Things to Do in Charleston

Choose from 21 Fun Things to Do in Charleston

Center for Birds of Prey

Even people who aren’t avid birdwatchers seem to enjoy birds of prey. Maybe it’s their large, feathery wingspan or the fact they’re expert hunters, but there’s something a little more wild and captivating about eagles, raptors, or hawks. Here at the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, South Carolina, explore a campus of over 50 species of powerful aerial predators. Watch as a Peregrine Falcon goes soaring above the trees of the Lowcountry, and keep an eye out for wild bald eagles that frequently circle above.

During the daily flight demonstrations, listen as guides explain about species such as owls, vultures, and kites, and watch them display their hunting techniques as they coast on the breeze above. In addition to helping educate visitors about global birds of prey, the center helps to rehabilitate birds and place them back in the wild. In total, over 120 American bald eagles have been raised and released by the center, and it continues to reign as South Carolina’s best avian adventure.

Practical Info

The Center for Birds of Prey is located at the Avian Conservation Center about 20 minutes from Charleston. The center is open to the public from Thursday-Saturday from 10am-5pm, and flight demonstrations are at 11:30am and 3pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children, and kids under 6 are free.

4719 Highway 17N, Awendaw, South Carolina, USA

Adults $15; Children 6+: $10

From $ 62

Charleston City Market

Smack in the middle of historic Charleston, the Charleston City Market is a central landmark for Holy City visitors. In addition to being one of the most visited historic attractions in town, the City Market—opened in 1807—is also one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States.

The Basics

History, shopping, and South Carolina culture lure visitors to the Charleston City Market in droves. Visit on a Charleston walking tour to learn about the market’s long history as a commerce hub from a tour guide, or browse the market’s indoor Great Hall and centuries-old outdoor sheds on your own. Stroll past low country goods like stone-ground grits, sweetgrass baskets, and benne wafers, plus home goods, crafts, and clothing from more than 300 vendors, many of whom make their wares by hand.

Things to Know Before You Go

The market is a must for foodies and first-time visitors to Charleston.
There are two cafés inside the market and many more in the surrounding streets.
Dress for the weather to fully enjoy the indoor and outdoor market areas.
The market is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.

How to Get There

The Charleston City Market is located at the intersection of Market and Meeting streets in Charleston’s historic district. Though there are street parking spots and parking garages nearby, it’s best to walk or take public transit, as traffic can be thick and parking can be limited. The free DASH shuttle and the city’s many pedicabs are both good options.

When to Get There

The market is open every day from 9:30am to 6pm except on Christmas Day. A special night market runs from 6:30pm to 10:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and some Thursdays from April through December.

Nearby Attractions in Historic Charleston

Charleston’s historic downtown is rich with attractions beyond the City Market. Highlights include Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Waterfront Park. A number of guided tours, such as a carriage tour or a private tour, show you the sights while letting you in on Charleston’s history.

188 Meeting St., Charleston 29401, USA

From $ 20

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum

Located in the beautiful Charleston Harbor, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is one of Charleston’s most popular museums for hands-on learning. Climb aboard the USS Yorktown (an aircraft carrier), the USS Laffey (a destroyer), and the USS Clamagore (a submarine) as you learn about American naval and maritime history first-hand.

The Basics

The USS Yorktown is the star attraction of Patriots Point. This aircraft carrier saw action during World War II and the Vietnam War, and today it houses detailed exhibits about naval maritime history, an Apollo 8 capsule with real audio and video footage from the spacecraft launch, and 25 naval aircrafts such as an F-14 Tomcat and A-7 Corsair, all available for viewing. Adjacent, you can climb aboard the USS Laffey to explore the most decorated surviving WWII-era US destroyer, and go below deck on the USS Clamagore, the only Cold War GUPPY III submarine preserved in the United States.

Additional exhibits include the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, an immersive exhibit that uses holograms to simulate life on a naval support base during the war, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, housed inside the USS Yorktown.

Things to Know Before You Go

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is a must for history buffs, especially those interested in the military and WWII. This kid-friendly venue is a hit with families, too.
Plan to spend roughly four hours exploring the museum.
A lunch café and snack shack are available on-site.
Self-guided audio tours are available for an additional fee.
The USS Yorktown is the museum’s only wheelchair-accessible vessel.

How to Get There

Patriots Point is located in the Mount Pleasant side of the Charleston Harbor, just a 5-minute drive from downtown at the base of the Ravenel Bridge. Paid on-site parking is available, or you can take a water taxi across the harbor.

When to Get There

The maritime center is open daily from 9am to 6:30pm with limited hours on holidays. Because this is a popular attraction, plan to arrive early.

Patriots Point Tours and Experiences

If you’re looking for a tour that goes beyond the typical museum visit, try a USS Yorktown ghost tour that includes access to restricted parts of the ship, a fly-in helicopter tour, or a USS Yorktown sleepover. You can also use Patriots Point as a starting location for tours of Fort Sumter.

40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant 29464, USA

Varies

From $ 45

St Philips Church

This historical church is home to the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina. The first St. Philips Church was a small wooden structure built in 1681, where St. Michael's Episcopal Church stands today. The church withstood hurricane damage in 1710, was reconstructed, burned to the ground in 1835, and finally rebuilt to the present day church in 1836. Before it burned completely, it was saved from one fire by a slave who was granted his freedom for the act. Notable South Carolinians such as John C. Calhoun are buried in the old cemetery on the grounds.

Architect Joseph Hyde incorporated some design elements from the previous structures as well as adding in new features to the stuccoed brick exterior, such as the three Tuscan porticoes and Corinthian columns. The church’s impressive steeple that towers over Church Street was added over a decade later. Today it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Practical Info

St. Philips Church is located at 146 Church Street between Cumberland and Queen Streets in Charleston’s French Quarter. The Churchyard is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily with no cost for admission.

146 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Open from 9 am to 4 pm daily

From $ 24

Charleston Waterfront Park

Waterfront porch swings, a giant pineapple fountain, and grassy areas perfect for lazing the day away make Waterfront Park feel like Charleston’s personal backyard. Watch the boats float by on the river, snap photos, and enjoy the park’s family-friendly amenities—they keep this park a favorite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike.

The Basics

For an afternoon picnic or fun with the kids, Waterfront Park is an excellent choice. The 12-acre (4.9-hectare) park is a favorite for its wide-open spaces, neat walking trails, and fantastic views of the Ashley River from Vendue Wharf. The park also has two fountains: one giant pineapple fountain that’s perfect for taking photos, and one smaller splash zone that’s a hit with kids who want to cool off.

Many Charleston walking and carriage tours pass by the park, but because of its central location, Waterfront Park is an easy add-on to your independent sightseeing itinerary too.

Things to Know Before You Go

Charleston Waterfront Park is a lovely spot for all visitors to Charleston, especially families with children.
There isn’t much shade at the park, so be sure to bring sun protection.
Tote swimsuits and towels to make the most of the splash zone.
Public restrooms are available within walking distance of the park.
The park is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.

How to Get There

Waterfront Park is located on the eastern edge of the Charleston peninsula, at the end of Concord Street. There is street and lot parking nearby, and the park is also a stop on the free downtown DASH shuttle’s green line.

When to Get There

The always-popular Waterfront Park is free and open to the public year-round. Check the weather before you visit to ensure that you can make the most of your time there. If you’re interested in taking photos, consider going at sunset and staying until the fountain lights turn on—it’s worth the wait.

Waterfront Park Tours

If you want to visit Waterfront Park without spending a valuable chunk of your vacation time, consider going on a guided tour. Get an overview of the park’s highlights, snap a photo, and then move on to the city’s bigger-name attractions nearby like the Battery, Rainbow Row, and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.

Concord Street, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

From $ 16

Middleton Place

The 65-acre Middleton Place, a former rice plantation along the Ashley River, has persisted under the guidance of the Middleton family, without changing hands, for more than 320 years. Visitors to this National Historic Landmark home—built in 1755 by the father of Arthur Middleton, who signed the Declaration of Independence—can explore the Middleton Place house, the lavish landscaped gardens (the oldest in the nation), and the stable yards, where staff dressed in period clothing demonstrate weaving, blacksmithing, carpentry, and other trades formerly undertaken by slaves.

The Basics

A visit to Middleton Place offers insight into what Southern plantation life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. A general admission ticket includes access to the sprawling landscaped gardens and plantation stable yards, while possible add-on experiences are a 45-minute guided tour of the House Museum and a leisurely 40-minute open-air carriage tour around the plantation grounds. Those with more time can book a room at the Middleton Place Inn, which includes access to all Middleton points of interest.

This site is a must-see for history buffs.
Give yourself a minimum of two hours (and as much as a full day) to tour the estate.
The gardens are mostly wheelchair accessible, and the site offers handicapped parking and restrooms. The House Museum is not handicapped accessible.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions.

How to Get to Middleton Place

Middleton Place is located about 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Charleston along the Ashley River and is best visited by car via Interstate 95. Parking is free of charge. For those without access to a car, it’s also possible to visit on a private tour, which usually includes roundtrip transportation from Charleston.

When to Get There

While Middleton Place is open throughout the year, many visitors plan their trip based on what’s blooming in the gardens. The winter months see centuries-old camellias burst into bloom, while vibrant azaleas put on a show above Rice Mill Pond in spring. In summer, expect roses, crepe myrtles, magnolias, and kalmia—as well as temperatures in the upper 80s.

A Taste of the Low Country

If walking around the grounds works up an appetite, grab a table at the Middleton Place Restaurant, where the menu features Carolina Low Country favorites like she-crab soup, collard greens, shrimp and grits, and Huguenot torte.

4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29414, USA

Daily 9am–5pm

Varies

From $ 12

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

As the last large-scale Romantic garden left in the United States, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens seek to provide an escape from the struggles and stresses of everyday life. Unlike a formal garden that seeks to “control” nature, a Romantic garden cooperates with nature to create a peaceful landscape where people and nature exist in harmony. Magnolia’s are also the oldest unrestored gardens in the United States, and the historic house is one of the oldest in the South.

The Basics

A trip to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is full of beauty and history. In fact, it is the only plantation on the Ashley River that survived both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Many sections of the gardens are more than 325 years old. A petting zoo with local animals is one of the family-friendly aspects, as is the Peacock Cafe. There is a nature train and tram tour around the grounds that takes visitors past major sights and around the natural wildlife. There are also swamp tours and nature boat tours available.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Magnolia Plantation is a must-see for history buffs and plant and flower fans.
Plan to spend a few hours here, with around 45 minutes dedicated to touring the historic gardens.
While much of the grounds are wheelchair-accessible, the home tour is not.
Tours often include air-conditioned round-trip transportation from Charleston.
One ticket allows for access to most of the sights. Tours are available at additional cost.

How to Get There

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are located about 14 miles from Charleston. You can drive there in just under thirty minutes (ample parking is available) or take a tour that includes transportation from the city.

When to Get There

Magnolia Plantation is open every day of the year, including holidays. Time your visit depending on the individual tours you wish you take.

History at Magnolia

The house at Magnolia Plantation has remained the Drayton family home for generations. It has seen centuries of history since it was established in 1676. Visitors interested in learning more about the house can take the plantation house tour. A tour and free shuttle to the historic slave cabins is another important part of the region’s history that is not to be overlooked.

3550 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, South Carolina 29414, USA

Varies seasonally, though always open between 8:30 a.m–4:30 p.m.

Adults, $20; Children ages 6–12, $10

From $ 57

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

At 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the United States. It connects downtown Charleston to the city of Mount Pleasant and the beaches beyond, plus it provides bike and pedestrian paths that lead to unobstructed views of Charleston Harbor and the city skyline.

The Basics

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, also known as the New Cooper River Bridge, is an 8-lane, cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River. You can walk, bike, or drive across it—a sectioned-off portion protects people from cars during the slow-and-steady uphill climb—to reach gorgeous vista points of the Charleston skyline, USS Yorktown, and Charleston Harbor. Or you can pass right under the bridge while enjoying a harbor sightseeing cruise or stand-up paddleboard tour. No matter how you choose to see it, the bridge is worth a visit for its beautiful architecture and stellar views.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a lovely sight for all visitors to Charleston, especially those particularly interested in bridges and engineering.
A long and steady incline makes this walk a good workout.
Dress in layers—it’s windy at the top of the bridge.
Bring snacks, water, and sun protection if you plan to walk the whole bridge. There are no amenities along the way.
Though technically wheelchair and stroller friendly, they’re not recommended.

How to Get There

The bridge is located on US Route 17 between Charleston and Mount Pleasant. From Charleston, access the bridge on East Bay Street; drive right up to it and park on the street, or park downtown and walk to the bridge. On the Mount Pleasant side, park at nearby Waterfront Park. You can also take CARTA bus 40 from either side of the bridge.

When to Get There

If you’re walking the bridge, plan to leave early in order to give yourself plenty of time and stay out of the midday heat. Sunset is a beautiful time on the bridge, too. Look out for special events at the bridge, too, such as the annual Cooper River Bridge Run, which interferes with regular public access.

Mount Pleasant Day Trip

Popular Charleston itineraries use a trip across the bridge as a great excuse to explore Mount Pleasant highlights such as Waterfront Memorial Park, the USS Yorktown, and Patriots Point. You can also drive across the bridge on your way back from Sullivan’s Island beach, Shem Creek, or other Mount Pleasant attractions.

US Route 17, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

From $ 28

Heyward-Washington House

A noble grandfather clock ticks the time in the drawing room of the Heyward-Washington House in Charleston, a veritable time portal to the 1700s. The two-story brick building constructed in 1772 takes its hyphenated name from its original owner Thomas Heyward, Jr, whose "John Hancock" appears on the Declaration of Independence, and George Washington, who stayed at the home on a visit in 1791.

Inside, visitors can touch the same banister as the country’s first president and explore rooms outfitted with Charleston-crafted antebellum décor including a four-poster bed and the ornate glass paneled “Holmes Bookcase.” The separate and original 1740s kitchen, carriage house, slave quarters and garden of traditional Lowcountry plants run alongside the home.

The Heyward-Washington House and the Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803 and just a mile away, are both owned and managed as historical attractions by the Charleston Museum.

Practical Info

The Heyward-Washington House is located at 87 Church Street, Charleston. The home is open Mon. to Sat. 10 a.m. til 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Final docent-led tours depart at 4:30 p.m. General admission is $12, but packages bundling two or all three of the Charleston Museum sites are available for $18 and $28 respectively. Combo tickets are not available for children ($5, ages 3-12) or students ($10, ages 13-17).

87 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403, USA

Open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays noon-5pm. Final docent-led tours depart at 4:30pm.

General admission is $12

From $ 25

Aiken-Rhett House

Charleston’s historic Aiken-Rhett House offers a rare glimpse into antebellum plantation life in South Carolina. The only surviving urban plantation, the 1818 townhouse complex remains largely intact, its rooms decorated with original wallpaper, fine art, and antique furnishings purchased by the owners more than 150 years ago.

The Basics

A tour of the mansion takes visitors across the double-sided porch, into the dining room, and out to the stables. The home's very own art gallery is a must-see, featuring a collection of sculptures, paintings, and chandeliers. The carriage house and kitchen at the rear of the mansion once served as slave quarters and are among the best-preserved examples in the region. The estate is often a stop on carriage tours of historic Charleston.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Aiken-Rhett House is a must-see for history buffs.
Combined tickets are available for the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House Museum.
Self-guided audio tours are available.
The house is only partially wheelchair-accessible, as visitors are required to climb up and down stairs to tour the entire estate.
Allow 90 minutes to two hours for house tours.

How to Get There

The museum is located at the corner of Judith and Elizabeth streets, only a couple of blocks from Charleston's visitor center and riverfront. Get there on foot or as part of a guided history tour.

When to Get There

The house museum is open daily. Since the attraction is largely indoors, it’s a good rainy day option.

A Powerful Southern Family

Originally built in 1820 by a local merchant, the mansion was purchased by wealthy industrialist William Aiken, Sr. in 1827 and passed to his son upon his death. In antebellum Charleston, Governor William Aiken, Jr. was one of the city’s most powerful and affluent figures. The governor and his wife moved into the Aiken-Rhett House in 1831 and twice expanded its size. The Aiken family maintained the home for 142 years before selling it to the Charleston Museum, which opened it to the public in 1975.

48 Elizabeth Street, Charleston 29401, USA

Daily 10am - 5pm

Adults $12; Children $5

From $ 26

Circular Congregational Church of Charleston

The Circular Congregational Church of Charleston is one of the oldest continuously worshipping churches in the United States of America. English Congregationalists, Scots Presbyterians, and French Huguenots came together in a spirit of diversity and liberality to erect this impressive architectural structure, built round to represent and hold an open meeting place with a free-flowing exchange of ideas. This meeting house helped to define the young “Charles Towne” and early on this street was known as Meeting House Street, later shortened to simply “Meeting Street,” where the church, to this day, still stands.

Founded in 1681 along with city of Charleston, the Circular Church, in this way, acts as a partner with the Charleston Museum to house some of greatest wealth of Colonial America’s history. With its own ripe history including its efforts to promote tolerance and understanding, its years in exile, and the extensive and ancient graveyard art, to this day, the Circular Congregational Church of Charleston acts as a gathering place for Congregationalists and history lovers alike.

The Circular Congregational Church of Charleston is located at 150 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina. It is open every day, and holds Sunday morning worship at 11 a.m.

150 Meeting Street, Charleston 29401, USA

Daily; Sunday morning worship at 11 a.m.

From $ 26

Joseph Manigault House

This historic Charleston home, now part of the Charleston Museum, is a well-preserved example of Federal architecture. Built in 1803 by architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother Joseph, a Charleston rice baron, the 3-story townhouse is now a National Historic Landmark, showcasing the wealthy family’s 19th-century lifestyle.

The Basics

An impressive central hall, with its spiral staircase leading to the upper floors, greets visitors entering the Joseph Manigault House. Many of the rooms have been restored to what they might have looked like in the 19th century, complete with original color schemes and a collection of French, American, and English period furniture. Entrance to the house also includes access to a period garden and several historical outbuildings, such as stables, kitchen, and former slave quarters.

Choose between a single admission to the Joseph Manigault House or a combination ticket that includes the Heyward-Washington House or the Charleston Museum as well. Some bus tours also include an optional upgrade that includes a visit to the house.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Joseph Manigault House is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in antebellum architecture.
Flash photography and the use of cell phones are not allowed within the historic house.
The house is not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The house is located on Meeting Street between John Street and Ashmead Place, one block south of the Charleston Museum. It’s easy to reach on foot from most areas of the city’s historic district.

When to Get There

The historic home is open daily throughout the year, with shorter hours on Sundays. Tours of the house are offered every 30 minutes, with the last tour departing a half-hour before closing time.

Heyward-Washington House

In addition to the Joseph Manigault House, the Charleston Museum also manages the Heyward-Washington House. This Georgian-style double house, built in 1772, was once the home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors can tour the mansion, formal gardens, and a kitchen building from the 1740s.

350 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Varies

From $ 24

The Battery and White Point Garden

The Battery wraps around the edge of Charleston’s peninsula, providing an elegant buffer between the city and the Ashley and Cooper rivers. Stroll and sightsee along the wide pedestrian paths, which pass by antebellum homes and historic sights, or perch beneath the live oaks in White Point Garden and watch the world go by.

The Basics

The Battery refers to the stretch of seawall and adjoining pedestrian paths along Charleston’s peninsular edge. White Point Garden is a 5.7-acre (2.3-hectare) public park on the Battery that rests on Charleston’s southernmost tip, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers converge. Both attractions are free and open to the public—expect to see them full of locals and visitors alike on any given day, especially around sunset. The Battery is also rich with historic sights and monuments, including old cannons, the Confederate Defenders of Charleston statue, and grand antebellum homes as far as the eye can see.

Visiting the Battery is an essential Charleston experience. You can explore it and White Point Garden independently or with a guide, as its complex history is included on most city sightseeing boat, bus, and walking tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Battery and White Point Garden are a must for first-time visitors to Charleston, especially history buffs.
This outdoor attraction is great for kids and suitable for pets.
Dress for the weather, keeping in mind the midday heat.
There are no public restrooms or water fountains nearby.
While mostly accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, uneven surfaces can make it difficult to navigate.

How to Get There

The Battery is located along the edge of the Charleston peninsula. You can walk or bike from downtown Charleston, or take the free DART shuttle’s green line. If driving, there is free and metered street parking in the vicinity.

When to Get There

The Battery and White Point Garden are free, open, and popular year-round. Be sure to check the weather before you go and plan accordingly.

Tours of the Battery

If you’re looking for more than just a pleasant walk along the Battery and White Point Garden, consider going as part of a guided tour. Downtown Charleston walking tours are a popular option, as are sightseeing cruises that let you see the Battery from the water.

USA

From $ 20

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

The Old Exchange is one of the oldest structures in Charleston, a famous city landmark, and one of the most historically significant buildings in the United States. Once the site of important political events, the building is now open to the public for fascinating tours, including a walk-through of its haunted Provost Dungeon.

The Basics

From banquets with George Washington to the ratification of the South Carolina Constitution, the Old Exchange has witnessed a significant chunk of Charleston and US history. Today the popular landmark’s exhibits showcase Charleston’s early days through artifacts, paintings, and documents—part of the original Charleston seawall is a visitor favorite—and museum docents dressed in period clothing are available to answer questions.

Admission includes a self-guided tour of the top two floors and a 25-minute guided tour of the Provost Dungeon. Alternatively, pick up a combo ticket that includes access to the Old Slave Mart Museum, or a Charleston Tour Pass for entry to this and up to 30 other attractions. Many sightseeing tours of the city pass by the building, and some include time for a visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are a must for first-time visitors to Charleston, especially history buffs.
Plan to spend roughly an hour exploring the sight.
Children under the age of 6 are free, and there are discounts for seniors, teachers, students, and military.
The Old Exchange is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Old Exchange is located at the intersection of East Bay and Broad streets in the heart of downtown Charleston. It is easy an easy walk or bike ride from most downtown locations. If driving, note that parking can be challenging; consider a nearby parking garage.

When to Get There

The Old Exchange is open daily from 9am to 5pm with the exception of major holidays. Tours begin every half hour starting at 9:30am. If you’re visiting Charleston in the summertime, keep in mind that the Old Exchange is air-conditioned and can provide a welcome break from the heat.

The Provost Dungeon

During the American Revolution, British soldiers converted the bottom floor of the Exchange building into a prison. It is rumored that the ghosts of these prisoners—including American prisoners of war, British soldiers, and enslaved people—still linger in the Provost Dungeon today, but only a Charleston ghost tour that includes a visit to the Old Exchange can let you know for certain.

122 East Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Varies

From $ 20

South Carolina Aquarium

A visit to South Carolina Aquarium is more than just a meet-and-greet with local sea life. The 385,000-gallon (1,500-cubic-meter) aquarium has 60 thematic and interactive exhibits that are as fascinating for adults as they are fun for kids. The aquarium is even impressive from the outside, thanks to its location on the Charleston Harbor.

The Basics

The South Carolina Aquarium gives you plenty to see. The sleek and modern space might be small, but it is home to more than 10,000 plants and animals divvied up among 60 exhibits. Favorites include a massive Great Ocean Tank, a state-of-the-art environmental learning center, a Loggerhead Sea Turtle Rescue Program, and a Touch Tank with invertebrates, such as stingrays and horseshoe crabs. The aquarium specifically focuses on regional wildlife by featuring exhibits planned around five parts of the Appalachian Watershed: the Mountains, the Piedmont, the Coastal Plain, the Coast, and the Ocean. Within these exhibits, visitors can find river otters, a very rare albino alligator (a popular favorite), sharks, and the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.

Visitors can tour the aquarium independently or with a small-group excursion. View the aquarium from a different perspective on a sailing or sunset cruise on Charleston Harbor.

Things to Know Before You Go

The aquarium is popular among families with kids.
Disabled parking is available; call the aquarium to learn more about accessibility.
There is a nursing room and a changing table on the first floor.
Ticket lines get long, so it’s best to book your ticket in advance.

How to Get There

Visitors staying downtown can easily take the free CARTA DASH Trolley from most stops downtown straight to the aquarium. If visiting from outside of downtown, the easiest way to get to the aquarium is to drive. A city-operated parking garage and metered street parking are available.

When to Get There

The aquarium is open daily during seasonal hours, but it is quietest weekdays before 11am or after 2pm. Be sure to check their calendar for an up-to-date look at special events, including 21 and up after-hours mixers, dance and gymnastics programs, and animal encounters.

Charleston Harbor

In addition to the South Carolina Aquarium, the Charleston Harbor is a great jumping-off point for other Charleston water activities. Look for sunset cruises, harbor tours, and more to round out your day.

100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston 29401, USA

Varies

From $ 30

St Michael's Church

Towering above surrounding Charleston, the nearly 200-foot tall white steeple of St Michael’s signals the site of the city’s oldest church. Inside, visitors and parishioners are transported back to the colonial era: alcoves shine with Tiffany stained glass windows, the original 1768 organ still pipes tunes and creaky wooden pews have seated centuries of worshipers including notables George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The central chandelier once blazed with candles, but has since been retrofitted with bulbs. Otherwise little altered, the church has survived tornadoes, an earthquake and even civil war bombings. The pulpit still bears battle wounds suffered in the 1865 Siege of Charleston Harbor. A table in the main vestibule along the western wall details the building’s long and storied history.

Choral music still emanates from St Michael’s on Sundays, and, as a still-functioning Episcopal Church, it can be sometimes challenging to tour the inside. Still, the exterior is a highlight of many historic downtown tours. It's still possible to see the old colonial clock— though minute hands weren’t added until the mid-1800s—and tour the adjacent cemetery, the final resting place of, among several other notables, two signers of the US Constitution.

Practical Info

The church is located on the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets across from Washington Square in the heart of Charleston. The building is open Monday-Thursday from 9am-4pm, Fridays from 9am-3pm and Saturdays from 8:30am-noon unless otherwise noted. Midday prayer is held during the week shortly after noon and Sunday services are at 8, 9:30 and 10:30am as well as at 6pm.

Did You Know? In 1680, a small wooden building stood in where St. Michael’s now does – the current building was constructed between 1752 and 1761 to meet the needs of a growing community.

71 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA

Varies by day

From $ 25

Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art hosts Charleston’s finest collections of art in a fabulous Beaux Arts building in Charleston’s Historic District. With over 10,000 works of fine art, it is here that you can see various glimpses into not just Charleston’s past, but into the Colonial American past as a whole. Featured exhibits include Mary Whyte’s gallery entitled Working South, and Vaughn Sills’ stunning collection of photographs documenting African American folk gardens and their creators.

The Gibbes Art Museum prides itself on its fine art collection and makes an effort to assure that either the paintings displayed or the artists themselves have some connection to Charleston. Laid out chronologically, the Gibbes Museum is two and a half floors of 17th to 21st century artistry culminating in the large stained glass dome, itself worth a few minutes of seated enjoyment.

Practical Info

The Gibbes is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Adult tickets are $9, Children $5. Free cell-phone audio tour with price of admission.

Photo courtesy of Aude via Wikimedia Commons

135 Meeting Street, Charleston 29401, USA

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Adults: $9, Children: $5

From $ 62

Charleston Museum

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Charleston is known for its deep history. The Charleston Museum, which marquees itself as America’s First Museum, is a great first stop for a broad overview of Charleston’s past, featuring exhibits ranging from Lowcountry dinosaur skeletons to niche Revolutionary War artifacts.

The Basics

The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 to document the emerging treasures of the New World. Today, the imposing brick building houses a large collection of Charleston furniture, silver, and Lowcountry textiles, making it a good place to learn about life in the British colonies. In addition, the natural history exhibit has massive skeletons of prehistoric animals and fossils—a hit with kids—and the Kidstory exhibit offers hands-on interactive displays created just for children.

Also on-site are two historic properties: the Heyward-Washington House and the Joseph Manigault House. Each of these sites requires a separate entrance ticket; bundled admission, which includes a tour, is available at a discounted rate. Overall museum admission is free for holders of the Charleston Tour Pass.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Charleston Museum is a must for history buffs, and the kid-friendly exhibits make it popular with families.
Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the museum.
The museum is wheelchair accessible. The historic houses offer photographic tours for those who are unable to climb stairs.
Compact strollers are allowed in the museum and the first floor of the historic houses.

How to Get There

The Charleston Museum is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, just across the street from the Charleston Visitors Center. Walking or taking the free downtown DASH shuttle is recommended, but paid street parking and garages are available nearby for visitors who drive.

When to Get There

The Charleston Museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. The historic homes are open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday, with the last tour at 4:30pm every day. Check the museum calendar for special events geared toward kids and students.

More Charleston Museums

There is no shortage of museums in Charleston. If you’re looking for more Charleston history, some of your options include the Old Slave Mart Museum, the Nathaniel Russell House, the Confederate Museum, and the Aiken-Rhett House, all easily accessible downtown.

360 Meeting Street, Charleston 29403, USA

Varies

From $ 32

Aiken-Rhett House

Charleston's historic Aiken-Rhett House offers a rare glimpse into antebellum plantation life in South Carolina. The only surviving urban plantation, the 1818 townhouse complex remains largely intact, its rooms decorated with original wallpaper, fine art, and antique furnishings purchased by the owners more than 150 years ago.

The Basics

Things to Know Before You Go

The Aiken-Rhett House is a must-see for history buffs.
Combined tickets are available for the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House Museum.
Self-guided audio tours are available.
The house is only partially wheelchair-accessible, as visitors are required to climb up and down stairs to tour the entire estate.
Allow 90 minutes to two hours for house tours.

How to Get There

The museum is located at the corner of Judith and Elizabeth streets, only a couple of blocks from Charleston's visitor center and riverfront. Get there on foot or as part of a guided history tour.

When to Get There

The house museum is open daily. Since the attraction is largely indoors, it's a good rainy day option.

A Powerful Southern Family

Originally built in 1820 by a local merchant, the mansion was purchased by wealthy industrialist William Aiken, Sr. in 1827 and passed to his son upon his death. In antebellum Charleston, Governor William Aiken, Jr. was one of the city's most powerful and affluent figures. The governor and his wife moved into the Aiken-Rhett House in 1831 and twice expanded its size. The Aiken family maintained the home for 142 years before selling it to the Charleston Museum, which opened it to the public in 1975.

48 Elizabeth Street, Charleston 29401, USA

Daily 10am - 5pm

Adults $12; Children $5

From $ 26

Rainbow Row

This street of brightly colored homes in Charleston is easily the most photographed spot in the city, and it’s easy to see why. The 14 colorful Georgian row houses along East Bay Street date back to 1730, when they were built as merchant stores.

The Basics

Situated in near Waterfront Park in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Rainbow Row features on just about every Charleston walking tour and carriage ride, along with other popular points of interest like the Dock Street Theatre, White Point Gardens, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, and the Waterfront Battery. Once commercial buildings, the houses today have all been converted to private residences—meaning you can only gawk at them from the outside.

Things to Know Before You Go

Rainbow Row is a must-see for architecture lovers and first-time visitors.
Don’t forget your camera; Rainbow Row make for one of Charleston’s best photo ops.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re visiting as part of a walking tour.
Guided tours that stop at Rainbow Row last anywhere from 80 minutes to three hours, depending which you’ve chosen.

How to Get There

Rainbow Row is located on the stretch of East Bay Street between Tradd and Elliot streets in Charleston. It’s located a short walk from Waterfront Park, and it’s easily accessible on foot from just about anywhere in the historic district.

When to Get There

For the best light for your photo—and sparser crowds to interfere with shot—plan to visit early in the morning or around sunset. In summer, expect hot, humid weather with highs in the upper 80s.

Why the Pastel Colors?

No one’s sure just why the Rainbow Row houses got their signature sherbet-hued paint job. One theory posits that the houses were painted like this so drunken sailors returning from the port could easily find the right one. Another suggests the colors once indicated the type of goods sold within each house, making it easier to attract illiterate shoppers.

83 to 107 East Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

From $ 20