Things to Do in Charleston SC

The essential Charleston attractions are Fort Sumter (where the Civil War began), Rainbow Row (13 colorful Georgian rowhouses), The Battery and White Point Garden (waterfront promenade with antebellum mansions), Charleston City Market (historic market with sweetgrass baskets), and the International African American Museum. Beyond downtown, the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island and the plantations (Magnolia, Boone Hall, Middleton Place) are worth the drive.

Three to four days is ideal for Charleston. Day one covers downtown highlights: Rainbow Row, The Battery, City Market, and a carriage tour. Day two takes you to Fort Sumter or a plantation. Day three adds a beach day at Folly Beach or Isle of Palms. Day four (if you have it) allows for a food tour, kayaking, or exploring Upper King Street. Weekend visitors can hit the highlights in two full days.

Charleston has plenty of free attractions. Walk Rainbow Row and The Battery for free (the city's most photographed spots). Waterfront Park with its Pineapple Fountain costs nothing. Charleston City Market is free to browse. Angel Oak Park on Johns Island is free. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center has free exhibits. All Charleston beaches are free (small parking fees apply). Many churches like St. Michael's and St. Philip's welcome visitors at no charge.

Families love the South Carolina Aquarium (sea turtle rehabilitation), the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point (WWII aircraft carrier you can explore), harbor cruises and dolphin watching tours, Folly Beach for swimming and sandcastles, and carriage tours (kids enjoy the horses). Fort Sumter appeals to older kids interested in history. The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is designed for younger children. Kayaking on Shem Creek works well for families with kids 4 and up.

Charleston is one of America's most romantic cities. Sunset sailing on the Schooner Pride tops most couples' lists. A private carriage ride through the historic district sets the mood. Rooftop cocktails at the Vendue or a meal at a white-tablecloth restaurant like Hall's Chophouse or Circa 1886 impress for special occasions. Walking The Battery at sunset, exploring the hidden gardens of the French Quarter, and a ghost tour after dark all have romantic appeal.

Carriage tours are worth it for first-time visitors who want an overview of the historic district with minimal walking. The one-hour tours cover 30+ blocks and provide historical narration you won't get walking on your own. However, a city-mandated lottery system determines your route, so you can't choose which neighborhood you'll see. Walking tours offer more flexibility and deeper history. Private carriage rides ($150-160 for two) let couples enjoy the experience without a group.

The International African American Museum (opened 2023) is the most significant recent addition, built on the site where 40% of enslaved Africans arrived in North America. The Charleston Museum (America's first, founded 1773) covers local history. Patriots Point lets you tour the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. The Gibbes Museum of Art houses American artworks, many with Charleston connections. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon offers colonial and Revolutionary War history.

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best weather: mild temperatures in the 60s-80s, lower humidity than summer, and beautiful flowering gardens in spring. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid (high 80s-90s) with afternoon thunderstorms, though beaches and water activities help beat the heat. Winter (December-February) is mild by Northern standards (50s-60s) with fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. Hurricane season runs June through November.

The French Quarter (south of Broad Street) has the oldest architecture, Rainbow Row, The Battery, and the most historic feel. It's quieter at night. Upper King Street (north of Calhoun) has the trendiest restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightlife. The Market area between them has the most tourist traffic. For first visits, focus on the French Quarter during the day and Upper King for dinner and drinks.

Walking tours and carriage tours serve different purposes. Walking tours go deeper into history, access narrow streets and alleys carriages can't reach, and let you photograph at your own pace. Carriage tours cover more ground with less effort and work well for those with mobility concerns or limited time. Most visitors benefit from doing both: a carriage tour for the overview, then walking tours for specific interests like ghost stories, architecture, or food.

Skip the generic souvenir shops in City Market (focus on sweetgrass baskets from local artisans instead). The crowds at peak weekend times can make Rainbow Row frustrating—go early morning or late afternoon. Unless you're a naval history enthusiast, Patriots Point takes more time than the USS Yorktown alone warrants. Some plantation tours gloss over slavery; choose operators known for honest interpretation (McLeod Plantation is best for this).

Downtown Charleston is extremely walkable—you can reach most attractions on foot. The CARTA trolley runs a free downtown loop for longer distances. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) works well for getting to restaurants or returning from night tours. You'll need a car (or rideshare) for beaches, plantations, and Angel Oak. Parking downtown is limited and expensive; if you drive, park at your hotel and walk or trolley. Carriage tours cover the historic district; harbor ferries reach Fort Sumter.