Things to do in Charleston

Activities, attractions and tours

A large suspension bridge with tall towers and cables, spanning a body of water with a grassy shoreline in the foreground.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a stop sign, and a tree.
A tree-lined path in a park with moss-covered trees and a paved walkway.
A Confederate statue in a park with trees and a circular stone base.
A pathway under a large tree with moss-covered branches and a sign pointing to Legare/Warring House.

Things to do

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

RM201
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston: Fort Sumter Access with Roundtrip Ferry

RM173
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Fort Sumter Access with Roundtrip Ferry
Drayton Hall Admission Ticket with Interpreter-Guided Tour

Drayton Hall Admission Ticket with Interpreter-Guided Tour

RM141
per adult
Drayton Hall Admission Ticket with Interpreter-Guided Tour
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

RM225
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor
Folly Beach: Sunset Dolphin Boat Tour to Morris Island

Folly Beach: Sunset Dolphin Boat Tour to Morris Island

RM237
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Folly Beach: Sunset Dolphin Boat Tour to Morris Island
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

RM225
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Picture 7 for Activity Charleston: 1-Hour Carriage Tour of the Historic District

Charleston: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

RM201
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
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Top places to visit

1. College of Charleston

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.
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A historic building with arched windows and a red roof, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

2. Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market consists of three blocks of open-air sheds and a 19th-century hall with stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs and many other items. The historic complex has a Greek-revival design with an imposing yellow-and-red façade. The rest of the vast market is spread out in numerous shops. Chat with local vendors about the spices, works of art and handicrafts on display along these blocks.
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An indoor market with tables displaying various items, a large decorative light sculpture, and people browsing.

3. Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park reflects the character and history of the city’s architecture and gardens. At the southernmost point of the eight-acre (three-hectare) park, a wooden pier juts out over the Charleston Harbor.
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A wooden boardwalk with a covered pavilion and a lighthouse in the background.

4. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium houses some 6,000 plants and animals. The 60 exhibits cover five major geographical areas in South Carolina. See ocean-dwelling marine life and water-based creatures that live in the mountains. There’s also the Madagascar Journey, where you’ll learn about this island’s species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else in the world.
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A sea turtle swimming among a school of fish in an aquarium.

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. Tour historic buildings or take a boat ride through the wetlands. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center.
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A calm lake surrounded by trees with Spanish moss, reflecting the sky and trees.

What to do in Charleston

Stay near popular Charleston attractions

A historic building with arched windows and a red roof, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

College of Charleston

8.8/10 (2,901 reviews)
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston charms visitors with its oak-lined Cistern Yard and historic architecture. Explore the campus's cobblestone paths and the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History.
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Where to stay in Charleston

Find the best Charleston areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A historic building with a clock tower, palm trees, and a street with cars and pedestrians.

Downtown Charleston

Travellers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

A historic building with a clock tower, a horse-drawn carriage, and a sign for the Spoleto Festival USA.

French Quarter

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Dock Street Theater to Charleston City Market – discover French Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A beachfront with a row of historic buildings and palm trees.

South of Broad

If you're spending some time in South of Broad, Rainbow Row and Nathaniel Russell House are top sights worth seeing.

A large brick building with a red roof, a pond in the foreground, and trees with Spanish moss.

West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

A tiered water fountain surrounded by manicured hedges and palm trees.

Charleston Historic District

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A nighttime illuminated fountain with a pineapple-like top, surrounded by trees and a building in the background.

Summerville

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is visit South Carolina Aquarium. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's golfing and culture.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
Begin your day with a visit to Patriots Point and South Carolina Aquarium. Then, explore other areas of Charleston for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
You can't go home without exploring South Carolina Aquarium, ranked the top tourist attraction in Charleston.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
Three days in Charleston is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. South Carolina Aquarium, International African American Museum and Charleston Museum are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as North Charleston.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to do and see in Charleston. Several top sights, like South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Charleston's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Charleston is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Charleston with kids.

What to do in Charleston for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Charleston, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Firefly Distillery or Credit One Stadium.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Charleston. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Sunrise Park Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.