Charleston is a city in South Carolina (SC) State in the United States of America. Some of the best things to do in Charleston, SC include exploring civil war history, revolution war history, museums, plantations, national historical sites, landmark buildings, parks, river cruise and beach activities.
The city was established in 1670 as Charles Town in honor of the British King Charles II. The current name was adopted 1783. It was a major port and was extensively used for slave trading. You get to see this dark aspect of the city’s history at Charleston attractions like the city’s history museum and African American museum. The city also had a lot of plantations which had used slaves. Some of these plantation sites are now converted into museums. These are the best places to visit in Charleston, SC to learn about the life of different classes of people during that period.
The city also has deep rooted connection to the revolution war and the civil war. There are numerous things to see in Charleston, especially on the coastal side of the city. Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, White Point Garden and several other historical sites in Charleston SC have been pivotal avenues in the American Civil War for the control over the region. Though not entirely dedicated to Civil War, the Patriots Point Maritime and Naval Museum is one of the most popular places to see in Charleston, SC for a variety of naval and air-force vessels housed in there.
Being a coastal city, there are a lot of fun activities in Charleston. You can take a boat tour to explore coastal historical site or nature trails in the marshlands. The carriage tours are also quite popular for Charleston sightseeing. The beaches are also quite nice for leisure and water sports. You will come across several dining and nightlife venues along the beaches and the waterfronts.
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The Top 12 Tourist Places to Visit in Charleston in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Before you start your Charleston Trip, if you are planning to stay for more than 3 days then I suggest you should get Charleston Tour Pass and it covers 40+ Tourist Attractions and Tours in Charleston.
Day 1
1. The Battery and White Point Garden
The battery is a defensive seawall and also a promenade. White Point Garden has a long and storied history intertwined with the city. It was built as a garden, but in 1861 it was incorporated into the fortification of the city. It is one of the most historically significant places to visit in Charleston SC. You can still see cannons hailing from the revolutionary war and the civil war periods. You would need 20 to 30 minutes at White Point Garden when you visit Charleston SC.
2. Nathaniel Russel House
Nathaniel Russel was a wealthy merchant who lived during the 1800s and this house museum tells about life during that time. The house is well known among Charleston attractions for its Neo-Classical design and interior decor crafted by city’s artisans. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this house museum.
3. Rainbow Row
This building contains a row of 13 historical houses painted in different colours. It is the building with longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the country. Rainbow Row is one of the most picturesque things to see in Charleston SC. You will need only a few minutes to admire them.
4. Joe Riley Waterfront Park
This park and promenade is situated on the banks of the Cooper river. The park has garden spaces, fountains, walking paths and great views. You can also spot several Charleston tourist attractions form the park such as the Harbour, Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pickney, USS Yorktown and more. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this park during Charleston travel.
5. Historic Charleston City Market
This open air market has been an integral part of the city’s history and culture. It is open year long and you can enjoy a shopping for local produce, handicraft items, furniture, jewelry, street food and a variety of cool things to do in Charleston SC at this place. You will need about 2 hours to explore this market.
Day 2
1. Middleton Place Plantation
This plantation was developed during the 18th century by Middleton Family. The plantation allows an insight into the life of slaves and owners of such plantations during that period. The plantation is also known for its architecture and design. It is one of the largest Charleston SC attractions to explore and will require at least 2 hours of time.
I suggest you should book a guided tour Middleton Place.
2. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
This is one of the oldest plantations in South Carolina state and is now recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in USA. The garden besides its design elements is also popular for Charleston activities like birdwatching. You will need an hour or so to explore this place.
I suggest you should book a tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with Transportation from Charleston.
3. The Charleston Museum
This museum narrates the history of the city. Founded in 1773, this is one of the oldest museums in USA. You get an extensive understanding of the city’s history and it is hence places you must see in Charleston SC. It will help you get context regarding rest of the places you visit in the city. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.
4. Patriots Point & USS Yorktown
This is a naval and maritime museum which explores the sea-faring history of America. You can witness historical vessels displayed as part of this museum making it one of the most interesting places to see in Charleston. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.
Day 3
1. Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (Custom House)
Also known as the Custom House, this building is a relic of the colonial era. The building played various roles during its tenure and is among the most significant historical sites in Charleston SC. You will need an hour to explore the building and its museum.
2. Fort Sumter National Monument
This fort has great historical significance in the history of USA. It is the place where the Civil War began in 1861. You will need to take a boat ride to get to this island fort and explore its history. All in all the tour requires 3 to 4 hours of time.
I suggest you should book your entry ticket of Fort Sumter with Ferry Ride.
3. South Carolina Aquarium
This aquarium houses 10,000 aquatic flora and fauna. Some of the biggest attractions of this aquarium include otters, sharks, alligators, jellyfishes, eels, sea turtles, crabs, sea-lions and so on. It is among the best things to do in Charleston SC for family tourists and requires at least 2 hours of time to explore.
I suggest during your trip to Charleston, you must try following activities.
- Historic Storytelling and Walking Tour
- Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
- Culture, Architecture and History Tour
- Harbour History and Sunset Boat Cruise
- Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting
If you are looking for more activities to do in Charleston SC, check out the sections below. We have prepared an exhaustive list containing almost all the attractions and must do things in Charleston SC you can enjoy during your trip.
Things to do in Charleston
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Charleston
- Fort Sumter
- Magnolia Plantation
- Historic Charleston City Market
- Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
- Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
- Middleton Plantation
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- The Charleston Museum
- Drayton Hall
- Fort Moultrie
- Old Exchange and Provost
- Charles Town Landing State Historic Site
- Charles Pickney National Historical Site
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- Nathaniel Russel House
- Aiken Rhett House Museum
- Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
- McLeod Plantation Historic Site
- Morris Island Lighthouse
- USS Yorktown
- Heyward Washington House
- H.L. Hunley Submarine
- The Williams Mansion
- Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
- Powder Magazine Military Museum
- Magnolia Cemetery Trust
- Joseph Manigault House
- St. Philip’s Church
- Saint Michael’s Church
- Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront
- Old Charleston Jail
- Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
- North Charleston Fire Museum
- French Huguenot Church
- International African American Museum
- Circular Congressional Church
- Sullivan Island Lighthouse
- Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
- Unitarian Church
- Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
- Lighthouse Inlet
- Mother Emanuel AME Church
- Museum at Market Hall
- Redux Contemporary Art Center
- City Gallery
- Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
- South Carolina Historical Society
- Pink House Gallery
- Mary Martin Fine Art Gallery
- Parris Island Museum
- South Carolina State House
- South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
- Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historical Site
- Robert Lange Studios
- Meyer Vogl Gallery
- Atrium Art Gallery
- Charleston Artist Guild
- Revealed Art Gallery
- Edward Dare Gallery
- Lowcountry Artists Gallery
- John Caroll Doyle Art Gallery
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Charleston
- Caw Caw Interpretive Center
- Francis Marion National Forest
- Audubon Swamp Garden
- The Avian Conservation Center
- Barrier Islands
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Charleston
- South Carolina Aquarium
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- White Point Garden
- James Island County Park
- Hampton Park
- Folly Beach County Park
- Palmetto Carriage Works
- Palmetto Islands County Park
- Shen Creek Park
- Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
- Firefly Distillery
- Riverfront Park
- Splash Zone Waterpark
- Charleston County Park and Recreation
- Brittlebank Park
- Colonial Lake Park
- Washington Park
- Palmetto Brewing Co.
- Laural Hill County Park
- Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park
- Charleston Sailing Adventures
Shopping in Charleston
- Charleston City Market
- Quadrangle Shopping Center
- Charleston Farmers Market
- Mount Pleasant Old Village
- Pitt Street
- King Street
- Ashley Landing
- Tanger Outlets
- Orange Grove Plaza Shopping Center
- South Windermere Center
- Citadel Mall
- The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place
Beaches & Islands in Charleston
- Folly Beach
- Sullivan’s Island Beach
- Morris Island
- Daniel Island
- Kiawah Beach
- Isle of Palms
- Seabrook Island
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Charleston
- Boat Cruise
- Walking Tour
- Paddle Boarding
- Nature Trails
- Carriage Tour
- Fishing
- Bicycle Tour
- Zipline
- Jet Skiing
- Surfing
- Birdwatching
- Watersports
- Parasailing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
Sightseeing in Charleston
- Rainbow Row
- The Battery
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Angel Oak Tree
- King Street
- Pineapple Fountain
- Edmondston Alston House
- Charleston Harbour
- Marion Square
- Broad Street
- Mount Pleasant Pier
- East Bay Street
- Liberty Square
- Old Village
- Pitt Street Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Charleston
- Pavilion Bar
- Nigel’s Good Food
- Obstinate Daughter
- Jackrabbit Filly
- Wild Olive
- Bertha’s
- Maison
- Hannibal’s Kitchen
- Lewis Barbecue
- Chubby Fish
- Xiao Bao Biscuit
- Kwei Fei
- Miller All Day
- The Ordinary
- 167 Raw
- Husk
- Vicious Biscuit
- Chez Nous
- Peace Pie
- Le Farfalle
Where to Stay in Charleston?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Charleston. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Charleston.
Luxurious Hotels
- Francis Marion Hotel
- Town & Country Inn and Suites
- HarbourView Inn
- Andrew Pinckney Inn
- The Restoration Hotel
- Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston
- Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
- Planters Inn
- Ansonborough Inn
- Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown
- Market Pavilion Hotel
- The Vendue Charleston’s Art Hotel
Mid-Range Hotels
- Best Western Charleston Inn
- Comfort Suites West of the Ashley
- Sleep Inn Charleston – West Ashley
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
- Creekside Lands Inn
- Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Charleston
- WoodSpring Suites
- WoodSpring Suites Charleston Airport
- Hampton Inn Charleston – Daniel Island
- Home2 Suites Charleston West Ashley
Budget Hotels
Custom Tours Package in Charleston
How to Reach Charleston?
By Air
Charleston International Airport received direct flights from Seattle, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, Washington, Chicago, New Haven, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Long Island, New Orleans, San Francisco, Tampa, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Orlando, Austin, Baltimore, Houston, Nashville, Denver and many more.
You can get cabs and buses from the airport to visit Charleston SC.
By Road
You can use trains on Amtrak’s Palmetto route for Charleston travel. You will get direct trains from New York, Washington, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami. There are also numerous cities from where you can get connecting trains to reach Charleston SC.
The bus network also connects you to several town and cities in the country. The Greyhound and ACE Basin Express are the most popular options to travel by bus.
If you are planning for Charleston trip by road, you can pick between routes 526 or 26.
By Water
The Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway connects Charleston SC to Norfolk, Elizabeth City, Beaufort, Wilmington, Savannah, Fernandina Beach, Key West and Miami.
Image Reference
- The Battery & White Point Garden – Warren LeMay / Flickr
- Nathaniel Russell House – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
- Rainbow Row – Warren LeMay / Flickr
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park – Doug Kerr / Flickr
- Historic Charleston City Market – Vincent Lammin / Flickr
- Middleton Place Plantation – Davey Borden / Flickr
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – denisbin / Flickr
- The Charleston Museum – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
- Patriots Point & USS Yorktown – Mr.TinMD / Flickr
- Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (Custom House) – crdt723 / Flickr
- Fort Sumter National Monument – M Fletcher / Flickr
- South Carolina Aquarium – ProfReader / Wikimedia Commons
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