Things to do in Charleston

Activities, attractions and tours

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
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Top places to visit

1. College of Charleston

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.
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Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.

2. Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market consists of three blocks of open-air sheds and a 19th-century hall with stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs and many other items. The historic complex has a Greek-revival design with an imposing yellow-and-red façade. The rest of the vast market is spread out in numerous shops. Chat with local vendors about the spices, works of art and handicrafts on display along these blocks.
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Charleston City Market

3. Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park reflects the character and history of the city’s architecture and gardens. At the southernmost point of the eight-acre (three-hectare) park, a wooden pier juts out over the Charleston Harbor.
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Charleston Waterfront Park featuring general coastal views, landscape views and autumn colours

4. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium houses some 6,000 plants and animals. The 60 exhibits cover five major geographical areas in South Carolina. See ocean-dwelling marine life and water-based creatures that live in the mountains. There’s also the Madagascar Journey, where you’ll learn about this island’s species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else in the world.
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South Carolina Aquarium

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. Tour historic buildings or take a boat ride through the wetlands. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center.
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Turtles, alligators and birds abound in this former plantation, now swampland, gardens, lakes and forest.

6. Fort Sumter

Arrival at Fort Sumter, site of the first battle of the Civil War between Union and Confederate forces is a sobering moment. Named for American Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, the fort sits on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Visit Fort Sumter as part of a national monument complex that includes Fort Moultrie National Monument and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.
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Enjoy an informative boat ride on picturesque Charleston Harbor and explore the grounds of one of America’s most significant Civil War-era forts and battle sites.

What to do in Charleston

Popular places to visit

Port of Charleston

Port of Charleston

4/5(3 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Charleston with a trip to Port of Charleston. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Port of Charleston
College of Charleston

College of Charleston

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.

College of Charleston
Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market

4/5(21 reviews)

Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.

Charleston City Market
Charleston Waterfront Park featuring general coastal views, landscape views and autumn colours

Waterfront Park

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Stroll the city’s waterfront esplanades at sunset, when the afternoon sun begins to dip and the harbor is lit with soft colors.

Waterfront Park
South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium

4/5(2 reviews)

See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.

South Carolina Aquarium
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

5/5(14 reviews)

Turtles, alligators and birds abound in this former plantation, now swampland, gardens, lakes and forest.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Enjoy an informative boat ride on picturesque Charleston Harbor and explore the grounds of one of America’s most significant Civil War-era forts and battle sites.

Fort Sumter
The Citadel

The Citadel

2.5/5(2 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of The Citadel during your travels in Charleston. Visit the area's churches or amble around its beautiful beaches.

The Citadel
Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row

Find out about the history of Charleston with a stop at Rainbow Row. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Rainbow Row

Areas of Charleston

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Charleston Historic District

5/5(35 area reviews)

Appreciate the authentic antebellum ambiance as you move between historical homes, museums, markets and waterfront parks on foot or by horse-drawn carriage tours.

Charleston Historic District
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Downtown Charleston

4/5(6 area reviews)

Travellers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Port of Charleston and Charleston Music Hall.

Downtown Charleston
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Cannonborough Elliotborough

If you're spending some time in Cannonborough Elliotborough, Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
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West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site or West Ashley Shoppes Shopping Center.

West Ashley
Charleston

Harleston Village

While visiting Harleston Village, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and Colonial Lake.

Harleston Village
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French Quarter

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Port of Charleston to Dock Street Theater – discover French Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

French Quarter

 

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Photo by Sara Dean / Race2Beach

Summerville

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is visit South Carolina Aquarium. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's golfing and culture.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
Begin your day with a visit to Patriots Point and South Carolina Aquarium. Then, explore other areas of Charleston for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
You can't go home without exploring South Carolina Aquarium, ranked the top tourist attraction in Charleston.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
Three days in Charleston is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. South Carolina Aquarium, International African American Museum and Charleston Museum are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as North Charleston.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to do and see in Charleston. Several top sights, like South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Charleston's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Charleston is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Charleston with kids.

What to do in Charleston for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Charleston, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Firefly Distillery or Credit One Stadium.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Charleston. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Sunrise Park Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.