Planning an upcoming trip to the Holy City? Known for its rich southern history, charming cobblestone streets and white sand beaches, there’s so much to explore in Charleston. In fact, it has consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the world.
Read on to discover the best things to do in Charleston for an unforgettable trip to the Lowcountry.
1. Stroll Along The Battery and Waterfront Park
Located at the southernmost point of the Charleston peninsula, The Battery is a sea wall walkway historically used to defend the city from enemy attacks. Stroll down the promenade and enjoy views of the Charleston Harbour on one side and Georgian-style historic row houses on the other.
Begin your walk at Waterfront Park, a 12-acre green space popular among visitors and locals alike. Here, you will find the iconic pineapple fountain—the perfect place for a photo op! The park also boasts a pier that stretches into the harbor, where you will find wooden swings and picnic tables perfect for taking in the stunning views.
2. Shop Charleston City Market
Head to Charleston City Market to pick up a local souvenir or grab a snack. Stretching four blocks across the heart of downtown, the market showcases the works of talented artists and entrepreneurs. This is also the perfect place to pick up sweetgrass baskets, which have been handmade by Gullah artisans in Charleston for over 300 years.
3. Admire Rainbow Row
The most postcard-worthy street in Charleston, Rainbow Row, is known for its 13 brightly-colored historic homes. Here, you can admire the largest group of Georgian row homes in the United States. The earliest homes date back to the mid-18th century and currently have private owners.
4. Take a Ghost Tour
Did you know that Charleston is considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.? Explore the city’s ancient graveyards, hidden alleyways and other spooky sites while your tour guide tells tales of the pirates and prisoners that once roamed the streets of the Holy City. A Charleston ghost tour will transport you back in time and leave your spine-tingling!
5. Tour Middleton Place
Middleton Place is a historic mid-18th-century home along the Ashley River. The colonial-style mansion sits on 65 acres of manicured gardens. Guided tours tell real stories of the enslaved men, women and children who the owners forced to work on the property.
Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the stables and learn about the livestock breeds and how each animal contributed to life at the plantation.
6. Grab Brunch at Husk
Craving some delicious Southern cooking? Husk is a popular restaurant that puts a modern twist on traditional Lowcountry dishes. While their menu is ever changing, you can expect classic dishes like shrimp and grits, buttermilk biscuits and fried chicken.
7. Lounge at White Point Garden
With waterfront views and live oak trees draping the pathways, White Point Garden is the perfect place to have a picnic or read a book on a sunny day. The park features a gazebo, a variety of monuments and Civil War cannons.
8. Relax on Sullivan’s Island
A roughly two-mile-long barrier island, Sullivan’s Island is a haven for beach lovers. The shoreline offers serene views, while the quaint town has boutiques and seaside restaurants. Stop for pub food at Poe’s Tavern or an elegant meal at The Obstinate Daughter. Conclude your beach day with delicious ice cream or a glass of frosé.
9. Visit Fort Sumter National Monument
The location of the battle that marked the start of the American Civil War, Fort Sumter is a human-made island built in 1829. Here, visitors can learn more about how the war started and see authentic cannons. Remember that the fort is only accessible by boat through official Fort Sumter tours.
10. Explore Charles Towne Landing
Often referred to as “the birthplace of South Carolina,” Charles Towne Landing is situated on the original grounds where English colonists built their first settlement in the Carolinas. Today, visitors can explore scenic walking trails, tour replica buildings and watch animals in a natural habitat zoo.
11. Enjoy a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
One of the best ways to explore the city is a horse-drawn carriage tour! During your ride, a tour guide will point out churches, homes and gardens and explain their architecture and historic significance.
12. Sail Through the Harbour
A visit to Charleston isn’t complete without a day on the water. Charter a sailboat for a relaxing day exploring the Charleston Harbour. Private charter ticket prices start at around $450 and can typically accommodate up to six passengers. Schedule your tour around sunset for the best views!
13. Explore Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Situated on the Ashley River, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is most known for its romantic-style garden, one of the oldest in the nation. From azaleas to camellias, you will find an abundance of native plants and blooming flowers in the Audubon Swamp Garden. Animal lovers will want to stop by the Wildlife Center to see rescued giants, donkeys, miniature horses and pigs.
During your tour, you will also learn about the plantation’s history of slavery. You will see restored former slave cabins that provide a glimpse into the lives of the enslaved people who labored in the rice fields.
14. Admire Sea Creatures at the South Carolina Aquarium
Get a close-up view of marine life at the South Carolina Aquarium! Home to North America’s deepest tank, you’ll be able to spot sea turtles, sharks and different species of fish. There’s also a touch tank that allows you to interact with hermit crabs, sting rays, starfish and more.
15. Visit the Old Slave Mart Museum
As the first African-American slave museum, the Old Slave Mart Museum provides insight into the city’s past involvement in the interstate slave trade. The historic building operated as a slave auction site between the years 1856 to 1863. If you plan to visit, allot at least one hour so you can thoroughly read the thought-provoking displays and see the artifacts.
16. Tour the Aiken-Rhett House Museum
Originally built in 1820, the Aiken-Rhett House is a historic townhouse complex previously owned by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. Inside, you will find original furnishings, artwork and antiques that provide a glimpse into the lives of those who called it home.
17. Walk the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
The Arthur Ravenal Jr. Bridge, also referred to as the Cooper River Bridge, is a unique cable-stayed suspension bridge that stretches between downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Visitors can walk (or run) the 2.5-mile bridge while enjoying scenic views of the glistening water.
18. Visit the International African American Museum
Newly opened in 2023, the International African American Museum is situated above Gadsden’s Wharf—the historic port of arrival of enslaved Africans that slave traders brought to the country. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of artifacts and exhibits that celebrate the contributions of Africans and African Americans to the world.
19. Get a History Lesson at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
At the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, you can tour the two historic warships—the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and the USS Laffey destroyer. Admission also grants access to an immersive Vietnam Experience exhibit that delves into the history of the Vietnam War.
20. Root for the Charleston RiverDogs
Sports fans will enjoy cheering on the city’s minor league baseball team—the Charleston RiverDogs—at their home ballpark that overlooks the Ashley River. Their season starts in April and wraps up in September.
21. Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Located in Mount Pleasant, Boone Hall Plantation dates back to 1681 when it was home to Englishman Major John Boone. Your admission ticket to the plantation includes access to guided tours of the house, motorized tractor tours of the landscape, a butterfly pavilion, a slave history presentation and more. Boone Hall is the only plantation in the area that showcases a presentation of the Gullah culture through dancing, singing and storytelling.
22. Kayak Through the Marsh
Spend some time on the water, kayaking through the creeks and marshes surrounding the city. Who knows—you may even spot some bottlenose dolphins or loggerhead sea turtles during your kayaking tour.
23. Walk Through the College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a bustling university located downtown. Stroll through the campus and admire the architecture of the buildings, specifically the iconic Cistern, which dates back to 1857.
24. Sunbathe on Isle of Palms
With six miles of shoreline, Isle of Palms is the perfect place to go for a beach day near Charleston. With lifeguards on duty during the summer season, you can enjoy splashing or surfing in the waves. The beach is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along on the adventure!
25. Tour Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is a historic estate situated on the Ashley River. Dating back to the 18th century, the main house is the oldest structure displaying Palladian architecture in the country. A tour guide will lead visitors through the main house. Then, you have the opportunity to enjoy a self-paced audio tour of the grounds.
26. Visit the Charleston Museum
Founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the United States. Here, visitors can learn more about the history of the South Carolina Lowcountry through various exhibits and galleries. Admission for adults is $15, but the museum offers deals if you purchase multiple tickets.
27. Dine on Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a waterfront district in nearby Mount Pleasant, where you will find dockside bars and restaurants serving local seafood and tropical drinks. This is the perfect place to enjoy a date night or a fun outing with friends during your visit.
28. Treat Yourself to a Praline
Visit a local candy store to try an infamous southern praline! These delectable treats are handmade with pecans wrapped in a buttery candy patty. You can find them at Market Street Sweets or Savannah’s Candy Kitchen.
29. See the Angel Oak Tree
Located on Johns Island, the Angel Oak Tree is one of the oldest and largest live oak trees in the United States. Often referred to as “A Lowcountry Treasure,” it is estimated to be roughly 400 years old. While admission to see the Angel Oak is free, donations that go toward preserving the tree are encouraged.
Discover Fun Things To Do in Charleston, SC
With a wide variety of activities, Charleston makes for a memorable and budget-friendly destination that adults and children alike will enjoy.
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