Things to do in Charleston, SC

Since tourism is one of the biggest industries in Charleston, you'll find a wide range of things to do year-round. Whether you're looking for educational activities, kid-friendly places, sports events, shopping, outdoor activities, arts festivals, or free entertainment, you can find something for everyone in Charleston!

Charleston Plantations

Boone Hall Plantation

Boone hall plantation

Boone Hall is one of the oldest working plantations in the country. In fact, the plantation has designated U-Pick sections where visitors can select their veggies from fields that have been growing crops for more than 320 years. Around Halloween each year, Boone Hall hosts Fright Nights, which is the largest haunted house event in the state. (For a less scary Halloween experience, check out the corn maze which is also held annually!) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Boone Hall Plantation offers tours of the house and surrounding gardens year-round. For more info, visit www.boonehallplantation.com

Drayton Hall

Drayton hall plantation

In a city that's known for its historic preservation, Drayton Hall Plantation stands out among the (literally) hundreds of preservation projects in the tri-county area. The Drayton family began construction in 1738, and seven generations later, the home was sold to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The trust has kept the home and gardens in near-original condition for the past 30 years. Most of the homes that are open for tours in Charleston showcase impressive art or silver collections that hint at the grandeur of wealthy Charlestonian living. However, Drayton Hall has taken a different approach that displays details of the home (such as paint and mouldings) as they were originally made instead of altering or refurbishing. The main plantation house is the oldest Georgian Palladian architecture in the country that is still intact. Learn more at www.draytonhall.org/

Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia plantation

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Revolutionary War, the plantation was occupied by both British and American troops. After the Civil War, the plantation's focus shifted from agriculture to the gardens, which helped keep the plantation afloat during great shifts in the economic restructuring of the South. The gardens were opened to the public in 1870, making them the oldest public gardens in the United States. Magnolia Plantation has also been recognized for the educational programs associated with the slave cabins, having won awards two years in a row for the preservation of its cabins. www.magnoliaplantation.com

Middleton Place Plantation

Middleton place plantation

Middleton Place is one of the most popular plantations in Charleston and has been filmed in movies such as The Patriot. Today, only one building remains of the three that were originally built overlooking the Ashley River. This South Flanker house (pictured) is open for tours but was actually used as a gentleman's guest quarters when it was built in 1755. The other two buildings (the main house and a library/conservatory) burned down in 1865, just two months before the Civil War ended. After the fire, the Middleton family moved into the South Flanker and lived there until the house was turned into a museum in 1975. Total, the Middleton family lived on the rice plantation for over 300 years. www.middletonplace.org

Charleston Historic Sites

Fort Sumter National Monument

Cannon at fort sumter

See where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861, and also get incredible views of the Charleston Harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and downtown Charleston! Fort Sumter is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Charleston - not only because the fort provides an in-depth look at a defining moment in our country's history, but also because the boat ride to this island offers unbeatable views of the city. Boats depart from two locations - Liberty Square in downtown Charleston (just south of the aquarium) and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. For admission rates and departure times, you can check out Fort Sumter's website at www.nps.gov/fosu.

Fort Moultrie

Fort moultrie

Fort Moultrie is a National Park Service site with over 200 years of coastal defense history. Its strategic location on the Charleston Harbor side of Sullivan's Island has proven useful for Charleston since the Revolutionary War. While British cannons could easily destroy standard brick-and-mortar fortifications, the palmetto logs favored by the colonists could absorb repeated cannonades without shattering. This realization, and the successful defense of the island during the Battle of Fort Moultrie, gave South Carolina its official nickname of the Palmetto State and the distinctive palmetto design on its flag. www.nps.gov/fomo

The Powder Magazine

charleston historic landmark

Built in 1713, this is the oldest public building in the Carolinas and one of the oldest from the early British colonies. During this time, Charleston was the southernmost English settlement and had high walls and a moat around it for protection from pirates as well as French and Spanish naval ships. The Powder Magazine was used to store Charleston's gunpowder supply. It is a national historic landmark and has undergone a good deal of restoration in the past 10 or 15 years. http://www.powdermag.org/

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Charles pinckney national historic site

This historic site features the cottage and 28-acre farm of a Founding Father. Visitors can watch a 20 minute film, view exhibits, and walk on trails at the farm. On Saturdays in February and March, visitors can attend programs that teach about the Gullah heritage in Charleston. There's also a Gullah Film Series held on Sundays in February and March. Admission is free. Located at 1254 Long Point Road in Mt. Pleasant. www.nps.gov/chpi

Charles Towne Landing

charles towne landing

Charles Towne Landing was the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina. At this state historic site, you can see a life-sized reproduction of a 17th century cargo ship, or visit the natural habitat zoo showing animals populating the area during the time Charles Towne was settled. Charles Towne Landing is a great way (for kids especially) to learn about what original settlers in 1670 may have encountered in establishing their home in Charleston. Charles Towne Landing is located off Hwy 171 in West Ashley. www.charlestowne.org/

The Hunley

The Hunley was the first submarine to sink a battleship during combat. Tours of the Hunley are only available on Saturdays and Sundays because archaeologists and conservators are still working during the weekdays to preserve the submarine. The Hunley is located at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center on the old Charleston Navy Base, which is in North Charleston. For more info, see www.hunley.org/.

Museums in Charleston

The Charleston Museum

charleston museum

The oldest museum in the country was founded in Charleston in 1773. The museum's various collections include artifacts from Charleston's natural and cultural history. Located at 360 Meeting Street, across from the Charleston Visitor Center. To learn more about their permanent display and traveling exhibits visit www.charlestonmuseum.org/

Gibbes Museum of Art

art museum in charleston

The Gibbes is Charleston's main art museum. It has a great collection of regional pieces, from paintings by local artists to portraits of Charleston's historic figures to drawings that show downtown Charleston more than two hundred years ago! The works range in date from the 1700s to present. Although many of the regionalism works stay on display throughout the year, the museum usually also has a circulating exhibition (so be sure to check out their website to see the current display). You'll also find events for both kids and adults on a weekly basis. The Gibbes is located on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. www.gibbesmuseum.org/

Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum

Patriots point in charleston

At the Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum, you can tour the aircraft carrier Yorktown (the Fighting Lady from World War II). Since this is located on the Mt. Pleasant side of the Charleston Harbor, it has incredible views of the harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and downtown from the main deck. You'll see a great collection of war planes in the hangar bay and the flight deck of Yorktown. With admission you can also tour the submarine Clamagore (which served during the Cold War) and see the Medal of Honor Museum. www.PatriotsPoint.org

The American Military Museum

Visitors can see uniforms and artifacts from all branches of the military - the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines. The collection includes the Vietnam War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Civil War, and the Revolutionary War. Located at 360 Concord Street, which is at the Aquarium Wharf (near the IMAX theater and the SC Aquarium). www.americanmilitarymuseum.org/

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry

kid friendly entertainment in charleston

This museum encourages kids to learn through hands-on experience. The museum has eight exhibits relating to the sciences, arts, and humanities which are geared towards children aged 3 months to 12 years old. You'll also find some free monthly programs. CML is located on 25 Ann St, which is directly behind the Charleston Visitor and Information Center. www.explorecml.org/

Famous Charleston Tours

Charleston Carriage Tours

College of charleston

Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of historic downtown Charleston. The tours highlight the most famous monuments, public buildings, and historic homes of downtown Charleston, reflecting more than 300 years of history. These tours start from Guignard Street, which is right off the Market. For more information call 843.853.3747 or visit www.classiccarriage.com/

Charleston Harbor Cruises

charleston sc harbor cruise

After walking along the Battery and Waterfront Park, see Charleston from the harbor! This is a great opportunity to see a different view of the city and learn about Charleston's major sites from a tour guide. Late afternoons and evenings tend to be great times to take the harbor cruises. Two of the most popular harbor cruise companies in Charleston are Charleston Harbor Tours and SpiritLine Cruises.

Charleston Ghost Tours

If you're looking for a slightly different kind of tour, you can take your pick from the Charleston Ghost Tours. These walking tours give you access to some of Charleston's most haunted places such as the Pre-Revolutionary Dungeon, the Old City Jail, the Haunted Historic District, and Charleston's oldest graveyard. To learn more about the different kinds of tours that are offered, see www.bulldogtours.com/

Professional Sports Teams in Charleston

charleston baseball team

charleston hockey

professional soccer in charleston

Charleston Riverdogs Baseball

things to do downtown charleston sc

Charleston's minor league baseball team, the Riverdogs, has its home stadium along the Ashley River in downtown Charleston. The season usually runs from April to September, and ticket prices are quite reasonable for a night's worth of leisure. Bill Murray is a Co-Owner and also serves as the Director of Fun (yes, this is an actual title) - so this may help explain why the mascots and the between-inning games are highly entertaining. The Riverdogs offer a baseball camp for kids, and there are often firework shows held after weekend games. You can find the team's schedule and order tickets online at www.riverdogs.com/

Charleston Battery Soccer

soccer on daniel island

If baseball isn't your sport, you could watch Charleston's professional soccer team, The Battery. The season schedule usually starts in March and runs through August. The team often hosts firework shows for the kids directly following weekend night games. You'll also find soccer camps for kids (ages 5-13) offered in the summers. The Battery plays on Daniel Island at the Blackbaud Stadium, which was the first privately funded soccer stadium in the country. www.charlestonbattery.com

Stingrays Hockey

professional sports teams in charleston

Charleston's professional hockey team has won the Kelly Cup Championship 3 times since 1993, when the team was established. The Stingrays play at the North Charleston Coliseum, and their season usually runs from October to March. The team offers a Kids Club membership, where kids can meet the team and attend practices. www.stingrayshockey.com/

College Sports in Charleston

College of Charleston

college of charleston sports

Although the College of Charleston does not have a football team, you'll find most other sports - including baseball, swim and diving, sailing, and tennis (just to name a few). The new TD Arena is one of the nicest college basketball arenas in the state. The mens' and womens' soccer teams are nationally ranked. www.cofcsports.com/

The Citadel (The Military College of South Carolina)

the citadel college sports

The Citadel's new football stadium, the Johnson Hagood Stadium, is one of the Southern Conference's largest stadiums. In addition to football, men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, rifle, tennis, track and field, and wrestling. Women's sports include cross country, golf, rifle, soccer, track and field, and volleyball. www.citadelsports.com/

Shopping in Charleston

Tanger Outlet Shopping Mall

tanger outlet shopping

The Tanger Outlets in North Charleston have more than 90 outlet stores, including Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, Ann Taylor, Nine West, Coach, Mikasa, Talbots, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nike, Bass, and Eddie Bauer. You'll also find plenty of restaurant options that have been added to this growing commercial section, like Jim 'N Nick's BBQ, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Fatz Cafe, and Starbucks. To see the complete list of outlet stores, check out www.tangeroutlet.com/

Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre

town centre shopping mt pleasant

The Towne Centre has a central location in Mt. Pleasant - it's just off Hwy 17, right at the Isle of Palms Connector. It's the main shopping center in Mt. Pleasant, so you'll find a ton of restaurants and shops including Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Belk. Its Regal Cinema (pictured left) has 16 individual movie theaters with stadium seating. www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com/

Shopping on King Street

king street shopping charleston sc

Historic King Street in downtown Charleston is the most popular place to shop in all of Charleston. King Street offers home and kitchen stores like Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma, clothing stores like J. Crew and Talbots, designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, antique stores, book stores, bars, and restaurants like Kickin' Chicken and Mellow Mushroom Pizza. This bustling commercial section has something for everyone, whether you like outdoor activities (Half Moon Outfitters) or the latest tech trends (the Apple store). King Street has a wonderful mix of old and new, and its century-old storefronts are popular for both locals and tourists.

Historic Charleston Homes Open to the Public

Edmondston-Alston House

charleston tourist attraction

Built in 1825, this mansion is a great example of the Greek Revival style homes that are popular in downtown Charleston. And, since it's located on the Battery, it has great views of the Charleston Harbor. This is one of the few homes on the Battery that is open to the public. Located at 21 East Battery. www.edmondstonalston.com/

Joseph Manigault House

charleston south carolina

Also called Charleston's Huguenot House, this is a good example of Federal architecture. The original owner, Joseph Manigault, was a trustee at the College of Charleston and sat on the state legislature. His brother, Gabriel Manigault, was the architect for this home and also designed Charleston's City Hall and the South Carolina Society Hall. The art and furniture reflect the French heritage of the Manigaults, but there are also some British and American pieces in the collection as well. Located at 350 Meeting Street (near the Charleston Visitors Center). www.charlestonmuseum.org/

Nathaniel Russell House

charleston tourist site

Located on 51 Meeting Street, this home is probably best known for the free-floating staircase that extends throughout the center of this three story home. It was built in 1808 by one of Charleston's wealthiest shipping merchants and is also known for its neoclassical design. If you're interested in walking Charleston's famous Museum Mile, the Nathaniel Russell House would be a good place to start because it's the southernmost point of the Mile. www.historiccharleston.org/experience/nrh/

Aiken-Rhett House

charleston attraction

This home looks much like it did when it was built over 150 years ago. Instead of being restored, it has been preserved - most of the features, such as wallpaper and decor, have been untouched since around the time the home was built. It housed a former governor of South Carolina (William Aiken, Jr.), though he was not the original owner. Located at 48 Elizabeth Street. www.historiccharleston.org/experience/arh/

Thomas Elfe House

charleston sc

This residence was home to one of Charleston's most famous craftsmen - a cabinet maker whose works are displayed in various museums and collections today. Although it's not as lavish as some of the other homes in this list, it's still one of the more popular homes to tour in Charleston. The home was built sometime before 1760, and it's located at 54 Queen Street. www.thomaselfehouse.com/history.html

Heyward-Washington House

charleston attractions

Often called Charleston's Revolutionary War house, it was home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Heyward, Jr. It is also considered historic because George Washington stayed there in 1791 during his tour of the nation as President. The home dates back to 1772, and it's an example of the Georgian style that was so popular in Charleston before the Revolution. Located at 360 Meeting Street. www.charlestonmuseum.org/

Other Fun Activities

South Carolina Aquarium

SC aquarium in charleston

Fun, wonder, and education come together at the South Carolina Aquarium. An intimate family-fun adventure, see a rare albino American alligator; get hands-on at the Touch Tank, marvel at the sharks in the Great Ocean Tank, come face-to-face with rays in the Stingray Encounter, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sea Turtle Hospital. The South Carolina Aquarium offers interactive dive shows and animal programs daily, so be sure to check their website when you start planning a visit! www.scaquarium.org

Charleston County Parks

the climbing wall at james island county park

Charleston has a fantastic County Park and Recreation Commission. There are 7 county parks located throughout the Charleston area - James Island, Folly Beach, Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, John's Island, North Charleston, and Ravenel. Total, these parks offer several thousand acres of preserved woodlands and wetlands. You'll find over 10 miles of walking trails, plenty of green spaces and intramural fields, kids' playgrounds, picnic areas, dog parks, and camping sites. Some of the parks also have special amenities - for example, the James Island County Park has the largest climbing wall in the state (pictured left), the park at Folly Beach has a 7,500 sq ft fishing pier, and the John's Island County Park has an equestrian center with trail riding and competitions. The parks also have special events year-round, like the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, which is the largest light display in South Carolina and attracts locals as well as visitors from neighboring states. www.ccprc.com/

Angel Oak

angel oak in charleston

The Angel Oak tree is believed to be one of the oldest living things on this side of the Mississippi River. Scientists estimate that the tree is more than 1500 years old. Charleston is known for its beautiful old live oaks, lined with Spanish moss. The Angel Oak dwarfs any of the other trees in the area, with a height of more than 65 feet and a spread of about 160 feet. The largest limb on the tree has a circumference of over 11 feet and measures 89 feet in length. www.angeloaktree.org/

Movie Theaters

movie theaters in charleston

You'll find 8 movie theaters located throughout Charleston: downtown has the Hippodrome; James Island has The Terrace (which focuses on independent and select films) and a Carmike (which shows all the big blockbusters); West Ashley has the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX (pictured left); Mt. Pleasant has the Regal Palmetto Grande Stadium 16 (at Towne Centre) and Cinebarre; North Charleston has the Regal Charles Towne Square Stadium 18; and Summerville has Regal Azalea Square Stadium 16.

Performing Arts in Charleston

Dock Street Theatre

charleston theatres

When it opened its doors in 1736, the Dock Street Theatre was the first building in the United States dedicated solely to theatrical performances. It is home to the Charleston Stage Company, which is the largest professional theatre company in the state. Since Dock Street is the most most popular theater in Charleston, it hosts many of the Spoleto Festival events. Dock Street recently underwent a $19 million renovation in order to preserve this historic landmark in downtown Charleston.

Sottile Theatre

charleston cultural events

Because Sottile Theatre is owned by the College of Charleston, it offers performances put on by students in addition to professional groups. Sottile is one of the few historic theaters in Charleston that can be rented out for parties and dinners. Its piazza and gardens are ideal for receptions - not to mention its prime location just off King Street. sottile.cofc.edu/

Charleston Ballet Theatre

charleston cultural cultural arts

This professional dance company has been in Charleston for about 25 years. Although the group has a black box theater located on upper King Street, large performances like the annual Nutcracker are usually held in venues like Gaillard Auditorium or the Charleston Performing Arts Center. www.charlestonballet.com/

Footlight Theatre

theaters in charleston

The Footlight Players' mission is to make theater affordable and accessible to more people. The community theater group has relied largely on local talent and volunteers since it was established in 1932. Most productions take place in a circa 1850 cotton warehouse which has been turned into an informal playhouse (the group occasionally performs at other venues as well). Footlight Theatre is located at 20 Queen Street. www.footlightplayers.net/

Charleston Symphony Orchestra

charleston symphony

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra performs at various auditoriums and events throughout the Charleston area (the most popular tend to be Gaillard Auditorium and Dock Street Theatre). The resident orchestra is comprised of forty-six full-time, professional musicians, making it South Carolina's largest year-round performing arts organization. You can read about the many outreach and educational programs that the group is involved with on their website. www.charlestonsymphony.com/

Charleston Hotel Guide