Things to do in Charleston

Activities, attractions and tours

Charleston
Charleston Historic District
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site which includes a park
White Point Gardens showing a statue or sculpture
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site showing a garden
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Most popular experiences in Charleston

Tours & day trips

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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 434 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,997 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 58 activities
Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 137 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 12,888 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Charleston: Boone Hall Plantation Entry & Tour w/ Transport

Charleston: Boone Hall Plantation Entry & Tour w/ Transport

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,736 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Charleston: Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip

Charleston: Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 8,932 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Kids Ziplining and Climbing Experience

Kids Ziplining and Climbing Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
Price is P 3,896 per youth
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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 lively bars.

Medical University of South Carolina
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rainbow Row featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people

Rainbow Row

Find out about the history of Charleston when you take a trip to Rainbow Row. Make time for the stunning cathedral and local tours in this walkable area.

Rainbow Row

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
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
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 The Riviera Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Harleston Village
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
Before the Storm

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.