What to do in Charleston, SC

Activities, attractions and tours

A large suspension bridge with tall towers and cables, spanning a body of water with a grassy shoreline in the foreground.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a stop sign, and a tree.
A tree-lined path in a park with moss-covered trees and a paved walkway.
A Confederate statue in a park with trees and a circular stone base.
A pathway under a large tree with moss-covered branches and a sign pointing to Legare/Warring House.

Things to do

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Rp767.937
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour

Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour

Rp750.078
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour
Historic Charleston Tour

Gray Line Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Rp517.911
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Gray Line Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Rp535.770
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston

Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston

Rp723.290
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Rp892.057
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Rp892.950
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing

Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing

Rp660.783
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Rp651.854
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
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Top places to visit

1. 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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An indoor market with tables displaying various items, a large decorative light sculpture, and people browsing.

2. 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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A historic building with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by lush trees and a paved sidewalk.

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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A wooden boardwalk with a covered pavilion and a lighthouse in the background.

4. 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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A calm lake surrounded by trees with Spanish moss, reflecting the sky and trees.

5. 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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A sea turtle swimming among a school of fish in an aquarium.

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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A historic cannon in a brick archway.

What to do in Charleston

Stay near popular Charleston attractions

An indoor market with tables displaying various items, a large decorative light sculpture, and people browsing.

Charleston City Market

8.8/10 (11,111 reviews)
Dating back to the 1700s, the Charleston City Market showcases local culture through artisan crafts and famous sweetgrass baskets. Browse vendors in historic open-air sheds while savouring Lowcountry cuisine aromas.
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Where to stay in Charleston

Find the best Charleston areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Charleston
Learn more about Charleston
A pier with a lighthouse and a flagpole.

Downtown Charleston

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

A large, historic building with classical architecture, featuring tall columns and a prominent clock tower.

French Quarter

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

A beachfront with a row of historic buildings and palm trees.

South of Broad

If you're spending some time in South of Broad, Rainbow Row and Nathaniel Russell House are top sights worth seeing.

A lush green rice paddy field with a tree in the foreground.

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 Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

A horse-drawn carriage crossing a street at a city intersection.

Charleston Historic District

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Day trip destinations from Charleston

A nighttime illuminated fountain with a pineapple-like top, surrounded by trees and a building in the background.

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 kilometers away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometers 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.