downtown charleston sc bike tour

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A Family-Owned Business

Charleston Bicycle Tours

“Charleston looks even more enchanting from a bicyclist’s point-of-view. Alex Graham’s commentary about the area’s history was both knowledgeable and entertaining…spiced with preternatural tales. Alex and Karen are charming affable hosts and were delightful company. You will enjoy them.” - Eileen Robinson Smith, Charleston’s Fodors  Guide  

Let us show you the best of Charleston, the Charleston that savvy locals know – a city full of charm, history and grace.

- Alex and Karen Graham

Downtown Charleston eBike Tour

"tour temporary suspended due to a new city of charleston ordinance " i am working on a new route..

Join us on an Electric bike as we ride the streets of Historic Downtown Charleston. We are not history buffs, we are adventure guides, we will do our best to point out the highlights of downtown such as the Battery, Ranbow Row, the Pineapple Fountain, The Market and much more. We will meet up at our outfitters shop at 923 Folly Rd, James Island SC 29412. We will then jump in the Adventure Van and make our way into downtown Charleston. We will start our day at the Battery and ride around downtown. We will then ride past rainbow row, stop at the pineapple fountain and ride down Market Street. We will explore parts of Charleton that you wont see on a carriage tour and each of our tours is different, we just go with the flow. We stop at different landmarks, caffes or other interesting places you would like to see. Downtown Charleston is a busy, busy place so be prepared to be on the look out for pedestrians and traffic.

DURATION: 3 Hours

DEPARTS : 923 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

LIABILITY WAIVER: Each guest must complete a liability waiver prior to departure. Please plan to arrive 20 min before trip departure.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum age requirement for an E-Bike tour is 13 years old.
• Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Experience on a regular bike is recommended.
• Helmets are required no exceptions.

PLEASE BRING

Water, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and shoes(will get wet). All of the above can be purchased at our shop as well as individual dry bags for phones & other personal items. You can also place your items to be kept dry in the guides dry bag.

Our location offers parking & restrooms and a shower. The bathroom can be used before and after tours.

Gratuity for your guide is recommended but not required.

Helmet Included

Locks Included

RIder should be taller 4' 11".

If you would like us to set up a custom tour for your group please call us at 843 696 2217

Our Other eBike Tours

An Snap Shot of Folly’s History 

$99.00 per person.

This is a great Adventure for people who would like to see a little bit of Folly’s history. We will take you on ride off Folly Island onto Sol Legare Rd. We will take you by the Seashore Farmers Lodge Museum. This was once the heart of the early African American community of Sol Legare Island.  Learn More........

An e-Bike Ride in the Woods 

This is a full day (5 to 6 hour) E-Bike Adventure. There is nothing else like this in the Charleston area. We will meet for this ride at the Charleston Adventure Forest Zipline center. From here we will get on our bikes and ride off into the Franic Marion National Forest.   Learn More..........

$119.00  per person

Downtown charleston ebike tour , a snap shot of folly’s history , a e-bike ride in the woods .

See What Others

Think About Us

We almost got suckered into the Folly Beach Chair Company rates....which are certainly nice chairs and umbrellas from the looks of them, but then we found this company. Friendly service....wallet-friendly prices go here please!!!!

Trevor Dickens

5.0 - Google Reviews

Excellent customer service! They were quick with answers to questions, very friendly, and helpful. We rented two chairs and an umbrella for a week and a stand-up paddle board for one day. We highly recommend them and look forward to renting again!

Will and Cameron were really nice and the bikes were what you would expect. We wanted to try biking on the beach for only an hour so they gave us special rates. I would definitely rent from there again.

Lauren Bolen

Forest and the other guys were extremely accommodating...the golf cart was great to get to the beach access that was less crowded than others and to sightsee Folly at our leisure. Highly recommend FBA!

We almost got suckered into the Folly Beach Chair Company rates....which are certainly nice chairs and umbrellas from the looks of them, but then we found this company. Friendly service....wallet friendly prices go here please!!!!

Excellent customer service! They were quick with answers to questions, very friendly and helpful. We rented two chairs and an umbrella for a week and a stand up paddle board for one day. We highly recommend them and look forward to renting again!

Forest and the other guys were extremely accommodating...the golf cart was great to get to beach access that was less crowded as others and to sight see Folly at our leisure. Highly recommend FBA!

13 Years supplying Folly Beach Vacationers FUN. Rent from locals, support our island economy. ​

The Best Price, Best Service & Best Staff on Folly Beach.​​

IMPORTANT LINKS

[email protected]

Call us: (843) 696-2217

All Rights Reserved | follybeachadventures.com | Developed By Ebike Marketing Pros

THE BEST Charleston Bike Tours

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1. Charleston Bicycle Tours

2. Ebike rentals Isle of Palms

3. Folly Beach Adventures

SC LOWCOUNTRY TOUR

Bike Tour of Charleston, South Carolina's Lowcountry

Sc lowcountry, a bicycling vacation of charleston and coastal south carolina.

This tour packs the best of the South Carolina Low Country into a fabulous 6 day multi-sport vacation. Bike the idyllic islands of the South Carolina coast under stands of live oaks and wispy Spanish moss. Learn about the history of the Palmetto State's plantation past.  Walk the beaches with gentle sea breezes and stroll past architectural treasures on the streets of Charleston and Beaufort, SC.  And, of course, experience the legendary warmth and charm of southern hospitality in gourmet restaurants and cozy inns.

The terrain is flat, making it accessible to all ability levels. Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route! Along the way, observe coastal wetlands and rural farmland as we bike the scenic back roads of South Carolina. Because the route distance options are so flexible, this is one of the best tours for bicycling companions of differing riding styles.

This 6-day tour offers routes of 25-50+ miles each day (at your option). Stronger cyclists may bike over 50 miles on a few days of the tour. Less ambitious cyclists can take advantage of short cuts and "leap frog" van shuttles along the route to tailor the route to their needs.

Beaufort and Charleston

Tour difficulty, meet/depart, nearest airport, tour status.

Itinerary Download Itinerary

We meet at mid-day at the lovely Rhett House Inn in the heart of the historic district.  After orientation and bicycle fittings, we'll pedal Beaufort's lovely neighborhoods where quiet streets between stately antebellum homes and Live Oaks draped with Spanish moss give us our first taste of South Carolina's charms.  Pedal the Spanish Moss Trail, Beaufort's outstanding new rail trail.  You'll learn about Beaufort's and South Carolina's colorful history before biking back to the inn.  We relax before dinner as a group this evening, where we'll experience our first taste of the savory Lowcountry cuisine for which the area has become famous.

After breakfast at a nearby cafe, we bike from the inn toward some of the best biking along the South Carolina coast. Early in the ride, we pass by the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, the school established in 1862 to educate freed slaves. Just down the road, stop to see the ruins of a "Chapel of Ease," a small chapel built during the plantation era so that wealthy plantation owners could attend church without traveling to the mainland.

We picnic at  Hunting Island State Park  where opportunities abound to walk isolated sandy beaches, bike the extensive park road network and climb the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse for a fantastic view of the SC coast. After lunch, you may opt to join a guided hike past the lagoon and sound waters protected by this barrier island. Your local guides will stop on a sandbar to explain how the migratory nature of barrier islands shape our area. Return at your leisure to Beaufort and savor the soft sea breezes along the waterfront park. Dinner is on your own this evening, with numerous good options within walking distance.  

After breakfast, we'll shuttle north, commencing our bike ride of the tour on remote country back roads near old plantations and cypress swamps. Most of the ride is on exceptionally quiet roads lined with live oaks. We pedal near sites that have been the setting or inspiration of award winning movies such as Forest Gump, Prince of Tides, The Big Chill and countless others.  

We'll then shuttle the rest of the way to downtown Charleston, one of the most charming waterfront towns you'll ever see. Home base for the next three nights will be the Ansonborough Inn, a beautifully-appointed, all-suite inn centrally located near the Market and Aquarium Wharf in the midst of the historic downtown. Dinner is as a group this evening at one of Charleston's famous restaurants.

Today is a flexible day for you to explore Charleston in the way you see fit.  Included in your tour price is a narrated one hour carriage tour of downtown Charleston.  This is absolutely the best way to soak up a combination of history,  architecture and the overal beauty of the "Holy City."   Afterward, join us on a ride that features the thrilling bike path over the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Completed in 2005, this beautiful structure over the Cooper River dominates the Charleston skyline.  From there, explore downtown Charleston on bike or foot on a self-guided tour.  Visit the Citadel, Magnolia Cemetery and the College of Charleston at your own pace.   Riders looking for more miles can explore Sullivan's Island, home to the oldest beach resort in the area.  At its point is Fort Moultrie where you can learn about three centuries of coastal military history.  The Fort defended Charleston's harbor from the Revolutionary War through WW II.   Contiune the ride onto Isle of Palms the next island to the north, connected by bridge across the always scenic Breach Inlet.  

Today finds us on one of the loveliest sea islands in South Carolina. We pedal our way through the shady island back roads under arching live oaks full of Spanish moss. We visit the Angel Oak, a live oak believed by many to be over 1500 years old. Our side routes today offer brief glimpses of the salt marshes which define the coastal Lowcountry landscape. We will have a picnic lunch today at America's only tea farm, and afterwards tour the factory and tea garden grounds.

Our last day includes a meandering route near the rural community of Ravenel.  Numerous water views grace the route, as well as hobby farms with exotic animals.  After the ride we will finish the commute back to Beaufort for showers, lunch and departure.  A shuttle to Savannah and the Savannah airport will be available to those who desire one.

2024 price: $2,775 - 2,875

Low end of tour price range reflects the 6 month Early Bird Discount, applied when you enroll and pay in full 6 months or more prior to your tour date.  High end of price range reflects no Early Bird Discount. 

Prices are subject to change at any time.

What's Included in Your Tour Price

5 nights at boutique inns in the heart of charming downtowns

Dinner on Nights 1, 3, & 5; All lunches except 1; All breakfasts; snacks; and hors d'oeuvres most nights.

Services of Expert Guides

Carolina Tailwinds maintains a guest to guide maximum ratio of 7:1 on all our tours.  Guides are ready to show you the hidden wonders of each and every destination.

Full Route Support & Luggage Transfer

Service of 1 – 2 support vans on route every day.

Complimentary Airport Transportation from Savannah

Carolina Tailwinds picks up on the morning of Day 1 and drops off in the late afternoon on Day 6 at the Savannah, GA (SAV) airport and surrounding Savannah inn locations to and from our tour start at Beaufort, SC.  Timing formally coordinated 2 weeks prior to tour date.

More details on what's included: 

Click here to go to another page.

Nights 1 & 2

Rhett House Inn is nestled among Beaufort’s Live Oaks draped with Spanish Moss and Resurrection Fern. The inn includes a nearly 200-year-old “in-town plantation house,” and two other graceful buildings.  Gracious southern hospitality is matched with modern room amenities.  Each room is uniquely and tastefully decorated and includes a hot made-to-order breakfast.

Nights 3, 4 & 5

Ansonborough Inn , Charleston, SC. Awarded AAA's Four Diamond Award, the Inn is one of the historic district’s truly unique properties. It was completely remodeled in 1999 by owners George & Sandra Fennell in keeping with the nautical heritage of namesake Admiral George Anson. You’ll notice their attention to detail…handsome historic antiques and reproductions and a vast collection of original oil paintings throughout the guest suites and common areas.

The terrain is flat, making it accessible to all ability levels.  Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route!  Along the way, observe coastal wetlands and rural farmland as we bike the scenic back roads of South Carolina.  Because the route distance options are so flexible, this is one of the best tours for bicycling companions of differing riding styles. This 6 day tour offers routes of 25 - 50+ miles each day (at your option).  Stronger cyclists may bike over 50 miles on a few days of the tour.  Less ambitious cyclists can take advantage of short cuts and "leap frog" van shuttles along the route to tailor the route to their needs.  

Tour Point of Origin:

Beaufort Inn, 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, SC   (843) 379-4667 

Getting to the Tour Start (Beaufort, SC)

Driving:  Approximate travel distance to Beaufort--

• Atlanta, GA: 287 miles
• Savannah, GA: 45 miles
• Charlotte, NC: 232 miles
• Jacksonville, FL: 178 miles    
• Washington DC: 559 miles

Airports: Savannah / Hilton Head International (SAV) is approximately an hour away from downtown Beaufort.  It is served by American Eagle, Continental, Delta, United Express & US Airways.

Ground Transit: Taxi cabs are available at the Savannah airport.  The approximate rate for one person to Beaufort is $80.  Each additional person is $10.

A complimentary Carolina Tailwinds shuttle will be available to and from the Savannah airport at a designated time before and after the tour.

Parking: We have arranged for long term parking in Beaufort for the duration of your tour.  We will end the tour at the same inn with an opportunity to shower there prior to departure.  

Arrival/Departure Timing

Arrival time of the first day of the tour is 12:00 noon if renting equipment from us, or 1:00 p.m. if bringing your own bike.  Guests will want to meet us at these times dressed in bike clothes, or ready to change into them.

We plan to wrap up around 3:00 p.m. in Beaufort, SC.  Your return flight should be no earlier than 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Extend Your Vacation:

Before or after our activity packed tour, you may want to tack on a few days.  There is a lot to do in and around nearby Savannah if you have time.  Carolina Tailwinds will provide a courtesy shuttle from downtown Savannah on Day 1 and/or back on Day 6 if requested.

Of course, you may want to continue your visit of the coast by driving down to the pristine beaches of Kiawah Island, SC or Hilton Head Island, SC.  

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The Southeastern Spine Institute

A Bicycle Tour of Charleston, SC A Bicycle Tour of Charleston, SC

And while it’s is one of the most walkable cities in the nation, a bicycle tour of Charleston, SC is the perfect opportunity to survey the city, experience some history, and quickly discover more of the city and the surrounding natural areas. If you visit the Southeastern Spine Institute (SSI) frequently or just come in for a procedure once, consider trying a bicycle tour of Charleston, SC. Before you undertake a bike tour or any other outdoor activities, however, first get your doctor’s permission.

Guided Tours of Charleston

While you can take a self-guided bike tour that allows you and your family and friends to enjoy open-ended planning to ride in the city or in the local forests. If you’re new to town or don’t feel all that adventurous, a guided tour may be more your style. The most popular guided bicycle tour company in town is Charleston Bicycle Tours .

This tour is a great option for a guided riding experience through Charleston, which is just 20 minutes from the Mt. Pleasant SSI campus. The business is owned by the Grahams, a couple who personally manage every single bike tour. They take 10 riders at a time to permit a more intimate, personal journey through Charleston. The seasoned tour guides accommodate the pace of any riding group. Find Charleston Bicycle Tours at 164 Market Street.

Self-Guided Tours of Charleston

Self-guided bike tours are the best option for a group wanting to dictate pace, distance and location. The bike rental locations have recommendations for a bicycle tour of Charleston, SC that any rider can participate in and enjoy. A commuting option includes Holy Spokes , which offers day rentals with many bike racks around the city.

The Affordabike store offers a variety of options for individuals or groups. Affordabike’s rental service champions their commitment for making sure you’re on a bike that’s comfortable and right for you. The rental options include single rider, tandem and tag-along bikes for the rider who can’t pedal the entire time. Affordabike is located at 573 King Street.

Take a Natural Bicycle Tour of Charleston, SC

In and around Charleston, you’ll find many trails, including the Marrington Plantation and Wannamaker North Trail. The Marrington Plantation offers 19 miles of trails across varying levels of ridership skills. The Wannamaker North Trail is a 3.5-mile trail where only one path isn’t for all riders. All of these loops can be cut short for a quicker trip. Ride through verdant forests and feel the movement of dirt under your wheels to appreciate Charleston’s scenic beauty.

Charleston, South Carolina offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the nature and history of this Southern seaport on the seat of a bike fit just for you. When you next come to SSI, consider visiting this city rich with activity and natural beauty while participating in an activity that’s brimming with culture and strengthens your back.

A Hipster’s Guide to Biking in Charleston, SC

I had a tenuous relationship with bicycles for most of my life.

Fortunately, my views on biking has changed a lot in the intervening years. Today, between friends who enjoy biking in Charleston, SC , and my own experiences, I can give some insight into the cycling scene here.

Table of Contents

I wasn’t the strongest rider growing-up, so I usually preferred to stay on my own two feet to get around.

Things changed when I went into the Peace Corps. In southern Africa, my beautiful blue Trek mountain bike was my only way to get between the spread-out villages of my district in one day.

While I had a couple really scary run-ins with the ground (including once involving a giant, black, scorpion), by my second year I was a cycling pro.

I brought the habit back to the United States, and biked around Greenwich and Westchester County when I lived in Connecticut.

Then I moved to Charleston, South Carolina.

A Hipster’s Guide to Biking in Charleston, SC

Biking in Charleston should be a dream. For one thing, it’s flat. But it doesn’t matter how flat it is here when you’re biking in the middle of a hot and humid summer day in Charleston.

I still love biking, it’s still one of my favorite Charleston outdoor activities . But it definitely has a time of year here for me.

And I cannot understand people who wear skinny jeans while biking in the summer here.

Bike Riding in Downtown Charleston

The streets of historic downtown Charleston are kind of scary for biking, in my opinion. The majority are narrow from the days of horse-drawn carriages and other modes of transport smaller than cars. As such, bike lanes are close to non-existent. And drivers here are scarily terrible.

The city of Charleston made a weak attempt at creating a bike lane across the West Ashley bridge to connect downtown to the suburbs. But the experiment seemed to last for all of a few weeks before the closed lane reverted back to car traffic.

But that said, there are some nice parts of downtown Charleston to bike around on–for example, Hampton Park.

And Sunday afternoon is usually a nice day to ride around, when car traffic dies down significantly. That’s the day to cycle around the South of Broad neighborhood.

Bike Rentals in Charleston, SC

If you’re feeling brave, there are bike rentals from Holy Spokes bike rentals all over downtown (just don’t leave the peninsula with them). Here’s where to find their stations . Prices are $8 per hour, or $12 for a day rental . They’re beach cruisers, so they’re not my favorite because of how slow they are.

You can also rent bicycles from Affordabike . They’re a local business situated at the corner of King and Cannon Streets.

Cycling Options Away from Downtown

If you’re bringing your own bike, you can go further afield from downtown.

Charleston Area Parks

I like biking around some of the county parks, like Wannamaker , James Island County Park , or Palmetto Islands . Bike rentals are available at each of these parks. Prices aren’t ridiculous, but the bikes kind of suck.

But hey, you’re only paying $4 per hour.

The mix of asphalt and dirt trails of Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston are the closest option for bike trails in North Charleston.

I also love Laurel Hill County Park , and the dirt trails are great and long. There are no bike rentals available there, however.

West Ashley Bike Trails & the West Ashley Greenway

You can take a ride out on the West Ashley Greenway, which heads from just over the bridge from downtown along Route 17 through several West Ashley neighborhoods .

The West Ashley Greenway starts next to the South Windermere shopping center. It then shoots straight out to the west for about 10 miles. If you’ve got a bike that can handle the trail that switches from asphalt to dirt paths, you’ll get a view that switches from Charleston suburbia to Lowcountry wetlands.

It’s worth the ride.

Wadmalaw Island Bike Trails

I also recommend taking a ride from Johns Island out to Wadmalaw Island and back. These are the last two under-developed sea islands close to downtown Charleston. Wadmalaw is still very rural, and a ride out there along the live oak-lined roads is beautiful.

Biking from Charleston to Folly Beach and Isle of Palms

You could also follow the Battery to the Beach bike path that goes from downtown all the way to Folly Beach and Isle of Palms .

That said, biking from downtown to Folly Beach takes you on the James Island Connector. Which is for all intents and purposes a highway.

Biking on Daniel Island

Daniel Island also has some nice, safe, biking. The one and a half mile trail along the Wando River is an easy bike ride with a beautiful view. But it’s a bit of a trek from downtown just to ride your bike through some woods and residential neighborhoods.

But that’s just my opinion.

A Self-Guided Biking Tour of Charleston

Historic downtown Charleston is beautiful, but it’s also fairly compact. In a perfect world, I would recommend saving your biking outing for exploring a broader area of Charleston.

As far as a tour of the Lowcountry goes, skip the beaches near Charleston . I’d likely recommend taking the West Ashley Greenway from South Windermere out to the second Johns Island bridge. Take that to Johns Island and work your way to Wadmalaw.

The way back, you can take the more direct route along Route 700.

Without stopping, that’s about a 3-hour bike ride on mostly flat terrain, with the exception of bridges. It makes for a lovely way to enjoy one of the best (and closest) day trips from Charleston .

Check-out a Google maps layout of the route above here .

Related Hipster Charleston Guides You May Enjoy:

• Romantic Weekend Getaways in Charleston, SC: the Ultimate Guide
• A Hipster’s Guide to Park Circle, in North Charleston, SC
• A Charleston to Savannah Road Trip Guide to Exploring the Lowcountry
• Mount Pleasant, SC: A Guide to Southern Charm & Natural Beauty

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About the author.

An avid traveler, Colin Pearson loves to settle in an area and discover every little bit of that spot. And having lived on various places on three continents, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of his favorite places he's ever lived.

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Discover Charleston PEDAL POWER: EXPLORING DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON SC BY BIKE

Whether by boat, carriage ride, or by feet, there’s so many ways to explore Charleston, SC. But have you ever considered biking around Charleston? With the rising popularity of rent-a-bikes, now it’s easier than ever to explore Charleston by bike! Grab a bottle of water, hop on your bike and head down the road for a fun filled 2-hour tour of this gorgeous city.

Historic Broad Street

Start your ride off by heading out in the morning when the weather is cooler and the city is quieter. As you begin your tour along Broad Street, you’ll notice the historical homes that date back to the late 1700’s alongside cobblestone roads from when Charleston was first founded. Perfect for the avid Instagrammer, there’s a variety of homes with colorfully painted doors that will  create the perfect backdrop to make you instagram feed pop!  You’ll have a hard time picking just one – and you might even find that the  Major Peter Bocquet house at 95 Broad Street , with it’s stunning tangerine orange exterior, tops the list!

Colorful Rainbow Row

Cruise down Broad Street and take a right down East Bay and you’ll enter into the famous Rainbow Row. These colorful row houses, originally built in 1740, were originally used by merchants who would run their business on the first floor and lived in the top floors. Known for its pastel pops of color and proximity to The Battery, it’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike love it so much! And talk about another picture perfect photo op!

Continue down The Battery and circle around White Point Garden where you’re going to want to hop off your bike for a bit of reclining in the grass among the ancient oak trees. This is a great area to relax for a while before hitting the road for the remainder of your tour.

Shop on King Street

Extra points here if your bike has a basket on it because shopping along King Street is going to give you plenty of reasons to fill it up! You’ll be dazzled by the gardens and gates at the stately homes along King Street in the renowned South of Broad neighborhood.  King Street begins where it intersects with South Battery at White Point Gardens. And, as you journey along King Street you’ll slowly see a transformation take place along this historic road. Historical estates and classic Charleston architecture slowly transform into rows of darling shops, restaurants, and lively cafes as you continue your ride towards the heart of downtown Charleston. King Street is the hub of Charleston’s retail district and, as it crosses Calhoun Street, you’ll find Marion Square, another of Charleston’s famed downtown parks, which at times is  home to some of the top events in Charleston  including  Charleston Wine + Food Festival  and the  Southeastern Wildlife Festival  (SEWE).

Stop along the way and explore one of the many antique stores, boutiques, and fine art dealers. Or simply relax in a charming courtyard with a coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Lunch like a Local 

After a leisurely ride around the city, lunch like a local along Meeting Street! From Broad Street to Society Street you’ll find some of the best dining places in town on this stretch of Meeting Street. Teeming with a variety of restaurants, you simply cannot go wrong with any choice. We particularly love dining in the  Peninsula Grill  courtyard or at  The Palmetto Cafe  for a one-of-a-kind Lowcountry dining experience.

Nothing can beat using your own two feet to tour the city and really take in all Charleston has to offer. Whichever method of transportation you choose to explore Charleston, take our word for it, you really can’t go wrong. The beauty of a vacation in Charleston is just that …. the  beauty!   And, after a day spent exploring the Holy City, you’re going to love relaxing in a private downtown carriage house or a charming pied-à-terre.  Start planning your vacation getaway by booking one of our luxury vacation rentals either downtown or on Folly Beach.   The concierge team at Luxury Simplified Retreats  will make sure you’ve got bikes waiting for your arrival … all you’ll need to do is pack a hat and some sunscreen.

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How to Have the Perfect Saturday Biking Around Charleston

Where to go and what to eat in this South Carolina city.

My friend Colby and I tested our RadRunners on a hot day in August. After charging the Rad Runner Plus batteries overnight, I figured we'd be good for at least 30 miles. Our first stop: iced coffee. We went to Sightsee Shop , an easy-to-find gem in the downtown neighborhood of Elliotborough that has a cozy interior and alfresco seating along the alleyway. Afterward, we wound our way around the west side of the Charleston peninsula, passing the Medical University of South Carolina hospital and heading down to the Battery along the water’s edge. From there, we cruised up to Burbages Grocery , which has been in business since 1948, for a cold drink (the temperature was already 90 degrees) and a late-morning snack. I put my drink securely in my RadRunner cup holder , and we hit the road again.

We half-pedaled, half-powered through the historic streets of Lenwood, Legare, and South Battery back down to the water, passing Fort Sumter, the historic site where the first cannon of the Civil War was fired. We followed East Bay Street to Rainbow Row, a line of pastel-colored homes facing the water, where we took the obligatory photo.

As the sun passed noon, it was time to switch the Rad Runner from mode 1 all the way to 5—full power on the display—and go full-throttle to Leon’s Poultry & Oyster Shop on upper King Street. This fantastic restaurant, which opened eight years ago, is located in a converted service station, and the historic rehab rarely has an empty table. Colby and I parked our bikes out front, grabbed the keys from the battery packs, and found two seats at the bar, where we enjoyed peel-and-eat shrimp.

By 2 p.m., we were effortlessly riding up and over the massive Ravenel suspension bridge, using the bike and pedestrian lane, on our way to the beach at Sullivan’s Island. We had installed the Rad Large Platform Rack on Colby’s bike before we headed out in the morning, and used the three-pack of Cargo Straps to attach a duffle bag filled with swimsuits, towels, and water.

For those of you who are new to e-bikes like I am, let me explain something amazing: Some electric-powered bikes use a pedal-assist battery and components, requiring you to pedal. Rad Power Bikes have a simple throttle on the right-hand grip, which you twist to make the bike go. These bikes are designed with such precision quality that you can stop pedaling completely, which allowed us to silently ride at 19 miles per hour. Thank you, 750-watt geared hub motor.

We covered the 10-mile stretch to Sullivan’s Island in 40 minutes, using a few sidewalks, the quiet roads of Mount Pleasant’s Old Village, and a bike-and-running lane for the final two miles. While passing though Mount Pleasant, we made a brief stop at the Heart of Gold Gallery to see vintage rock-and-roll photographs.

When we arrived at the beach, we pedaled our seven-speed steeds straight over the soft sand down to the water’s edge where we headed away from the crowd and rode on the beach for a while. The 3.3-inch tires rolled smoothly over every kind of sand. Afterward, we rode in to the town of Sullivan's Island, where we noticed a shop called Sealand on Center Street.

At the front door, we saw that they had Rad Power Bikes for rent. Sarah, who worked at the shop, was kind enough to show us how easily our batteries come in and out, using the provided key. Colby and I had been riding all day and wanted to make sure we had enough battery to get home, so Sarah put them on her store chargers while we ran across the street to Mex 1 Coastal Cantina for tacos.

We rode back into downtown Charleston at 4:30 p.m., having covered over 35 miles for the day. We were well-fed, sun-kissed, and happy. We rolled the RadRunners into the garage, and put them on their charger for another adventure in the very near future.

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Shores eBike Tour

Our Film set tour shows riders the pogue life. This tour will make you feel like a local on the popular Netflix show, the Outer Banks.

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Charleston Harbor eBike Tour

Charleston Harbor Tour shows riders Charleston’s biggest attractions. Initially, this route parallels our Shores tour, but continues toward Ravenel Bridge, Waterfront Memorial Point, & USS Yorktown & CHS Harbor Marina at Patriots point.

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The affluent, historic neighborhoods of Old Village, Mount Pleasant & Sullivan's Island offer perfectly safe biking environments due to their low car traffic streets, creating a serene and secure atmosphere for our guided tours. Kids commonly enjoy bike rides, and families frequently traverse the area in golf carts, enhancing the community's leisurely and friendly ambiance.

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Experience Charleston’s famous ombré sunsets on a beautiful evening bike ride. This E-bike tour is a coastal cruise guided by a local expert who shows you the best sights on Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, & the Old Village. Riders will be able to take in the gorgeous view from lovely Pitt St. Bridge and take all the Insta-worthy photos. This is a casual ride suitable for all ages and takes about 2.5 hours. This route starts and finishes at 1470 Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.

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Where to Bike in Charleston

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Here’s an award with pedal power: the League of American Bicyclists deemed Charleston a Bicycle Friendly Community a few years ago, and the city continues to improve conditions for cyclists of all levels. Like anywhere else, you need to be mindful of car traffic, but if you’ve got a bike in the city—particularly on the peninsula—you’ll likely save time and money (less parking woes and fewer garage tabs) by riding around town. Charleston’s flat, low landscape and warm weather are great for cycling; bike racks are popping up all over downtown, and the county park system, bike shops, local advocacy groups, and the city itself have all been getting more involved in adding new bike lanes and trails. Around Charleston, you can now bike to and from beaches, through the National Forest, over swing and tall bridges, past historic mansions and townhouses, and along old railways. Here are a few of the best places to take a ride.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is just 2.7 miles long, but you’ll get an incredible above-the-water view of the harbor and the city while pedaling over it. This somewhat-new path across the Cooper River opened in 2005 with shared bicycle and pedestrian lanes. Take the ride, but be sure to watch out for the walkers and runners.

West Ashley Greenway

For an urban/suburban ride that highlights marsh views, try the West Ashley Greenway. On the path of a former rail line, it extends 10.5 miles from the Windermere Shopping Center to the Main Road on John’s Island. As you cycle, you’ll get up close views of community vegetable gardens, and you might even glimpse some local wildlife, too.

Francis Marion National Forest

Mountain biking in the no-mountain Lowcountry can be a blast on trails in this nearly 259,000-acre coastal forest north of Charleston. From the Buck Hall Recreation Area, to the Awendaw Creek segment of the Palmetto Trail, you can catch seven miles of pedaling through the woods, sometimes on boardwalks overlooking the salt creek.

Sullivan’s Island

Except for two or three primary streets, this three-mile-long island has low traffic roadways, perfect for pedaling between the beach houses, bars, and restaurants. Streets are numbered “stations,” a leftover from pre-car days when a trolley carried beach-goers to and from the shore. At the Charleston Harbor end of the island, you can climb on former military grounds of Fort Moultrie—also a great spot to watch for dolphins.

Downtown Charleston

One-way streets can make things tricky in this 300+ year-old city, but the architecture and scenery is worth it. Sunday morning is the best time to avoid heavy car traffic downtown, so plan your ride accordingly. Neighborhoods around Wagener Terrace and The Citadel are fair game, and you can time your laps at Hampton Park, which is circled by a one-mile, historic horse-track oval.

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Find the right bike route for you through Charleston, where we've got 155 cycle routes to explore. The routes you most commonly find here are of the flat type. Most people get on their bikes to ride here in the months of April and May.

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10 Charleston-Area Bike Treks That Will Make Your Day

22 May 2017 Posted in Doin' the Charles-10

When we think of Charleston, we think of history, of natural beauty and year-round sunshine. We think of great shops and neat places to discover. We think of incredible food and drink and very friendly people. Well, check the air in your bike tires because with a little planning, you can experience all of that on two wheels.

1. Up and over : As a tourist or a local, you've got to love the Ravenel Bridge, the third-longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The shared bike/pedestrian lane was the result of an intense grassroots effort by local groups, including a nearby fifth-grade class. That's as cool as the awe-inspiring views from the bridge itself. What are you waiting for?

2. Green rails : The West Ashley Greenway, like many paths around the country, is largely built upon what were former rail trails. This trail is very popular with the locals and on the grow, with plans underway to refurbish parts of it. Currently, it rolls on for over 8 miles. It is part of the City of Charleston's park system. Get rollin'!

3. Yes, Jame s: The 5 miles of trails within the James Island County Park allow you to "pedal by the fishing pier where fiddler crabs scuttle alongside the path, stop off for a turn at the climbing wall, enjoy refreshing breezes around the lake, or take a leisurely ride beneath stately oaks." Take your time. Your trek can simply be a part of a day well spent.

4. Go parkin' in Mount Pleasant : The Palmetto Islands County park boasts trails that take you "through dense foliage and tidal marsh, enticing nature lovers with a wide variety of local flora and fauna. Herons and egrets stalk through wetlands bordering the trails, while sweetgum, cedar, magnolia and palmetto trees arch overhead." Consider taking in the views from the 50-foot observation tower along the way. Oh yeah!

5. Logging the miles at Swamp Fox Passage : Imagine 47.2 miles of old, unpaved logging rail beds that "[take] cyclists on a flat journey through swamps and coastal pine forest, just like Revolutionary War General Francis Marion did. You'll likely encounter deer, waterfowl, songbirds and other wildlife in these wooded wetlands." You'll feel a little like the Swamp Fox after whom the trail was named! And that's a good thing in this case.

6. Simply historic : Biking this casual 2-mile trail that loops around Charles Towne Landing offers a great excuse to visit the site of the first permanent English settlement in Carolina. Hop off the bike and "step aboard and tour the Adventure , Charleston's only 17th-century replica sailing ship, see cannons fired, or take a peek at otters, bears, bison and more at the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo." You won't regret it.

7. Go 'round Flowertown : Part rural and part urban, this 7-mile trail runs along the Sawmill Branch Canal. Plan to end your trip on the downtown Summerville side of the path. There you will find neat shops, parks and culinary delights. Better still, start and end at the Summerville YMCA downtown. You can handle the back and forth, I'm sure!

8. Island biking : Although Kiawah Island is a gated community, you will be able to enjoy its more than 30 miles of bike paths. It's certainly worth the beautiful 21-mile drive south of Charleston to lose yourself in the astonishing natural beauty of this barrier island. Leave yourself plenty of time to soak in all the flora and fauna. Plan most of the day for this journey!

9. Wanna try? : The Wannamaker North Trail runs within the north portion of Wannamaker County Park, accessible from Goose Creek. The 13-mile trail is designed for and open to mountain bicyclists of all experience levels. It was the result of 1500 hours of donated time by local volunteers looking to build "the ultimate mountain bike trail experience." Judge for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

10. BYOB : Build Your Own Bike trail and no, leave the beer for later. Find the back roads of Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. Hop on a beach-friendly bike and hit the sand on Folly. Visit the Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel for a short jaunt worthy of your time in a place worthy of your visit. Get the skinny on riding through the local plantations. You get the idea. The options are endless. Just research a little. It'll be worth it.

One last reminder: be safe. Everyone, young and old, needs to be wearing a helmet at ALL times. Obey the guidelines. Wear the sunscreen. The biking promises to be exquisite. Returning home safely is a must.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » South Carolina (SC) » 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Charleston

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Charleston

When it comes to Downtown Charleston in South Carolina forget sky high tower blocks because they are few and far between. This downtown district has retained many of its historic features and is a veritable time capsule with elegant colonial-style buildings lining its cobbled streets.

The district was founded as a port in 1670 on a peninsula which juts out between the Cooper and Ashley Rivers into the North Atlantic Ocean. Now covering a total area of around five square miles, Downtown Charleston encompasses James, Johns and Daniel’s Islands as well as the Cainhoy Peninsula and the neighborhood of West Ashley.

Downtown Charleston is steeped in history, but it has a modern side too. Read on to discover fifteen of the best things to do in Downtown Charleston which will make any visit to the district both fascinating and fun.

1. Charleston Walking Tour

Exploring beautiful Downtown Charleston by foot is the best way to uncover all its hidden secrets. Join a walking tour and stroll around the district accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide to find one surprise after another.

See Fort Sumter where the American Civil War began, be impressed by the grandeur of antebellum mansions and discover concealed courtyards and gardens while listening to informative snippets of history and amusing anecdotes about past residents of the district.

Recommended tour : Charleston Historical Walking Tour

2. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is Charleston’s modern landmark and a superb place from where to view the downtown district and Charleston harbor.

The two and a half mile long cable-stay bridge spans the Cooper River and carries eight lanes of traffic plus a pedestrian walkway and cycle path.

Walk out to the middle of the bridge or hire a bicycle and cycle across. The vistas from the bridge are sensational in the daytime but even more impressive at sunset.

Related tour : Charleston Harbor 1.5-Hour Narrated Cruise

3. McLeod Plantation Historic Site

The cotton industry played a big part in Downtown Charleston’s past. Visit the McLeod Plantation Historic Site on James Island’s Country Club Drive to see first hand what life was like in those bygone days for both wealthy owners and their enslaved workers.

The site, which covers a total area of thirty-seven acres, has a 19th-century mansion surrounded by centuries-old oak trees hung with Spanish moss, six clapboard constructed slave houses and many more restored buildings pertinent to the cotton industry era.

4. Saltwater Cycle

The Saltwater Cycle is a fun way to see Downtown Charleston, meet new friends and have fun all at the same time.

Board the sixteen-seater floating cycle at Ripley Light Marina at 8 Ashley Pointe Drive and be ready for one hour and forty minutes of pedal-powered maritime diversion along the shoreline.

The Saltwater Cycle is BYOB, bring your own booze, though coolers, ice and plenty of lively party music are provided.

Need something faster? Try the Charleston Harbor 2-Hour Speedboat Adventure

5. Gibbes Museum Of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art, on Meeting Street, houses a variety of exhibitions including a world-renowned collection of over six hundred miniature portraits.

The museum has seven individual galleries each one dedicated to artworks from different periods. Three galleries are devoted to eighteenth and nineteenth-century paintings and sculptures and another to the Charleston Renaissance period.

The museum has extensive collections of modern and contemporary works plus hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

6. Poogan’s Porch

Indulge in some real Southern hospitality at Poogan’s Porch on Queen Street.

The restaurant, housed in a fully restored Victorian mansion with porches on the first and second floor, has been serving up Southern delicacies for four decades.

Don’t miss out on tasting the house specials of shrimp and grits or their crispy fried chicken with a side of biscuits and gravy. It’s wholesome, hearty food just like grandma might have made.

7. Historic Charleston City Market

The Historic Charleston City Market is the cultural hub of Downtown Charleston and has been in operation since 1807.

The market hall itself is a national landmark which houses over twenty retail outlets and eateries plus many artisan studios producing traditional sweetgrass basketry and artwork.

The Charleston City Market is open seven days a week and holds extra night markets on Fridays and Saturdays.

8. Charleston Harbor Cruise

Board the Carolina Belle at its mooring on Wharfside Street for a leisurely cruise around Charleston harbor.

The eighty-foot cruiser has a main salon and two observation decks, one in the stern of the boat and the other at the prow plus a bar serving drinks and snacks. During the ninety minute cruise, the captain narrates interesting historical facts about the landmarks being seen while navigating.

Take a camera and some binoculars. Dolphins and pelicans are often sighted during the sailing.

Book online : Historic Harbor Cruise

9. Pub and Brewery Tour

Combine sightseeing of historic locations with a few drinks on an a trip with a local.

Meet up with the guide and fellow pub enthusiasts before setting off to explore several of the district’s historic taverns.

The two hour tour include a chatty history lesson on Charleston’s pub culture plus snacks to soak up the beer.

Book online : History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk

10. The Calhoun Mansion

See the opulent luxury of the late 19th century in all its vintage glory at the Calhoun Mansion on Meeting Street.

The twenty-four thousand square foot mansion is the biggest single-family residence in Charleston and still used as a family home even though it’s open daily for public viewing.

Take a tour through its three magnificent floors with thirty-five rooms full of period furniture. The entrance hall alone measures sixty-five feet and has a fourteen-foot high ceiling. The house has twenty-three antique fireplaces plus an enormous music room and stunningly beautiful landscaped gardens. It is seriously grand.

11. Hydrofly Watersports Charleston

Head to Hydrofly on Lockwood Drive for a water-themed adrenaline thrill.

Whatever watersport rocks your boat, you’ll find it at Hydrofly. From wakeboarding and tubing to jet ski rentals, parasailing and paddleboarding plus the latest Flyboard. Never done any of those? Don’t worry; there are qualified instructors giving lessons before you take to the water.

If all that’s just too much, then chill out at Hydrofly’s two-story Tiki Hut, the floating base for the watersports, and enjoy the incredible views from the sun deck while catching some rays.

12. Haunted Jail Tour

Get spooked on a tour of Charleston’s most haunted building, The City Jail. The castle-like building on Magazine Street housed many of Charleston’s infamous criminals, from pirates to serial killers, over a period of one hundred and fifty years.

Head inside after dark to explore the warden’s quarters and cells listening for the eerie rattle of chains and the slamming of cell doors as the spirits make their presence known.

If after dark is just too scary, try the daytime history tour, but no-one is guaranteeing the ghosts won’t still be there.

Related tour : Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

13. Charleston Crab House

Surrounded by water as it is, it’s hardly surprising seafood features on many restaurant menus, but it’s The Charleston Crab House who really know how to make a meal of it.

For a great seafood dinner, check out either of their two premises. One is centrally located on Market Street and the other is in a waterfront spot on Wappoo Creek Drive on Johns Island.

Indulge in the Crab House Crab Pot, a Lowcountry Shrimp Boil or She Crab Soup. They’re all traditional Charleston dishes which no-one should leave Downtown without tasting.

14. Waterfront Park

The Waterfront Park is a ten-acre green space on Concord Street with fantastic views of Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River.

The park has a seaside-style pier jutting into the river which is a great spot for viewing wildlife, passing sailing yachts, cruise boats and the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge.

Don’t miss getting a photo of the Pineapple Fountain. It’s fun by day, even more spectacular at night when illuminated and definitely Instagrammable.

15. Henry’s on the Market Bar and Restaurant

Head up to Henry’s Rooftop Bar on North Market Street to watch the sun go down.

Henry’s restaurant-bar, open since 1932, has it all — great food, live music and a lounge for dancing plus a rooftop patio for chill out drinks.

Rock in a rocking chair or swing in a hammock while sipping on a Silver Rickey or a Sweet Tea Cosmo as a palette of vermilion streaks the skies. The bonus? The same as in the rest of Downtown Charleston, there are no skyscrapers to spoil the view.

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Charleston:

• Charleston Walking Tour
• Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site
• Saltwater Cycle
• Gibbes Museum Of Art
• Poogan's Porch
• Historic Charleston City Market
• Charleston Harbor Cruise
• Pub and Brewery Tour
• The Calhoun Mansion
• Hydrofly Watersports Charleston
• Haunted Jail Tour
• Charleston Crab House
• Waterfront Park
• Henry's on the Market Bar and Restaurant

ENJOY CHARLESTON BY BIKE

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Whether you’re visiting our incredible town on vacation or you’re looking for new venues to explore by bike, we’re here to help. Check out our suggested local rides and stop by one of our shops for more local cycling tips.