Things to do in Charleston

Activities, attractions and tours

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston Historic District
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site which includes a park
White Point Gardens showing a statue or sculpture
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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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College of Charleston which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

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 which includes markets and interior views as well as a small group of people

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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Waterfront Park showing a sunset as well as an individual femail

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 showing marine life

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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Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

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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Fort Sumter featuring heritage elements, interior views and military items

What to do in Charleston

Popular places to visit

College of Charleston which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

College of Charleston

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_MedicalUniversityofSouthCarolina_6162782_04

Medical University of South Carolina

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Medical University of South Carolina, during your travels in Charleston. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Medical University of South Carolina
Cruise Ship Terminal Charleston SC, Shutterstock ID 1327618064, Purchase Order: SP-1891 Wave 0, Client/Licensee: Hotels.com

Port of Charleston

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
Charleston City Market which includes markets as well as a small group of people

Charleston City Market

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, fall colors and landscape views

Waterfront Park

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 which includes marine life and interior views

South Carolina Aquarium

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

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

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Old Citadel Building in Charleston, Shutterstock ID 1199826247, Purchase Order: SP-1891 Wave 0, Client/Licensee: Hotels.com

The Citadel

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

The Citadel
Fort Sumter featuring heritage elements, interior views and military items

Fort Sumter

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

Areas of Charleston

Charleston Historic District showing heritage architecture

Charleston Historic District

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
Edmonston-Alston House featuring a house

Downtown Charleston

Travelers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

Downtown Charleston
Battery Street Waterfront, Charleston, South Carolina

Cannonborough Elliotborough

While visiting Cannonborough Elliotborough, you might make a stop by sights like Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
Walking down random alleyways, I found a graveyard with people that are buried from over 200 years ago.

Harleston Village

If you're spending some time in Harleston Village, Marion Square and Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist are top sights worth seeing.

Harleston Village
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site showing heritage elements and a house

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.

West Ashley
Cityscape of the historic downtown French Quarter district in Charleston, South Carolina

King Street

While visiting King Street, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall.

King Street
view of shem creek from coleman blvd charleston south carolina

Mount Pleasant

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 neighborhoods, Downtown Charleston is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometers away from the city center 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 neighborhoods, 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.