Looking for some of the best things to do in Charleston, SC?
You’re in luck, as I’ve put together the perfect list of Charleston activities. Thank me later.
But, back to why you’re here: Charleston, or “Holy City”.
This postcard-worthy South Carolina city is like something out of a storybook. Cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, and horse-drawn carriages define this place.
Besides its undeniable charm, it’s also a wonderful city for exploring and creating new memories.
Let’s jump into the trip essentials and things to do, shall we?
PS: Charleston has also made it to my list of 45 best places to visit in winter!
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Charleston Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours in Charleston
- Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
- Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry
- Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
- Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Charleston: Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch
- Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
- Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Where To Stay In Charleston
Budget-friendly
- Cambria Hotel Charleston Riverview
- Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate, Sc
- The Starlight Motor Inn
Mid-range
- The Vendue, Downtown Art Hotel
- Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview, an IHG Hotel
- The Palms Oceanfront Hotel
Luxury
How To Get Around Charleston
Discovering things to do around Charleston, SC, means you’ll sometimes need some wheels to get from one place to the other.
Fortunately, Downtown Charleston is compact and walkable, so you won’t need a car to visit restaurants, historic sites, and shops within this area.
Also, most attractions are accessible without cars, and many Charlestonians choose to walk or bike around the city.
However, if you plan to travel beyond the inner city, you’ll have a few transportation options.
The most convenient and least stressful way to get around is to rent a car in Charleston.
This allows you to explore on your own time and hassle-free. But car rentals can be pretty expensive.
Using Uber or Lyft is a more affordable way to get around.
Then, there are also DASH shuttles and buses operated by CARTA, offering alternative ways to get around.
1. Enjoy a Picnic at Riley Waterfront Park
Overlooking Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River, Riley Waterfront Park is a stunning eight-acre park perfect for an afternoon picnic.
You’ll have plenty of room to roam, with expansive grass, canopy trees, and sunny spots to set up your picnic.
The park was named after the beloved former mayor Joe Riley and has since become a local and tourist favorite.
Take in the sights from the harbor, breathe in some fresh ocean air, and snap a few photos at Charleston’s famous Pineapple Fountain.
2. See One of the Most Beautiful Trees in the World
One of the most beautiful things to see in Charleston, SC, is the Angel Oak.
This tree is known for its otherworldly beauty – but it’s also one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi, at about 400 to 500 years old.
Its impressive canopy shades are more than 17,000 square feet, making it a natural wonder in its own right.
You’ll take a 30-minute drive outside the city to reach Johns Island, where the tree stands.
The best part? The park is free to enter and you can take some gorgeous photos to spice up the ‘gram.
Here’s an eerie backstory: some believe that the tree is haunted by the spirits of enslaved people.
So, if hunting down paranormal sites is your thing, this is the first place to go to.
3. Wander Down Rainbow Row
Now, Charleston is full of charming, colonial-style buildings, giving you plenty to admire.
But none will leave you in as much awe as Rainbow Row.
This is a row of thirteen colorful historic houses along Charleston’s East Bay Street.
Could these houses have been any color?
Certainly so, but it’s the bright pastel colors that make it captivating and photo-worthy.
Some theories suggest that these houses were painted in pastel colors to help guide drunk sailors home, and I’m convinced that’s the truth.
The actual history behind it is not so light-hearted.
The homes were saved from demolition after the Civil War due to the efforts of the Preservation Society.
They wanted to save Charleston’s old architecture, so they purchased and restored one of the homes and painted it pastel pink.
Soon, the rest followed.
4. Go on a Ghost Tour
Charleston may very well be the most haunted place in America.
What does this mean for you? Ghost tours to the most haunted locations in the city are on the cards.
These tours take place at night (for obvious reasons) and are led by enthusiastic storytellers.
Terrified already? Wait until you go to the spookiest location in the city, the Unitarian Church Graveyard.
Now, this place looks and feels creepy, thanks to the overgrown headstones, ancient trees, and the second-oldest building in the city.
The church was originally built in 1772, then reconstructed in 1854 – so you can imagine the history and stories attached to it.
Fun fact: Many believe that this churchyard is haunted by Annabel Lee, the subject of one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous poems.
5. Grab a Coffee at a Cute Café
Charleston is dotted with lovely cafés, and it would be a shame to miss out on them during your visit.
Whether you’re fueling up for the day or looking for aesthetic places to have breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the following coffee shops:
- The Harbinger Café & Bakery: A small, whimsical café with street views and an Instagram-worthy setting. Grab a cozy seat and dig into tasty baked goods, from Rice Krispy Treats to tahini and chocolate treats.
- Vintage Coffee Café: This is the most adorable coffee shop you’ll see, set within a tiny cottage. They offer hearty breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, wood-burning pizza, and, of course, espresso.
- Brown Fox Coffee: On your way to Sullivan’s Island, stop at this charming pick-up window coffee shop to grab a morning latte.
6. Stroll Along Charles Towne Landing
If you want to get some fresh air and do a bit of sightseeing, I recommend strolling along Charles Towne Landing.
It’s been named a historic site because it’s the birthplace of South Carolina.
Sitting on a marshy point near the Ashley River, this is where English settlers landed in 1670, and the rest is history.
Learn about Charleston’s earliest colonial history by taking a tour on the self-guided history trail and interacting with hands-on exhibits in the Visitor Center.
There’s also a 17th-century replica sailing ship called the Adventure, which you can board and use to peek at bison, bears, and otters in the surrounding park.
7. Pop in at the Charleston Museum
Charleston is known for its colorful history, and there’s no better place to get a good dose of this than the Charleston Museum.
Showcasing a great deal of local history, it would take about two hours to tour the museum.
Here, you’ll see some of the earliest-known artifacts relating to the settlement of Charleston.
Other displays include historic weaponry from the 1700s, materials representing the Native Americans who occupied these lands, and silver from the colonial era.
The museum is open every day from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm and 12:00 – 05:00 pm on Sundays.
8. Spend Time at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Located in Mount Pleasant, the Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens provide a relaxing atmosphere as you browse one of America’s oldest plantations.
The plantation was established in 1681 by Englishman Major John Boone.
Today, it’s home to majestic gardens, enchanting tree-lined paths, and fascinating tours exploring its intriguing past.
Learn about the unique Gullah Culture adapted by African slaves through a live presentation.
Wander the Georgian-designed mansion.
Then, hop on a 40-minute tractor tour or witness the nine original slave cabins, living quarters, and historic relics of the slaves that once lived here.
9. Watch the Sunset at Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
If you’re looking for a place to watch the sunset in Charleston, then the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is your answer.
This stunning cable-stayed bridge is magical to marvel at while the orange hues of the sunset fill the sky behind it.
The bridge connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, which you’ll cross when it’s time to find a spot for lunch or dinner (more on this later).
10. Go on a Culinary Tour
One of the most fun things to do in Charleston is to go on a culinary tour.
This way, you can get a full picture (or palette) of the local and cultural cuisine.
The Charleston food scene is dominated by Southern flavors and dishes, including grits, shrimp, and she-crab soup.
Take this Downtown Charleston Food Tour to experience the city’s history through traditional dishes.
You’ll also explore the French Quarter, the market, and four local restaurants.
11. Hop on a Horse-drawn Carriage Tour
It wouldn’t be a trip to Charleston without a horse-drawn carriage tour, am I right?
I would 100% go with Old South Carriage Company to experience this one-of-a-kind tour.
The historic carriages appear to be from a bygone era, but they complement the old Southern vibe of the city center so well.
It’s a fun way to sightsee the city while the guide tells you all about Charleston’s vibrant past.
12. Soak Some Sun on Sullivan’s Island Beach
Sullivan’s Island Beach is a pleasant spot to spend the day when the sun is out.
The picturesque beach offers gorgeous scenery, with soft, beige sand, calm waters, and a lighthouse.
It’s a serene area at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, a much calmer alternative to the overcrowded Isle of Palms—which is another gorgeous beach in South Carolina.
Most people come here to chill since it’s not really a beach for surfing.
It does, however, have a rich history as the home of Edgar Allan Poe during his military service.
The beach’s other claim to fame is The Obstinate Daughter, a well-known seafood restaurant with shabby chic decor and memorable food.
13. Collect Souvenirs at Charleston City Market
Come to this historic market in downtown Charleston if you want to browse trinkets and collect souvenirs as memorabilia for your trip.
Charleston City Market is a thriving indoor market stretching four city blocks.
It attracts locals and tourists alike thanks to all the amazing artwork, handcrafts, and food.
The market is also no stranger to musical events and holiday-themed shows.
Visit the largest art market in the Southeast every day from 09:30 am to 05:00 pm.
14. Support the Local Community at the Farmers Market
While Charleston City Market is all about celebrating art, the Charleston Farmers Market is more focused on local farmers and artisans.
It’s an open-air market filled with white canopies, fresh produce, and hand-crafted items.
The Charleston Farmers Market takes place on Marion Square on Saturdays between 8:00 am and 02:00 pm.
15. Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art
If markets are a bit too busy for you, but you’re keen to view art, you can go to the Gibbes Museum of Art instead.
This stunning art museum has a permanent collection that spans four centuries, from the colonial era to the present.
You’ll see miniature portraits, sculptures, decorative art, paintings, and multimedia installations.
What makes this one of the best places to visit in Charleston, SC, is the fact that it’s the only art museum in the city.
Check their official website for opening hours, admission ticket prices, and upcoming events.
16. Have Dinner in Mount Pleasant
I won’t let you leave without a few recommendations for lovely dinner spots.
Your tummy will be growling after touring Charleston’s top attractions, and I suggest going to Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston, for dining options.
It’s a family-friendly area with lots of fun attractions, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Here are my top picks:
- Langdon’s: For the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant, head to Langdon’s for a special night out. They offer local delicacies such as fish with lemon-chive beurre blanc or goat cheese gnocchi.
- Nico: If you enjoy a French take on seafood and an abundance of fresh oysters, then this is the place for you. Order dishes like escargot, trout almondine, and whole roasted fish.
- Savi Cucina + Wine Bar: Your next girl’s night out spot in Charleston should be this elegant Italian restaurant. They boast a world-class wine bar, craft cocktails, local seafood and Italian classics.
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