CHARLESTON WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A 2½‑Hour Walking Taste of Upper King Street: Lowcountry Plates and Culinary Storytelling
A concise guide to Bulldog Tours’ Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Tour — a 2.5 hour, four‑stop walking tasting that showcases the Lowcountry cuisine and culinary innovators of Charleston’s Upper King Street.
A 2½‑Hour Walking Taste of Upper King Street: Lowcountry Plates and Culinary Storytelling.
The Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Tour is a focused, 2½‑hour walking tasting through Charleston’s dynamic Upper King Street district, where guides lead small groups to four restaurants to sample signature Lowcountry dishes from the neighborhood’s culinary innovators. Offered Wednesday through Saturday by Bulldog Tours, the route concentrates less on distance and more on a sequence of memorable tastings drawn from the city’s contemporary food scene.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lowcountry Flavors, Concentrated
This tasting tour focuses on classic and contemporary Lowcountry dishes — from she‑crab soup to shrimp and grits and homemade desserts — delivered across curated bites at multiple venues in Upper King Street.
A Neighborhood of Culinary Innovators
Upper King Street’s evolving restaurant district is the tour’s stage: guides lead guests to popular, innovative establishments so participants sample what Charleston’s top culinary operators are bringing to the table.
Seafood‑Forward Tastings
Compared with other Bulldog Tours offerings, this Upper King Street itinerary includes a higher proportion of seafood and shellfish tastings — a defining trait that shapes who should consider this tour.
What the day feels like
What the Tour Feels Like
You move at a casual walking pace for roughly a mile over about two and a half hours, stopping at four restaurants to taste representative Lowcountry dishes while a licensed Bulldog Tours guide narrates the neighborhood and food choices. The experience is built around sampling rather than a long hike — expect short street walks between venues and concentrated time inside eateries for tastings.
THE CUISINE
Lowcountry Flavors, Concentrated
This tasting tour focuses on classic and contemporary Lowcountry dishes — from she‑crab soup to shrimp and grits and homemade desserts — delivered across curated bites at multiple venues in Upper King Street.
THE SCENE
A Neighborhood of Culinary Innovators
Upper King Street’s evolving restaurant district is the tour’s stage: guides lead guests to popular, innovative establishments so participants sample what Charleston’s top culinary operators are bringing to the table.
THE PROFILE
Seafood‑Forward Tastings
Compared with other Bulldog Tours offerings, this Upper King Street itinerary includes a higher proportion of seafood and shellfish tastings — a defining trait that shapes who should consider this tour.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits best — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Tour runs Wednesday through Saturday and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Bring comfortable shoes for about a mile of casual walking and an umbrella or poncho; tours run rain or shine. Water is provided at restaurants, and alcohol is available for an extra fee.
Bathrooms are available at several locations along the tour; expect short walks between tasting venues and occasional stairways inside restaurants.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly; book well in advance to secure your preferred day and time.
How much food is served and what will I sample?
The tour includes four stops with tastings and some guests find it sufficient for a full meal; typical items include shrimp and grits, cornbread, she‑crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and homemade desserts, though food is subject to change.
How many stops are included on the tour?
The tour includes four stops with tastings; participants must be able to go up and down stairs to participate.
What ticket should I buy for a child?
There is one standard ticket price for culinary tours. Any child 1 year old or above must have a full‑priced ticket; infants less than one year old do not need a paid ticket but should be indicated at purchase. The tour is not recommended for children under 14.
Are beverages provided?
Water will be available at the restaurants; alcoholic beverages are available for an extra fee at each location.
How much walking is involved and is the tour fast‑paced?
The tour covers approximately one mile and proceeds at a very casual pace, though some restaurants have stairs.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends only a few blocks away from the Charleston Visitors Center, near the starting point.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Indicate any allergies or dietary restrictions when purchasing tickets; the tour includes a variety of foods so you can choose which items to sample, but the operator may not be able to guarantee accommodations and should be alerted to severe cross‑contamination risks.
Will the tour run if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine regardless of weather; some portions take place indoors, but bring an umbrella or poncho depending on the forecast.
Is the tour wheelchair- or stroller-accessible?
Some past participants in wheelchairs have attended, and strollers are permitted, but many streets and some venues have stairs and limited accessibility, so additional maneuvering and planning may be required.
Are pets allowed on the tour?
No; pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour due to visits to various shops and historic buildings.
Who leads the tour and in what language?
All tour guides are licensed by the City of Charleston and have culinary qualifications or interests; tours are offered only in English.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes — private tours and special requests can be accommodated by contacting Bulldog Tours at the provided phone number.