There’s a seemingly endless variety of things to do in Charleston, S.C., including tons of great historic places, exciting exhibits and family-friendly attractions — not to mention some superb shopping and delectable dining.
If you’re looking for what to do in Charleston, S.C., here’s a list of 25 “can’t miss” attractions worth checking out in and around historic Charleston to get you started…for many more ideas on attractions and area events check out our blog.
Historic Things to do in Charleston, S.C.
H.L. Hunley
Lost at sea for over a century, the H. L. Hunley was the world’s first successful combat submarine. Raised in 2000, scientists remain at work to conserve the Hunley. Public tours are available on weekends and group tours are available during the week. More details…
The Charleston Museum
America’s first museum showcases a variety of fascinating artifacts that tell the story of Lowcountry cultural and natural history. Visitors will be transported back through time, viewing objects from ancient fossils and an enormous whale skeleton to elegant costumes and Civil War artifacts. More details…
Old Slave Mart Museum
Recounting the story of Charleston’s role in this inter-state slave trade by focusing on the history of this particular building and site and the slave sales that occurred here. Hours are 9 to 5 M-Saturday. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days. $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children aged 6 to 12, and 5 and under are free of charge. More details…
Fort Moultrie & Fort Sumter
The Charleston area is home to a pair of significant historic military fortifications in Fort Sumter, located on an island in Charleston Harbor, and Fort Moultrie a series of citadels on Sullivan’s Island near Mt. Pleasant:
Fort Moultrie is known as a Revolutionary War locale where the first decisive patriot victory over the British Navy took place on June 28, 1776 at a palmetto log fort. The Visitor Center houses exhibits on the fort’s history and a 20-minute orientation film. Hours vary according to the season. Concessionaire ferries depart from Liberty Square in Charleston and from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant.
America’s most tragic conflict ignited at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, when a chain reaction of social, economic and political events exploded into civil war. A powerful symbol to both the South and the North, Fort Sumter remains a memorial to all who fought to hold it. The fort may be visited by private boat or by ferry boat. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. More details…
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
The National Park Service preserves a remnant of Founding Father Charles Pinckney’s plantation, Snee Farm. Charles Pinckney was a principal architect and signer of the U.S. Constitution. An 1828 Lowcountry cottage serves as museum and visitor center. 20-minute orientation film & ½ mile walking trail. Free admission. More details…
Homes to tour in Charleston, S.C.
Aiken-Rhett House
The expansive Aiken-Rhett House (c. 1818) stands as the city’s most intact antebellum urban complex. Historic interiors have been conserved and stabilized, having survived virtually unaltered since 1858. Many family objects are still found in the rooms for which they were purchased. $10 admission. More details…
Edmondston-Alston House
This beautiful home on Charleston’s High Battery affords a glimpse of early 19th century elegance, style and comfort. Built in 1825, the house contains Alston family furniture, silver, books and paintings. Three piazzas offer incredible views of Charleston Harbor. In 1861, General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter here. More details…
Heyward-Washington House
Built in 1772, “Charleston’s Revolutionary War House” was the town-home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Located in the original walled portion of the city, the house features magnificent Charleston-made furniture and a formal 18th century garden. Adults $10; children $5. Combination tickets available. More details…
Joseph Manigault House
“Charleston’s Huguenot House” was built in 1803 and is a premier example of Adam-style, or Federal, architecture. The garden Gate Temple and outstanding collection of American, English and French furnishings of the period capture the lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family. Adults $10; children $5. Combination tickets available. More details…
Nathaniel Russell House
Visit the grand Federal townhouse of Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell, completed in 1808. The gracefully restored interior boasts elaborate ornamentation and a magnificent free-flying staircase. Set amid spacious gardens and furnished with period antiques, the house evokes the gracious lifestyle of the city’s elite. $10 admission. More details…
Scenic Things to do in Charleston, S.C.
Battery Park &
White Point Gardens
The Battery is a landmark promenade in Charleston. Stretching along the shores of the Charleston peninsula and bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Enormous oak trees provide serene shade to the park, and a display of weapons and cannons used in the Civil War make for a unique play area for children — be sure to bring a camera to snap photos of your family clamoring and playing on the cannons!
Inside Battery Park is White Point Gardens. This peaceful park offers unprecedented views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, while a look back across the street promises fantastic images of beautiful Charleston mansions. Weddings and other special events are frequently held at the beautiful, massive white gazebo in the center of the park, but on off-days it makes for a beautiful place to sit and take in the beauty and charm of Charleston! More details…
Charleston Tea Plantation
Experience the beauty and charm of America’s only tea garden…Charleston Tea Plantation. View acres of breathtaking tea plants, learn how tea is made during an informative factory tour, take a trolley ride through the tea fields, and drink fresh brewed American Classic Tea as you browse our unique Shoppe. More details…
Fort Sumter Tours
Stops at Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began. Cruise to the island fort while you enjoy breathtaking views of Charleston and her Harbor. Depart from the Visitor Education Facility at Liberty Square downtown and from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant. More details…
Magnolia Plantation
If you love blooming flowers and farm animals then make a stop at Magnolia Plantation next time you are in Charleston. Admission to Magnolia Plantation gives you access to the sprawling gardens full of azaleas and lush trees, access to the large maze by the plantation house, a petting zoo, the conservatory featuring semi-tropical plants, and the Old African American Cabin. There are also various guided tours you can take for an additional price including the Plantation House Tour, Nature Train and Slavery to Freedom Tour. Kids and adults will enjoy spending the day at Magnolia Plantation walking through the beautiful scenery. More details…
Waterfront Park
This park is an eight-acre linear park and pier along the Charleston Harbor entry. The park masterfully combines spectacular fountains, spacious lawns, intimate garden “rooms,” walking and jogging path and a long pier with picnic tables and wooden swings. More details…
Family-friendly things to do in Charleston, S.C.
Charleston County Waterparks
Get soaked this summer at your Charleston County Waterparks! Whirlin’ Waters, Splash Zone, and Splash Island are the hottest spots in town during the summer months, and each offers a fun, family adventure at a reasonable price. When the temperature starts rising, visitors of all ages will enjoy these seasonal attractions located in Charleston, North Charleston and James Island. More details…
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
Navigate eight hands-on exhibits that combine playing and learning! Race boats down rapids, take the helm of the CML Pirate Ship or climb to the top of our Medieval Castle. Unlimited adventures for children and families! $7 admission. More details…
Gibbes Museum of Art
Experience Charleston’s history through art! Come face to face with stories of the South Carolina Lowcountry as seen through painting, miniature portraiture, sculpture, photographs and more at Charleston’s signature art museum. Complimentary cell phone tour (using your own phone) is offered with paid admission. More details…
South Carolina Aquarium
Children and adults will enjoy spending a few hours looking at all the native marine and animal life that consider Charleston home. The S.C. Aquarium even has a new Lemur exhibit if you want to learn about these fun and interesting primates.
Charles Towne Landing
This state historic site is not only full of much to learn but also offers beautiful sights for folks of all ages. It offers a visitor Center, museum, gift shop and history trail, 17th century trade ship replica adventure, native animal zoo, informal gardens, exhibits and more. Learn about and experience South Carolinas original settlement. Open daily 9am-5pm. More details…
Things to do in Charleston, S.C. at night
Dining out
There is nothing better than a Southern meal and there are a ton of great options to choose from when it comes to dining in Charleston. Typically all of the restaurants have the locally produced foods from the lowcountry. Dining options range from seafood, American and much more. There are also a number of places to try a fine glass of wine or a new creative cocktail. While there are way too many to list, check out Mad River Bar & Grill near the Andrew Pickney Inn or get many more suggestions here.
Ghost Tours
Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the United States having been founded in 1670. Any city that old has to have a rich history as well as plenty of graveyards, dungeons and haunted buildings in the city. Locals and tourists alike have often spoken of seeing ghosts wandering around Charleston. There have even been customers at the Andrew Pinckney Inn saying they have seen ghosts hanging around the hotel. If you like all things haunted and are interesting in seeing a ghost when you stay at our historic Charleston hotels, check out these ghost tours.
Bar hopping
When the sun goes down there’s plenty of fun to be had at Charleston area sports bars, pubs and taverns, many which also double as a dinner spot with a reputation for great food and happening nightlife. You can pop around from bar to lounge or gather with friends, family, and co-workers at one of Charleston’s dance clubs or live music nightclubs. Areas such as historic Market Street, King Street, Broad Street, and East Bay Street all have plenty of drinking establishments and other nighttime haunts if you’re looking for a night out on the town or a place to go bar hopping. More suggestions here…
The Music Farm
The Music Farm is one of the area’s best locations for live music hosting a variety of genres including Rock, Country, Jam, Reggae, Hardcore, Punk, Hip Hop with acts ranging from up-and-coming local and regional groups to top-notch, nationally-touring acts. The venue holds about 800 people and is general admission, standing room only. There is limited seating in the balconies and around the bar. It also offers a full service bar with beer, wine and liquor with prices ranging from $4-5 (beer) to $6 (liquor & wine). Unless noted on the website, shows are all ages. More details…
Theatre 99
If you want to see a great comedy performance when you stay in downtown Charleston, check out Theatre 99 located just around the corner from the Andrew Pinckney Inn. Theatre 99 is Charleston very own improv comedy club where the laughter never stops. They have shows every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night and each one is totally different from the last because they are based on audience suggestions. They also offer stand-up comedy, cabaret and other fun entertainment. More details…
