Harbor Tour by SpiritLine Cruises
This Charleston Harbor Tour by SpiritLine Cruises offers visitors Live Narration by a Licensed City Tour Guide. What does that mean? You will learn fascinating historically accurate Charleston history while you cruise the gentle waves of her harbor. Our knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides are licensed by the City of Charleston and enjoy interacting with guests. You will see notable American landmarks, such as Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney and other sites from the past and present.
This relaxing and fun tour departs from two locations daily. You will hear enthralling tales of the city’s colorful past as well as scintillating facts about her most-interesting former citizens. Perfect for all ages, the whole family can enjoy cruising along the coastline of our beautiful “Holy City”. Do you know why we call it the “Holy City”? Find out on this 90-minute Charleston Harbor tour.
Tour departs from two locations:
1.) Downtown Charleston: the dock to the left of the Aquarium.2.) Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Look for the SpiritLine signage, go to ticket window and check-in.
Calhoun Square
This square was named for John C. Calhoun,“the Great Orator of the South,” and laid out in 1851. Calhoun was a South Carolina native who served as vice president, secretary of state and secretary of war. The square is home to many beautiful homes built in the Greek Revival style.
- Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church is on Calhoun Square and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Methodist churches in the South. Built in 1868 as a memorial to John Wesley and his brother Charles, the Gothic Revival church was inspired by Queen’s Kirk in Amsterdam, Holland. John Wesley is revered as the founder of the Methodist Church; however few remember that his brother Charles Wesley wrote the words to nearly 6,000 Christian hymns, including the classic “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Because funds were raised to build the church from all over the world, the iconic structure is said to be the home church of all Methodists.
- Massie Heritage Center – The center was established following the death of Peter Massie in 1841. He left a bequest of $5,000 for the establishment of a school for the poor in Savannah. The Massie School is Georgia’s oldest in continuous operation, having operated as a public school until 1974 and now serving as a resource center for living history. The center’s collection includes a variety of period costumes and exhibits on state and local history, as well as on historic preservation. An outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture, the building itself was completed in 1856 and dedicated to the education of poor children. It remains an architectural treasure, with period features such as a gable roof, wooden cupola and cornice, and a unique connecting passageway.
Madison Square
Madison Square was laid out in 1837 and named for the fourth president of the United States, James Madison. There is a large monument dedicated to native Savannahian Sgt. William Jasper in the center of the square, in memory of heroism during the Revolutionary War. At the southern margin of the square, two cannons are featured, marking the starting points of Georgia’s first two highways.
- Savannah College of Art & Design – (south side of the square) – In the spring of 1979, The Savannah College of Art and Design purchased and renovated the Savannah Volunteer Guard Armory in Madison Square to serve as the school’s first classroom and administration building. Today, SCAD, as it is known, is one of the largest art and design universities in the world.
- The Sorrel-Weed House (northwest corner of the square) is famous not only for its dazzling architecture but also due to its reputation as the most haunted house in America. The Greek Revival structure was built in 1841 for Frances Sorrel, a merchant from the West Indies. The story is told that Sorrel’s wife jumped to her death from the second floor balcony after learning that Francis was having an affair with a slave girl. The girl was found hanged two weeks after Mrs. Sorrel’s suicide. An episode of the popular TV show “Ghost Hunters” explored the home in depth. The ghost hunters claimed to have captured an African-American woman screaming in the second floor bedroom where the hanging supposedly occurred. The basement of the home once housed the home’s slaves and contained the kitchen facilities where many of the slaves toiled, unseen by those above. Ghost stories aside, the property has great historical significance. It was once home to Brig. Gen. Moxley Sorrel, the youngest general officer in the Confederate army. Sorrel served as a staff officer to Lt. Gen. James Longstreet and was decorated for heroism at the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864. Additionally, Robert E. Lee visited the home in 1861 before being appointed to command the Army of Northern Virginia the following year. In 1953, the Sorrel-Weed House was the first house in Georgia to be designated a state landmark. The home is also a National Trust Historic Landmark and is currently operated as a bed and breakfast. The home is available to the public for tours.
- Green-Meldrim House – (west side of the square) This house is one of the nation’s best examples of Gothic Revival architecture and has great historic significance due to its use as headquarters by Gen. William T. Sherman during his occupation of Savannah. The home was built for Charles Green, who came to Savannah from England in 1833 and made a fortune in the cotton trade. In hopes of sparing his new and elaborately constructed home from pillaging by Union troops, Green rode out to meet Gen. Sherman and offered his house as headquarters for the Union forces. The story is recounted in Sherman’s own memoirs: “While waiting there, an English gentlemen, Mr. Charles Green, came and said that he had a fine house completely furnished, for which he had no use, and offered it as headquarters. He explained, moreover, that Gen. Howard had informed him, the day before, that I would want his house for headquarters. At first I strong disinclined to make use of any private dwelling, lest complaints should arise of damage and loss of furniture and so expressed myself to Mr. Green; but, after riding about the city and finding his house so spacious, so convenient, with large yard and stabling, I accepted his offer and occupied that house during our stay in Savannah. He only reserved for himself the use of a couple of rooms above the dining room, and we had all else, and a most excellent house it was in all respects.” – Gen. William T. Sherman The home remained in the possession of the Green family until its sale in 1892 to Judge Peter Meldrim, a former Savannah mayor and past president of the American Bar Association. In 1943 the Green-Meldrim House was sold once again, this time to St. John’s Episcopal Church, and the building now serves as the rectory for the church. The church has graciously made the home available to the public for daily tours.
- St. John’s Episcopal Church was built in 1852 in the Neogothic style and is well-known for its lovely stained glass windows. A nod to the city’s seafaring heritage, a ship’s mast is located in the center of its only spire. The church’s leaders preached unsuccessfully against secession before the Civil War, and so it is fitting that Sherman’s old headquarters, the Green-Meldrim House, now serves as the parish house.
Monterey Square
The square was laid out in 1847 and named to celebrate a notable victory of the Mexican-American War, the capture of the city of Monterrey, Mexico, in 1846.
- Pulaski Monument – The center of the square is home to a monument built for Count Casimir Pulaski, who lost his life fighting during the Siege of Savannah in 1779.
- Mercer-Williams House – (To the left or west side of square) – Monterey Square is probably most famous these days as the home of the Mercer-Williams House, owned by Jim Williams, lead character in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” which later became a major motion picture starring John Cusack and Kevin Spacey. The book chronicled the true story of an infamous Savannah murder trial and mentioned the real names of many Savannah citizens who were involved in the case. Much of the action in the book, including the killing of Danny Hansford in May 1981, took place in a home on the west side of Monterey Square, at 429 Bull Street. Construction began on the Mercer-Williams House in 1860 but was not completed until 1871. Hugh Mercer, the original builder, was the uncle of the composer Johnny Mercer, but none of the family ever occupied the home. Jim Williams’ sister currently owns the home and has turned it into a museum that offers daily tours. To the immediate right of the Mercer-Williams House stands the home of Lee and Emma Adler, who were also featured in the book.
- Temple Mickve Israel – This magnificent synagogue was designed by nationally known New York architect Henry G. Harrison and built in the 1870s in the Neogothic style. Although the building itself dates back to the Victorian Era, the congregation can trace its roots to 42 Jews who arrived in Savannah on July 11, 1733, just five months after Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe established the colony of Georgia. This was the largest group of Jews to settle anywhere in North America during Colonial times. Today, Temple Mickve Israel stands as a tribute to the hard work and perseverance of the early Jewish colonists who established the first synagogue in Georgia. It is also the only synagogue in the United States to have been built in the Neogothic style and is an outstanding example of that architectural movement. Content composed with the HTML code editor with live preview . Get a subscription to remove promotional messages or browse our directory for the best free online tools.
Savannah Square Pops
Treat yourself to a gourmet popsicle from this fun and one-of-a-kind shop. Featured by Duff Goldman (Food Network Chef, Ace of Cakes) as one of his favorite sweet treats in the nation!
Each of their pops are named after the one of the 22 historic Savannah squares. Some fan favorites are Calhoun Square (Blackberry Lemonade), Franklin Square (Strawberry Balsamic) and Pulaski Square (Salted Caramel, dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in pretzel pieces). Their philosophy on ingredients is to use the best and the least. The Key Lime Pie Pop has the most ingredients, with fresh squeezed lime juice, fresh heavy cream, buttermilk, milk, graham crackers, raw cane sugar, and Sea Salt. Extra care is given to several of their pops to make them as beautiful as they are delicious. The Telfair Square Pop, for example, features a whole Oreo embedded in the side, and the Wright Square pop showcases a perfect slice of kiwi. This isn’t easy to do, but it’s part of that extra mile They go to make the product special.
City Market
The City Market is a famous Charleston landmark and a favorite of visitors. Encompassing four city blocks from Meeting to East Bay Streets, the City Market houses is known for Sweetgrass baskets, tremendous restaurants, bars, local vendors selling everything from jewelery to novelty items and is where the immensely popular carriage tours depart from.
Market Hall Painstakingly restored, this Roman Revival building soars as majestically above Charleston’s tourism trade as it once did over the beef market that occupied the block behind it. While most of the building is brick covered with rouge-tinted stucco (colored in some areas with pigmented lime wash), it also has brownstone details and bronze ornaments in the frieze depicting the skulls of rams and oxen, the use of which to indicate proximity to a meat market has precedence in Roman architecture.
During the Civil War, the upper floor was used as a venue for balls to support the Confederate cause and is today leased by the Daughters of the Confederacy where a museum is housed. The legendary Palmetto Guard was honored here before going to war, and the veterans gathered here annually to remember their fallen comrades through 1917, when the last two survivors met.
City Market Where the City Market now stands was originally a tidal creek that ran just north of the walled Colonial city of Charles Towne. The creek was filled in and the land donated to the city for the placement of an open-air food market, a purpose the present buildings served from 1804 until the early 20th century. Victorian era photographs show basket-toting women in the streets at the Beef Market, dodging turkey buzzards (euphemistically referred to in contemporary accounts as “Charleston eagles”), which kept the area clean.
Among the vendors who now occupy the Market are ladies demonstrating the originally African craft of sweetgrass basketry, the most visible vestige of Gullah culture. The word “Gullah” likely originated from the word “Angola”, which in the early 18th-century referred to the region generally south of the Congo River from which most slaves were brought. By mid-century, Planters were showing a distinct preference for Slaves from the coastal areas above the Congo, where rice was a major crop and methods from those areas were being employed in the Lowcountry rice industry. Baskets like these were used for winnowing – tossing the pounded grains through the air to let the breeze carry away the chaff – and virtually identical baskets found in Senegal Africa were used there for the same purpose.
The Battery & Whitepoint Gardens
Named for a civil-war coastal defense artillery battery at the site, it stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, which meet here to form Charleston harbor. Historically, it has been understood to extend from the beginning of the seawall at the site of the former Omar Shrine Temple (40-44 East Bay Street) to the intersection of what is now Murray Boulevard and King Street. The higher part of the promenade, paralleling East Battery, as the street is known south of Water Street, to the intersection of Murray Boulevard, is known as High Battery. Fort Sumter is visible from the Cooper River side (High Battery) and the point, as is Castle Pinckney, the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10), Fort Moultrie, and Sullivan’s Island.
Fort Broughton (ca. 1735) and Fort Wilkins (during the American Revolution and War of 1812) occupied White or Oyster Point, so named because of the piles of bleached oyster shells on the point at the tip of the peninsula. In the 18th century, rocks and heavy materials were used to fortify the shore of the Cooper River on the eastern side of the peninsula. In 1838, this area of the Battery, known as High Battery, became a promenade. First used as a public park in 1837, the area now known as White Point Garden became a place for artillery during the American Civil War.
In popular speech and in a number of unofficial guidebooks and Web sites, The Battery and White Point Garden are sometimes referred to as “Battery Park,” but the park and seawall promenade are not regarded by the City of Charleston as a single entity, and the term “Battery Park” is not an official designation.
In 2004, a structural report by the City of Charleston showed that the Battery was suffering serious problems and could fail to protect the southeastern portion of the city during hurricanes. In 2012, the City announced that a $3.2 million restoration project would soon commence at the conjure of High Battery (along East Battery) and Low Battery (along Murray Blvd.).
Sullivan’s Island
The Town of Sullivans Island, a barrier island north of the Charleston harbor, has only about 2,000 residents. With its unspoiled views and terrific dining options, Sullivans is a favorite among Charleston area locals. The beach has few short-term rentals and no hotels so plan a day trip to this beach, also located just a few minutes from the Isle of Palms.
Where to park: Parking can be a problem if you arrive after 10 a.m. There are no public parking lots, and street parking is allowed on one side of the street only. Be sure to obey posted signs and do not park in any private yards or driveways.
Poes Tavern on Sullivans Island Lunch break: Poes Tavern, 2210 Middle St., is named for Edgar Allan Poe, who, at the age of 18, enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Moultrie. A favorite among locals and visitors, Poes menu is filled with gourmet burgers (try the Black Cat with grilled onions, chili, bacon and pimento cheese) and fish tacos (order the citrus-marinated mahi-mahi).
Beach beers: Dunleavys Pub, 2213 Middle St., is a family owned Irish pub with a long history on the island. Unwind with a cold beer after a long, hot day on the beach.
Dinner by the ocean: The Obstinate Daughter, 2063 Middle St., is a southern restaurant with Spanish, Italian and French influences. The menu is packed with small plates, pasta and gourmet pizzas. Try the Lowcountry shrimp roll or butterbean ravioli topped off with a glass of wine.
Sullivans Island Best selfie spot: Built in 1962, the modern-looking Sullivans Island Lighthouse sits just off the shore adjacent to Fort Moultrie. Access is via Station 18 1/2.
Rules to know: Sullivans Island has no public restrooms or showers and there are no lifeguards on duty. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach. All dogs visiting the island must have a dog permit and should wear the town-issued collar while on Sullivans Island. Permits and collars are available at Town Hall, 2050-B Middle St. 843-883-3198. Dogs are not allowed on the beach during certain times in the summer season. More info and complete beach rules: https://sullivansisland-sc.com
Sullivans Island fun fact: This Island has a long military history of protecting the Charleston harbor from invaders. Visit Fort Moultrie, originally built with palmetto logs in 1776, to how it has been restored to reflect the story of American seacoast defense up through World War II.
St. Phillips Church & Graveyard
Building and graveyard are open to the public Mon-Fri 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
Established in 1681, St. Philip’s is the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina. The first St. Philip’s Church, a wooden building, was built between 1680 and 1681 at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets on the present day site of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. It was damaged in a hurricane in 1710 and a new St. Phillip’s Church was begun a few blocks away on Church Street. After being delayed it was finished in 1723 but burned to the ground in 1835. Work on the present church was begun that same year and completed the next. The steeple was added between 1848 and 1850.
Many prominent people are buried in the graveyard, which is divided into two parts. The western yard was initially set aside for the burial of “strangers and transient white persons,” but church members were later buried there. Several colonial Governors and five Episcopal bishops are buried here, as well as John C. Calhoun (former Vice President of the United States), Rawlins Lowndes (President of South Carolina in 1778-79), and Dubose Heyward (author and playwright).
The view of Church Street punctuated by St. Philip’s remains one of Charleston’s most photographed spots.
St. Michael’s Church & Graveyard
If the doors are open you are able to step inside and visit the church.
St. Michaels Church is the oldest church edifice in the City of Charleston, standing on the site of the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia.
In 1680 a small wooden church, the first in the new town of Charles Town, was built on this spot for the families of the Church of England, and named St. Philips. By 1727, the town had grown too large for the small church and a more spacious one was built of brick on Church Street, later destroyed by fire in 1835. By 1751, St. Philips had again proved too small for the increasing population, and another church as authorized by the General Assembly of the Province, to be built on the old site and to be known as St. Michael’s. The cornerstone was laid in 1752 and in 1761 the church was opened for services. Except for the addition of the sacristy in 1883 on the southeast corner, the structure of the building has been little changed.
The large, long double-pew in the center of the church, No. 43, originally known as “The Governors Pew, is the one in which President George Washington worshiped on Sunday afternoon, May 8, 1791. General Robert E. Lee also worshiped in the pew some seventy years later. The pews, of native cedar, are very much the same as they have always been except for the addition of ten, filling up what was once an aisle from the south door to a north door (now filled by the “Annunciation” window), thus originally making a cruciform design with the main (east-west) aisle.
John Rutledge, the first Governor of SC, signer of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution is buried in the graveyard here.
