The 2 Best Lunch Experiences in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for its sandy shores and lively boardwalk, but for a truly memorable lunch experience, venturing a bit inland to explore Charleston’s historic charm adds a whole new flavor. These day trips combine delicious local cuisine with immersive tours of historic sites, vibrant markets, and scenic plantations—perfect for anyone wanting a substantial break from the beach. Whether you’re after a luxurious carriage ride, an informative guided bus tour, or a combination of both, these tours offer a varied look at South Carolina’s Lowcountry, all with options to enjoy a tasty lunch along the way.
Beyond the coastal fun, these trips are carefully curated to include highlights like Fort Sumter, Boone Hall Plantation, and Charleston’s lively City Market. They make for ideal day outings, blending history, culture, and great food, all in one well-organized package. Planning your next lunch adventure in Myrtle Beach? These options should be at the top of your list.
Quick Overview
For a comprehensive experience that covers historic Charleston, scenic plantations, and a delicious boxed lunch, the Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more offers a full-day adventure with a high rating of 4.5/5 from 248 reviews. It includes a horse-drawn carriage tour, harbor boat ride, and visits to Fort Sumter and Boone Hall Plantation.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly, slightly quicker option that still hits major highlights, the Day Trip to Charleston#5: Bus Tour, Boone Hall, City Market, Lunch is perfect. With a focus on guided tours and free time at the market, it costs less but still provides a rich look at Charleston’s key attractions. Both tours include a boxed lunch and round-trip transportation from Myrtle Beach, making them hassle-free choices.
1. Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more
At number one, this full-day tour combines history, scenic beauty, and comfort. It features a horse-drawn carriage tour of Charleston, which allows you to leisurely admire the antebellum mansions and cobblestone streets. The tour also includes a harbor boat ride, during which you’ll enjoy a boxed lunch while taking in views of Fort Sumter, the site where the Civil War started. The visit to Fort Sumter itself offers up-close views of the national monument, along with a tour of Boone Hall Plantation, famous for its historic slave cabins and moss-draped oak trees.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of transportation and immersive experiences. Travel in spacious, air-conditioned comfort and enjoy hassle-free transfers from several Myrtle Beach locations. The tour is highly rated at 4.5/5 from 248 reviews, with visitors praising the knowledgeable guides and the well-paced itinerary. The inclusion of a live narrated harbor tour and visits to key historic sites results in a deep appreciation of South Carolina’s coastal history.
Bottom line: If you want a full, enriching day combining history, scenery, and a delicious lunch, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.
2. Day Trip to Charleston#5: Bus Tour, Boone Hall, City Market, Lunch
For those seeking a budget-friendly option that still covers the essentials, this Day Trip to Charleston#5 blends guided transportation with free time and a visit to the iconic Boone Hall Plantation. It begins with an air-conditioned bus tour of Charleston’s historic district, giving you a glimpse of grand mansions, historic churches, and the charming streets that have defined the city for centuries. Afterward, you get two hours of free time at the Charleston City Market—a bustling hub of local arts, crafts, and food vendors—where you can enjoy your included boxed lunch or explore independently.
The highlight is the visit to Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s most photographed farms, with guided tours of the historic house, original slave cabins, and lush grounds. Rated 4.5/5 from 76 reviews, this tour offers a straightforward approach with less time on the road and more flexibility for self-exploration. The price point makes it an especially good choice for travelers who want a broad overview without the cost of private guides or comprehensive day trips.
Bottom line: If you want to discover Charleston’s charm at a more affordable price, with the convenience of round-trip transportation and some free time, this tour fits the bill perfectly.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two lunch experiences, consider your budget, time constraints, and what interests you most. The full-day Charleston trip with carriage and harbor cruise is ideal if you love detailed guided tours, scenic rides, and in-depth visits to historic sites. Meanwhile, the bus tour with free time at the market is perfect for travelers who want a taste of Charleston without splurging and prefer more flexibility.
Both tours include boxed lunches — a good way to enjoy local flavors without added stress. If you’re eager to see Fort Sumter or explore Boone Hall Plantation, these tours have you covered. For those with limited time or budget, starting with the second option might make more sense; for a richer, more curated experience, the first tour offers a more comprehensive day.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and ensure the best experience.
Final Thoughts
Myrtle Beach offers a surprising window into South Carolina’s historic and scenic treasures through these well-crafted day trips. For a truly immersive experience that combines carriage rides, harbor cruises, and visits to iconic sites like Fort Sumter, the Day Trips to Charleston#7 delivers an all-encompassing adventure.
If you’re looking for a budget-conscious option that still covers major highlights, the bus tour with Boone Hall and free time offers excellent value. Both tours are highly rated and include delicious boxed lunches, making them ideal choices for a memorable day away from the beach.
No matter which you choose, these experiences enrich your Myrtle Beach trip with bites of local history, culture, and flavor. Be sure to book early, and enjoy your journey into South Carolina’s Lowcountry.