South Carolina’s biggest city is also its capital, most historic city, and a popular vacation destination. Check out my top 10 things to do in and around downtown Charleston, SC!
Visiting Charleston, SC is like taking a step back in time. With cobblestone streets and plenty of historic landmarks, this city (which dates back to before the Civil War) is a popular destination, and it’s easy to see why.
This city, so rich in history and tourist attractions has more than enough to do to keep you busy for a week or more. But how do you know what to see when you’re short on time?
It can feel nearly impossible to narrow down the list enough to allow you to explore all the city has to offer without running yourself ragged on a short getaway! That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the top 10 things to do in and around downtown Charleston, SC.
Our time in Charleston was cold, windy, and rainy, so we honestly did not get to do much – especially since we had a newborn! But, here are some of the things that we would do, if we were able. I will also create a list of everything we did AND a culinary guide because that’s what we focused on. More to come!
Top 10 Things To Do In and Around Downtown Charleston SC
With so much to do and see around the area, it can be hard to pick just a few activities for your visit. Use this list of the top things to see to help.
Plantations in Charleston SC
Charleston still has many plantations, several of which you can visit and tour. They offer a rich glimpse into the South’s past. In my opinion, no trip to Charleston would be complete without touring at least one plantation.
My top choice would be to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Founded in 1676 and operated by the same family for over 300 years, you’ll get to see some incredible gardens and receive a history lesson too.
Middleton Place, the Charleston Tea Plantation, and Drayton Hall are others to check out as well.
Historic House Tour
Check out the Aiken-Rhett House or the Calhoun Mansion for a history lesson in one of the city’s most historic homes while you check out how the privileged lived in the city in the 1800s.
Events in Charleston SC
Charleston offers so much to see and do year-round. If the tourist attractions, scenery, and historic landmarks weren’t enough, there are also several festivals and events throughout the year. Here are just a few:
- Charleston Food and Wine
- Charleston Fashion Week
- North Charleston Arts Festival
- Preservation Society of Charleston Fall Tours
Beaches Near Charleston SC
Check out John’s Island for an amazing island experience. Sullivan’s Island is a must-do…check out the incredible lighthouse and beaches.
Battery Park
Do not…I repeat, do NOT visit Charleston without stopping by Battery Park. This area is the classic Charleston image: Charleston harbor (with Fort Sumpter in the background) on one side and the charm of the Battery mansions on the other.
Charleston SC Tours
Charleston is rich in culture as well as in history. If you love learning about an area through taking tours, you have lots of options here. From incredible culinary tours to helicopter tours, ghost tours, walking tours, brewery tours, and much more.
Fort Sumpter, SC
Fort Sumpter is where the first shot of the Civil War took place and visiting this island is an adventure all by itself. Take a ferry to the actual fort and explore its thick stone caverns.
Charleston Museum
The city has an illustrious history (including being burned during the Civil War). If you want to learn more about it, there’s no better way than at the Charleston Museum.
Rainbow Row
Another “must” to visit, Rainbow Row refers to the row of 13 bright pastel-colored houses at the Battery and along Charleston’s waterfront. Steeped in history, this section of houses is iconic Charleston and one of its most photographed areas.
Seafood Restaurants in Charleston SC
I just don’t think it’s possible to go to a city by the ocean and not have some fresh seafood. If you enjoy seafood, check out 167 Raw for some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. It’s my FAVORITE place, I think. A lot of others love the Darling Oyster Bar or McCrady’s Restaurant for seafood.
This list of things to do in and around downtown Charleston SC barely scratches the surface of everything this amazing area has to offer. I didn’t even have time to cover shopping, water activities, kid-friendly activities, or nightlife!
But if your time there is short, these are the things you definitely do NOT want to miss!
Share in the comments: Have you been to Charleston? What was your favorite thing to do there?
