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Are you in the downtown Charleston area, and looking for things to do? Charleston is an amazing city, with fun things to do with kids, historic things to do, romantic things to do, and free things to do! If this is not enough things for you to do, read my “100 things to do in Charleston, SC“!

Here is a list of the best things to do in Downtown Charleston, SC!

1. 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.

2.  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.

3.  St. Philips Church

St. Philips is a historic church built in 1836, located at 142 Church Street.  It is a stuccoed brick church, that features a very tall tower and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.  St. Philips Church also has a cemetery with multiple notable burials, including: John C. Calhoun, Charles Pinckney, Edward Rutledge, Judith DuBose, Christopher Gadsden, and Judith Smith Ladson.

4.  Watch for Dolphins

  • Multiple Locations
  • Cost: Free

Charleston is a great location for dolphin watching.  There are many public locations that you can watch for dolphins on the Charleston Peninsula, on the Beaches, and in surrounding areas around Charleston.  Here are a few public locations to watch for dolphins:

  • Charleston Harbor
  • Waterfront Park Pier
  • Kiawah Beachwalker Park
  • Sullivan’s Island
  • Folly Beach
  • Mount Pleasant Pier

5. Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter Charleston sc
Fort Sumter Museum- Liberty Square

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor, and you can depart to fort Sumter from Downtown Charleston! 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. 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

7.  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

8.  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

9.  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!

Historic Homes for sale, Charleston, SC
Rainbow Row

10.  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!

11.  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. 

12.  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.  

13.  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

14. 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!  

15. 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!

16.  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!

17.  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!

18. 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.

19.  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.  

20. 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.

21.  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.

22. 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

23.  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:

24. 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.  

25.  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.  

26. 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.

27. 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.  

28. 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

29. 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. 

30. 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!

31.  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:

32.  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.

33. Cannon Park

Cannon Park is is a 2.7 acre park in downtown Charleston, located at 131 Rutledge Ave.  The park is located near the Medical University of South Carolna, and is a popular spot for dog owners.  The columns at the park are all that remain of the old Charleston Museum following a fire in 1981.  

34. Charleston Music Hall

The Charleston Music Hall is a 19th century Gothic Revival Building located at 37 John Street in Charleston.  The music hall hosts theater, comedy shows, dance, concerts, and more.  Visit the website to find an event to attend!

35.  Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Another Historic Home in downtown Charleston, the Aiken-Rhett House is located at 48 Elizabeth St.. The House Museum was built in 1820, and became the property of William Aiken Sr. in 1827.  The home was renovated in 1833 by the young William Aiken, and turned it was turned into an amazing residence!  Visit this great place in downtown Charleston!

36.  Take a walking Pirate Tour

Take a Pirate tour and discover stories of Blackbeard and his blockade of the Charleston Harbor, and much more!  Here are a few links to some pirate tours near Charleston, SC:

37.  Visit Movie Scene Locations near Charleston

Some very popular movies have been filmed near Charleston, including “The Notebook” and “The Patriot“.

The Notebook had many scenes filmed near Charleston, including scenes at:  Boone Hall Plantation (The Hamilton Family Summer House), Cypress Gardens (The Boat Scene with the Swans), College of Charleston, High Cotton in downtown Charleston, The American Theater (446 King Street), Matins Point Plantation on Wadmalaw Island (The home that Noah renovated; private residence, please do not attempt to view),  and the Calhoun Mansion (16 Meeting St., scenes shot for the interior of the Hamilton Summer home).  

Many scenes of “The Patriot”  were also shot in Charleston.  When Mel Gibson’s character drops his kids off at their Aunt’s house, this home was shot at 69 Meeting Street, aka the Poyas-Mordecai House.  There were also scenes filmed at the Mansfield Plantation, Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, Middleton Place, and Cypress Gardens.  

38.  Lavinia Fisher’s Boarding House/ Escape Room

Do an escape room at Traveler Escape Games at 579-B King Street, in Downtown Charleston.  Lavinia Fisher may have been the first female serial killer in the United States, and was a prisoner in the old Charleston Jail until her execution.   I have not personally done one of these escape rooms yet, but a friend of mine said he had a great time while he was there!

39.  Dock Street Theater

The Dock Street Theater is located in the historic French Quarter of downtown Charleston.  This is the location of the 1st theater in America built in 1736.  A hotel would be built in this location in 1809.  The “New Dock Street Theater” was built in the 1930’s, and was made to look like the original theater built in the 18th century.  

40. The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Visit the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art (HICA) at the College of Charleston located at 161 Calhoun Street.  Attend an Art Exhibition at this art institute!  The institute is a non-collecting temporary art institute for the Charleston of College.    

41. Washington Square

Washington Square is a Park in downtown Charleston, located at 80 Broad Street.  The Park has several monuments, including a statue of George Washington and a monument for General Pierre Beauregard.  This small park is worth visiting if you’re in the area!

42.  Joseph Manigault House

The Joseph Manigault House  was built in 1803 is a House museum located at 350 Meeting Street, and is operated by the Charleston Museum.  The Manigaults prospered as rice planters in this area, and their former home is amazing!  The Charleston Museum purchased the home in 1933.

43. Heyward-Washington House

The Heyward-Washington House was built in 1772, and was the town home of Thomas Heyward Jr. (signer of the Declaration of Independents).  The Georgian-style double house is located at 87 Church St. in downtown Charleston.  George Washington used this house during his 1 week stay in Charleston in 1791, and they house has been traditionally called the Heward-Washington House.  This is a great piece of history to visit!

44. Williams Mansion, Formerly known as the “Calhoun Mansion”

Built in 1876 for it’s owner, George Walton Williams, the former Calhoun Mansion is located on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston.  This 24,000 square foot structure has 35 rooms, a 75 foot domed ceiling, amazing antique pieces throughout the home.  Also, few scenes from the movie “The Notebook” were shot in this home.  The home is a private residence, but is open to the public for daily viewing tours.  

45. City Gallery (Art) at Waterfront Park

Visit the City Gallery at Waterfront Park.  The gallery is owned by the CIty of Charleston, and exhibits a variety of art.  It is free to enter this Art Gallery, so stop by and take a look!

46.  Hampton Park

Hampton park is the largest park on the Charleston Peninsula (60 acres), located at 30 Muray Murray Dr. in Charleston.  This is a gorgeous park with a variety of flowers, plants, and trees, trails, and it is a popular place to go for students from the Citadel, which borders the park.  

47. Edmondston-Alston House

The Edmondston-Alston House is located on the Charleston Battery, and is now a museum.  It was built in 1825, and this was the home that General P.G.T. Beauregard watched from while the attack on Fort Sumter began.  General Robert E. Lee also took refuge at this house in 1861.  Take a Guided Tour of this home, and view a piece of history!

48. South Carolina National Bank of Charleston

The South Carolina National Bank of Charleston is located at 16 Broad Street in Downtown Charleston, and opened in 1817 as the Office of Discount and Deposit of the Second Bank of the United States.  

49. French Huguenot Church

The French Huguenot Church is a Gothic Revival Church, and is located in downtown Charleston at 136 Church Street.  Many French Huguenots fled religious persecution in the later half of the 17th Century, and some of them settled in Charleston. The Church was built in 1884, and is the oldest Gothic Revival Church in South Carolina.  

50. South Carolina Historical Society Museum

The South Carolina Historical Society Museum is located on 100 Meeting Street in Downtown Charleston.  The Museum is located in a building that is a Historic Landmark, and features interactive exhibits about the history of South Carolina and the Nation.  

Conclusion

Thank you for reading my post about things to do in Downtown Charleston! Please contact me with any questions!