist on a bike ride to discover the fascinating wildlife that inhabits Kiawah’s diverse ecosystems.
- Private Shrimp Boat Experience – Climb aboard the Sea Bounty, a 45-foot working shrimp boat, and help sort the catch as you haul in the bounty of the sea.
- Sunset Kayaking Excursion – Relax, unwind, and see the sunset as you have never seen it before on this family-friendly sunset kayaking excursion on the waters surrounding Kiawah Island.
We recommend staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah, which was featured in our blog about the top 4 luxury East Coast beach resorts. Located along the pristine shores of Kiawah Island, this exquisitely designed oceanfront hotel, just 21 miles from downtown Charleston, captures the spirit, history, and charm of the beautiful South.
Day 6 to 8: Savannah
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia. It is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, well-preserved architecture, and its rich, vibrant history.
Below are a few suggested activities in Savannah:
- Private Civil War Walking Tour – Enjoy a private guided tour of Savannah, focusing on the events that transpired here during the Civil War.
- Private Guided Art Walk – Explore Savannah’s eclectic art scene with an art historian who will take you on a walking tour to see works from local and national painters, sculptors, and artisans.
- Private Savannah History & Architecture City Tour – Explore the stunning architecture and beautiful landscaping for which Savannah is famous on this cultural tour with a local expert guide.
We recommend staying at Perry Lane Hotel as it is located just steps away from the iconic Forsyth Park. This hotel offers a refreshing take on luxury and a genuine taste of Southern warmth.
Are you thinking about exploring the Lowcountry? Contact us today to start planning your adventure.