100 Things to Do in Charleston SC

100 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC

In Community, Moving to Charleston, Things to Do by Mark Garrison

Table of Contents

Are you visiting Charleston, or are you just looking for things to do in the area?  There is no shortage of things to do and see here!  Charleston was founded in 1670, and is a living museum with an amazing history.  There are a lot of things to do with kids and your entire family, historical things to do, romantic things to do, unique things to do, and there are also plenty of free things to do in Charleston.  There is always something fun to do while you are here, and below is a list of my favorite things to do and see near Charleston!

Free Things to Do
23 Unique Things to Do
Historic Things to Do

Here’s a list of the 100 best things to do in Charleston, SC!

1.  U.S.S. Yorktown

Patriots Point Mount Pleasant

 

Visiting the USS Yorktown is a must if you’re looking for things to do in Charleston!  The Yorktown is an aircraft carrier that was used during World War 2, and was named after the aircraft carrier that was sunk at the Battle of Midway in 1942. The USS Yorktown was also used used during the Vietnam war, and was decommissioned in 1970. The Yorktown can be viewed at Patriots Point naval and Maritime Museum, along with the USS Laffey, the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, Cold War Memorial, the Medal of Honor Museum, and a lot of military aircraft from different periods.  You can also take a tour of Fort Sumter from this location, and they have a great gift shop for your souvenir needs!

2.  Charleston City Market

Things to do in Charleston sc

 

The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States (established in the 1790’s), and is open all year.  The market is free to tour, opens everyday at 9:30 am, and closes at 6 pm.  The market is located in Downtown Charleston, and stretches for 4 city blocks on Market Street.  The City Market is a great place to visit to look for souvenirs from Charleston, and there are many great places to eat surrounding the Market!  You will also find beautiful and historic handcrafted sweetgrass baskets for sale, which originated in Africa and has been passed down through generations.

3.  Angel Oak Tree

Johns Island angel oak tree

 

The Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island is a must-see if you’re in the area!  The tree is estimated to be approximately 400-500 years old (some believe it is much older), and is about 66 feet tall.  It is amazing how far the branches on this tree extend (the longest is 187 feet).  There is a gift shop near the tree for souvenirs!

4.  Horse Carriage Tour

Things to do in Charleston South Carolina

 

  • Multiple Locations
  • Website: See Below
  • Cost: Approximately $32-$40 per Adult

If you have visited downtown Charleston before, you have seen horse carriages touring the historic district.   Take a horse carriage tour in Charleston to get to know the city a little better!  Try a Historic Charleston Carriage Tour, a Haunted Carriage Tour, or a Private Carriage Tour!  Carriage Tours are about an hour long.

5. Fort Sumter

 

You can visit the location of the first battle of the Civil War, located in Charleston Harbor!  Fort Sumter took significant damage during the first Civil War battle; take a Tour at the National Park, and see what is left of the Fort.  You can take a tour from Patriot’s Point in Mount Pleasant, or from Liberty Square in Downtown Charleston.  There is a Gift shop at Fort Sumter, and there is also a museum.  You will be able to see the original flag that was taken down after the battle occurred and the Confederacy took control of the Fort.  

6.  Kiawah Beachwalker Park

If you are only going to visit one public beach while you are in the Charleston area, I would recommend Kiawah Beachwalker Park. 

Dr. Beach has ranked Kiawah as 1 of the top 10 Beaches in America, and if you visit Kiawah you will see why. The Park offers Showers, Bathrooms, a Picnic area, cooking grills, and a snack bar. Kiawah’s Beachwalker park is approximately 11 miles long, and is a great place to bring the family. If you walk about 1.5 miles to the South, there is a good location to watch for dolphins during low tide. There is a fee to enter the park; you may pay for 1 day, or purchase a Gold pass that will give you access for 1 year.

Pets: You are permitted to bring your dogs to Kiawah beachwalker Park year round, but there are some restrictions, including critical habitat areas where they are not allowed (Click Here for a pet restraint map). There are certain times/locations where a dog is permitted to run off-leash.

7.  South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is a nonprofit organization, and is located on the east side of the Charleston Peninsula, at 100 Aquarium Wharf.  The aquarium as a touch tank, and a variety of animals, including alligators, a bald eagle, fish, sharks, turtles, and much more.  The South Carolina Aquarium is a great place to bring the family!

South Carolina Aquarium- Things to do in Charleston, SC

8.  Pineapple Fountain and Waterfront Park

Visit Waterfront Park at the East side of the Charleston peninsula, at Vendue Range and Concord Street.  The Park has a beautiful view of the Charleston Harbor, a Fountain for the kids to play in, and is the location of the famous Pineapple Fountain!  Take a walk down the Pier, and view Castle Pinckney, The U.S.S. Yorktown, and Fort Sumter!  You can also take a water taxi from this location to Mt. Pleasant.

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

9.  Charleston Battery

Take a walk along the Historic Charleston Battery and defensive seawall, and get a great view of Charleston Harbor and all of the amazing historic homes in this area!  The Battery gets its name from a Civil War defensive battery formally at the site.  The Battery is located at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, and is free to visit!

White Point Garden and the Battery

10.  Rainbow Row

One of Charleston’s most famous sites is at Rainbow Row.  This location is named due to the 13 colorful historic homes, dating back to the 1700s,  located here that have been painted in pastel colors.  The homes are located on East Bay Street, north of Tradd Street, and South of Elliot Street.  This is one of the most photographed locations in Charleston, and is a must-see if you’re in the area!

Rainbow Row

11.  Water Taxi

 

Want to get out on a boat on Charleston Harbor, but don’t want to spend a lot of money?  Take a Water Taxi!  The water taxis depart hourly from four locations: Maritime Center, Waterfront Park, Patriot’s Point, and Charleston Harbor Resort.  Pay around $12 for an all day pass, and take a water taxi from the Charleston Peninsula to Mt. Pleasant .  This is a great way enjoy a view of the Ravenel Bridge, and to search for dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife!

12.  Old Slave Mart Museum

The Old Slave Mart Museum is a location of Charleston’s deplorable history, where slave auctions occurred.  Built in 1859, the old Slave Mart museum is located on one of Charleston’s few cobblestone streets that still remain, located on 6 Chalmers Street in downtown Charleston.  The Old Slave Mart Museum has many informative posters to read, helpful staff to answer questions, and has some artifacts from this time period. 

13.  Shem Creek

Shem Creek is a beautiful area known for it’s many waterfront bars and restaurants bordering both sides of the Creek.  Shem Creek offers a park, boardwalk, and a public dock (good for fishing/crabbing).  Stop by and watch for dolphins, go kayaking, or enjoy a great place to have a drink and eat some local sea food!

Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant

14.  Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie is located on Sullivan’s Island, and is the site of battles from the Revolutionary War, and from the Civil War.  The first fort (Fort Sullivan) was constructed of palmetto logs and sand, and was not yet complete when it was attacked by the British Navy in 1776.  The Fort was later named in honor of it’s commander during that battle, Colonel William Moultrie, and the fort inspired the flag, and the nickname for South Carolina as the “Palmetto State”. 

Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island

15.  Boone Hall Plantation

The Boone Hall Plantation is located in Mt. Pleasant, and is a great place to go for a historic tour.  The plantation has special events throughout the year, including:  The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, Boone Hall Fright Nights, Scottish Games and Highland Gathering, Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation, and much more!

Boone Hall Plantation has continually been growing crops for over 300 years, and is one of the oldest working Plantations in the United States.  

16. The Hunley Museum

I consider the Hunley Museum to be one of the best places to visit if you are in the Charleston area!  The Hunley was used by the Confederacy during the Civil War, and was submarine in history to sink an enemy ship.  On February 17, 1864 the Hunley attacked and sank the USS Housatonic, but the Hunley did not return to shore after the attack.  The Hunley was located in 1995, and raised in 2000, and is now on display at the Hunley Museum.  

Things to Do near Charleston- GarrisonCharleston.com
The Hunley

17.  Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon at the intersection of East Bay and Broad Streets in downtown Charleston.  This is one of the most historically significant buildings in Charleston, and is a must-see if you are in the area!  The Exchange was finished in 1771, and has been used for a variety of functions, including a Custom House, Public Meeting Place, and a POW facility by the British during the Revolutionary War.   The building was also the location of the convention to ratify the United States Constitution by South Carolina in 1788.  

18.  The French Quarter

Take a walk around the “French Quarter” in Charleston!  The French Quarter is located in downtown Charleston, and is the location of the original walled in city of Charleston.  The French Quarter is home to many historic buildings, including: The Dock Street Theater, St. Philips Church, The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon,  The French Huguenot Church, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and the Charleston City Market. 

Things to do in Charleston- French Quarter

19. Morris Island Lighthouse

The Morris Island lighthouse was constructed in 1876, and is located Northeast from the downtown at Folly Beach.  The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1892, and is located on the southern side entrance to the Charleston Harbor.  The lighthouse was originally created on Morris Island, but a lot of the island has eroded putting the lighthouse offshore.  

20. Middleton Place Plantation

Middleton Place is a very unique place to visit, and is a must-see if you are visiting Charleston!  The historic preservation offers a house museum built in 1755, guided tours, a restaurant, and amazing landscaping.  Middleton Place is an American National Historic Landmark, and is a beautiful location to visit while in Charleston!

21.  Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Another great location to visit is Magnolia Plantations and Gardens.  This Plantation was founded in 1676 by the Drayton Family, and has been open to the public since 1870.  Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the oldest and most famous gardens in America, and is a great location to visit!

22. Charleston Museum

Visit the Charleston Museum downtown at 360 Meeting Street for an amazing collection of history!  The Museum has a replica of the Hunley submarine in front (what they thought it looked like before it was actually found), and a cannon from the Revolutionary War era, and a giant whale skeleton to greet you at the front door.  The collection of military and local items in this museum is superb!  

23.  Charleston RiverDogs- Baseball Game

Attend a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, or “The Joe”.  The Riverdogs are a minor league team in Charleston, and their stadium is located on the Charleston Peninsula at 360 Fishburne Street.  You will have a great time attending one of their games! Legendary actor Bill Murray is a co-owner of the Riverdogs, and it is said that he sometimes attends the games.  

Charleston Riverdogs Stadium

24. Four Corners of Law

Visit the “Four Corners of Law” In Downtown Charleston, located at the intersection of Broad Street and Meeting Street. This location has four buildings, and represents: 1. God’s Law (St. Michael’s Church), 2. Federal Law (Federal Courthouse and Post Office), 3. State Law (Charleston County Courthouse), and City Law (Charleston City Hall).

City hall in Charleston is located at 80 Broad Street, and was built in 1801, and is one of the oldest continuously used City Halls in the Country.  The Bank of the United States was originally located at this building, but it turned into Charleston’s City Hall in 1818.  There are historical paintings on display at the City Hall, including pictures of George Washington, and Andrew Jackson.  The City Hall is a Must-See for history buffs!

25. Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination and offers a large pier (currently being reconstructed) where you can fish (for a fee.) The beach and city offer surfing, volley ball, many surf shops, restaurants, and shopping destinations.  If you are looking for a spot on he beach with less people than Folly Beach, you’ll can drive to the west side off the island, and enter Folly Beach County Park (there is a fee to enter the County park), or you can drive to the east side of the island and view the Morris Island Light House. There is no fee to enter Folly Beach, but there are some locations where you may need to pay for parking.

Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the Folly Beach Pier. Dogs are allowed on the beach year round, but are not allowed on the beach from 10am-6pm May 1st-Dec. 30th.

26.  Do a “Pub Crawl” in Charleston

Would you like to do a pub crawl in Charleston?  Take a Bar crawl in downtown Charleston and have some fun!  Guided tours near Charleston, SC.  Here are a few links for pub crawls in the area!

27.  Old Charleston Jail

The Old Charleston City Jail  was operational from 1802-1939, and has been seen on Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and the Travel Channel.  It has held many notorious criminals including pirates, Civil War POWs, and Lavinia Fisher.  Take a guided tour of the Old Charleston Jail!

28. Charles Towne Landing

Charles Towne Landing is the site of the first English settlement (1670) near Charleston, and is the site of the earliest colonial history of the Carolina colony.  This site includes a 17th century replica sailing ship, miles of trails, gardens, firable cannons, an exhibit hall, and more.  This is a great place to bring the family!

 

Things to do in Charleston SC

29. Powder Magazine

The Powder Magazine is a museum at 79 Cumberland Street in the French Quarter of Charleston.  The building was completed in 1713, and is South Carolina’s oldest public building.   It was used as a powder magazine during the American Revolutionary War, and was later used for a variety of purposes.  The Powder Magazine was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

30. Cypress Gardens

Cypress gardens is a 170 acre preserve in Moncks Corner, SC.  Cypress gardens gardens is a must-see if you get a chance to make it out to Moncks Corner! There is a lot to see at Cypress Gardens, including alligators, Butterfly House, self-guided Boat Tours, and a “Swamparium”.

This location was used for filming a few scenes in the movies “The Notebook” and “The Patriot”.  This is the location from the Notebook where Allie and Noah took a boat ride, with Swans swimming around them (the swans were brought in by the studio, you want see swans here).  This location was recently re-opened to the public (it was closed due to damage from flooding), and is a great place to visit if you have a chance to get out to Moncks Corner.  

Cypress Gardens

31.  Ghost Tour

Charleston has a vast history, and there are many old graveyards to visit around the city.  Charleston is considered by many to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States due to it’s Pre-Revolutionary history.  You can walk around the city and visit some of the graveyards (i.e. Unitarian Church Graveyard), or pay to take a guided Ghost Tour.  

32. King Street

King Street is a popular location for tourist, college students, shopping, eating, night life, and more.  King Street is in the heart of downtown Charleston, you will see plenty of Charleston’s History if you take a long walk down this historic street!  At more than 200 years old, King Street is one of the most historically significant locations in Charleston. King Street was named after King Charles II of England, and is now one of the most famous shopping streets in the Country.

King Street has many restaurants, cocktail lounges, hotels, art galleries, and places to shop. King Street has 3 different districts along the street; Upper King Street Design District, Middle King Street Fashion District, and Lower King Street Antique District.

Upper King Street

Upper King Street is also known as the “Design and Dining District”. This area of King Street located in between Calhoun Street (Marion Square) and Spring Street, and is also known for it’s lively nightlife, hotels, great restaurants, and apartment buildings. This is a great area to live, if you’re looking to be in the heart of King Street, and the Charleston Downtown Area.

Middle King Street

Middle King Street is also known as the “fashion district”, and is located in between Calhoun Street and Market Street. This area of King street is named due to the fashion boutiques in this area, and is a popular shopping location for well known national brands.

Lower King Street

Lower King Street is also known as the “Antique District”, and is located in between Market Street and Broad Street. In this area of King Street, you will find some of the best antique shopping in the Country, including the George C. Birlant and Company antique shop.

33. James Island County Park

Visit the James Island County park with the family year round.  The park has a Campground, Fishing/Crabbing Dock, Waterpark, 18 hole disc golf course, bike/boat/kayak rentals, a climbing wall, dog park, volleyball court, horse shoe pits, and more.  The Park is located on the Stono River, and this is personally my favorite place to go crabbing.  If you’re in the area during the holiday season, the “Holiday Festival of Lights” at the park is great to attend with the family!

James Island County Park
Holiday Festival of Lights

34.  Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Charles Pinckney is an often forgotten founding father of the United States, and signer of the United States Constitution.  Pinckney served four terms as governor of South Carolina, and was a Presidential Candidate in 1804 (losing to Thomas Jefferson).  You can visit the 28 acres that are left of his originally 715 acre plantation known as “Snee Farm” in Mount Pleasant.

35.  Visit the Historic Cemeteries in Charleston

Visit some of the old cemeteries, and the final resting place of historical figures in Charleston, including John C. Calhoun, Charles Pinckney, William Aiken, and the crew of the Hunley.

36. Sullivan’s Island

If you are in the Charleston area, you should definately visit the town of Sullivan’s Island, and the beach.  There are multiple locations to access the beach in Sullivan’s Island, but my favorite location is near Fort Moultrie, which played a part in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II. The beach on Sullivan’s Island seems to attract less people than Folly Beach and Kiawah, and is a great location to visit for a relaxing day on the beach. There is no fee to enter the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Pets: A Pet Permit is required (as of June 2019, Permits are $25 for residents of Sullivan’s Island, and $50 for all others) to bring your dog to the beach on Sullivan’s Island, which you can purchase at Town Hall. To get the permit, you will also need to provide proof of rabies vaccination (collar tag is not valid proof). Dogs Are Not allowed on the beach May 1st- October 31st from 10am-6pm, but are allowed on a leash from 6pm-5am during these dates. You may also let your dog run off-leash at certain times.

37. Castle Pinckney

You can view Castle Pinckney in Charleston Harbor, but are no tours of Castle Pinckney.  If you get out on a boat in Charleston Harbor, you can get a good view of the old military fort. 

After the Revolutionary War, George Washington visited Charleston and ordered that a fort be built on Shutes Folly island due to it’s strategic location. A log fort called “Fort Pinckney” was completed in honor of Revolutionary War General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and was destroyed by a hurricane shortly after.  Castle Pinckney is a brick masonry fort built in 1810 (shortly after the log fort was destroyed), and was named due to it’s castle like design.  

Fort Sumter was built shortly after, and Castle Pinckney was a “second line of defense”.  In 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union, and a group of South Carolina militia captured Castle Pinckney from the Union, which was being guarded by a handful of Union Soldiers; no shots were fired. 

Castle Pinckney

38.  Take a Food Tour

Want to try some of the famous food Charleston has to offer?  You can take a food tour in Charleston, and try a variety of different foods.  A guided food tour takes about 2-3 hours, and costs around $60+.  Here are a couple food tours that you can try:

39. Schooner Pride

The Schooner Pride is an 84′ tall ship that is modeled after an 18th century vessel, and you can buy tickets to the ship and sail Charleston Harbor.  You can sail Charleston Harbor on the Schooner pride during the day, or you can take a wine tasting, or sunset sail.  Each sail is 2 hours long, and the location to board the ship is next to the South Carolina Aquarium, at 360 Concord Street.  

Things to do in Charleston

40. Isle of Palms County Park

The Isle of Palms county park is another beach area that is accessible to the public.  This is a small park, but is a good place to visit if you are in the area.  The county park offers boardwalks, sand volleyball court, picnic area and grills, playground, beach chair and umbrella rentals, outdoor showers, and more.  

Isle of Palms is a barrier island near Charleston, neighboring Sullivan’s Island.. There is a fee to enter the county park; you may pay a 1 day fee, or buy a Gold Pass that will allow you access for 1 year.

Pets: Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash at all times. Residents of Isle of Palms are required to purchase a $5 Pet Permit.

41.  Nathaniel Russel House

The Nathaniel Russel House is a Museum open for daily tours from 10am-5pm.  The home was completed in 1808, has a collection of fine art, decorative pieces, and is a beautiful home to visit.  Nathaniel Russel was a successful merchant from Rhode island, and his former home is one of Charleston’s best house museums.  

42.  Ravenel Bridge

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, also known as the Cooper River Bridge, is a symbol of Charleston and was completed in 2005.  The Bridge is about 2.5 miles long, and connects downtown Charleston to Mt. Pleasant.  There are areas to park on both sides of the bridge, and you can walk or bike the bridge.  Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is a great location to park if you would like to walk the bridge.  

43. Gibbes Museum of Art

Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art at 135 Meeting St. in downtown Charleston.  Formerly known as “The Gibbes Art Gallery”, this museum was established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, and moved into this location in 1905.

44. White Point Garden

White Point Garden is a 5.7 public park along the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula.  This is the location of “The Battery” in Charleston, a defensive seawall for the city.   The park provides a great view of the Charleston Harbor, including Fort Sumter.  There are several monuments, statues, and replica cannons at this location.  

45. Saint Michael’s Church

Saint Michael’s church is the oldest surviving church in Charleston.  It is located at 71 Broad Street, at the intersection of Meeting Street, and was built in the 1750s.  It is located at the “Four Corners of Law” in downtown Charleston and represents ecclesiastical law.  The Church is an impressive site, and the Steeple is 186′ tall.  

St. Michael's Church downtown Charleston

46. Colonial Lake

Located on the corner of Broad Street and Rutledge Avenue, Colonial Lake is a small but beautiful lake in downtown Charleston.   The park has been a gathering area for more than 150 years, and has many amazing historic homes surrounding the lake.  It only takes about 10 minutes to walk around the small lake, but it is worth doing if you are in the neighborhood. 

47. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

This museum includes hand-on exhibits for children under 10, and has weekly programming with different events.  The museum has 9 hands-on interactive exhibits for your children, and is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something to do in Charleston with the kids!

48.  Take a Historic Walking Tour

  • Location: Multiple Locations
  • Cost: Varies

Take a historic walking tour of Charleston, and learn some of the city’s amazing history!  Charleston is a “living museum”, and many of the buildings on the peninsula has some historical significance.  Here are some links to walking tours in Charleston:

49.  Go Crabbing

  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Cost: Free

Catching blue crabs near Charleston is very easy, and as of the date of this article, does not require a license.  Make sure to check out the current regulations before you go crabbing.  There are regulations on the size of crabs that you can keep, the number of lines that you can use, etc…  Here are some good crabbing locations:

Free things to do in Charleston
Crabbing at James Island County Park

50.  Marion Square

Marion square is a 6.5 acre green-space in downtown Charleston.  Marion Square was named in honor of Francis Marion, aka the “Swamp Fox”, who was a military officer during the Revolutionary War.  The square is located along Calhoun Street, and between King and Meeting streets.  The Square is the Location of the Holocaust memorial.

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