Charleston, South Carolina, is a city where past and present blend beautifully, offering an endless array of things to do and places to explore. From strolling down charming streets lined with historic buildings to experiencing waterfront views and Southern cuisine, here are 15 must-do activities to make the most of your Charleston adventure.
Take a Walk Along the Battery
Address: East Battery Street and Murray Boulevard
| Type | Free, Neighborhood/Area, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | 2 hours to Half Day |
History and Significance: Historic waterfront park with iconic mansions, serving as a defense during the Civil War.
What to Expect: Scenic views, historical monuments, and beautiful oak trees along the waterfront.
Visitor Information: Open daily; free admission. Located along Charleston’s peninsula.
Strolling along the Battery, Charleston’s iconic waterfront, is like stepping back in time. This beautiful seawall walk offers scenic views of the Charleston Harbor and a close-up look at Rainbow Row—historic, pastel-colored homes that are simply Instagram-perfect. As you wander through White Point Garden nearby, you’ll see Civil War cannons and monuments commemorating Charleston’s role in American history. It’s a picture-perfect spot for relaxation and sightseeing.
Explore Charleston’s Walking Tours
Address: 108 Meeting St.
| Type | Tours, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
History and Significance: Charleston’s walking tours allow visitors to engage deeply with the city’s rich history, showcasing its significant landmarks and intriguing stories that shaped its identity.
What to Expect: Expect to walk through historic neighborhoods, learn about architecture, and hear fascinating tales of Charleston’s past, including its ghost stories, pirates, and local art.
Visitor Information: Tours are available year-round, with options for various themes. Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot and ensure an enriching experience.
Charleston is a city with a story, and walking tours bring that story to life. Many tours cover the historic downtown, while others focus on specific themes, like ghost tours, pirate tales, or local art. Try a guided tour by local experts like Charleston Footprints or Walks of Charleston. These tours are ideal for anyone who wants to dive into the city’s rich culture and mysterious past. It’s both entertaining and educational, making it a favorite with travelers.
Visit Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain
Address: Vendue Range, Concord Street
| Type | Free, Parks and Gardens, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
History and Significance: A popular Charleston park with fountains and harbor views, designed in the 1980s.
What to Expect: Scenic waterfront views, fountains, and cozy benches.
Visitor Information: Open daily; free admission. Located along Concord Street.
Waterfront Park is a beloved spot in Charleston, especially known for the iconic Pineapple Fountain—a popular spot for photos and a cool-off area in Charleston’s warm weather. Spanning over 8 acres, this peaceful park is perfect for a leisurely afternoon. After exploring, consider stopping by a local eatery nearby to enjoy Southern dishes with a view.
Marvel at the Rainbow Row
Address: 83-107 E Bay St.
| Type | Free, Historic Homes/Mansions, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | Less than 1 hour |
History and Significance: This colorful row of 18th-century houses is one of Charleston’s most iconic and photographed landmarks.
What to Expect: A stunning photo opportunity and a walk through Charleston’s architectural charm.
Visitor Information: Free to explore; located along East Bay Street.
Rainbow Row is a collection of brightly colored historic homes along East Bay Street that has become a Charleston icon. These houses, painted in soft pastels, stand as a colorful testament to Charleston’s revitalization efforts. For the best views, visit around sunset when the light adds an extra layer of beauty. If you’re exploring solo, a walking tour can add rich context to your visit.
Take a Boat Tour of Charleston Harbor
Address: 10 Wharfside St.
| Type | Tours, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | 2 hours to Half Day |
History and Significance: A major colonial trade port, and site of the Civil War’s first shots.
What to Expect: Historic views, boat tours, and waterfront dining options.
Visitor Information: Boat tours available; dock access around downtown Charleston.
For a different perspective of the city, hop on a Charleston Harbor boat tour. Glide through the calm waters, where you might spot dolphins and admire sights like Fort Sumter, The Battery, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. From narrated historical tours to sunset cruises, there’s a boat experience for everyone. It’s a refreshing way to appreciate Charleston’s maritime beauty.
Shop and Stroll Through Charleston City Market
Address: 188 Meeting St.
| Type | Free, Neighborhood/Area, Shopping |
| Time to Spend | Less than 1 hour |
History and Significance: Established in the 1800s, the City Market represents Charleston’s rich cultural heritage and Southern craftsmanship.
What to Expect: Discover local artisans, handmade goods, and the vibrant Gullah culture.
Visitor Information: Open daily, located in the heart of downtown Charleston; free entry.
The Charleston City Market is one of the city’s oldest public markets, bustling with energy and unique finds. Vendors showcase everything from handmade crafts to regional foods. Be sure to stop by the “basket ladies” who weave traditional sweetgrass baskets—a craft passed down through generations. It’s a lively glimpse into Charleston’s culture and a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
Visit the Angel Oak on Johns Island
Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd.
| Type | Natural Wonders, Free, Parks and Gardens, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | Less than 1 hour |
History and Significance: An estimated 400-500-year-old Southern live oak, a natural treasure.
What to Expect: Towering branches create a unique, picturesque canopy.
Visitor Information: Open daily; free admission. Located in Angel Oak Park.
Just outside Charleston lies one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi: the Angel Oak. This enormous live oak, estimated to be between 300-400 years old, has branches that stretch across nearly 20,000 square feet. It’s a breathtaking natural wonder that makes for fantastic photos and a peaceful nature stop.
Relax on Sullivan’s Island
Address: Town in South Carolina
| Type | Beaches, Free, Neighborhood/Area, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | Half Day to Full Day |
History and Significance: Known for its military forts and tranquil beaches, significant in the Revolutionary War.
What to Expect: Relaxing beaches, Fort Moultrie tours, and scenic landscapes.
Visitor Information: Accessible year-round; free beach access, with parking options.
Sullivan’s Island may be small, but it’s packed with charm. Known for its laid-back vibe, great food spots, and scenic beaches, it’s a wonderful place to unwind. Many visitors enjoy Sullivan’s for its family-friendly beach, local seafood, and quaint shops. For a relaxing day with sun, sand, and good eats, Sullivan’s Island is a top pick.
Enjoy a Sunset Cruise at Charleston Harbor
Address: 20 Patriots Point Rd
| Type | Resort, Free |
| Time to Spend | Half Day to Full Day |
History and Significance: A major colonial trade port, and site of the Civil War’s first shots.
What to Expect: Historic views, boat tours, and waterfront dining options.
Visitor Information: Boat tours available; dock access around downtown Charleston.
Few things are more beautiful than a Charleston sunset, and a harbor cruise is a fantastic way to take it all in. Many cruise operators offer trips with live music, dinner, and even local cocktails. Watching the sky change colors over the city’s historic skyline from the water makes for an unforgettable evening.
Get Spooked on a Charleston Ghost Tour
Address: Charleston, SC, USA
| Type | Tours, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | 2 hours to Half Day |
History and Significance: Charleston’s ghost tours draw on centuries-old tales and legends, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s haunted history and mysterious past.
What to Expect: Discover eerie stories of haunted houses and apparitions as storytellers guide you through Charleston’s spookiest sites after dark.
Visitor Information: Tours are typically available year-round, with several tour companies offering evening excursions. Check availability and book in advance, as these tours fill up fast.
Charleston has its fair share of spooky tales, and a ghost tour is a thrilling way to experience them. Guided by storytellers who share eerie tales of haunted houses and ghostly apparitions, it’s a fun and spooky way to see Charleston after dark. It’s especially popular with visitors looking for a unique evening adventure.
Picnic in Hampton Park
Address: 30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston
| Type | Natural Wonders, Free, Parks and Gardens, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | 2 hours to Half Day |
History and Significance: Once a plantation and Civil War camp, Hampton Park now serves as one of Charleston’s most scenic and historically rich green spaces.
What to Expect: Enjoy peaceful gardens, scenic picnic areas, and winding paths amid seasonal blooms, perfect for a relaxing nature escape.
Visitor Information: Hampton Park offers ample space for picnics, walking paths, and benches, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day outdoors.
Hampton Park, with its lush gardens, picnic spots, and meandering paths, is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. This large park, filled with seasonal blooms, provides a quiet retreat from the city’s hustle. Pack a lunch, bring a book, or enjoy a leisurely walk to unwind in Charleston’s green spaces.
Discover Charleston’s Beaches: Isle of Palms
Address: First Street and 14th Avenue
| Type | Beaches, Free, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | Half Day to Full Day |
History and Significance: Isle of Palms has long been a popular retreat, offering visitors a scenic escape with its pristine beaches and tranquil waters.
What to Expect: Relax on clean sands, enjoy gentle waves, and experience a family-friendly vibe perfect for beachgoers of all ages.
Visitor Information: Isle of Palms offers ample parking and nearby vacation rentals, making it easy to plan a seaside getaway.
For those seeking a beach day, Isle of Palms is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This beach is known for its clean sands, calm waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. With nearby vacation rentals and plenty of parking, it’s ideal for a beachside escape after days of exploring Charleston’s history.
Explore Historic Homes and Gardens
Address: 3550 Ashley River Rd.
| Type | Parks and Gardens, Historic Homes/Mansions, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | Half Day to Full Day |
History and Significance: Charleston’s historic homes showcase architectural beauty from the Colonial, Georgian, and Victorian eras, reflecting the city’s rich heritage.
What to Expect: Visitors can wander through well-preserved mansions, manicured gardens, and scenic courtyards, immersing themselves in Charleston’s historic charm.
Visitor Information: Many historic homes offer guided tours; hours may vary seasonally, so check schedules and consider purchasing tickets in advance.
Charleston is renowned for its well-preserved historic homes and charming gardens. Many of these properties offer tours, giving visitors a peek into the city’s architectural past. From the lush, green courtyards to the grand facades, Charleston’s historic homes capture the elegance of a bygone era.
Tour Fort Sumter National Monument
Address: 1214 Middle St.
| Type | Free, Monuments and Memorials, Sightseeing |
| Time to Spend | 2 hours to Half Day |
History and Significance: Known for the start of the Civil War, this fort is a key historical landmark.
What to Expect: Fascinating exhibits and an immersive history tour.
Visitor Information: Accessible by ferry; admission fee applies.
Located in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is a key Civil War site where the first shots of the war were fired. Accessible by ferry, this historic fort offers guided tours and fascinating insights into American history. For history buffs, it’s an essential part of the Charleston experience.
Taste Charleston’s Unique Cuisine
Address: Charleston, SC, USA
| Type | Charleston’s food |
| Time to Spend | 1 hours to 3 hours |
History and Significance: Charleston’s cuisine blends African, French, and Southern flavors, rooted in Lowcountry traditions that date back centuries.
What to Expect: Enjoy dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fresh-caught seafood, along with sweet tea, which is a staple.
Visitor Information: Restaurants are scattered throughout the city, with many offering seasonal menus. Be sure to reserve a table at popular spots.
Charleston’s culinary scene is a big part of its charm. From Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits to sweet tea and fresh seafood, Charleston’s food is as much a part of the culture as its history. Be sure to visit some of the city’s beloved restaurants and try a classic Southern meal to round out your visit.