15 Fun Things To Do When Visiting Charleston, SC
Introduction
The Charleston Lowcountry is a tourist destination like no other. Our southern hospitality, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches make our community one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. If you're already a local resident, you're probably well aware of all the great things to do. But if you've been considering a visit, you're in good hands; because we've got 15 fun things to do in Charleston, SC right now.
1. Magnolia Gardens
image via Magnolia Plantation
Magnolia Gardens, part of Magnolia Plantation are the oldest public gardens in the United States at almost 400 years old. With over 460 acres of natural and manmade scenery, it's no wonder it the most visited plantation since opening its doors in 1870.
Exploring the property gives visitors a sense of what life was like on plantations when they were in operation.
Address: 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston
Website: MagnoliaPlantation.com (Admission info)
Times:Daily 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
2. Cypress Gardens
image via Cypress Gardens
If you're looking for something to do with children during your visit, Cypress Gardens has some great attractions to keep kids of all ages entertained. The Butterfly House contains many species of live butterflies and even a beehive for observation. The aviary has parrots and cockatoos and the Swamparium contains large displays of amphibians, reptiles, and local fish.
Take a ride in flat-bottomed swamp boats along marked trails observing animals and plants. Or walk over 3.5 miles of nature trails to see up close a pristine view of ancient cypress swamps.
Address: 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner
Website: CypressGardens.berkeleycountysc.gov (Ticket Info)
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3. Drayton Hall
image via Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is the only Charleston area plantation that has remained intact through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Address: 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston
Website: DraytonHall.org (Ticket info)
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday; 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (gates close at 2:30 p.m.)
4. Middleton Place
Termed by some as a "Living history museum", Middleton Place certainly fits the bill. A former rice plantation, this National Historic Landmark features terraced gardens, Lowcountry wildlife, and grand views of the Ashley River.
Visitors can tour the grounds to learn about plantation life in the house museum, and the stable yards where potters, blacksmiths, and other artisans. These artisans also work alongside various farm animals that would have been kept during those times.
A shop, restaurants, and even an Inn are on-site for additional options.
Address: 4300 Ashley River Road Charleston
Website: Middletonplace.org
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
5. Charleston Tea Garden
image via Charleston Tea Garden
Wadmalaw Island, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, is home to North America's only working large-scale tea plantation. Adults and children alike can enjoy free factory tours and guided trolley tours around the fields to learn about how tea is grown. Follow that up with a visit to the tea and gift shop to sample various teas and grab some teas of your own to take home!
Address: 6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
Website: https://charlestonteagarden.com/
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm
6. Charles Towne Landing
image via Charles Towne landing
British settlers landed on this spot back in the year 1670 and set into motion the establishment of the state of South Carolina. Now this marshy point consists of over 80 acres of protected gardens to explore on foot or bike.
In addition, there's a preserved village and a visitor center that offers hands-on exhibits and a 17th-century replica sailing vessel you can board and explore.
Address: 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/charles-towne-landing
Hours: Open Daily 9am-5pm
7. The Charleston Museum
image via The Charleston Museum
The Charleston Museum is actually the oldest museum in the United States having been established in 1773. Since that time, the museum has maintained permanent and rotating collections to offer education about Charleston's history and culture.
The Bunting Natural History Gallery houses tons of fossils and skeletons to keep your child (or child-at-heart) entertained. And the Kidstory exhibit features a large selection of interactive displays.
Address: 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Website: https://www.charlestonmuseum.org/ (ticket info)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
8. Angel Oak Tree
image via angel oak tree site
If Charleston area residents consider live oaks the mother of all trees, then the Angel Oak on Johns Island is easily considered the grandfather of all.
Estimates of this massive oak tree's age are at least 400 years old and some think it could be much older. People come from all over - tourists and locals alike - to see this 67-foot tall, 28-foot wide behemoth.
The Angel Oak got its name from the original owners of the land it grows on the Angel family. Some branches are so large they're held up by supports and have grown back underground.
Just a 20-25 minute drive from downtown Charleston, the attraction has no admission charge, a picnic area, gift shop, and prime photo ops.
Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Website: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/153/Angel-Oak
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm
9. Fort Sumter
image via Fort Sumter site
The Fort Sumter National Monument is located on an island in the Charleston Harbor accessible by a 30-minute narrated ferry boat ride.
This location holds a tremendously important place in American History. The first shots of the Civil War were fired here on April 12, 1861, marking the beginning of a five-year-long war between the states.
Fort Sumter is now run by the National Park Service and is open to the public. When you arrive, children can enroll in the Junior Ranger program and complete activities during the tour. Once the tour is complete the children receive Junior Ranger badges.
This 200-year-old fort offers amazing views of the Charleston Harbor, downtown Charleston, as well as Sullivans Island and boats, coming and going.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/fosu/contacts.htm
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
10. The Battery
image via Langston Wells
No Charleston trip is complete without a visit to one of Charleston's most iconic and most photographed spots in all of the Holy City, The Battery.
What was once a defensive seawall located at the southernmost point of Charleston, is now a public promenade next to White Point Garden park.
White Point Gardens is home to a large collection of original cannons and mortars that were part of the city's defense during the Civil War. It's also a perfect spot for children to play or have an amazing picnic lunch. The stunning views of the Charleston Harbor and homes in the historic district are well worth it.
11. Patriots Point
image via Patriots Point site
Over the Ravenel Bridge at the mouth of the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant is the naval and maritime museum, Patriots Point. The centerpiece of the museum is the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier built during World War II. You can board and participate in a self-guided tour.
The museum also features a fleet of other ships and even a submarine and fighter plane you can have your photo taken in. Other attractions include a Cold War Memorial, a Flight Academy simulator, and the Vietnam Experience Exhibit.
Address: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Website: https://www.patriotspoint.org/
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-6:30pm
12. South Carolina Aquarium
image via South Carolina Aquarium site
More than 5,000 species of native South Carolinian marine life can be viewed up close and personal at the South Carolina Aquarium.
Birds, sharks, fish, even otters, alligators, and more are housed here along with fantastic educational programs for children and adults alike.
For the kids and kids-at-heart, the Touch Tank allows visitors to get hands-on with stingrays and even feed them!
Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: https://scaquarium.org/
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
13. Bulldog Tours Ghost Tour
image via Bulldog Tours site
Some people say that Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the United States. If you're visiting the city, you should definitely take a ghost tour.
With a history spanning 300 years, stories of the ghosts of Civil War soldiers, haunted jails, poltergeists, supernatural stories, and more are available in spades. Make reservations with one of the many quality ghost tour companies in the area.
Make sure to take a nighttime tour, too or it doesn't count...
Address: 18 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: https://scaquarium.org/
Phone: 843.897.5861
14. The H.L. Hunley Submarine Tour
image via the H. L. Hunley site
The world's first successful combat submarine, the H.L. Hunley disappeared, oddly enough, the same night as its successful attack on the Housatonic on February 17, 1864. It was finally discovered near the wreckage of the Housatonic in the 70s and has subsequently been recovered.
Visitors may tour the conservation lab that houses the Hunley which is preserved in a tank of water. But a replica can be entered by the public and artifacts and exhibits are also available to round out this amazing educational experience.
Address: 1250 Supply St, North Charleston, SC 29405
Website: https://www.hunley.org/
Hours: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-3pm
15. Sullivans Island Beach
image via Charleston CVB site
Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston is Sullivans Island, a town governed by strict preservation plans and limited development. Because of this, the town's beaches are pristine and the vibe is low-key.
Even though Sullivans Island has eschewed resorts and big hotel chains, that hasn't stopped the town from developing an excellent restaurant scene and beach lover's paradise. While visiting, you'll wave at passing golf carts full of visitors and residents, eat well and you may even catch a beautiful beach wedding along the shore.
Conclusion
The beautiful beaches, the rich history, and amazing architecture—Charleston has it all. What's more, this picturesque area of South Carolina is home to many more attractions and activities that we weren't able to include in this list. Exploring all that this charming coastal city has to offer is guaranteed to be a rewarding experience.
If you have questions about your visit to the area or considering moving to Charleston, why not give us a call? We're always willing to brag about our amazing city.
843-609-5202 | www.TheFamilyRealEstateGroup.com
Categories
Recent Posts
