Discover Charleston in February

Ask folks about their experience visiting Charleston, South Carolina and you’ll receive answers that are as varied as the city’s numerous attractions. But one theme threads their responses together — a newfound love for “The Palmetto City.”

Things to Do in Charleston, SC in February

Visiting Charleston in February is a wonderful time of year to discover the best of the city or to rediscover old favorites. The brisk weather ushers in lower rates and fewer crowds. Plus, you can also enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by the unofficial state “bird” — the pesky mosquito.

Historic Charleston Carriage Tour

After arriving in town, the first thing you should do is enjoy a Historic Charleston Carriage Tour. Not only is this an incredibly relaxing and scenic experience but also an ideal way to become acquainted with the Historic Downtown Charleston District. The top-tier, Palmetto Guild-certified guides will entertain you with interesting and little-known facts about the city while also highlighting historic sites you should explore more in depth.

February Events in Charleston

People associate festivals and exciting events with spring and summer. But in Charleston, you can catch a buzz-worthy event even in February. The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and attracts visitors from around the world. The 2025 festival will be held on February 2nd and includes live music, shucking contests and — you guessed it — lots of raw oysters to enjoy. Or celebrate the great outdoors at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, held from February 14 – 16. The largest event of its kind in the nation, SEWE features talented wildlife artists, craftsmen, live demonstrations, and more — all while promoting wildlife education and nature conservation.

Charleston Tours in Honor of Black History Month

During your February visit to Charleston, consider taking a tour in honor of Black History Month. Discover a wide range of exhibits at the International African American Museum that detail stories of the African American experience across generations. Or visit a historic plantation to learn more about the experiences of enslaved people in the region, including at Drayton Hall, which is the country’s oldest preserved plantation house that’s open to the public.

Aiken-Rhett House

The Aiken-Rhett House Museum offers a window into Charleston’s urban life during the antebellum period and the life of enslaved Africans who lived onsite. The museum is within the house, which Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. expanded during the 1830s and 1850s. The Historic Charleston Foundation took ownership of the property in 1995 and has worked to preserve the site “as-found,” meaning visitors can view furniture and architecture as it was in the 19th century and more vividly imagine daily life in the house.

America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens

Henry Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, first began cultivating the gardens at Middleton Place in 1741. They are thought to have been the site of the first-ever planted camellias in America — brought over by the French botanist André Michaux. The gardens have evolved over the centuries but still inspire awe in those who stroll among the expertly-maintained grounds that reflect the grand classic style that was popular in 18th century Europe.

During February, you can see the spectacle of 10,000 camellias in bloom in the gardens. Enjoy numerous photo ops while lingering among scenic vistas overlooking the Ashley River. Take time to also explore the Middleton historic home and plantation and learn about the enslaved people who lived and worked there and Charleston daily life in the 18th century.

First Friday Artwalk

Tap into Charleston’s vibrant art scene during a First Friday Artwalk, sponsored by the Charleston Gallery Association. With more than thirty galleries included in the association, you can explore a wide variety of local artwork during the event, which occurs from 5 pm - 8 pm on February 7th. The association even posts online ahead of time a list of participating galleries so you can decide beforehand which ones you’d like to visit.

Golf in Charleston

Whether you’re looking for a resort experience, an exclusive club or public courses, there is an abundance of golf courses near Charleston that vary in difficulty and scenery. Wild Dunes Resort’s Links course was designed by Tom Fazio and offers views of lagoons, marshes and both the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Charleston Municipal Golf Course reopened in 2020 after considerable renovations and now features amazing Redan and Punchbowl greens and offers an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

The Ocean Course at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort shot to international fame during the 1991 Ryder Cup and has since hosted other championships. Come out and take a swing on this or on one of the other more than twenty other available golf courses near Charleston.

Plays & Musicals

Catch a fun-filled local production at one of Charleston’s playhouses. The 17,000-square-foot Woolfe Street Playhouse features two theaters within the facility—the Davis Theater and the Shop Stage—and hosts both workshops and performances.

For the best of Broadway, check out the schedule for the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, which hosts touring Broadway performances in addition to the North Charleston Pops! and a variety of other memorable events, including the SC Stingrays games.

Walking Tours

In addition to enjoying a scenic Historic Charleston Carriage Tour, you may also want to add a city walking tour to your vacation. Charleston is very walkable, so you can easily stroll among idyllic streets, pausing to browse boutique shops and sample local cuisine at a cafe or restaurant.

A walking tour can make your meanderings even more delightful by going with knowledgeable guides who can offer interesting facts and little-known details about the places you're passing on foot, in addition to providing insider information on the best places to eat. There are multiple quality walking tour companies to choose from in Charleston.

Start Planning Your Charleston Vacation

Charleston is a lovely city to visit no matter the season, but February offers certain advantages over the other months. The lowest temperatures of the year have already passed, but the weather is still brisk enough to deter the large crowds that flock to Charleston during the spring and summer.

Rates are generally lower this time of year, making a visit to Charleston in February easier on the bank account. Plus, this slower, quieter season lets you dive deeper into the local culture, perhaps giving you a more authentic Charleston experience. Begin making your reservations today, and see for yourself why everyone falls in love with “The Holy City.”