57 Fun Things to Do in Charlestone

If you're traveling to Charleston, South Carolina, check out all these plans I suggest in the Holy City. From visits to its main plantations to gastronomic tours, ghost tours, and water sports days. Whatever your interests, you're sure to find plenty of things to do on this list that will catch your eye.

I also recommend reading this article on what to see and do in Charleston to understand the highlights of your visit and help you plan your itinerary.

One of the best ways to get to know Charleston is on foot, strolling through its cobbled streets, historic houses, and charming squares. To do this, you can take a historical tour of Charleston that will allow you to discover the evolution of the city from its colonial origins to the present day.

There are options for all tastes: from general routes through the old town to themed tours of cemeteries, galleries, or gastronomic spaces. You can also consider the Charleston tourist bus if you prefer a more comfortable tour.

The economic, social, and political history of Charleston has a lot to do with its plantations. Among the most famous is Boone Hall Plantation, which is considered the number one plantation in the city. In fact, Boone Hall is the most photographed plantation in the United States and a must-see for anyone traveling to Charleston.

This experience includes admission to the plantation grounds. The tour begins at Avenue Of Oaks and continues with the Black History In America exhibit, which consists of nine original slave cabins. As if that weren't enough, you can also tour the plantation house.

A very special way to explore the historic center of Charleston is aboard a horse-drawn carriage. This one-hour guided tour takes you through the main streets of the old town while you learn about its colonial past and its role in the Civil War.

The itinerary varies depending on local traffic conditions and begins at the stables, where you can watch an educational video and meet the horses. This is an ideal option if you are only in town for a short time.

• Learn more... The 3 best carriage tours in Charleston

A different way to get to know the city is by taking a boat trip in Charleston. From the water, you'll have privileged views of the harbor and learn about its maritime history and its role in key conflicts.

You can choose between daytime trips to see dolphins or sunset cruises, which are ideal for avoiding the heat if you're traveling in July or August. Book in advance to secure your place.

• Learn more... The 7 best boat tours in Charleston

In South Carolina, and specifically in Charleston, Black citizens have a past that, for the most part, has been buried. With this walking tour, you can discover the part of history that was never told to you, the part that doesn't appear in history books. The tour lasts two hours and is led by Damon Fordham: historian, writer, and educator.

The tour includes places such as the city market, the Jehu Jones Hotel, the Heyward-Washington House, and the Old Slave Mart Museum, where slave auctions were held.

This is one of the most comprehensive and highly recommended experiences I can offer you. Middleton Palace was the residence of two of America's Founding Fathers, making it a must-see for those who want to learn about the country's history and culture. Beyond that, it is worth visiting for its beautiful gardens, which are, in fact, the oldest in the United States.

The experience includes round-trip bus transportation from Charleston, as well as a guided tour of the House Museum. You can also take a self-guided tour of the different parts of Middleton Place. Afterwards, you will enjoy a delicious lunch of crab soup, fried chicken, pulled pork, salad, and dessert.

Magnolia Plantation, founded in 1676, is one of the oldest in the South and is considered the most beautiful garden in the United States. To visit it is to delve into centuries of Southern history.

You can tour its gardens and grounds in an air-conditioned bus accompanied by an expert guide who will explain everything about its past and evolution.

On this walking tour with a licensed guide, you'll learn in depth about the culture, architecture, and history of this South Carolina city. In addition, the guide will tailor their explanations to your interests, making the experience even more entertaining.

The tour begins at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1776. You will then continue on to the Old Slave Mart Museum, formerly known as Ryan's Slave Mart. What is now a museum was once a slave auction site. You will also see the Dock Street Theater and Charleston City Hall.

The French Quarter is one of the most important historical areas in Charleston. The city's colonial past is clearly evident in the architecture of its buildings. During this walking tour, you will discover the main tourist attractions of the Holy City. A guide will explain in detail the history and interesting facts about the different points along the route.

You will visit Riley Waterfront Park, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Rainbow Row, the Pink House Gallery, and Charleston City Hall, among others. You will also stroll through the port of Charleston and see the castle and its fortresses.

If you want to learn everything about Charleston and explore every corner of the city, I recommend this small group minibus tour. Your feet will thank you for the break, and you won't have to deal with the stifling, humid heat. This experience lasts an hour and a half and covers the city's historic district,

Groups are limited to 15 people, so the guide can give you personalized attention. This way, you can ask questions and satisfy your curiosity about the history of the Holy City. During the tour, the bus will make a stop so you can take photos.

• **Learn more...**If you want to know more about bus tours of the city, check out this article on the Charleston tourist bus Charleston Tourist Buses

This experience is perfect for you if you want to learn about the whole story, going beyond the superficial view provided by books. In Charleston, women have played a very important role throughout the city's history. During this two-hour guided tour, you will learn their names, achievements, and sacrifices.

During the tour, you will visit different parts of the city, such as St. Philip's Church, Pink House Gallery, and Nathaniel Russell House. A licensed guide who is an expert on the subject will accompany you throughout the tour, explaining the history of the women who played a leading role in Charleston's history.

It's not all about learning! On your trip to Charleston, you should also make time to discover the city's gastronomic culture. This experience is perfect for that, as you will visit a total of four local food establishments, where you will taste the flavors that characterize this South Carolina city.

In addition, the experience also includes a historical tour of the city's culinary culture. An expert guide will share interesting stories about the topic. The food tour lasts 3 hours.

Traveling is also the perfect opportunity to disconnect and connect: disconnect from the noise and connect with nature and yourself. Discover the wilder side of Charleston on this eco-friendly kayak tour of Folly Creek. The experience is done in small groups of up to 12 people. It is great for both children and adults, as it does not require extensive knowledge of how to handle the boat.

The tour lasts 2 hours, during which you will learn all about Folly Creek thanks to the expert knowledge of the local guide. As if that weren't enough, you'll get to see dolphins, pelicans, loggerhead turtles, and crabs up close. This experience is ideal for May, when the heat is not yet too intense.

• **Learn more...**If you want to know more about the best things to do in Charleston in May, check out this article on 10 things to see and do in Charleston in May 10 things to see and do in Charleston in May

Morris Island played a vital role during the American Civil War, thanks to its strategic location. It is an uninhabited island that can only be accessed by boat. With this experience, you will have the opportunity to explore it for yourself.

The experience lasts two and a half hours. You will arrive at the island on an eco-friendly cruise, where you will enjoy its natural surroundings for an hour. During this time, you can collect shells, take photos of the lighthouse, and enjoy the views from the beach. Dolphin sightings are also common on this excursion. This experience is ideal for the month of July.

Enjoy a pleasant boat ride with the sea breeze in your hair and the wonderful panoramic views offered by the landscape. The ferry ride includes a drink, either a soft drink or water. Then, when you arrive at Daniel Island, you can dine at The Kingstide or Sermet's Courtyard, two restaurants located on the seafront.

After your incredible dining experience, the ferry will be waiting to take you back to Waterfront Park. This is a very romantic plan, ideal if you are visiting Charleston with your partner.

Leave Charleston behind and see the city from the sea, marveling at the wonderful views it offers. You can walk around the Citadel military campus, visit the sixth oldest lighthouse in the United States, and explore a beach famous among surfers.

The experience begins with a boat trip to Morris Island, where you can see the beautiful port of Charleston from afar. Then, you'll head to Folly Pier, where you can take a dip in the sea. Next, you'll tour the Citadel military campus. As if that weren't enough, you can also visit Fort Moultrie, where many of the African slaves who were forced to march to the United States were housed.

Charleston is considered one of the most haunted cities in the US, and walking its streets at night is a unique experience for those who enjoy mystery. With a local guide, you'll learn about the tragedies and mysterious events that have fueled legends since colonial times.

The route includes places such as the Unitarian Church Cemetery (1772), the epicenter of many stories collected in the book Ghosts of Charleston, and begins at the Buxton Boos bookstore. There are tours for all audiences and also versions for adults only.

• Learn more... The 8 best ghost tours in Charleston

Dolphins are common in the waters around Charleston. That's why most tourists who visit the city include this activity in their plans. It's a unique experience where you can see these cheerful and playful cetaceans swimming freely in the sea.

The water taxi makes four stops, all of them near the port of Charleston. You can stop at any of them to take a walk around the area and then get back on board. It's an ideal plan for sunny days, when you can enjoy the sea breeze in your hair. Therefore, I don't recommend booking this experience if you're traveling in winter.

• **Learn more...**If you want to know more about the best things to do in Charleston in winter, check out this article on 10 things to see and do in Charleston in winter 10 things to see and do in Charleston in winter

In Charleston's small and cozy French Quarter is the Old Slave Mart Museum, a historic building where slaves were auctioned off in the pre-Civil War era.

A visit to this museum includes a self-guided tour to learn about the moving and shocking history of the thousands of unfortunate (mostly anonymous) people who passed through this horrific place.

Charleston is home to the oldest museum in the United States, founded in 1773. The Charleston Museum offers a fascinating look at the city's history, with exhibits ranging from Native American life to the Revolutionary War.

Admission also gives you access to two historic houses connected to the museum: the Joseph Manigault House and the Heyward-Washington House, for an even more complete cultural experience.

Drayton Hall, founded in 1738, is the oldest preserved plantation in the US and remains as it was in its origins. It is a key place for understanding the history of Charleston and the slave-based economy of the South.

Admission includes access to Lenhardt Garden, two galleries, and an 18th-century African American cemetery, all accompanied by an informative audio guide that enriches the visit.

Fort Sumter is one of Charleston's main tourist attractions, given its historical value. It was here that the American Civil War began. Therefore, it is a must-see on your trip to the Holy City.

Today, you can see the fort that protected it, as well as the shrapnel and cannons that are still preserved there. The site also offers wonderful views of the sea.

Located in the historic center of Charleston, St. John the Baptist Cathedral is the largest religious temple in the city. It was built in 1861 in neo-Gothic style on the remains of an old church destroyed by fire.

Its stone architecture, stained glass windows, carved oak benches, and white marble altars make it worth a visit, both for its artistic and historical value.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects Charleston with Mount Pleasant and is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. In addition to its modern design, the bridge has a pedestrian and bicycle path called Wonders' Way, ideal for cycling and enjoying panoramic views of the Cooper River and the Charleston skyline.

You can rent a bike at places like The Bicycle Shoppe, Bilda Bike, or Charleston Bike Share and cross this bridge in an active and very photogenic way.

The Battery is one of Charleston's most iconic waterfront promenades, located in the historic South of Broad neighborhood and surrounded by pre-Civil War houses. It is ideal for walking and relaxing by the sea, and nearby you will find several green spaces that complete the experience.

• White Point Garden: a park surrounded by mansions, with oak trees, palm trees, and tree-lined paths that include monuments dedicated to the Civil War.
• Joe Riley Waterfront Park: famous for its pineapple-shaped fountain, it overlooks the Cooper River and is perfect for relaxing or strolling with the family.
• Rainbow Row: not a park, but one of the most picturesque areas next to The Battery, with historic pastel-colored houses offering one of the city's most famous postcard views.

More than 30 hectares make up Charleston's most important park. Charles Towne Landing is a beautiful place to relax in the shade of oak trees and lose yourself in nature. The park also has great historical significance for the city, as it was the site where British settlers landed in 1670.

Walking around the area, you will be transported back to colonial times, as the site recreates the lifestyle of that era. Without a doubt, this is an essential stop on your trip to the Holy City.

It is easy to find places in Charleston that speak of the years the city lived through during the famous American Civil War. However, it is not so common to find places that look beyond this period to the years of slavery. The Aiken Rhett House Museum is one of these places where you can understand the reality of enslaved Africans.

That's why I suggest a guided tour of the interior of this property, where you can see the places where the slaves lived. Since the house is located in downtown Charleston, you can easily visit it on any day of your trip.

In addition to its strong past as a major player in American history, Charleston is also a cultural city. The city's artistic scene is centered around the Gibbes Museum of Art.

Here you can see all kinds of contemporary art exhibitions, some permanent and others temporary. In addition, the Gibbes Museum of Art reflects the history of the city on an artistic level, so you can immerse yourself in the culture of Charleston during your visit.

The Nathaniel Russell House is one of the most outstanding neoclassical houses in the United States, built in 1808 by a wealthy slave trader. The guided tour of its rooms allows you to learn about the life of Charleston's elite and reflect on its past.

Its famous three-level staircase, decorative moldings, and original furniture make the visit an essential cultural and architectural experience.

What better way to get to know a city than by walking its streets and immersing yourself in its culture? This tour will allow you to learn about the history of Charleston while seeing its main tourist attractions. The experience lasts two hours and includes the expert commentary of a professional local guide.

The tour begins at the "Four Corners of the Law," which includes City Hall, the Courthouse, the Post Office, and St. Michaels Church. Next, you'll stroll through the charming French Quarter, home to some of the city's most important buildings. Finally, you'll visit one of Charleston's most famous areas: Rainbow Row.

• **Learn more...**If you want to know more about walking tours of the city, check out this article on the best guided tours of Charleston.

The McLeod plantation has been the site of some of the most shocking, raw, and dark events in Charleston's history. Through various exhibits around the site, you can learn about what happened on the plantation and understand its history.

You'll also see an oak tree that is over 600 years old, the main house, and the outdoor pavilion.

For those days of long walks and intense sightseeing, I recommend taking a break at Battery & White Point Gardens. These beautiful gardens full of greenery invite you to take a long, leisurely rest. You can have a picnic in the park and enjoy a special brunch or simply lie down on the grass.

Afterwards, you can head to the Battery promenade, which is right next to the park. Buy an ice cream and stroll along the promenade while enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea and Charleston Harbor.

What was once an important rice plantation is now a paradise where you can unwind and enjoy the views. If you enjoy walking in nature, I recommend heading to the Caw Caw Interpretive Center.

You can cross bridges over swamps, marshes, and wetlands, immerse yourself in forests, and get to know the area's wildlife, such as deer, wild turkeys, and woodpeckers.

During your visit to Charleston, don't miss the HL Hunley. This Confederate submarine is famous for being the first to sink an enemy ship during the war. That's why it's one of Charleston's most popular attractions today, especially if you're a history buff.

In addition to seeing the submarine, you will also have the opportunity to learn a lot about the conflict thanks to the exhibitions on site. There are also interactive exhibits that children will love.

The South Carolina Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 animals from the marine world. Among the species found here are sea urchins, sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs.

In addition to seeing these aquatic animals, you can also watch the center's professionals work to rehabilitate Zucker's sea turtles.

It has probably happened to you more than once: you come back from a trip and find lots of photos of the city, but few of you and your loved ones that are worth keeping. With this experience , you will make your trip to Charleston stand out.

Through a beautiful tour of Charleston's main tourist attractions, renowned photographer Liz Legare Duren will take a photo reportage of you. At the same time, she will explain different facts and stories about the city. The tour begins at Washington Square Park and continues to the French Quarter, South Broad, and High Battery.

Are you passionate about cooking? If so, this experience is for you. This four-hour tour is led by the great chef Forrest Parker. He will guide you through the streets of Charleston, introducing you to the city's culinary history. You'll learn about Charleston's main gastronomic influences and discover fascinating facts, such as the famous recipe created by a slave.

Afterwards, you'll enjoy a three-course tasting accompanied by locally grown wine. As if that weren't enough, you'll get to see the chef demonstrate how to prepare these recipes.

If you like excitement and adrenaline, I recommend this speedboat tour of Charleston Harbor. You can drive your own F13 speedboat for two hours, during which you will cover more than 20 kilometers. In addition, during the adventure, an audio guide will tell you interesting details about the sites you pass by.

Among the places you'll be lucky enough to see during this experience are the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the South Carolina Aquarium, Battery & White Point Gardens, and the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. As if that weren't enough, you may also be lucky enough to see the area's marine wildlife. If you don't know anything about boating, don't worry, an expert will explain everything you need to know to operate the boat.

Upper King Street is one of Charleston's most avant-garde districts. The neighborhood is known for the gastronomic richness it brings to the city. In fact, Upper King Street is considered one of the 10 best gastronomic districts in the United States. You can witness this for yourself through this tasty and delicious experience.

On this tour, you'll sample recipes from the best restaurants on Upper King Street. The experience lasts about two and a half hours and includes all the dishes served during the tasting. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.

Experience Charleston in a different way and add this adventure park experience to your trip. Test your limits and challenges with a series of personal and physical challenges. Admission to the park includes a total of two hours of unlimited use of its facilities.

You can complete a circuit consisting of 72 obstacles set up in the air. Depending on your level, you can tackle some or others, bearing in mind that there are obstacles suspended at a height of more than 10 meters. Among the obstacles you will find Tarzan ropes and swinging bridges.

Are you interested in the supernatural world? I highly recommend this interactive experience in which, for 90 to 120 minutes, you can be a paranormal investigator. You will have at your disposal a paranormal tool, with which you will explore one of the most haunted cities in the United States.

The equipment includes an infrared camera, an Onvoy communication device, a thermal imaging camera, and an electromagnetic field meter. The group is limited to 10 people, each of whom will be assigned a device.

If you're interested in the supernatural themes that surround the city of Charleston but don't want a boring tour, this experience is for you. On this tour, beer and ghosts go hand in hand. You'll visit bars, get recommendations for the best drinks, and hear stories about the ghosts of Charleston.

During the tour, you'll visit two different bars. At one of them, you'll enjoy a complimentary appetizer. Then you'll wander the streets of Charleston, passing by its cemeteries. Finally, you'll visit a city park famous for being the place where one of the first female serial killers was hanged.

If you are a nature lover and want to take advantage of your trip to the Holy City to lose yourself in it, I recommend this experience. It is a two-hour boat tour through the city's canals. The tour is done in small groups and during the course of it you will be able to see Charleston's coastal wildlife up close, such as bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and crabs.

The experience does not end there. After the tour, you will disembark on Morris Island, where you can walk along the beaches, collect shells, and pick up shark teeth. As if that weren't enough, you will also have the opportunity to explore Barrier Island. All this under the guidance of an expert in the field.

Angel Oak is one of the oldest living oak trees in this part of the United States. Standing over 20 meters tall, this beautiful tree hides centuries and centuries of life. It is located on Johns Island and is an ideal visit for you if you are a nature lover.

I also recommend that you bring something to eat so you can have a picnic in the shade of the tree.

This experience is another of the best things to see and do in Charleston with children. The little ones can climb aboard the Black Ghost and help the rest of the crew find the treasure. All while keeping an eye out for the evil Sneaky Pete.

You can enjoy the wonderful views from the boat and watch the children having a great time. The trip travels along the Ashley River to Wappoo Creek and lasts approximately an hour and a half. During the experience, the children will sing pirate songs, learn to talk like pirates, and read treasure maps.

If you're a fan of the Netflix series Outer Banks, you'll love this unique experience. You'll be able to visit the places where the series was filmed and imagine how your favorite scenes were shot as you walk around. All this in the company of a supporting actor from the first three seasons of the series.

The actor will tell you all kinds of interesting facts about the filming and the crew members. In addition, during the tour you will take a break to have a snack and some water. The tour is private and must be a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 4. It lasts 3 hours.

During a 1.5-hour walking tour, Captain Bryan will tell you the whole story behind Shem Creek. You'll see how the shrimp industry works and immerse yourself in its culture. After this experience, you'll see this hard and demanding work in a whole new light.

The tour also includes snacks. You'll also see the wildlife that lives in the park and learn about the importance of caring for the environment. As if that weren't enough, you'll make various stops at historical and culturally significant sites in the city.

During Prohibition, various speakeasies continued to operate throughout the United States. On this walking tour, you will learn about the history of Prohibition in Charleston, as well as the city's leading figures during this period. You will have fun and learn at the same time.

The tour begins at The Griffon, considered the best pub in town. Next, you'll head to Henry's on the Market, the oldest restaurant in the Holy City. The tour ends at The Bling Tiger Pub, where you'll learn about Al Capone's brother, Jaimes Vicenzo Capone.

There are water sports for all tastes and personalities. So don't worry if you're not too adventurous. Charleston is home to HydroFly Watersports, which offers a wide variety of water sports.

You can go on boat trips, try flyboarding, embark on a cruise with alcoholic beverages, or give wakeboarding a try. As you can see, there are sports of varying intensities, so there's sure to be one that's right for you.

With Operation City Quest, you can take part in a treasure hunt through the streets of Charleston. During the experience, you will have to complete a series of challenges to earn points. You can see how you're doing in the rankings from your own cell phone, thanks to the app used for the treasure hunt.

You won't get lost at any point, thanks to the remote guide, who will guide you via chat. The experience lasts 2 hours and is ideal for getting to know the Holy City in a fun, entertaining, and original way.

Enjoy a day of shopping in Charleston with discounts of between 10% and 20% in selected boutiques. While you shop, you can enjoy several glasses of wine or champagne. The tour lasts two hours and covers the Holy City's shopping district.

Your first stop will be at Juanita Greenberg's, where you can enjoy some appetizers accompanied by delicious margaritas. Afterwards, you will visit the shops on King Street. Finally, you will end your shopping day at the Restoration Hotel, home to The Mercantile boutique, where you will toast with your friends with a glass of champagne.

Charleston Tea Garden is one of the most important tea gardens in North America. Covering more than 50 hectares, this park is a true marvel. Not only is it beautiful, but it also smells wonderful, thanks to its Camellia Sinensis plants.

The park has a gift shop where you can buy tea leaves.

The Old City Market is one of Charleston's most iconic landmarks, active since 1841 and designated a historic site. Its red sandstone architecture and lively atmosphere make it a must-see.

Among the craft and local food stalls, the Gullah basket weavers stand out, making traditional baskets from reeds, an African technique passed down from generation to generation. Watching them work is a unique way to connect with the city's cultural heritage.

Feel like the star of a movie with this dinner on a luxury cruise. You can enjoy a 3- to 4-course menu, all reflecting Southern cuisine. Meanwhile, a band will play live music for you. After dinner, you can head to the observation deck to enjoy the incredible views of the city.

This is a very elegant and distinguished plan, as well as romantic. It is perfect for you if you are traveling with your partner to the Holy City.

If you like fishing and want to make your trip to Charleston even more special, I recommend this wonderful and original experience. You can spend a day on a fishing boat sailing the open sea in the company of a captain.

Unlike other similar activities, this experience allows you to chase fish in the sea. The boat trip stands out for the wonderful views it offers of the Charleston area.

Get out of your comfort zone and push your mental limits! Take advantage of your trip to Charleston to try something new and different. I invite you to take advantage of the waters that bathe the Holy City to practice paddle surfing. You will be accompanied by an instructor, who will help you at all times if you are a beginner.

As if that weren't enough, the guide will take you to places where wildlife is likely to be found, so you may be lucky enough to see dolphins or turtles during your trip.

Charleston Fun Park is a paradise for families and the little ones. Here, both adults and children can have fun doing something different in the city. A wide variety of activities are offered in the vicinity of this amusement park.

You can play mini golf, immerse yourself in virtual reality games, try your hand at axe throwing, or drive a go-kart in a race against other members of your family. It is certainly a highly recommended plan for you if you have a few days to spare on your trip to the Holy City.