Top Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina
South Carolina’s premier port city and a warm weather respite known and famous along the country’s eastern coast for its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and pastel-colored homes.
Charleston’s Tourist Attractions
Touring through the city’s various attractions, views, and hot spots will grant you realistic and historical perspectives of the Southern city. Not only will be introduced to its Southern charms, but you’ll have the opportunity to hear from residents both past and current about what life in Charleston is like.
Morris Island Lighthouse
The picturesque 161-foot tall guardian over Charleston Harbor, the Morris Island Lighthouse sits on an uninhabited barrier island and serves as a midpoint for local boat tours leaving from the Bowens Island docks.
Fort Sumter
The starting location of the American Civil War and a national monument, touring Fort Sumter is considered a must-see for first-time visitors to the city. Tours are self-guided, though there’s rangers and volunteers who can answer questions you might have.
Old South Carriage Tour
There’s no better place to first ride in a carriage than Charleston. With its cobblestone streets and the natural summer humidity, carriage rides are the perfect form of Southern transportation. If you’re a fan of horses, you’ll be thrilled to know that Old South Carriage Company provides complimentary barn tours and lets you meet their horses. And summer isn’t the only time you’ll be able to take a carriage ride — during the winter holidays, look for their romantic “sleigh” rides, where you’ll sometimes accompanied by Santa Claus himself!
While you’re in the city, you can try taking a tour of some of the city’s historic home and former plantations, including the Middleton Place House Museum, the Edmondston-Alston House, and the Joseph Manigault House. All these buildings are excellent examples of various period architecture, full of art and furniture collections ranging decades.
Charleston’s Islands
Charleston’s seaside location makes it more than just a great beach city, but also one with a great connection to six different islands: Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Islands, and Wild Dunes. Take a day or two out of your schedule to go island hopping or spend a few more days by selecting one of the many luxurious and amenity-filled vacation rentals available on the islands.
Arts and Cultural Scene
You can transition from tours and architectural views to arts and cultural exhibits by visiting some of Sumter’s well-known art galleries. Try starting with a contemporary realism gallery with an almost exclusive hold on the works for Betty Anglin Smith and her triplets, at Anglin Smith Fine Arts.
Once you’ve had your fill on art, you can switch to filling up your bags while shopping.
Shopping in Charleston
Because of its port and an exclusive slew of world-famous store, Charleston’s become known throughout the region as a great place to go shopping. With luxury handbag stores like Shoes on King, makeup studios like Colur Studios, and Corneau Goldsmithing Jewelry Gallery for custom contemporary jewelry, there’s a wide and wonderful selection of accessories to browse and buy. Apparel shops might be a bit harder to come by, but check out Shirtini if you need a clean, fresh white shirt for dinner.
Dining in Charleston
Speaking of food, you’ll be committing quite the faux pas if you decide to depart Charleston without stopping in at one of the city’s breweries, enjoying a culinary tour, or lunch at one of the area’s finest dining establishments.
Crafted Travel
Responsible for putting together Charleston’s best private tours of breweries, wineries, and distilleries, Crafted Travel is a low cost and easy-booking way to see several drinking venues without having to spend hours on the web putting together your own bar crawl, only to find yourself disappointed.
Anson Restaurant
For a top-tier and elegant meal, enjoy the ingredient-minded Southern cuisine made at Anson. There’s a reason why they’ve last over three decades and remain one of the city’s most desired dining spots, and if it’s not their Crab & Brie fondue or the mushroom pappardelle, it’s certainly because of the atmosphere and décor.
Tavern & Table
For a more casual setting with excellent cocktails, Tavern & Table replicates a neighborhood tavern feel with rustic furnishings and flair paired with a filling small plates menu and a spectacular brunch.
Deepwater Vineyard
Charleston’s only domestic vineyard and winery, Deepwater Vineyard’s $7 wine tastings make it a regular stop for residents and visitors alike. Those looking for a good time, a lowkey date, or an introduction to wine tastings would be well-served by becoming familiar with this vineyard.
Want more Charleston?
It’s a safe bet to say you’re not finished with Charleston, and luckily for you, it’s not done with you either. Beyond its surface beauty, history, art, nature, and drinks, throughout the year you’ll find that Charleston has more than a few great golf courses, spas, kayaking spots, concerts, and city festivals for you, your family, and your friends to take part in.