22 must-see activities in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is thriving. While carriage rides still echo through the historic district and ferries continue to transport visitors to Fort Sumter, exciting new attractions and refreshed classics are ensuring the Holy City remains lively and enjoyable.

New rooftop bars, creative breweries, and artisanal distilleries are continually emerging, while historic homes and plantations are exploring Charleston’s rich and complex heritage. Food enthusiasts should pay attention: discussions over the city's top barbecue are as fervent as those surrounding shrimp and grits.

This compilation of Charleston's top activities blends the traditional with the contemporary.

1. Explore the Historic District

Historic Charleston resembles an expansive living museum, easily navigated on foot. Antebellum houses, majestic churches, aged cemeteries, and vibrant gardens—often hidden behind ornate iron gates—line the narrow streets laid out in the 1670s. Key attractions include the Battery and White Point Gardens at the southern tip of the peninsula. Grab a map from the visitor center.

2. Culinary Experiences

Charleston has been on a culinary roll for the past decade, featuring seafood shacks, eclectic staples, and an impressive selection of 'must-try' eateries by innovative chefs. While many menus celebrate Lowcountry cuisine and seafood, inventive takes on classic dishes keep the dining scene dynamic. Beyond shrimp and grits, highlights include oysters, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, and a Lowcountry boil (shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage, and seasoning).

Time-honored favorites include Mike Lata’s FIG, fresh oysters at Bowen's Island Restaurant and Ordinary, plus fast yet French fare at Gaulart & Maliclet. Barbecue is also a highlight, with Home Team BBQ and Lewis Barbecue consistently praised by locals. Exceptional international cuisine is readily available as well.

3. Experience Gullah Culture

After slavery, enslaved individuals brought from West Africa preserved many traditions in the Lowcountry, giving rise to the Gullah culture (known as Geechee in Georgia). This culture features its own language and rich traditions, including captivating storytelling, art, and music. Discover its history at McLeod Plantation on James Island, where tours detail the lives of enslaved people on a cotton plantation and the development of Gullah culture. The Gullah Festival in Beaufort celebrates this heritage every late May, and Gullah Tours offers visits to historical sites in and around Charleston.

4. Taste locally crafted spirits

Sweet tea is a quintessential Southern drink, and lore suggests it originated in South Carolina. The team at Firefly Distillery honors this tradition with its sweet tea-flavored vodka, crafted from tea sourced from the Charleston Tea Garden. High Wire Distilling uses local ingredients and heirloom grains from the Lowcountry and South Carolina for its sought-after spirits. Tastings are available at both distilleries, with tours offered from Thursday to Saturday at High Wire.

5. Discover Historic Homes

The Historic Charleston Foundation works to safeguard the city's historic structures while promoting the preservation of gardens, parks, and neighborhoods. The foundation oversees two notable historic buildings: the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House. Tours of the former, a townhouse that has been maintained but not restored, reveal stories of past owners and the enslaved individuals who lived and worked there. The Nathaniel Russell House features a stunning self-supporting spiral staircase and is a beautifully restored Federal-style home from 1808.

6. Fort Sumter National Monument

The bombardment of Union-held Fort Sumter by Confederate troops in 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War. Located on a small pentagon-shaped island in Charleston Harbor, the fort attracts many visitors, particularly during the summer. Despite the crowds, the fort’s remote setting—a ferry ride is necessary—allows for a deep connection to that historic day, enhanced by an informative ranger talk that highlights the momentous conflict.

7. Stroll Across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Burn off last night’s shrimp and grits with an invigorating walk across the elegant Arthur J. Ravenel Bridge, which connects Mount Pleasant to the Charleston Historic District. The 2.5-mile pedestrian path rises about 200 feet above the Cooper River, offering stunning views of both areas. There’s a parking lot in Mount Pleasant providing access to the pedestrian route, and the sunset views from the bridge are particularly breathtaking.

8. Visit the only tea garden in the U.S.

Commercial tea cultivation in the U.S. began in the 1820s in southeastern South Carolina, where the sandy soil, subtropical climate, and ample rainfall were ideal for tea plants. In the 1960s, wild tea plants from one of these early plantations were harvested and successfully re-planted on Wadmalaw Island, about 30 miles southwest of Charleston. Today, the Charleston Tea Garden offers complimentary tours of its tea factory and trolley tours through its fields of resilient tea plants.

9. Get out on the water

Surrounded by creeks, marshes, rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean, the Lowcountry is perfect for paddling and boat trips. Abundant wildlife and stunning coastal vistas await. For a simple outing, take the Charleston Water Taxi between Charleston and Mount Pleasant, or look for dolphins on the boat ride to Fort Sumter. Adventure Harbor Tours offers sunset cruises and excursions to the uninhabited Morris Island. Several outfitters provide paddling adventures through Shem Creek and the Lowcountry’s creeks and marshes.

10. Explore the gardens at Middleton Place

Established in 1741, the stunning gardens at Middleton Place are the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States, now home to over 100,000 azaleas. As one of three historic plantations along the Ashley River, just northwest of downtown, Middleton Place's initial charm is credited to the enslaved individuals who dedicated years to cultivating and caring for the land. Their stories are shared on-site, and you can savor Lowcountry cuisine at the popular restaurant located here.

11. Hop on the Charleston Beer Trolley

A complimentary trolley runs through the Charleston Beer District in downtown Charleston on Saturdays, stopping at ten breweries from 1 PM to 9 PM. You can hop on and off to explore. Revelry Brewery features a fire pit on its rooftop, while Edmund’s Oast offers 20 house-brewed beers on tap. For the latest trolley schedule, check the Charleston Brewery District Facebook page.

12. Discover Mount Pleasant

For a change of pace from the historic district, catch a water taxi at Waterfront Park and cross the Cooper River to Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. At the Naval and Maritime Museum, you can tour the USS Yorktown, a massive decommissioned aircraft carrier from WWII. A visit to Boone Hall Plantation is also worth it, especially for its striking Avenue of Oaks, planted in 1743, and the original slave cabins. Stroll through charming Old Village before heading to picturesque Shem Creek for waterside dining, where you might spot dolphins and party boats.

13. Enjoy family fun in downtown

For kids who love a good scare, few places are spookier than the dungeon at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon in the Historic District, where American patriots were held captive by the British during the Revolutionary War. The South Carolina Aquarium features a 385,000-gallon ocean tank and a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital that captivate young visitors. At the Charleston Museum, the Kidstory area offers interactive exhibits that delve into the city’s past, while massive skeletons of prehistoric creatures in the natural history gallery add a touch of realism. For skateboarding enthusiasts, SK8 Charleston boasts a sprawling 32,000-square-foot concrete skatepark in North Charleston.

14. Explore the Old Slave Mart Museum

Located in the heart of the Historic District, this small yet impactful museum sits on the site of a former open-air market where African Americans were auctioned in the mid-1800s. Text-focused exhibits present a stark portrayal of the brutalities of the slave trade, while compelling oral histories from former enslaved individuals and a few haunting artifacts leave a lasting impression.

15. Dive into history at the Charleston Museum

History comes at you from all angles in Charleston, a city that played a crucial role in America’s past as a bustling port and trade hub. For a quick historical overview, dedicate an hour or two to the Charleston Museum. Its exhibits focus on the city's early growth and its significance during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, providing valuable context. Artifacts showcase a range of experiences, from those of Native Americans and enslaved African Americans to influential political figures.

16. Enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar

Chic rooftop bars with panoramic views of downtown are abundant and easily accessible—just take the elevator to the top of the trendiest hotels. The iconic Rooftop Bar at the art-themed Vendue offers sparkling city lights and vistas of Charleston Harbor. At the Pavilion Bar atop the Market Pavilion Hotel, you can enjoy an infinity pool, glowing umbrellas, and even more breathtaking city views.

Planning tip: If you're visiting a popular rooftop venue during the warmer months, check if reservations are needed to avoid long waits.

17. Shop Along King Street

King Street serves as the main shopping thoroughfare in the historic district. The Upper King area, known as the design district, features numerous stores specializing in home furnishings and housewares, while Middle King is recognized as the fashion district, showcasing popular clothing retailers and upscale boutiques. The southern end, Lower King, is filled with charming antique shops. Don’t miss Blue Bicycle Books, where you can find both new and used books, many highlighting Southern themes.

18. Snap a photo at Rainbow Row

Charleston is brimming with Instagrammable locations, but one of the most iconic is undoubtedly Rainbow Row, a row of 13 pastel-colored homes from the 18th century. It's nearly impossible to stroll past these picturesque facades without encountering a spontaneous photo session, and it's just a short walk from Waterfront Park.

Local tip: After you’ve captured your perfect photo, take some time to explore the nearby historic and beautiful homes in the French Quarter that may not be as well-known on social media.

19. Join a guided walking tour

Walking tours are a fantastic option in most cities, but they are particularly enjoyable in Charleston, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly layout and rich history. You'll find guided tours that delve into many of the city's key landmarks, including architecture, ghost stories, wartime history, and more. Affordable options are available through Two Sisters Tours, Walks of Charleston, and Tours By Foot.

20. Browse at the Charleston City Market

For an authentic local shopping experience, head to the Charleston City Market. Instead of typical tourist souvenirs, you'll find goods crafted by local artisans and vendors. Established in 1841, the market’s grand hall is also one of Charleston’s essential historical sites.

Planning tip: The Charleston City Market operates from mid-March to December on Friday and Saturday evenings.

21. Stroll through the parks

Beyond its stunning architecture and streets, Charleston boasts an impressive collection of 120 parks. For a delightful free activity, head to Waterfront Park, which offers 10 acres of scenic waterfront views of Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River, highlighted by the iconic pineapple fountain. One of the city’s largest green spaces is Hampton Park, where you can admire lovely flowers and access public restrooms.

Local tip: If you happen to be in Charleston on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the farmers market at Marion Square—it’s definitely worth a visit.

22. Look for dolphins

As if there weren’t enough activities already, Charleston is also a prime location for dolphin watching. If you need a break from walking or are looking for a free adventure, numerous waterways around the city, such as Shem Creek, Waterfront Park, and Folly Beach, are known dolphin hotspots.

Local tip: When visiting Fort Sumter, take a moment to scan the waves for dolphins.

Tips for planning your trip to Charleston

How many days should you spend in Charleston?

Even though it has a quaint, small-town vibe, Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina. A minimum of three days is recommended to truly explore the highlights of the Holy City.

Is Charleston, SC, a pedestrian-friendly city?

Charleston is quite walkable and easy to navigate on foot. Depending on your accommodations, you may need a ride to and from the airport, but reaching the beach, such as Sullivan’s Island, will typically require a car.

What annual events or festivals are popular in Charleston?

Charleston is home to several annual celebrations, including the Spoleto Festival, a renowned performing arts festival, and The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), among others.

Continue planning your visit to Charleston:

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