Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC: Attractions, Historic Sites and Local Favorites

Charleston, South Carolina, is much more than a beautiful place to visit. It is a city filled with history, coastal scenery, incredible food, distinctive architecture, and activities for practically every interest.

Whether you are planning your first Charleston vacation, entertaining out-of-town guests, or considering relocating to the Lowcountry, you will never run out of places to explore. From historic downtown Charleston and the area’s beaches to gardens, museums, boating, and family-friendly attractions, here are some of the best things to do in Charleston, SC.

Explore Historic Downtown Charleston

One of the best ways to experience Charleston is simply to explore the historic district on foot. You will find colorful homes, hidden gardens, cobblestone streets, church steeples, historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of Charleston Harbor.

The Battery and White Point Garden

The Battery is one of Charleston’s most recognizable areas. Walk along the seawall, admire the historic homes, and enjoy views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and Sullivan’s Island.

White Point Garden sits at the southern end of the peninsula beneath a canopy of live oak trees. It is a popular place to walk, relax, or begin a tour of the surrounding South of Broad neighborhood.

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is a series of colorful historic homes along East Bay Street. It is one of Charleston’s most photographed landmarks and an easy stop while exploring the waterfront and French Quarter.

Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain

Charleston Waterfront Park offers walking paths, shaded swings, harbor views, and the famous Pineapple Fountain. It is especially pretty in the morning or around sunset.

Charleston City Market

The historic Charleston City Market stretches through several downtown blocks and features local vendors, artists, food products, souvenirs, and traditional sweetgrass baskets.

Sweetgrass basketmaking is an important Gullah Geechee art form passed down through generations. When purchasing a basket, take time to speak with the artist and learn about the history and skill behind the work.

King Street

King Street is Charleston’s best-known shopping district. Lower King is known for antiques and design, Middle King offers national and local retailers, and Upper King has become a destination for restaurants and nightlife.

Take a Guided Charleston Tour

A knowledgeable guide can provide context you might miss while exploring on your own.

Depending on your interests, consider:

• A historic walking tour

• A carriage tour

• An architectural tour

• A culinary tour

• A Gullah Geechee history tour

• A harbor cruise

• A ghost tour

• A private boating tour

When selecting a historic tour, look for one that presents Charleston’s history fully and accurately, including the experiences and contributions of enslaved Africans, African Americans, and the Gullah Geechee community. Explore Charleston recommends choosing tour companies whose guides are certified through the Palmetto Guild Association.

Visit Fort Sumter National Historical Park

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is accessible by ferry. It is best known as the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

The ferry ride also provides excellent views of the harbor, Ravenel Bridge, Battery, and surrounding waterways. Because the attraction involves a scheduled boat trip, it is a good idea to reserve tickets ahead of time and allow several hours for the complete experience.

Visit the International African American Museum

The International African American Museum is located at Gadsden’s Wharf, a historically significant arrival point for enslaved Africans brought to North America.

The museum explores African American history, the African diaspora, slavery, resistance, faith, culture, and the lasting contributions of African Americans. Its African Ancestors Memorial Garden is also an important part of the experience.

This is one of Charleston’s most meaningful cultural attractions and deserves enough time to experience thoughtfully.

Tour Charleston’s Historic Homes and Museums

Charleston’s preserved homes offer a look at the city’s architecture, decorative arts, changing economy, and the lives of both free and enslaved residents.

Popular sites include:

• Nathaniel Russell House

• Aiken-Rhett House

• Joseph Manigault House

• Heyward-Washington House

• Edmondston-Alston House

• The Charleston Museum

• Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

• Old Slave Mart Museum

Rather than trying to see everything in one day, select one or two sites that align with your interests and leave time to explore the surrounding neighborhood.

Charleston’s Best Historic Plantation Sites and Gardens

Several significant plantation sites are located along Ashley River Road and throughout the Charleston area. These properties are visually beautiful, but they are also places where generations of enslaved people lived and labored.

A worthwhile visit should explore the complete history of each property—not only its gardens, architecture, and wealthy owners. Each site offers a somewhat different experience.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Best for Gardens, Nature and Families

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is known for its romantic-style gardens, walking and biking trails, wildlife, and Audubon Swamp Garden.

This may be the best choice for visitors who primarily want to experience:

• Expansive gardens

• Wildlife and natural scenery

• Family-friendly outdoor activities

• A historic house tour

• A broader property tour

Magnolia also offers a “From Slavery to Freedom” tour focused on the experiences of the people who were enslaved at the property. Its guided experiences are scheduled according to same-day availability, weather, and operating conditions, so check the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens website before visiting.

Middleton Place: Best for Formal Gardens and a Full-Day Historic Experience

Middleton Place is known for its formal landscaped gardens, stableyards, heritage-breed animals, demonstrations, and museum collections.

Visitors can also explore Eliza’s House, a Reconstruction-era freedman’s dwelling containing the permanent “Beyond the Fields” exhibit. The exhibit documents slavery at Middleton Place and includes the names of more than 2,800 enslaved African and African American people connected to the Middleton family.

Middleton Place is a strong choice for visitors interested in:

• Formal landscape design

• Early American history

• Traditional crafts and demonstrations

• Agricultural history

• The experiences of enslaved and freed people

• Spending several hours at one historic site

Visit the Middleton Place website for current tours, programs, and admission information.

Drayton Hall: Best for Architecture and Preservation

Drayton Hall offers a different experience from the more extensively furnished historic properties. The main house has been preserved rather than restored to represent one particular era.

This makes Drayton Hall especially interesting for visitors who appreciate:

• Historic architecture

• Preservation

• Archaeology

• Material culture

• Changing interpretations of historic places

Its history spans generations of both the Drayton family and the enslaved people whose labor supported the property.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site: Best for Gullah Geechee and African American History

Located on James Island, McLeod Plantation Historic Site is a 37-acre Gullah Geechee heritage site. Its interpretation centers the experiences of enslaved people and their descendants from the nineteenth century through the twentieth century.

The site includes preserved dwellings, a riverside pavilion, the main house, and significant cultural landscapes.

McLeod may be the best choice for visitors seeking a focused and educational examination of:

• Slavery and emancipation

• Gullah Geechee history

• The transition from enslavement to freedom

• Reconstruction

• The lives of African American families after the Civil War

Learn more and check current operating information through Charleston County Parks.

Spend a Day at the Beach

One of the best parts of visiting or living in Charleston is having several beaches within reach.

Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island offers a quieter, residential beach experience along with local restaurants, historic sites, and views of Charleston Harbor. Fort Moultrie is also located on the island.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms has wide beaches, public beach access, restaurants, a marina, and convenient access from Mount Pleasant. It is popular with families, vacationers, and boaters.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach has a lively, laid-back personality. Visitors come for surfing, fishing, kayaking, restaurants, live music, and the activity around Center Street.

Kiawah Island

Beachwalker Park provides public beach access on Kiawah Island. Kiawah is known for its natural scenery, wildlife, biking, and resort setting.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is farther from downtown Charleston but offers a peaceful, less-commercialized coastal experience. It is a favorite for visitors who enjoy fishing, boating, biking, and a slower pace.

Visit Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Located in Mount Pleasant, Patriots Point is home to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and other military exhibits. It is one of the Charleston area’s most popular attractions for families, military-history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring a historic aircraft carrier.

Plan for plenty of walking and climbing through narrow passageways and stairways aboard the ship.

Explore the South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is located on the Charleston waterfront and features marine life and habitats found throughout South Carolina.

One of its highlights is the Sea Turtle Care Center, where visitors can learn about the rehabilitation of injured and sick sea turtles. The aquarium is an especially good choice for families, rainy days, or particularly hot Charleston afternoons.

See the Angel Oak Tree

The Angel Oak is a massive Southern live oak located on Johns Island. Its enormous, twisting branches create one of the Lowcountry’s most memorable natural sights.

Admission is generally free, although operating hours and access rules should be confirmed before visiting. Be respectful of the tree’s root system and remain within designated visitor areas.

Get Out on the Water

Charleston is surrounded by rivers, creeks, marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean. Seeing the Lowcountry from the water gives you an entirely different perspective.

Popular options include:

• Charleston Harbor cruises

• Sunset sailing trips

• Dolphin tours

• Kayaking and paddleboarding

• Inshore and offshore fishing charters

• Boat rentals

• Eco-tours

• Trips to barrier islands

You may spot dolphins, pelicans, herons, egrets, and other Lowcountry wildlife along the way.

Walk or Bike the Ravenel Bridge

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Its pedestrian and bicycle path offers expansive views of Charleston Harbor and the surrounding area.

If you prefer a shorter outing, begin on the Mount Pleasant side and walk toward the center before turning around. Early morning and evening are generally more comfortable during warmer months.

Explore Charleston’s Parks

Charleston’s parks provide plenty of opportunities to walk, bike, fish, kayak, picnic, or simply enjoy the outdoors.

Local favorites include:

• James Island County Park

• Palmetto Islands County Park

• Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

• Waterfront Park

• Hampton Park

• Wannamaker County Park

• Caw Caw Interpretive Center

• Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

The Charleston County Park system also offers seasonal waterparks, climbing facilities, campgrounds, trails, fishing piers, and special events.

Experience Charleston’s Food Scene

Charleston’s culinary reputation is well deserved. The area’s food reflects African, Caribbean, European, and Gullah Geechee influences, along with its coastal location.

Look for Lowcountry favorites such as:

• Shrimp and grits

• She-crab soup

• Fresh local oysters

• Charleston red rice

• Carolina Gold rice

• Local fish and seafood

• Okra soup

• Benne wafers

• Boiled peanuts

Charleston offers everything from casual seafood shacks and neighborhood restaurants to nationally recognized fine dining. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, particularly during weekends and peak travel seasons.

Take a Day Trip from Charleston

If you have additional time, consider exploring beyond the Charleston peninsula.

Popular day trips include:

• Old Village and Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant

• Historic Summerville

• Edisto Island

• Wadmalaw Island

• Botany Bay Heritage Preserve

• Cypress Gardens

• Georgetown

• Beaufort

Each destination offers a different glimpse of Lowcountry history, scenery, and everyday life.

Why So Many Visitors Decide to Call Charleston Home

Charleston has a way of turning a short visit into something more. People come for the history, beaches, food, architecture, and waterways—but often begin imagining what it would be like to live here.

The Charleston area offers a wide range of communities, from historic downtown homes and coastal properties to established neighborhoods, golf communities, new construction, and homes with more land.

If visiting Charleston has you thinking about buying a home, vacation property, or investment property in the Lowcountry, The Greco Group would be happy to help you explore your options.

Thinking about making Charleston home? Contact The Greco Group for a personalized Charleston-area real estate consultation and local guidance on the communities that may fit your lifestyle.