Things to Do in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina offers an abundance of experiences for every traveler to enjoy. From exploring historic landmarks and meticulously preserved plantations to savoring Low-country cuisine and strolling along its picturesque waterfront, Charleston captivates the senses. This guide highlights some of the top things to do around Charleston, SC whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway.
Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC
1. Waterfront Park in Charleston
Marvel at the breathtaking Charleston Harbor and river vistas while enjoying cool breezes at Waterfront Park. From a wide pier dotted with charming porch swings and picnic tables to the park’s iconic palmetto tree fountain and a palmetto-lined promenade, this park is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
2. Historic Charleston Carriage Tour
A unique and relaxing way to explore historic downtown Charleston is to take a carriage tour with Old South Carriage Co. Settle in on one of their pristine, comfortable carriages as a top-tier guide entertains you with captivating stories about historic landmarks and events from the city’s past.
3. Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row, on East Bay Street, is a photographer's dream. These colorful, historic homes, built in the mid-18th century and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1931, offer a vibrant glimpse into Charleston's past. After capturing the perfect photo, explore nearby shops and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the street's many restaurants.
4. The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Witness to some of the most pivotal moments in American history — including the American Revolution, the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and the Civil War — The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is an ideal site to dive into Charleston’s history. Take a guided tour of the Exchange, the Provost Dungeon, and the Battery to learn more about this historic landmark.
5. Angel Oak Tree
Be awestruck by the Angel Oak Tree, the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River. Estimated to be 300-400 years old, this majestic tree on Johns Island offers 17,200 square feet of shade. Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy a peaceful lunch beneath its sprawling branches.
6. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Boone Hall was founded in 1681 by Englishman Major John Boone and is currently the only plantation in the South Carolina Lowcountry to offer a live presentation of Gullah culture. You can also take a self-guided tour of their critically acclaimed “Black History in America” exhibit, explore the first floor of the mansion, and stroll through the garden that features dozens of antique rose varieties.
7. The Charleston Museum
Discover the region’s natural and cultural history at The Charleston Museum, the first museum established in the United States (1773). Explore exhibits on Native Americans, colonists, and enslaved people who lived in the Lowcountry; an Armory displaying historic weaponry; and an exhibit highlighting Charleston’s role in the American Revolution.
8. Ghost Tour
Charleston is considered one of the most haunted cities in the country. Add some thrill to your vacation on an evening haunted carriage tour with Old South Carriage Co. As Charleston’s only haunted carriage ride, you’ll be treated to captivating stories of pirates, ghosts, and patriots from an expert guide leading you through historic downtown. Dare to journey past hidden alleyways, graveyards, and iconic landmarks on an unforgettable experience!
9. Charles Towne Landing
Step back into South Carolina's earliest history at Charles Towne Landing, the birthplace of the state. Explore the Visitor Center’s exhibits, tour the Adventure, a replica 17th-century sailing ship, and see a variety of animals at the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo.
10. Middleton Place
Established in 1741, Middleton Place is home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence and to America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Wander through meticulously designed terraces, past blooming flowers, and alongside butterfly lakes. Explore the historic plantation and home to learn about the enslaved people who lived and worked on the grounds, which is now a National Historic Landmark.
11. Beach Day
Sullivan’s Island’s star attraction is the wide beaches that are perfect for beach games. Or take to the water for some kiteboarding, kayaking, or splashing about on a float. Restaurants and boutique shops abound for when you need a break from the water. Folly Beach is another popular spot to soak up sunshine and relaxation on warm sands. Surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking are some of the activities you can dive into, or simply enjoy a peaceful beach stroll and fantastic vistas.
12. Food Tour
Charleston boasts a rich dining scene serving up classic Southern fare and unique takes on Southern cuisine. Savor a range of delicious local cuisine on a Charleston food tour. You can choose from a variety of food tours with unique offerings that highlight different areas of the city. Whether you’re interested in a walking tour, taking a cooking class, or focusing on Upper King Street eateries, there’s a tour to match most every taste.
13. Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the country and features more than 300 vendors. Stop by and browse everything from locally-made artwork and jewelry to authentic sweetgrass baskets, savory baked goods, and much more. Discover for yourself why this is one of Charleston’s top attractions!
14. Fort Sumter
Located in the middle of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is only accessible by ferry. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride to the historic fort where you can learn about the start of the Civil War — the firing on the fort by Confederate soldiers on April 12, 1861. Tour the fort and explore the exhibits at the Visitor Center to dive deeper into the history of the Civil War.
15. Gibbes Museum of Art
Immerse yourself in four centuries of American art at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Explore paintings, sculptures, fashion design, and multi-media installations at Charleston’s only visual arts museum, The museum also houses one of the country’s most prestigious collections of American portrait miniatures, which were first painted in Charleston.
16. Sailing
Relaxing catamarans, luxury yachts, pristine sailboats — and the list goes on. Sailing in Charleston is a very popular pastime, and finding the right tour that matches your interests is a breeze with multiple operators offering a range of on-the-water experiences, including with Charleston Sailing Adventures. This is an excellent way to unwind and see Charleston’s scenic coastline from a different perspective.
17. Edmondston-Alston House
Perched on the city's famed Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House offers breathtaking harbor views and a glimpse into the lives of a wealthy rice-planting family. Explore the elegant interiors filled with period furnishings on a docent-led tour that bring the past to life, revealing the social customs, economic realities, and personal stories of Charleston in the 19th century.
18. Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Experience naval history firsthand at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Climb aboard the legendary USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that played a pivotal role in World War II, and explore its flight deck and hangar bay. See the two-acre Vietnam Experience Exhibit that includes more than a dozen components meant to simulate life during the war. From the Medal of Honor Museum to interactive exhibits and flight simulators, Patriots Point will immerse you in maritime history and show the courage of those who served.
19. McLeod Plantation Historic Site
McLeod Plantation Historic Site offers a powerful and unfiltered look at the realities of plantation life, from the grandeur of the main house to the humble dwellings of the enslaved community. Explore the grounds, learn about Gullah culture, and reflect on the enduring legacy of slavery in the South.
20. South Carolina Aquarium
A wonderful activity for all ages, the South Carolina Aquarium highlights the residents that call the state’s diverse ecosystems home, from the mountains to the sea. Encounter fascinating creatures like sharks, river otters, and the mesmerizing Great Ocean Tank that features a variety of fish, sharks, and a loggerhead sea turtle named Caretta. Be sure to check out the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery where you can learn about the turtle patients and their remarkable rehabilitation and return to the sea.
21. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
The site of America's oldest public gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens sits on the banks of the Ashley River. You can wander the magnificently landscaped gardens among the colorful blooms, ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and serene waterways. Explore the historic plantation house to learn about the Drayton family’s involvement in rice farming, and visit the restored and preserved enslaved cabins to learn about those who labored in the rice fields.
22. Nathaniel Russell House
Step into the elegant world of a wealthy Charleston merchant at the Nathaniel Russell House, a National Historic Landmark. Admire the exquisite Adam-style architecture, considered one of the finest examples in the country, and explore the beautifully preserved interiors filled with period furnishings and decorative arts. The house’s ongoing renovations give you a glimpse into the preservation process, and docent-led tours offer insights into the lives of the Russell family and Charleston in the early 19th century.
23. Aiken-Rhett House
The Aiken-Rhett House is a remarkably preserved urban plantation that offers a unique perspective on antebellum life. The site has been preserved with an “as-found” preservation approach, which means furniture, architecture, and decor haven’t been altered since the mid-19th century. Explore the grand rooms of the main house, where the Aiken and Rhett families lived, and see the stark conditions of the enslaved people's quarters. The Aiken family owned the home for 142 years before selling it to The Charleston Museum in the 1970s.
24. The Old Slave Mart Museum
The Old Slave Mart Museum is a poignant and essential stop for understanding the city's complex history. Located on the site of a former slave auction gallery, the museum offers a powerful look at the horrors of the slave trade. Exhibits feature artifacts, documents, and personal stories that shed light on the lives of enslaved Africans and the impact of slavery on their descendants.
25. Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall offers a glimpse into 18th-century Lowcountry life. Unlike other historic homes, Drayton Hall is presented in a more natural state, focusing on its architectural integrity and historical significance rather than elaborate restorations. Tour the grand rooms and grounds of this National Historic Landmark, and explore its collection of archeological artifacts, archives, and decorative arts that provide greater insight into life on the plantation.
26. White Point Garden
Relax and soak in the charm of Charleston at White Point Garden, a picturesque park located at the tip of the peninsula. This scenic spot offers stunning waterfront views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney. Stroll along the shaded walkways, admire the historic cannons and monuments, and enjoy the gentle sea breeze. White Point Garden is the perfect place for a leisurely picnic beneath the old oaks and to pause and unwind from touring historic downtown.
27. The French Quarter
Charleston's charming French Quarter is a historic district with European flair. Wander along cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Discover hidden courtyards, admire the elegant architecture, and soak in the district's unique ambiance. Explore its art galleries, indulge in Lowcountry cuisine with a French twist, and experience the romantic atmosphere that makes this neighborhood so special.
28. King Street
Experience the heart of Charleston on King Street. From upscale boutiques and art galleries to trendy restaurants and historic landmarks, King Street offers something for everyone. Browse its diverse shops and indulge in delicious Lowcountry cuisine. Whether you're searching for unique souvenirs, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or discovering the city's complex history, King Street is a must-visit destination in Charleston.
Want to keep exploring things to do in Charleston, SC? Check out the Old South Carriage Blog to find more information.
