Did you know that Charleston was once the 4th largest city in Colonial America?
This was due in part to the slave trade of the 17th century and the slavocracy that followed, which spurred plantation agriculture.
By the turn of 20 century, Charleston was no longer a thriving city, and though its history has the ugly footprint of slavery, it is a city full of rich history and culture and shouldn’t be left off your travel bucket list!
Check out the best things to do in Charleston, SC:
1. Bask on Folly Beach
Folly Beach was dubbed “The Edge of USA” by the locals, and they’re right. It’s the the easternmost shoreline in all of North America.
Folly Beach, South Carolina | Photo by Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia Commons
Many of the visitors who flock here between the start of the spring and the end of the summer come to bask on the beach and gaze at the famous Morris Island Lighthouse. And if you’re a fan of graffiti, you can drive from the beach to the eastern flank of the Ashley Venue and appreciate the urban art.
Folly Beach
South Carolina, 29439
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Chico Feo (4.7/5 stars, Caribbean, $$$)
• Surf Bar (4.7/5 stars, Grill, $$)
• Jack of Cups Saloon (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Folly Beach in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Folly Beach based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• John Rutledge House Inn (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Buy fresh produce at the Charleston Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from April through December are always busy at the Charleston Farmers’ Market.
The Charleston Saturday farmers market on a busy and warm spring day | Photo by Jeramey Lende via Shutterstock
The market is located near Marion Square, which is easily accessible from the city center. As you can tell from the name, it’s a meeting place for local farmers to sell their fresh produce grown in or near Charleston. Stop by for reasonably priced pimento cheese spread, fresh strawberries, smoked local honey, and anything that can be grown in South Carolina.
Charleston Farmers’ Market
329 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 843-724-7305
Get directions
3. Listen to musical beauty at the Charleston Music Hall
People who visit Charleston Music Hall appreciate a diversity of entertainment options.
Charleston Music Hall | Photo by bruthanick via Flickr
Charleston Music Hall 360 Virtual Tour via YouTube
Attend themed movie nights, watch indie plays, listen to the storytelling wonder that is Pecha Kuchas, meet a hosted artist (Joan Baez, Ricky Scaggs, and David Byrne were here), or even catch the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. The theory is that Charleston is the second birthplace of Jazz after New Orleans, and Charleston Music Hall is the place to hear it.
Charleston Music Hall
37 John Street Charleston SC 29403
Admission: $18 per person
Ph: +1 843-853-2252
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Halls Chophouse (4.8/5 stars, Steak, $$$)
• MESU (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Stella’s (4.7/5 stars, Greek, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Charleston Music Hall in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Charleston Music Hall based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• The Restoration (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Brew some liquor at High Wire Distilling
People flock to High Wire Distilling for several reasons:
High Wire Distilling | Photo by The Food Film Festival via Flickr
High Wire Distillery via YouTube
(1) High Wire Distilling was the first distillery built in Charleston since Prohibition ended; (2) everything done here is small-batched and hand made, producing many varieties of high-quality liquors; (3) it sources unique, southern-grown fresh herbs, grains, and an array of custom crops to create signature spirits. You’ll need to make reservations if you want a full tour on the distillery’s floor, and it is totally worth it!
High Wire Distilling
311 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
Admission: Ticket cost $10 per person
Ph: +1 843-755-4664
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Moe’s Crosstown Tavern (4.7/5 stars, Grill, $$$)
• Lewis Barbecue (4.8/5 stars, Barbecue, $$)
• Leon’s (4.5/5 stars, Oyster Bar, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near High Wire Distilling in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near High Wire Distilling based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel (Historic District) (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Revisit history at the Charleston Museum
If you’re eager to learn a thing or two about the history of Charleston, consider stopping at the Charleston Museum.
Whale at the Charleston Museum | Photo by edward stojakovic via Flickr
Touring this remarkable museum takes you through the upcountry timeline, from the grim legacy of slavery to early colonialism. At the Charleston Museum, you’ll learn about South Carolina’s natural history, including the buffaloes that used to roam the area as well as dinosaurs and giant sloths. There aren’t many intimate museums in South Carolina quite like the Charleston Museum.
The Charleston Museum
360 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
Admission: $12.00 per person
Ph: +1 843-722-2996 ext. 264
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Stella’s (4.7/5 stars, Greek, $$$)
• The Darling Oyster Bar (4.5/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• The Macintosh (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near The Charleston Museum in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near The Charleston Museum based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Wentworth Mansion (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Take Self-Guided Walking Tours
Would you like to explore Charleston on your own without those boring historical lectures? Simply join a local walking tour or get into a pedicab or hop in a horse carriage.
People walk in a beautiful sunny summer day | Photo by MILA PARH via Shutterstock
However, walking through the city might be better. All you need is Google Maps or a bit of knowledge about the city’s landmarks. At many locations, you’ll find pamphlets with all the information you might want, rendering a guide neutral.
7. Wander through old cemeteries
Charleston is home to some of the oldest cemeteries in America, some of which were around before America was even a country.
Historic cemetery in Charleston South Carolina | Photo by StacieStauffSmith Photos via Shutterstock
For instance, St. Philips Episcopal Church’s western cemetery is the resting place of John C. Calhoun, South Carolina’s prominent political theorist and defender of slavery, who ended up being the seventh Vice President of America. Another creepy yet relaxing tree-lined graveyard worth visiting is The Unitarian Church Cemetery. Free to visit.
St. Philips Episcopal Church’s western cemetery
142 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 843-722-7734
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Peninsula Grill (4.7/5 stars, Southern, $$$)
• Hank’s Seafood Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• High Cotton Charleston Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near St. Philips Episcopal Church’s western cemetery in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near St. Philips Episcopal Church’s western cemetery based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Kings Courtyard Inn (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Take a cruise on Charleston Harbor
The coastline of Charleston has a plethora of attractions, including sightseeing spots, dinner cruises, boat tours, and a wide range of waterside attractions.
Sunset over the city and harbor of Charleston |Photo by Cvandyke via Shutterstock
You can gaze at an interesting perspective of Charleston from the beach or water with the daily Charleston Harbor boat tours. These tours are usually accompanied by live commentaries from the captains. Want to relax and have a nice meal while cruising? There are several boats that offer delicious meals while aboard.
9. Enjoy a city carriage ride
If you can’t take your solo tour, you can still learn more about Charleston by joining other visitors on a carriage ride throughout the city.
Visitors through the historic city via horse drawn carriage | Photo by James Kirkikis via Shutterstock
These carriage rides are often popular in the summertime, so your access to them may depend on the time of the year you arrive in Charleston. And evenings are always better, especially if you’re with your significant other.
10. Crack a rib at comedy night
Looking for a place where you can laugh while staying in Charleston? There are two popular comedy locations: Theatre 99, located at the intersection of 280 Meeting Street and Society Street; and Black Fedora Comedy Mystery, located at 164 Church Street.
Sign for The Black Fedora | Photo by Electric Egg via Shutterstock
Theatre 99 is the cheapest option of the two venues; it costs just $12 on Fridays, $12 -$14 on Saturdays, and $5 on Wednesdays. However, both host comedians who are uproariously hilarious.
11. Catch a show at Dock Street Theater
Did you know Dock Street Theater was the first theater in modern America? The theater is located in a 1930s restored colonial-style building.
The Dock Street Theater | Photo by ClaudiaMMImages vias Shutterstock
The Dock Street Theater
The precursor of this theater opened in 1736 but was razed to the ground in 1740. The successor theater failed during the Great Depression of 1929, but today, the Dock Street Theater is a thriving enterprise of entertainment. Charleston Stage Company designates it as its home theater, so you can be sure to catch a lot of interesting shows here. Come and maybe you will find some ghosts.
Dock Street Theatre
135 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Admission: between $36.00 – $75.00
Ph: +1 843-577-7183
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Slightly North of Broad Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Fine Dining, $$$)
• 5Church Charleston (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Brown Dog Deli (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Dock Street Theatre in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Dock Street Theatre based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Shop at King Street Shopping Corridor
People who walk along King Street love the stunning architecture, plus the fact that it has one of the largest concentrations of boutiques in all of Charleston.
King Street | Photo by meunierd via Shutterstock
This street has historical significance as well, given that it’s over 300 years old. If you are not interested in shopping, you’ll find one of the many art galleries distributed along the entire length of the street to wander through. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from when you want to sit back and relax.
King Street
Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Free | Get to know Charleston through its food: Upper King Street Culinary Tour
King Street
Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Ordinary (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• Stella’s (4.7/5 stars, Greek, $$)
• Trattoria Lucca (4.7/5 stars, Italian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near King Street in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near King Street based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• The Jasmine House Inn (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Shop late into the night at the historic Charleston City Night Market
You’ve been touring Charleston all day, and now you’d probably like to do a little shopping late at night. The best place to go shopping is the Historic Charleston City Night Market, located where Market Street meets Church Street.
The historic Charleston City Market. One of the nation’s oldest public markets | Photo by f11photo via Shutterstock
The Charleston City Night Market
It operates on Fridays and Saturdays between April and December. Aside from the regular merchants, numerous musicians stage live performances throughout the year. And the local craftspeople hock their wares every weekend.
Historic Charleston City Market
188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 843-937-0920
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Anson Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, American, $$$)
• Magnolias (4.6/5 stars, Southern, $$)
• Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar (4.6/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Historic Charleston City Market in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Historic Charleston City Market based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Fulton Lane Inn (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Cheer for the Charleston Riverdogs baseball team
If you’re a baseball fan, you might want to take your friends or family to a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game and enjoy the lively atmosphere as you munch on some ballpark hotdogs.
‘The Joe’ (Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park) — Home of the Charleston (SC) RiverDogs | Photo by Ron Cogswell via Flickr
Charleston Riverdogs
The regular baseball season for the minor league team runs from the end of March to the start of October. The tickets are reasonably priced, and the whole family will have a good time.
Charleston RiverDogs
360 Fishburne St, Charleston, SC 29403
Admission: $19.00 per person
Ph: +1 843-723-7241
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Sunset Sushi (5/5 stars, Sushi, $$$)
• Trattoria Lucca (4.7/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• Xiao Bao Biscuit (4.5/5 stars, Asian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Charleston RiverDogs in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Charleston RiverDogs based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• 86 Cannon Historic Inn (9.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
15. Attend Charleston Battery soccer game
If you’re a fan of soccer, you’re sure to be impressed by the professional soccer team in Charleston, the Charleston Battery.
Charleston Battery via YouTube
Champions USL 2012 | Photo by Menottista via Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1993, it’s one of a small crop of soccer clubs here, and one of the pioneers as well. They have a huge fan base throughout the region. The regular season runs from the end of March to the start of October, so there is plenty of time for you to join them for some weekend fun.
Charleston Battery
1990 Daniel Island Dr, Daniel Island, SC 29492, United States
Admission: $30.00 per person
Ph: +1 843-971-4625
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Poke Stop (5/5 stars, Sushi, $$$)
• Freshly Fueled (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• FIG (4.7/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Charleston Battery in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Charleston Battery based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston NE Mt Pleasant Us17 (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
16. Photograph marine life at the South Carolina Aquarium
This aquarium, the largest in the state, is situated on 100 Aquarium Wharf, right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
One swimming sea turtle underwater in aquarium tank | Photo by VIS Fine Art via Shutterstock
It is a massive facility with interactive exhibits and hundreds of sea creatures, including a wide array of native species. Get hands-on at their touch tank, observe the rays and the Shallows, or give sick turtles some words of hope by visiting the Zucker Sea Turtle Hospital and Recovery Center.
South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Admission: ticket price between $21.00 to $27.50
Ph: +1 843-577-3474
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Peninsula Grill (4.7/5 stars, Southern, $$$)
• Stella’s (4.7/5 stars, Greek, $$)
• The Ordinary (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near South Carolina Aquarium based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel (Historic District) (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
17. Play at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island is about 20 miles away from Charleston. Take a leisurely drive via a tunnel of thick oaks to this wondrous island, which, although very close to the shore, feels isolated in a far-off world – that’s why Kiawah Island is so interesting to visit. On your agenda: resort fine dining, self-pampering, kayaking, tennis, and world-class golf.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Admission: $241 for package
Ph: +1 843-768-2121
Get directions
18. Relax on Sullivan’s Island Beach
Sullivan’s Beach has perhaps the best beach you will find in all of Charleston.
Sunrise Panorama of Sullivan’s Island | Photo by George A. Kenna via Shutterstock
This beach is situated where the Charleston Harbor feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. The gingerbread cottages that dot the edge of the beach are clear indicators that this beach has been the darling of many people for generations. But what makes it truly special are the peaceful waves that kiss its edges.
Sullivan’s Island Beach
Charleston, SC 29492, United States
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Pier 22 (4.9/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• Sullivans Island Fish Fry Shack (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Obstinate Daughter (4.6/5 stars, Eclectic, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Sullivan’s Island Beach in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Sullivan’s Island Beach based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hilton Garden Inn Charleston / Mt. Pleasant (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
19. Collect a souvenir at the Preservation Society of Charleston
How will you remember your time in Charleston? You’ll need a souvenir.
Preservation Society of Charleston | Photo by ProfReader via Wikimedia Commons
Of course! But taking a turtle shell with you from Sullivan’s Island would be illegal, so that’s why you need to stop at the Preservation Society of Charleston to buy locally produced souvenirs, plus other exciting items such as books by local authors. The main purpose of this establishment, however, is to preserve North Carolina’s historic resources.
Preservation Society of Charleston
147 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
Admission: Tickets are $75 each
Ph: +1 843-722-4630
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• 167 Raw (4.8/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• Millers All Day (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Circa 1886 Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Preservation Society of Charleston in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Preservation Society of Charleston based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• John Rutledge House Inn ® (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
20. Visit Mrs. Whaley’s Garden
Private gardens are seldom accessible to the public, but if they are, it’s normally only for a few days throughout the year.
Mrs. Whaley’s Garden | Photo by Tyrone via Flickr
Mrs. Whaley’s Garden, located along 58 Church Road, is different because it’s open to everyone for the whole year. It is particularly famous for being the subject of Mr. Whaley’s 1997 memoir, Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Gardens, which ended up on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Mrs. Whaley’s Garden
58 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 919-920-2752
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Millers All Day (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Brown Dog Deli (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Establishment (4.8/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Mrs. Whaley’s Garden in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Mrs. Whaley’s Garden based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Mount Pleasant (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
21. Cruise on Schooner Pride
Schooner Pride is a reproduced 18th-century schooner made to resemble the three-masted ships that used to frequent Charleston harbor.
Sunset sailing in Charleston aboard the Schooner Pride | Photo by U.S. Embassy London via Flickr
The crew won’t sing and dance; neither will they deliver a scripted narrative, but they will surely answer your questions and even converse with you about pretty much anything you find on the ship. You can choose to relax and listen or go inside and look at the dolphins below.
Schooner Pride
360 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401
Admission: $58.00 to $32.00 Sail Tickets
Ph: +1 843-722-1112
Get directions
22. Walk around McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Just a 10-minute drive away from the Charleston Peninsula sits James Island, where McLeod Plantation Historic Site is located.
Enslaved Cabins at McLeod Plantation Historic Site | Photo by CCPRC via Wikimedia Commons
You can stop here and learn a thing or two about Charleston’s complicated history, including its role in slavery – how the slaves lived and worked, the course of the Civil War, and their eventual freedom. You will also have a glimpse of the architecture of the changing south and Gullah culture.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
325 Country Club Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
Admission: $6 – $15 per person
Ph: +1 843-762-9514
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Harvest Catering (5/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• Food Fight (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Edison James Island (4.7/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near McLeod Plantation Historic Site in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near McLeod Plantation Historic Site based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Town & Country Inn and Suites (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
23. Touch the Angel Oak Tree
How about visiting the “oldest” tree in South Carolina? The 400-year-old Angel Oak tree is located in Angel Oak Park in the middle of Johns Island near Charleston.
Large southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) near Charleston | Photo by Nagel Photography via Shutterstock
This tree has been photographed more than anything else on Johns Island. At a height of 65 feet and with a 25-foot circumference, it is also the largest oak alive east of Mississippi. Most of the visitors who flock here simply want to pose and take a photo near this extraordinary tree.
Angel Oak Tree
3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston, SC 29402
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 843-559-3496
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Jasmine Porch At the Sanctuary (4.7/5 stars, American, $$$)
• The Ocean Room (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• McCann’s Irish Pub Seabrook (4.6/5 stars, Irish pub, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Angel Oak Tree in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Angel Oak Tree based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Home2 Suites Charleston West Ashley (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
24. Feel refreshed at Middleton Place
If there was a place to visit and smell the lavender and roses, this property would be it.
Built in 1755, this historic house once served as the home of Sir Arthur Middleton, who was one of America’s Founding Fathers that signed the Declaration of Independence. The entire property was transitioned from a country residence to a rice plantation after his death. Today, the property holds an impressive collection of pricey portraits and historic furniture.
Middleton Place
4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
Admission: $49 per person
Ph: +1 843-556-6020
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Icehouse Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Matt’s Burgers (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Myles and Jun Yakitori (4.8/5 stars, Yakitori, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Middleton Place in Charleston.
The best hotel to stay near Middleton Place based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Tudor Oaks Inn (9.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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