Things to Do in Charleston

The port city of Charleston is one of South Carolina’s most beloved tourist destinations. There's plenty to see and do whether you're coming here for a family vacation, romantic getaway or sightseeing trip.

Head Downtown

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Charleston’s picturesque downtown area. Admire colonial architecture in the French Quarter or browse for unique treats and souvenirs in the open-air Charleston City Market. For even more shopping, head to King Street—it's divided into three distinct districts focused on fashion, design and antiques. Visit neighborhood pubs and restaurants sprinkled throughout downtown, where you can rest your feet and find refreshments.

Walk Through History

Take the kids to experience sights they've only read about in textbooks. Stand where the first volley of shots were fired that began the Civil War at Fort Sumter—miraculously, no soldiers died in this battle. Or go to Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest plantations still in operation. Learn how sweet tea got invented in the region when you visit the Charleston Tea Plantation. Go on a picnic and dine in the expansive shade of the 1,400-year-old Angel Oak Tree—it’s amazing, a natural marvel that you must see.

For Giggles and Grins

Take your little ones to the Children’s Museum of Lowcountry for endless hands-on exhibits, all perfectly designed for kids. Explore freshwater and marine life, including species like moray eels, alligators and loggerhead turtles, at the South Carolina Aquarium. Exhibits are divided up by region, with an entire section completely devoted to the creatures in the rivers and streams of the Piedmont area of the state. Head outdoors to ride tumbling waterslides and swirl around in a watery cyclone at Splash Island Water Park, or head to Frankie's Fun Park for miniature golf, a climbing wall and batting cages.

Smack Your Lips

While you'll find a mind-blowing selection of gastronomic delights in the city's downtown region, a couple of the best eateries lie off the beaten path. Tucked away on the end of a peninsula dominated by palmettos and moss-draped oaks, Bowen's Island Restaurant serves up fresh, locally sourced seafood. The vibrant, graffiti-covered walls and tables look out over a marshy coastline with stunning sunset views. Bowen's specialty is roasted oysters, but you'll also find delights such as Frogmore stew—a steaming pile of shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn. Savor Southern dishes at Martha Lou's Kitchen. Enjoy a daily selection of meats, such as fried chicken or chitterlings, accompanied by sumptuous sides like collard greens, cornbread or lima beans cooked with neck bones and pig tails.

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