The city of Charleston, South Carolina is rich in history that is the epitome of Southern charm and hospitality. The city was the wealthiest city of its time and boasts the first play-producing theater, the first golf club, the first public college and the first museum in the country. It is surrounded on one side by Charleston Harbor, fortified by Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie with a view of the beautiful, mansion-lined Battery. In the countryside, Charleston is flanked by quite a few plantations, presenting a different lifestyle from the past. The USS Yorktown is anchored across one side of the harbor, which is the best place to view the cable-stayed Ravenel Bridge. Downtown at the city market, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride or purchase an authentic sweetgrass basket at the City Market. Don’t forget about the food! Charleston has dozens of restaurants serving up delicious low-country food.
Charleston offers so much to do that it is difficult to know where to start. A walking tour of downtown allows a visitor to touch upon some of the sights to determine where more time is warranted. Check out my DIY Charleston Walking Tour to take in some of the sights while visiting this beautiful city.
134 Meeting Street – An historical marker on the street in front of the building at 134 Meeting Street tells of the Democratic party split at the convention of 1860. The original Institute Hall burned down in the fire that swept through Charleston in 1861.
Aiken-Rhett House Museum – The house was acquired by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken in 1830 and expanded over time. The Historic Charleston Foundation acquired the home in 1995. The home has been left untouched since the 1950s. An audio tour for the Aiken-Rhett House is available for visitors. Check the website for hours of operation.
The Alley – A vintage arcade and bowling alley with a restaurant. Get there early to reserve a bowling lane because the lanes fill up fast. The food is decent with a really good Happy Hour.
Angel Oak Tree – An oak tree as a historical landmark? This tree is known as the largest oak tree East of the Mississippi River estimated at 300-400 years old. The tree is found on John’s Island. Click on the link for more information about this beautiful live oak tree.
The Battery – Take a seaside stroll along the Battery with the bay on one side and beautiful antebellum homes and parks on the other.
The Black Fedora Theater – Plays are interactive mystery comedies. See the website for available performances and schedules.
Boat Cruises – From dinner cruises to sightseeing cruises, a boat cruise is a unique way to experience Charleston Bay.
Boone Hall Plantation – Experience the past on this beautiful historical property. The dramatic, tree-lined drive leading up to the plantation home is iconic and spectacular. Check the website for more information.
Calhoun Mansion (also known as Williams Mansion) – Tour a post-Civil War residence on Meeting Street to view the opulence of the Gilded Age.
Carriage rides – Horse-drawn carriages are abundant in Charleston. All carriages depart from the City Market. The drivers are knowledgeable and friendly.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – One of many historical churches in Charleston. Check the website for Mass schedule.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center – A wildlife preserve with trails boardwalks, educational programs, exhibits, birding, animal habitats and rice fields. The Caw Caw Interpretive Center is the location of the Stono Rebellion.
Charleston Bike Taxi – Take a rickshaw-type bike taxi to points of interest in the downtown area. Check the website for contact information if you need a ride.
Charleston Fossil Adventure – Hunt for fossils and learn about Charleston’s pre-history. Check the website for tour opportunities and pricing.
Charleston French Quarter – The historical area in downtown Charleston has many sites to see and a long history. With a little research on the internet, you can find many attractions in the area with lots of places to eat, shop and stay.
Charleston Fun Park – Located in Mt. Pleasant across the bay, Charleston Fun Park is easy to get to and hosts an entertainment complex, including go-karts, mini golf, axe throwing, bumper cars, virtual reality experiences and an arcade.
The Charleston Museum – Provides a history of the Charleston Lowcountry through exhibits and collections
Charleston Music Hall – Hosts musical performances in a historical building. Check the website for the current schedule of performances.
Charleston Tea Plantation – Admission is free to explore this 127-acre plantation to see the process of harvesting tea. Plan a couple of hours out of your day to explore.
Charleston Zip Line – Soar above the trees on this zip line. Check out the website to select your adventure.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site – The birthplace of South Carolina where there are beautiful live oak trees that are hundreds of years old, marshes with a variety of native birds, a 17th-century trading vessel replica to explore, wildlife, fishing and the list goes on. Visit the website for directions and current events.
Children’s Museum of the Low Country – Visit the children’s museum with the kiddos, so they can run around in a safe environment. Children can pretend in the play Publix market or private ship, create some artwork or dig in the dirt in the garden, or experiment with the many spaces dedicated to science.
Circular Congregational Church – The Circular Congregational Church is an operating United Church of Christ. The church is home to the oldest graveyard in Charleston, dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore the graveyard at any time. The best way to see inside the church is to attend a service. Check the website for service times.
City Market – Located in the heart of the historic district in Charleston, the City Market is a large flea market with an interesting history, housing 300 vendors. The market is open daily and on Friday and Saturday nights.
Climbing Wall James Island County Park – A climbing wall for all skill levels, James Island County Park offers a 50-foot tall wall with 14 top ropes. The area also houses a 10-foot bouldering wall for less experienced climbers.
Colleton County – Experience the sun and the sand at beautiful Edisto Beach in Colleton County. Edisto Beach is a resort town about an hour’s drive from Charleston, so the beach might be a little busy in the summer, but from March to May the beaches are really quiet and that includes during Spring Break times in March. There are plenty of other activities in the area if you are not interested in the beach. Click the link for more information.
Customs House – The front of the US Custom House faces East Bay Street, but the back overlooks Charleston Harbor. The building was only partially constructed by the outbreak of the Civil War and was somewhat damaged during the war. The completion of the building was commissioned by the federal government in 1879 with modifications from the original design to get it finished quickly. The building still functions as it was intended. As a federal building, it is open to the public on weekdays, so visitors can go inside; however, only the main floor is accessible for viewing.
Cypress Gardens – Located about 25 minutes north of Charleston, Cypress Gardens provides a picturesque landscape of swamps and natural gardens. Trails around the park allow walking access to view the area. Visit the Swamparium which houses some of the animals you might see in the Gardens and walk through the Butterfly House. Tickets are also available for a swamp tour on an Airboat.
Danfuskie Island – Golf, fishing and watersports are not the only activities available in this Lowcountry spot. You can also visit church ruins and anti-bellum homes, art galleries and wildlife sanctuaries.
Deep Water Vineyard – Enjoy live music and food trucks every Saturday from 10-5 at their Weekend Wine-Down. Located 30 minutes South of Charleston at the end of Bears Bluff Road. Bring your friends and family to explore this lovely vineyard.
Drayton Hall Plantation – Drayton Hall is located only 13 miles from downtown Charleston. Tickets are available on-site or online. The second floor of the main house is led by a guide and requires a ticket purchase. Bring your own earbuds if you want to take the audio tour of the first floor of the main house. This is a beautiful plantation not to be missed if you can help it.
Dock Street Theater – Originally a hotel, the Dock Street Theater was transformed into a theater in the early 1700s and is considered America’s first theater. Today, the theater is home to the Charleston Stage Company.
Dreher Island State Park – Home to Lake Murray, Dreher Island State Park is known as a good fishing location. It is also known for bird-watching purple martins, hiking, boating and geocaching.
Edisto Beach State Park – Take an eco-tour or hike the interpretive trails at Edisto Beach State Park. Bring a picnic to enjoy the day using one of the shelters. Swim in the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the beautiful beach or take the boat out for some saltwater fishing. Waterfowl is abundant along the beach and in the marsh for bird watchers to enjoy. Geocaching opportunities are also available.
Firefly Distillery – Live music from local and regional musicians is showcased on Saturday afternoons. The distillery offers tastings Monday – Friday. Check the website for hours of operation, special events and closings.
Fireproof Building – Named after its construction to resist fire, this building is perceived as the oldest of its kind in America. It is the current home of the South Carolina Historical Society. Admission to the museum in this building is $12/adults, $10/military and seniors, $5/children over 5 and children under 5 are free.
Folly Beach County Park – Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, this beach has boardwalks for beach access, seasonal lifeguards on duty, dressing rooms/bathrooms, boogie board rentals, umbrella rentals, chair rentals, seasonal snack bar and a picnic area. A pelican rookery is visible from the west side of the park. Paid parking is available
Folly Beach Pier – Bring your fishing poles to one of the best saltwater fishing spots in the area. No rod? That’s OK because rentals are available. Make purchases at the tackle shop or grab a snack at the snack bar. Restrooms and showers are available. Paid parking is nearby.
Food Tour – One thing about visiting a new city is tasting some of the local cuisines. Schedule a food tour at some of Charleston’s best dining establishments.
Forte Jazz House – Treat yourself to some live jazz at Forte Jazz House. Purchase tickets online at their website to see their headliners.
Fort Moultrie – Visit Ft. Moultrie in Charleston Harbor to see the ruins of the Fort built there in the 1700s. Fort Moultrie is a separate trip from that of Ft. Sumter, but it is well worth the effort to learn about this island’s past.
Fort Sumter – Learn how this Fort was vital to early Americans and its pivotal involvement in the Civil War. Fort Sumter is an icon in Charleston Harbor that is reached only by ferry boat. Taking the ferry to Fort Sumter is a good way to see Charleston Harbor. Check the website for important information and closures.
Francis Marion Hotel – Visit or stay at the luxurious Francis Marion Hotel in the heart of the Charleston historic district. The hotel includes a spa, restaurant and meeting spaces for an unforgettable stay.
French Huguenot Church – Located at the corners of Church and Queens Streets, the French Huguenot Church is a working independent Christian church. Tours are held Monday-Thursday, but all are welcome to experience regular services and activities.
Fripp Island Beach – A 3-1/2 mile white sand beach on Fripp Island that is abundant in sand dollars. Fripp Island is a barrier island to the Atlantic Ocean. Check the website for parking availability at each beach access point. No lifeguards are on duty at this beach, so make sure to read the cautions, warnings and rules on the website and those posted in the area.
Gibbes Museum of Art – Visit the permanent and temporary art exhibits at this Charleston museum. Check the website for hours of operation and what is on display.
Guided Walking Tours – Choose from a variety of walking tours in different parts of the city to learn and experience more of Charleston’s culture. Click the link for available options.
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art – Admission to the Halsey galleries is free. The museum houses traveling exhibits throughout the year. Check the website for the current exhibitions.
Hampton County – You won’t lack anything to do in the Hampton County area. Check the website for ideas.
Harbor Island Beach – Harbor Island is a small barrier island that supports a community of islanders and vacationers. The beach provides spectacular views of the Atlantic.
Harbor tours – A quick internet search will yield several options to tour the Charleston Harbor. This is one of the best ways to experience the city from a different perspective.
Hardeeville and Ridgeland in Jasper County – The cities of Hardeeville and Ridgeland make a good day trip from Charleston. Check the website for activities available in the vicinity. If you time it right, you may be able to catch one of their local annual festivals.
Heyward-Washington House – This Georgian-style historical home was the residence of Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Admission to the home is $12. Check the website for hours of operation.
Hibernian Hall – An historic marker is placed in front of Hibernian Hall to commemorate the importance of this Greek-inspired structure. The 1860 Democratic National Convention was held at this location. The building is now an event space and is not open to the public for viewing.
High Wire Distilling – Located at 311 Huger Street near the Downtown Charleston Historic District, High Wire Distilling produces small-batch spirits and offers distillery tours with a reservation.
Hilton Head Day Trip – You won’t lack anything to do in Hilton Head as it is a mainstay of tourism in South Carolina. Hilton Head is only 2 hours South of Charleston, making it a day trip adventure.
Hunley Submarine – The museum follows the story of the Hunley Submarine from the time it was built through the Civil War. It mysteriously disappeared for decades until it was found and meticulously removed from the ocean. Tours are only available on Saturday and Sunday. Visit the website for ticket information.
Hunting Island State Park – This beautiful state park is almost two hours South of Charleston, making it a good candidate for a day trip. Enjoy five miles of white sand beaches or book a reservation for a campsite. The park boasts a historic lighthouse that is accessible to the public, a nature center, pier fishing and picnic shelters.
Huntington Beach State Park – Beautiful beaches are plentiful in South Carolina, but the state park beaches are some of the best. Only an hour and 45 minutes North of Charleston, Huntington Beach State Park has three miles of white sand beach. Tour the historic Atalaya home or enjoy a night of camping at one of the campsites.
Isle of Palms County Park – No time to drive outside of Charleston for a beach day? Try the Isle of Palms County Park nearby and centrally located in Charleston. This small park has 600 feet of beach space and includes picnic tables, boardwalks and a playground. Visitors must pay a fee for parking.
James Island County Park – This park has a lot to offer in the way of activities: a seasonal splash pad area, playground, disc golf, sand volleyball court, 18-hole golf course, paved trails, picnic shelters, a climbing wall, salt-water fishing and crabbing, campgrounds and more. This is a good one.
Jet Skiing – It’s fun to get out in the water on a nice day. Check out the link to the top 10 jet ski rental companies in the area.
John Pope Antiques – While getting some retail therapy on King Street, stop in at John Pope Antiques for some interesting finds.
Kayak Eco-Tour – You never know what you might see on a kayak tour. An organized tour is the best way to find the spots where interesting plants, animals and birds hang out. Click the link for available options.
Kiaweh Beachwalker Park – As the only public park on Kiaweh Island, It offers lifeguards, restrooms, concessions, beach rentals and a picnic area.
Kiawah Island – Kiawah Island has 10 miles of beaches along with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy.
King Street – Shop til you drop on King Street in the historic district! Don’t forget to look around at the architecture as you shop as King Street was the original main street in Charleston. Make sure to visit one of the trendy restaurants while shopping the high-end shops and boutiques.
Magnolia Cemetary – Magnolia Cemetary in Charleston was previously a rice plantation. In 1850, the property was converted to a cemetery. Not only are the grounds beautifully landscaped, but the cemetery holds special presentations and events. Check the website for a calendar.
Magnolia Plantation – The gardens at Magnolia Plantation were opened to the public in 1870. Ever since that time, they have been meticulously maintained. The camellias and azaleas, which bloom seasonally, are spectacular.
Marion Square – A green space in between Meeting Street and King Street, this beautiful park is the meeting place for a local Farmer’s Market. The park has an interesting history that dates back to the time of the city’s founding and includes a Holocaust Memorial, a statue of John C. Calhoun and a bandstand.
Marsh Eco-Boat tour – Explore the marshes and barrier islands with an eco-boat tour. View flora, fauna and wildlife all at the same time with a guide. Check the website for opportunities.
McCleud Plantation – Built in 1851, this cotton plantation is a testimony to the past. Guided interpretive tours are offered every hour, starting at 9:30 with the last tour at 2:30.
Meggett County Park – Stroll through the park on unpaved paths appropriate for walkers, horses and bikers to see spectacular views of the marshlands.
Middleton Place Plantation – Stroll the spectacular gardens at Middleton Place and experience the stables, slave quarters and livestock for the price of a ticket. A house tour is available on a separate ticket. If you plan to stay the day, make a reservation at the plantation restaurant on the premises. See the website to view all the events and opportunities available.
Mount Pleasant Pier – The pier offers a wonderful close-up view of the Ravenal Bridge as it is right at its base. Fish or relax with a snack or sandwich from the concession stand in a rocker or chair on the pier. The Mount Pleasant Pier is a nice way to view the city of Charleston from the other side of the bay.
Mount Pleasant Town Center – Check the calendar on the website for special events or take a stroll to visit the shops and restaurants in this retail center across the bay from Charleston.
Mrs. Whaley’s Garden – Charleston homes are known for their beautifully landscaped gardens. Visit Mrs. Whaley’s Garden, which is a private garden behind the Revolutionary-style home where Mrs. Whaley once lived. Check the website for availability.
Nathaniel Russel House – Take a self-guided tour of this historic home of one of the mercantile elite who lived in Charleston. This perfectly restored home is located along The Battery. Check the website for hours of operation.
North Charleston Fire Museum – Admission to this museum is $6 for adults and children under 12 are free. Check the website for more information.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon – Don’t miss this historical gem! The U.S. Constitution was ratified here in 1788. Visit the room where this happened and sign a mock Constitution. George Washington was entertained here by the Charleston elite while on his Southern tour. The formal rooms where he was entertained are on display along with historical information about Charleston. Down below, take a tour of the dungeon where prisoners were held in harsh conditions during the Revolutionary War.
Old Powder Magazine – This small building was used for gunpowder storage during the Revolutionary War. After the war, the building was used for several other functions. The Old Powder Magazine now hosts demonstrations and special events. Check the website for ticket information and a schedule of events.
Old Slave Mart Museum – This interesting museum has a lot of information about Charleston’s part in the slave trade. The museum does not display artifacts from this period, but it does have a lot of sobering information, recordings and videos to read and absorb about this period in history. Plan to spend an hour or two reading. If you get lucky, you may catch a historian making a presentation at the museum.
Paddleboarding – If you are an expert paddleboarder, you can rent some paddleboards for an experience in the Charleston area. Check the link for options.
Palmetto Islands County Park – Bring your bikes or skates to explore the paved trails at this park or walk the boardwalks on the nature island. Enjoy the 50-foot observation tower with a play area and watch the kids play games in the open meadow. Take out a peddle boat or come prepared to do some crabbing. This park has a lot to offer!
Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum – Make sure to schedule a whole day to explore all there is to see at Patriot’s Point. Home to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, USS Laffey destroyer and USS Clamagore submarine, this venue has a lot to see. If standing on the top deck of the USS Yorktown, you have a perfect view of the Ravenel Bridge. The park also offers a Vietnam Experience Exhibit, a Cold War Submarine Memorial and the Medal of Honor Museum. This venue is also a launching point for the Ft. Sumter ferry boat.
Rainbow Row – A row of pastel-colored houses near The Battery is one of the most iconic sites in Charleston. Not only are they pretty, but they also have a history. Check the website to learn more about their colorful history.
Ravenel Bridge – If you visit sites in the Mount Pleasant area, such as the USS Yorktown, you will take the Ravenel Bridge to get there. Ravenel Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper River. You can actually walk across it using the walking path on either side of it.
Robert Lange Studios – A contemporary art gallery in a former grain warehouse that hosts working artists along with their gallery of exhibits. Every first Friday night is opening night, where everyone is welcome to view a new collection.
Saint Michael’s Church – St. Michael’s is an Anglican congregation that is deeply rooted in Charleston’s history. You can’t miss the prominent white steeple along Meeting Street. Worship services are held every Sunday, but visitors can also tour the churchyard and view the beautiful Tiffany stained-glass windows in the church. Check the website for opening hours and service times.
St. Phillip’s Church – St. Phillip’s Church is an Anglican congregation that is the oldest established church South of Virginia. The best way to see the church is to attend a service. See their website for worship times.
Saltwater Cycle Party – If you are with a group, rent a party pedal boat and pedal your way to happy.
Schooner Pride – Touring the harbor is a must, but touring the harbor on a 3-mast tall ship has to be one of the most unique. Every cruise sails wherever the wind takes it.
Shem Creek Boardwalk – Shem Creek is a waterfront dining district in Mount Pleasant. The 2200-foot-long boardwalk is a lovely place to watch the sunset and view the Charleston marshes and harbor.
The Shops at Charleston Place – An extension of the Charleston Place luxury hotel, these high-end shops are centrally located downtown in the historic district.
Sightseeing bus tour – Bus tours abound in the city of Charleston. From the historic district to plantations to the outer banks, plenty of bus tours will take you to the places you want to see.
Simmons House – Built in 1800 for Francis Simmons, a Johns Island planter, this federal-style home on Legare Street has a two-story piazza and an elaborate wrought iron gate with large finials that the locals recognize as pineapples. The house is also known as the Pineapple Gate House. The home is privately owned and not open for tours, but admirers can appreciate its elegance and architecture from the sidewalk.
SK8 Charleston – A skate park featuring 32,000 feet of skate space, concessions, restrooms, and covered areas. Check the website for additional information.
Sound of Charleston Concert – Visit the Circular Church on Meeting Street to experience history through music by a Sound of Charleston Concert. Check the website for details.
South Carolina Aquarium – View water creatures and other animals indigenous to South Carolina at this refreshing aquarium. See the website for hours of operation and ticket prices.
South Carolina Historical Society Museum – The South Carolina Historical Society Museum is located at 100 Meeting Street in a historical building. The museum exhibits interactive maps, documents and artifacts from our nation’s and South Carolina’s past. Check the website for hours of operation and ticket information.
The Spa at Charleston Place – Charleston Place is a luxury hotel in the historical downtown area. Inside is a wonderful spa where both men and women are welcome to experience facials and skin treatments, mani-pedi, massages and many other treatments. They also offer services for children 12 and under.
The Spa at Hotel Bennett – A luxury spa on King Street awaits after or before a day of shopping. Experience massages, facials and nail treatments to relax and refresh yourself. Click on the link to see a menu of services.
Splash Island Waterpark – Hidden in the Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, this waterpark features slides, pools, sprays and more for children of all ages. The park provides lounge chairs, concessions and restrooms. This is a great place to hang out during the long hot summer. Check the website for more information.
Splash Zone at James Island County Park – Found within this county park, this splash zone area is fun for the whole family. The waterpark has a 500-foot lazy river, tube slides, water slides, water sprays, bucket spills and more. Restrooms, changing areas and concessions are available. Check the website for more information.
Sullivan’s Island – Located at the mouth of Charleston Bay near Mount Pleasant and accessed via the Ravenel Bridge, Sullivan’s Island is a great place to go for a beach day. Those who enjoy watersports will love this area for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and sailing. The area is rich in history and culture, so there is a lot to explore.
Upper King Design District – On the North side of the historic district lies King Street. You can to spend the entire day on Upper King Street easily, shopping, visiting restaurants and admiring the colonial architecture. If you are into nightlife, Upper King provides many choices for the evening. Day spas are also plentiful if you want a more relaxing day.
USS Yorktown – The “Fighting Lady” of World War II that is docked at Patriot’s Point in Charleston Harbor. The Patriot’s Point complex houses Yorktown, Laffey, a submarine and a Vietnam War display. You can easily spend the day here so plan accordingly. Check the website for more information.
Wannamaker County Park – This park has a large meadow space, but also woodland and wetland areas, which is nice for large groups. A water sprinkler area is within the park as well as an 18-hole disc golf course, miles of nature trails, picnic areas, a dog park, a volleyball court, two playgrounds and more. The Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is also located in the park..
Waterfront Park – The historical area waterfront in Charleston where the iconic pineapple fountain is located is definitely a place to see while in the historic district.
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Water Park – Located within Wannamaker County Park, this park has 15 acres of water slide fun.
White Point Gardens – White Point Gardens is located along the Battery in Charleston. The park includes memorial statues and cannons, gazebos and beautiful oak trees that provide shade along the pathways.
Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Course – Calling all adventure lovers to the Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Course. The whole family will enjoy the outdoor activities that this park offers.
