What to do in Charleston, SC

Activities, attractions and tours

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston Historic District
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site which includes a park
White Point Gardens showing a statue or sculpture

Charleston Attractions

Charleston, the oldest city in the state of South Carolina, is a fun destination for everyone from those interested in the city's rich history, to people looking to enjoy some of Charleston's exciting attractions. It can be hard to pick which things to do in Charleston, or Chucktown, simply because of the variety of famous sites which call the city home.

There are, however, a few local spots that you'll not want to miss the next time you head to this charming, historic city.

One of the top tourist attractions in Charleston has to be Charleston tours of various historic homes. Many of these homes, like the must see Aiken-Rhett House, have been transformed into museums that transport visitors back to Charleston's lovely past. If you are interested in learning more about the industries that first put Charleston on the map, you'll want to take Charleston excursions to Drayton Hall, America's oldest plantation, or visit Middleton Place, a former rice plantation. Military history lovers will want to be sure to visit places like The Citadel and those who want to experience what it was like to live in Charleston as an early settler should stop by Charles Towne Landing.

There are many fine Charleston activities for families visiting the area as well. You could head to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry so your children will have a hands on learning experience. Splash Zone Waterpark is the best place to stop for families with active children staying in Charleston. The South Carolina Aquarium is a great place to visit, if your little ones are interested in learning more about sea creatures. After a busy day of checking out Charleston's many sites, you can head to Charleston Waterfront Park for a relaxing picnic dinner or go to Marion Square to check out one of the area's fine dining establishments.

From the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, one of the sites that helped earn Charleston its nickname of Holy City, to the stunning Morris Island Lighthouse, there are endless delights to be found on your next visit to Charleston, SC.


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Top places to visit

1. College of Charleston

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.
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College of Charleston which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

2. Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market consists of three blocks of open-air sheds and a 19th-century hall with stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs and many other items. The historic complex has a Greek-revival design with an imposing yellow-and-red façade. The rest of the vast market is spread out in numerous shops. Chat with local vendors about the spices, works of art and handicrafts on display along these blocks.
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Charleston City Market which includes markets and interior views as well as a small group of people

3. Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park reflects the character and history of the city’s architecture and gardens. At the southernmost point of the eight-acre (three-hectare) park, a wooden pier juts out over the Charleston Harbor.
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Waterfront Park showing a sunset as well as an individual femail

4. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium houses some 6,000 plants and animals. The 60 exhibits cover five major geographical areas in South Carolina. See ocean-dwelling marine life and water-based creatures that live in the mountains. There’s also the Madagascar Journey, where you’ll learn about this island’s species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else in the world.
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South Carolina Aquarium

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. Tour historic buildings or take a boat ride through the wetlands. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center.
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Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

6. Fort Sumter

Arrival at Fort Sumter, site of the first battle of the Civil War between Union and Confederate forces is a sobering moment. Named for American Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, the fort sits on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Visit Fort Sumter as part of a national monument complex that includes Fort Moultrie National Monument and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.
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Fort Sumter featuring heritage elements, interior views and military items

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What to do in Charleston


Discover the most popular places to visit in Charleston

Explore areas of Charleston

Charleston Historic District showing heritage architecture

Charleston Historic District

4.5/5(82 area reviews)

Explore this National Historic Landmark District, boasting an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including Charleston "single houses." Nearby Ansonborough features fine Greek Revival houses and historic civic buildings.

Charleston Historic District
Edmonston-Alston House featuring a house

Downtown Charleston

3.5/5(17 area reviews)

Explore the National Historic Landmark District, boasting an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including Charleston "single houses." Discover fine Greek Revival homes in Ansonborough and historic civic buildings on Broad Street.

Downtown Charleston
Battery Street Waterfront, Charleston, South Carolina

Cannonborough Elliotborough

While visiting Cannonborough Elliotborough, you might make a stop by sights like Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
Walking down random alleyways, I found a graveyard with people that are buried from over 200 years ago.

Harleston Village

If you're spending some time in Harleston Village, Marion Square and Colonial Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Harleston Village
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site showing heritage elements and a house

West Ashley

Boasting Citadel Mall and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, this area is connected by the West Ashley Greenway and features historic sites like Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Revitalization efforts attract art and design businesses.

West Ashley
Cityscape of the historic downtown French Quarter district in Charleston, South Carolina

King Street

While visiting King Street, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall.

King Street

 

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Day trip destinations from Charleston

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is visit South Carolina Aquarium. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's golfing and culture.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
Begin your day with a visit to Patriots Point and South Carolina Aquarium. Then, explore other areas of Charleston for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
You can't go home without exploring South Carolina Aquarium, ranked the top tourist attraction in Charleston.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
Three days in Charleston is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. South Carolina Aquarium, International African American Museum and Charleston Museum are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as North Charleston.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to do and see in Charleston. Several top sights, like South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Charleston's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Charleston is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
What to do in Charleston for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Charleston, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Firefly Distillery or Credit One Stadium.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Charleston. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Sunrise Park Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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