Charleston: King Street Shopping Tour with Drinks

If you’re planning a trip to Charleston and love a good shopping spree with a touch of local flavor, this King Street Shopping Tour with Drinks might catch your eye. Designed for those who enjoy exploring boutique stores while enjoying complimentary beverages, it offers a chance to combine retail therapy with a few drinks and some Southern charm. While it’s not a full-fledged sightseeing extravaganza, it hits the sweet spot for a laid-back, social experience.

What really drew us in are the exclusive discounts at boutiques—who doesn’t love a little shopping incentive? Plus, the guided aspect and the opportunity to sip champagne and wine throughout the tour keep things lively and relaxed. One potential consideration? Since it’s centered around shopping and socializing, it may not satisfy those looking for a traditional historical tour or a structured sightseeing itinerary. Still, if you’re after a fun, informal way to spend an afternoon in Charleston, this could be just right.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy boutique shopping, social drinking, and a lively atmosphere—perfect for friends, couples, or even solo travelers who like mingling. But keep in mind, it’s not geared toward families with young kids or anyone seeking an in-depth historical experience. Now, let’s dive into what makes this tour worth considering and what to keep in mind before booking.

Key Points

• Relaxed, social experience with shopping and drinks in Charleston’s iconic King Street district
• Exclusive discounts at participating boutiques add value to your purchases
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience by sharing local tidbits and keeping the vibe fun
• Two-hour duration makes it a quick yet interesting afternoon activity
• Start with margaritas and chips at a Charleston staple, setting a lively tone early on
• Wheelchair accessible and suitable for most mobility levels

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This two-hour experience begins inside the Restoration Hotel at the Mercantile Boutique, where your guide will meet you and explain the plan for the day. From there, the tour kicks off with Margaritas, chips, and salsa at Juanitas Nacho Royale, a local favorite that sets a fun, informal mood. After that, you’ll step out onto King Street, a thoroughfare packed with Charleston’s trendiest boutiques, each offering exclusive discounts ranging from 10-20%.

As you stroll along, you’ll visit several carefully selected shops. The guide not only points out interesting features of each boutique but also shares tidbits about Charleston’s style and shopping scene. Throughout, you’ll be offered complimentary glasses of wine, champagne, or other drinks, making the shopping experience a relaxed, social affair. The tour concludes at Kendra Scott, where you’ll get a final toast and some great photo opportunities—ideal for capturing the memories of your day.

The entire journey is an easy walk, with a small group size that keeps things intimate and lively. It’s particularly suited for those who want to combine some retail therapy with a bit of socializing and local flavor without the formality of a structured tour. And since the tour is wheelchair accessible, it is accommodating for most mobility needs.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Meeting Point and Welcome

You’ll meet your guide inside the Restoration Hotel, at the Mercantile Boutique. This central location is convenient, right beside the elevator, making it easy to find. The guide, who is live and in English, starts by explaining the plan and getting everyone comfortable.

Starting with Margaritas at Juanitas Nacho Royale

The tour kicks off with Margaritas, chips, and salsa at this Charleston staple. It’s a lively way to start, and locals often rave about this spot. The drinks are included, so you can relax and get into the shopping mood early. The relaxed vibe here helps set the tone for the rest of the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Strolling along King Street

Once ready, you’ll head out onto King Street, which is famous for its mix of high-end boutiques and quirky shops. Your guide will lead you from one store to the next, highlighting some of the most popular and stylish spots. The exclusive discounts give you a reason to browse a little longer — and maybe pick up a special souvenir or two.

Boutique Visits and Shopping

The shops visited are selected for their charm and appeal, offering a diverse shopping experience. You might find everything from jewelry to fashion, with each offering special discounts for tour participants. This is where you’ll truly enjoy some retail therapy with added perks.

Enjoying the Drinks

Throughout the tour, you’ll be offered complimentary wine, champagne, or other drinks. This not only keeps the mood fun but also encourages mingling and relaxed browsing. The guide makes sure everyone stays hydrated and cheerful, creating a convivial atmosphere.

Final Stop and Champagne Toast

Your last stop is at Kendra Scott, a well-known jewelry store. Here, you’ll get a champagne toast to celebrate the fun afternoon. It’s also a great moment for photos, with the vibrant store as a backdrop. The guide often shares some final tips or recommendations for the rest of your stay.

What the Reviews Say

Two reviews give us a glimpse of what you can expect. Erica from the U.S. gave it a perfect 5-star rating, praising her guide Myia for being “amazing, energetic, and knowledgeable,” making the experience very enjoyable. She highlights the lively atmosphere and the overall fun of the tour.

Barbara, also from the U.S., rated it 4 out of 5, noting that “the tour was fun,” and she appreciated the “very personable” guide and the “great” shops selected. These insights suggest that the tour delivers a friendly vibe and interesting shopping options, especially when led by a guide who can keep things engaging.

Analyzing the Value

At $65 per person for a 2-hour experience, this tour offers a fun, social way to spend part of your afternoon in Charleston. The inclusion of complimentary drinks and discounts adds tangible value, especially if you plan to shop. The discounts, ranging from 10-20%, could offset the cost if you purchase more than one item. Plus, the guided aspect ensures you won’t get lost or overwhelmed in the busy shopping district.

While it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour, it’s a nice change of pace from traditional tours—more about relaxing with friends, enjoying drinks, and discovering boutique shops—making it perfect for those who want a light-hearted, memorable experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for friends or couples looking for a relaxed, social way to explore Charleston’s shopping scene. If you enjoy discovering new boutiques, snagging discounts, and savoring local wines and champagne, you’ll find this a charming addition to your trip.

It’s also suitable for those with mobility needs since it’s wheelchair accessible, but be prepared for some walking along King Street. If you’re after a structured historical tour or sightseeing, look elsewhere. But if you want a fun, informal, drink-filled shopping adventure, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This King Street Shopping Tour with Drinks offers a lively, friendly way to experience Charleston’s retail scene, especially if you’re into boutique shopping and socializing. The inclusion of exclusive discounts, complimentary drinks, and a charismatic guide makes it a solid choice for an enjoyable afternoon. The relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere make it a good fit for those wanting to combine light shopping with a bit of local flavor.

While it’s not a comprehensive tour of Charleston’s history or major sights, it’s a great way to unwind, explore, and maybe pick up a special souvenir or two. Just remember, if you’re after a more traditional sightseeing experience, this might not be the perfect fit. But for pure fun and a touch of indulgence, it’s worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most mobility needs.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, usually in the afternoon.

Where do I meet the guide?
Inside the Restoration Hotel at the Mercantile Boutique, beside the elevator.

What drinks are included?
Guests enjoy Margaritas, wine, and champagne throughout the tour.

Are there discounts at the shops?
Yes, participants can take advantage of exclusive discounts of 10-20% at each boutique visited.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s best suited for adults interested in shopping and socializing. It may not be ideal for young children.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a driver’s license if you want to buy alcohol.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the tone of the tour?
It’s lively, friendly, and social, with a focus on fun and relaxation.

Does the tour include historical or sightseeing elements?
No, it’s mainly about shopping, socializing, and enjoying drinks in Charleston’s King Street district.

If you’re looking for a fun, informal way to spend an afternoon in Charleston with some retail therapy and a glass of bubbly in hand, this tour could be just what you need. It’s all about enjoying the vibe, discovering local boutiques, and making some memories—perfect for kicking back and having a good time.

You can check availability for your dates here: