Things To Do In Charleston SC – 15+ Activities To Never Miss

Are you planning a trip to Charleston, SC, and confused about Things To Do in Charleston SC? The same goes for me until I explored the city. Charleston has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for a couple, family travel, a friend’s trip, or a solo tour. 

Charleston, the city, is known for its scenic coastal locations, gardens, plantations, historic sightseeing and experiences, shopping at Charleston Market by day, incredible cuisine, haunted tours by night, and much more than you think. 

Make your visit to Charleston, SC, a memorable one with our guide on Things To Do in Charleston SC. It highlights must-visit attractions, fun-filled activities, and indulging experiences you can have on your trip to Charleston SC. Continue to read and to explore Charleston. 

15 Best Things To Do In Charleston SC

Did you know that there are countless ways to explore Charleston? Each time you explore Charleston, you can have a unique experience like never before. Charleston is enriched in modern-day charm, cultural richness, and American history. 

With so many tours to experience and sights to visit, so much rich history to uncover, and endless activities to discover and make the most out of it, it can be complicated to choose where to start. But not anymore, here is our guide to get help. 

Charleston is full of charm, history, and coastal beauty. For a wider U.S. trip plan, you might also enjoy our guide to Things to do in Chicago

1. Visit Fort Sumter via Ferry

Are you a history buff visiting Charleston? You must not miss a visit to Fort Sumter, the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Standing at the centre of the Charleston Harbour, Fort Sumter is an interesting tourist attraction as it depicts American history. Here you can discover the ruins of the war and enjoy views of the harbour. The fort is accessible only by boat; the T Sumter Ferry departs from Liberty Square downtown and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. 

2. Tour the Patriot Point USS Yorktown

Charleston is soaked in American history, just as its USS Yorktown stands as a testament to America’s past victories. Located across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is home to the USS Yorktown, a WWII-era aircraft carrier turned museum. Visitors can climb aboard to explore its massive deck, walk through the crew’s quarters, and check out historic aircraft. It’s a fascinating hands-on experience for both kids and adults. 

3. Explore Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation, one of the Charleston SC Attractions is no different in reflecting the city’s historical and cultural insights. It is one of America’s oldest working plantations, growing crops for over 320 years. Located in Mount Pleasant, Boone Hall Plantation offers guided house tours, original slave cabins, and beautiful gardens. The plantation has been used as a filming location for movies like The Notebook. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the South’s complex history and natural beauty.

4. Shop & Stroll Through Charleston City Market

You can agree with me that shopping is a vital part of any trip, and the experience gets better when it is done at local markets. On your tour, one of many Things To Do in Charleston is to visit Charleston City Market. It is one of the oldest public markets in the U.S., offering visitors the opportunity to purchase local products, mingle with locals, and learn about their culture. You can get souvenirs from the market as keepsakes. 

After soaking up the southern charm of Charleston, consider heading abroad—our post on Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia covers a perfect vacation getaway.

5. Snap a Photo at Rainbow Row

Are you a person who loves to capture moments on your trip? Let me tell you that Rainbow Row Charleston is one of the most photographed spots in Charleston. It is a row of 13 pastel-colored Georgian-style homes on East Bay Street. These houses date back to the 18th century and are enriched in their architecture and history. This spot makes for the perfect scenic stroll and offers a chance to learn about the city’s historical architecture. 

6. Walk Along The Battery and White Point Garden

A tour to Charleston will leave you in awe of the city’s historical significance and natural beauty. The Battery Charleston SC, located at the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula, was initially built as a defensive seawall and has now been turned into a public park. This spot is known for its lined antebellum mansions, cannons, oak trees, and white point garden in the center. You can walk, admire the natural beauty, and enjoy visiting nearby attractions. 

7. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Charleston blends history with its modern-day hustle. What’s better than digging into the past stories of Charleston’s charm the old-fashioned way, via horse-drawn carriage? You can take one of the many guided Carriage Tours Charleston to explore the insights of the city. It is the most authentic way to learn the city’s history and know its culture. The horse-drawn carriage tour can be one of the significant Things to Do in Charleston, SC for Couples. 

8. Join a Charleston Ghost Tour

Do you know Charleston is known as one of America’s most haunted cities? Those who have a heart for visiting dark places and hearing haunted stories can take one of the many Charleston Ghost Tours. The eerie graveyards, haunted mansions, and shadowy alleyways recount true tales of murder, pirates, and paranormal activity. 

9. Relax at Sullivan’s Island Beach

Isn’t a trip incomplete without visiting beaches? You are on your travel to Charleston, and one of the Best Things To Do in Charleston is to relax at Sullivan’s Island Beach. Just a short drive from downtown, at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Sullivan’s Island is a great escape from city life. With sands, waves, and views, it promises nature lovers picture-worthy sunsets and sunrises. Visitors can treat their taste buds with mouthwatering delicacies. 

10. Tour Historic Homes and Gardens

Charleston is home to well-preserved antebellum homes and lush gardens. The homes and gardens reflect the city’s history. You can book a tour to landmarks like the Aiken-Rhett House and Charles Towne Landing, famous for showcasing 19th-century Southern life and architecture. The stunning interior, courtyards, and views will mesmerize you. 

11. Museum Tours in Charleston

Charleston is home to museums reflecting its history and revolution. The significance of the museums lies in exploring the city’s past. If you are wondering about Indoor Things to Do in Charleston SC, museum tours can be the best. You can visit Middleton Place, Nathaniel Russell House Museum, Charleston Museum, and other historical attractions in the city to gain a deep context for Charleston’s storied past. 

12. Dine in Charleston’s World-Class Restaurants

Charleston is one of the world’s food destinations and offers the best cuisine. As you tour the place, you will explore Charleston’s culinary scene, one of the best in the South. From Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits to modern Southern fusion, the incredible places to eat are endless. Savoring mouth-watering dishes can be one of the Things to Do in Charleston SC on a Rainy Day. Also, you can take a guided tour to discover Charleston’s culinary history and modern-day food choices. 

13. Cruise the Charleston Harbor

Visiting Charleston and cruising the Charleston Harbor is a must. Charleston Harbor is an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean at the junction of the Ashley and Cooper rivers. If you are in the mood to relax and enjoy, you can hop aboard a Charleston Harbor Tour. This tour takes in the city’s skyline, historic forts, and natural beauty. Some cruise tours include live narration, while others offer dinner and drinks as the sun sets over the water. 

14. Take a Walking Tour of the French Quarter

Exploring Charleston is incomplete if you don’t visit The French Quarter. It is one of Charleston’s oldest neighborhoods. Once you walk through the neighborhood, you can explore its art galleries, historic churches, charming courtyards, and vibrant nightlife. A tour to the French Quarter offers deep insight into the city’s European roots and colonial-era development. 

15. Experience the Annual Spoleto Festival USA

Charleston is one of the most visited tourist destinations. You can enjoy to the fullest whenever you visit, and the events are a must to attend that are arranged during Christmas, summer, and spring. In the late spring, Spoleto Festival USA, a 17-day arts festival, is one of the famous. This festival features opera, dance, theater, and jazz from around the globe. It’s a cultural event in Charleston that brings its vibrant hub of artistic expression.

Final Words 

You will never regret visiting Charleston because it is home to many activities, adventures, and experiences. From natural scenic beauty spots, history-enriched attractions, spooky outings, and old-fashioned fun, to savoring the finest foods, the Things to Do in Charleston are endless. This is our thorough guide to help you avoid getting stuck. Whether you are going for a solo tour, family trip, friends travel, or a couple’s getaway, the need of the hour is to plan accordingly to make the most out of your tour. 

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