historic places to visit in charleston sc

Charleston, SC   Travel Guide

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27 Best Things To Do in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, abounds with museums, restaurants, beaches and boating excursions. This living port city with a deep and complicated past presents endless opportunities for combining fun and frolic with educational – even sobering –

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The Battery The Battery free

Many travelers say you can't leave Charleston without strolling this historic seawall along the city's southern tip, which they call both beautiful and what makes Charleston special. Across the street from the waterfront promenade is Rainbow Row . This clutch of Georgian-style row houses overlooking Charleston Harbor was formerly the heart and soul of the city's merchant and maritime activity. Today, the 13 brightly colored homes attract camera-toting tourists from all over the country.

As you explore this picturesque neighborhood, save time for a break beneath the old live oaks in nearby White Point Garden where several Civil War relics and memorials commemorate the city's role in the battle. Start your tour of the Battery at the 8-acre Waterfront Park (home to the giant pineapple fountain featured on many Charleston postcards), then follow the walking paths on East Battery Street for the nearly mile-long stroll to White Point Garden.

Charleston Walking Tours Charleston Walking Tours

With its centuries-old mansions and cobblestone streets, Charleston is a living museum. One of the best ways to learn about its history (and its ghosts) and the significance of its best-known landmarks is on a walking tour. There are a variety of options available, ranging from broad tours of the city's historic downtown district to more niche tours that explore the city's  paranormal presence , pirates and art galleries.

Recent visitors praised operators like  Charleston Footprints ,  Walks of Charleston  and  Two Sisters Historic Walking Tours . To see a more complete directory of available walking tours, check out our list of the Best Charleston Walking Tours .

Waterfront Park Waterfront Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After visiting Waterfront Park, cross East Bay Street to the corner of Broad Street for a late lunch or glass of wine at Brasserie La Banque , an elegant French restaurant inside a former bank dating to the 1700s. – Lauren Mowery, Contributor

Spanning over 8 acres and located less than a mile north of The Battery , Waterfront Park has become a beloved Charleston fixture since opening in May 1990. It is home to one of the city's most photographed sites: the pineapple fountain. In Charleston's scorching summer months, visitors (especially children) can be found cooling off in the shallow water of the fountain.

Popular Tours

Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

(342 reviews)

from $ 56.00

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

(2372 reviews)

from $ 32.50

90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

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Rainbow Row Rainbow Row free

One of Charleston's most iconic points of interest, Rainbow Row comprises more than a dozen brightly painted historic homes perched along The Battery 's East Bay Street, near Waterfront Park . Dating back to the mid-1700s, the structures hold an important place in Charleston's history. After the Civil War, the previously dilapidated area underwent a significant revitalization, starting with the homes of Rainbow Row. Initially, Susan Pringle Frost, founder of the Preservation Society of Charleston, bought six homes to restore. Though financially incapable of completing the project, she fostered the initiative to reinvigorate the area, an undertaking later accomplished by Dorothy Porcher Legge. In the 1930s, Dorothy and her husband, Judge Lionel Legge, bought a section of the houses and painted them pastel pink to attract people back to the area. Soon enough, other homeowners began painting their properties in bright colors as well, transforming the neighborhood into a premier locale as some of Charleston's most expensive real estate.

Today, these homes mostly serve as an ideal Instagram opportunity for Charleston vacationers. Many recent travelers say a trip to the quaint South Carolina city would be incomplete without a visit to Rainbow Row, but others felt underwhelmed by a visit and wondered what all the hype was about. To add value to your time here, some recommend walking by at sunset to enjoy views along the water after or stopping for a drink in one of Charleston's oldest bars: the Tavern at Rainbow Row which dates to 1686. If you choose to explore by foot, you can head to the area on your own or sign up for a Charleston walking tour that includes a stop at these colorful structures. The homes are also easy to spot by car, if you'd prefer to drive by for a quick peek.

Charleston Boat Tours Charleston Boat Tours

To get a better view of the Charleston harbor (and maybe even spot some dolphins), consider signing up for a boat tour. Not only will you enjoy some time on the water, you'll also have the chance to learn more about the city's maritime history (many boat captains provide historical commentary throughout their tours). Along the way, you'll likely see some of Charleston's top landmarks, including The Battery , Waterfront Park , the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and  Fort Sumter .

There are a variety of tours and operators in Charleston that offer a bevy of experiences for all types of travelers. Adventure Harbor Tours receives high praise from previous visitors for its Morris Island tours and sunset cruises. If you're looking for a narrated experience, sign up for a Charleston Harbor Tour : its daily harbor tours pass more than 75 sights while the captain shares stories and facts about the area. For an intimate experience, Boatsetter , a mobile app for on-demand boat rentals, lets you book a slew of options whether skippered or bareboat sailboats, fishing boats or catamarans.

Charleston City Market Charleston City Market free

While some may say that the Charleston City Market is a bit of a tourist trap, others call it a great glimpse into life in the Old South. It has been a shopping hub since the 1800s and is one of the country's oldest city markets. The market buzzes with residents and visitors alike, perusing stalls loaded with toys, clothes, art, leather goods and regional souvenirs. There are plenty of locally made products for sale at the market, which you can distinguish by a "Certified Authentic: Handmade in Charleston" tile displayed on vendor stations.

Visitors to the market will also observe a noticeable African American influence reflected through the different food and product vendors. Past visitors recommend heading straight to the "basket ladies." These Gullah artisans have been weaving baskets for centuries – this craft originated in West Africa and has been passed down through the generations – using local materials, such as sweetgrass and palmetto leaves.

Angel Oak Angel Oak free

Visitors will find one of Charleston's most photographed icons on Johns Island: the Angel Oak. It is said to be the largest live oak east of the Mississippi. The gorgeous tree is 65 feet high, with a circumference of 25.5 feet. It's estimated that the tree shades an area of nearly 20,000 square feet and is between 300 and 400 years old. Visitors in the hundreds of thousands flock to the tree to pose next to its long limbs.

Recent visitors said the tree is worth a quick stop to take a photo of the magnificent natural wonder. Others warned that there are lots of rules to be observed and noted that you'll want to make sure to keep a sharp eye on your kids, who will naturally be tempted to climb the tree.

Sullivan's Island Sullivan's Island free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If food is a priority, Sullivan's Island offers the widest and best assortment of restaurants of Charleston's three main beaches. For Caribbean vibes, try The Longboard ; for local seafood, catch Sullivan's Fish Camp ; and for wine slushies and kid-friendly bites, stop by Co-Op Frosé and Eatery . – Lauren Mowery, Contributor

Comprising only 3.3 square miles, Sullivan's Island may not seem like a must-see for Charleston visitors. But this beachfront town proves that good things come in small packages. Sitting at the mouth of the Charleston harbor – a little less than 10 miles east of the downtown area – Sullivan's Island boasts beaches, tasty restaurants and unique shops. Many visitors say the beach is ideal for families. You'll also find a bevy of vacation rental properties here – a worthy alternative if you want a little more seclusion than some of downtown Charleston's hotels and bed-and-breakfasts can provide.

Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston

(2149 reviews)

from $ 49.95

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

(1149 reviews)

from $ 28.00

Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

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from $ 96.30

Isle of Palms County Park Isle of Palms County Park free

If several days in Charleston proper have you longing for a do-nothing day at the beach, Isle of Palms might be just the ticket. Located just 16 miles east of the city, visitors will find about 7 miles of shoreline, ideal for swimming, sailing, windsurfing or sunbathing. If you're having trouble deciding between Charleston's two closest shorelines (don't forget about Folly Beach ), your fellow beach bums might help you decide: Isle of Palms is known to attract more families than Folly Beach.

Recent beachgoers praised the wide, clean beach and said it's a beautiful place to relax. Isle of Palms also boasts a few more beachfront vacation rentals, plus the sprawling Wild Dunes Resort . What's more, you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses at Wild Dunes: both courses are open to the public. However, keep in mind Isle of Palms doesn't offer as many bars or restaurants compared to Folly Beach.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

While Middleton Place 's gardens attract visitors who appreciate manicured order, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens appeals to lovers of wilder spaces and romantic-style gardens. Visitors come to enjoy camellia and azalea season in early spring and wildlife throughout the year. Observe the gators, herons and turtles in the Audubon Swamp Garden, look for local birds at the waterfowl refuge, don your helmet and bike one of the several trails, or stroll the Ashley river path shaded by graceful live oak trees. The house is worth an hour of your time to see its interior. Recent travelers agreed that the Wildlife Center and nature center make this a great place to bring the kids.

Despite its aesthetic appeal, the plantation has a deep-rooted history in slavery. It was once home to many enslaved families, who resided in the property's four cabins from 1850 until the late 20th century. The cabins have been preserved, and each illustrates a significant period in history. The plantation offers a 45-minute "From Slavery to Freedom" tour where travelers can visit the cabins and learn more about the people who were forced to live and work on the property. Recent visitors said the tour guides were well-versed and knowledgeable about African American history. Plus, the tour is included in the cost of a general admission ticket.

Charleston Food Tours Charleston Food Tours

Considered one of the best foodie cities in the USA , Charleston is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and bevy of trendy restaurants. For a crash course in the city's best eats, consider spending a few hours on a Charleston food tour. Popular tour companies include Undiscovered Charleston , Bulldog Tours , Secret Food Tours Charleston and Charleston Culinary Tours .

Past visitors raved about the city's food tours and noted that most of the guides were friendly and knowledgeable. According to reviewers, this is a great activity if you're interested in the Holy City's food scene as well as its history. Just make sure you go hungry – Lowcountry cuisine can be quite heavy, and a few travelers have made the mistake of eating before their tour and walked away stuffed.

Folly Beach Folly Beach free

After a few days exploring Charleston's historic sites, take some time to kick back, relax and enjoy the Southern sun. Overlooking the Atlantic – less than 15 miles south of downtown Charleston – this 6-mile stretch of coastline makes for a great daytrip away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Come here for the nature and the surfing, or head to the pier to sit and fish. Folly Beach's friendly atmosphere attracts a variety of travelers: most of the families stick to the shore, while adults traveling sans kids tend to congregate in the many bars nearby. If you're hoping to lay claim to some fine beach real estate, you better get here early: Past visitors said the beach can get crowded as the afternoon progresses, though crowds diminish the further you go from Center Street. If you didn't bring your own beach chair, you can rent one near the beach, along with umbrellas and nonmotorized water sports equipment.

Along with the casual beachfront bars and eateries, you'll also find a few hotels near the shore, as well as restrooms and foot showers for cleaning off sandy toes. Away from the beach sit several casual eateries, including traveler favorites like Taco Boy and Lost Dog Cafe. Surfers and locals hit Chico Feo for beer and tacos or Lowlife for tasty cocktails and shrimp rolls seasoned with Old Bay. Recent visitors described the sand as clean, and said it's a great place to bring kids and dogs (dog hours vary).

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens holds festivals throughout the year. Check its calendar for events like the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in January, the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival in March and April, the Christmas Tree Festival in November and Wine Under the Oaks in December. – Lauren Mowery, Contributor

Founded in 1681, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is one of six plantations in the Charleston area. Considerably larger than Magnolia Plantation & Gardens , this 738-acre property is best known for its Avenue of the Oaks: a lengthy corridor of 1700s-era live oak trees that form a picturesque canopy over the path leading up to the historic mansion. If the grounds look familiar, it's probably because they've been featured in several films and TV shows, including "The Notebook" and the long-running soap opera "Days of our Lives."

Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

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Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour

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Middleton Place Middleton Place

U.S. News Insider Tip: Historically, Charleston's famous azaleas blossom between late March and early April. However, with shorter, warmer winters, flowers peak earlier in spring. If you time your trip right, Middleton Place offers the most glorious spectacle of synchronous blooms, notably along the "azalea hillside," a bank rising from the rice mill pond that was planted almost a century ago with around 35,000 bushes. – Lauren Mowery, Contributor

If there were ever a place to stop and smell the roses, this house would be it. Built in 1755, this mansion was once the home of Arthur Middleton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Today, Middleton Place houses an impressive collection of historic furniture and portraits (all originally owned by the Middleton family), plus a stable with heritage-bred animals. The gardens are a highlight of Middleton Place, according to visitors. Modeled after traditional English and European gardens, the 65-acre grounds are peppered with camellias, azaleas, magnolias and myrtle throughout the year. The property also boasts a full-service restaurant serving seasonal Lowcountry fare for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. But aside from its photogenic landscaping, Middleton Place also serves as a sobering reminder of Charleston's connection to slavery.

White Point Garden White Point Garden free

White Point Garden, also known as White Point Park, is a nearly 6-acre historic public park located at the tip of the Charleston Peninsula overlooking Charleston Harbor and Cooper River. The park entrances visitors with its beautiful water views, graceful live oak trees, and historic monuments. The park dates to 1837 when the land was acquired by the City of Charleston. Originally, the park was used as a fortification during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and several cannons from both eras remain o-site as a reminder of the city's military past. The park was also used as a public garden during the 19th century and was the site of many social events and gatherings. Today, White Point Garden attracts both locals and tourists to its historic monuments and markers, shaded benches and its gazebo, which hosts weddings and other events.

Recent visitors welcomed the park as a respite from the sun on a hot summer day, while others felt bewitched by the setting after dusk. Many felt White Point Park provided a focal point for their walking tours downtown and a good place to rest or have a picnic after walking all afternoon.

The Aiken-Rhett House Museum The Aiken-Rhett House Museum

According to many, the Aiken-Rhett House Museum is a unique and educational place to learn about life in Charleston during the 19th century. Originally built in the early 1800s and then expanded by Gov. William Aiken Jr. and his wife in the 1830s and 1850s, much of the house's original style has been preserved.

Before touring the house, spend some time exploring the grounds, which host the stables, the kitchens and the slave quarters. The slave quarters, which feature original paint and flooring, have remained untouched over time and serve to illustrate the harsh living conditions for at least 14 of the property's enslaved workers. Past visitors appreciated seeing the quarters first, so they could better understand how the house operated.

Drayton Hall Drayton Hall

Dating back to 1738, Drayton Hall is one of the oldest surviving plantation houses left in the South and remains an exquisite example of Palladian architecture. In fact, Drayton Hall was America's first and best example of the style. Wander the red-brick main house, noting details like decorative windows and doors added for symmetry.  The house hasn't changed much from when it was originally built, including a lack of air conditioning, electricity and heat. After watching the orientation video, guests can opt for a 45-minute audio tour – at no additional cost – that helps explain the role enslaved people played on the plantation. Past visitors said the stories they heard on the audio tour, as well as the information from the knowledgeable staff members, helped paint a picture of the day-to-day realities enslaved workers faced on the plantation.

After touring, you can wander along the walking trails that follow the Ashley River and the marsh, or pay your respects at the on-site African American Cemetery. Archaeological artifacts and objects from the Drayton family are also on display in the on-site Gates Gallery.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site McLeod Plantation Historic Site

At the McLeod Plantation Historic Site, visitors can learn important information about Gullah and Geechee heritage. This plantation was established in 1851, and by 1860, it was home to 74 enslaved people housed in 23 cabins. It operated mainly as a cotton plantation until the last crop was planted in 1922. The property has been restored to reflect its original form, and visitors can tour the McLeod family home as well as the slaves' living quarters. They will also learn about the relationships between those who lived on the plantation and the property's importance in the Civil War. The plantation stretches for 37 acres and features a dairy and kitchen area, a worship center, a cemetery, a cotton gin house, a riverside outdoor pavilion and a tree known as the McLeod Oak, which is believed to be more than 600 years old.

Past visitors praised McLeod Plantation for its accuracy in conveying the true history of enslaved people in the South. Reviewers appreciated that the tour guides didn't shy away from the grim realities of slavery nor try to cover up the difficult details; they also said the guides were open to answering their questions. Many went as far as to say McLeod is the most educational and precise plantation tour in the area.

1. 5-Hour Charleston Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

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Charleston Food Tour

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Charleston Pirates and Ghosts Tour

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Heyward-Washington House Heyward-Washington House

Built in 1772, the Heyward-Washington House earned its moniker for two men who figured prominently in its history, Thomas Heyward Jr. and President George Washington. Heyward, a Revolutionary War officer and South Carolina delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776, is best known for contributing his signature to the Declaration of Independence. In 1791, the city of Charleston rented Heyward's home for President George Washington's weeklong stay in the city. The association with America's first president has persisted ever since. The architecture of the three-story red brick double reflects the Georgian style that spread widely through English colonies for its order and symmetry. The Charleston Museum acquired the property in 1929 and opened it to the public a year later as the city's first historic home museum. 

Recent travelers enjoyed the home's collection of antique Charleston-made furnishings and formal gardens, as well as the chance to see an original kitchen from the 1740s. The kitchen and carriage shed are relics from the Milner family who developed the lot before Heyward purchased it in 1770. Furniture buffs appreciated the 1770 Chippendale-style Holmes Bookcase, considered a stunning example of American craftsmanship.

Fort Sumter National Monument Fort Sumter National Monument free

You probably remember Fort Sumter as the place where the first shot of the Civil War was fired back in 1861. Today, you can see for yourself where all the action happened by taking a ferry to the actual fort. Take your time exploring the thick stone caverns, which still house several Civil War-era cannons. You should also stop by Fort Sumter's small, yet informative museum, which provides more in-depth information about the fort's role in the war. According to most Charleston visitors, Fort Sumter is a must-see, especially for kids and history buffs.

Fort Sumter National Monument is perched on a small island in Charleston Harbor several miles southwest of the city. Ferries to the monument depart from the Fort Sumter visitor center (in Charleston) and from Patriot's Point , which sits just opposite of the harbor in USS Yorktown State Park (parking is available at both departure points). Though the ferry ride is not the main attraction, most enjoyed it, calling it relaxing and a great way to see some of the area's dolphins. Both ferries to the fort and ranger talks take place daily, but hours vary depending on the season. Guided tours aren't available at Fort Sumter, but you can listen to a 10-minute, ranger-led history discussion before heading out on your own self-guided tour; rangers and volunteers are available to answer any questions you may have.

South Carolina Aquarium South Carolina Aquarium

Home to more than 5,000 animals, the South Carolina Aquarium is a fun attraction for those traveling with young children. The aquarium is located on the Charleston Harbor downtown and boasts views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning it must pass a rigorous animal welfare check annually. Therefore, visitors can rest assured that the aquarium's many residents – ranging from alligators to eels to otters – are treated with the utmost care. Keep in mind that the South Carolina Aquarium does not house any dolphins, whales or manatees in accordance with the Marine Resources Act of 2000, which bans facilities from placing marine mammals on display in South and North Carolina.

Although the aquarium is on the smaller side, recent travelers reported it was chock-full of interactive exhibits and interesting things to see and do. Most reported getting through the full attraction in about 60 to 90 minutes. Highlights for visitors include the Sea Turtle Care Center – where injured and sick turtles are rehabbed then released back into the wild – and the "touch" exhibit, where travelers can get up close and personal with select wildlife like hermit crabs and Atlantic stingrays.

The Charleston Museum The Charleston Museum

Founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum is said to be the country's first museum, and with a focus on the South Carolina Lowcountry, it's a perfect place to learn about the area. There's a gallery devoted to natural history, a Civil War exhibition, a historic textiles gallery, and the interactive "Kidstory" area. There's also the "Lowcountry History Hall" exhibit, which displays materials related to the Native Americans who inhabited the South Carolina coast prior to colonization, as well as the enslaved African Americans responsible for the region's agricultural wealth.

Recent visitors were impressed with the museum's historical overview and said it is definitely worth a few hours of your time (especially if you're visiting in the summer and need a place to cool off). Reviewers were particularly impressed with the artifacts on display from the Revolutionary and Civil wars.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Opened in 1976, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum serves to educate visitors on war history. The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier – which was used by the United States Navy in World War II, then again in the Vietnam War – sits in the harbor as the attraction's centerpiece. Other notable artifacts and exhibits at this Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, museum include two historic ships, a Medal of Honor Museum, 28 aircraft and a 2.5-acre "Vietnam Experience," which recreates a Navy base complete with a mess hall, a fire control bunker and a river patrol boat to simulate what it was like for soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Recent travelers said visiting Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was both educational and fun. They said American history buffs will love seeing the warships, submarines and aircraft, and many highly recommended taking the captain's tour aboard the USS Yorktown for a more in-depth experience. Almost all visitors agreed the attraction was worth the cost of admission. 

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

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Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

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The Nathaniel Russell House Museum The Nathaniel Russell House Museum

Constructed at the turn of the 19th century by Nathaniel Russell – a wealthy Southern merchant – this historic home is known for its spiraling staircase, detailed furnishings and landscaped gardens. In fact, The Nathaniel Russell House has the only 3-story, free-flying cantilever staircase on the Charleston Peninsula. Unlike the Aiken-Rhett House , parts of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum has undergone architectural and interior restoration. Recent visitors were impressed with the detailed restoration and said the house helped them gain insight into the daily proceedings of Russell and his family. The family brought nearly 20 enslaved men and women with them to the property, and the house was constructed at the hands of the enslaved people. The kitchen area and slave quarters are in the process of being restored, so visitors can eventually get a better understanding of the house's enslaved men and women. Travelers are welcome to walk over to the site during restoration.

Previous visitors said they learned a lot thanks to the self-guided audio tours, which are available via smartphone app. They also complimented the knowledgeable staff members who were on hand to bring the house's history to life.

Edmondston-Alston House Edmondston-Alston House

Fans of Charleston's 19th historical homes will enjoy visiting the Edmonston-Alston House. Located in a favored spot on the High Battery , it's one of the sea wall's oldest residences dating to 1825. Built in late Federal style by Charles Edmondston, the home changed hands a mere decade later when the Scottish shipping merchant suffered financial woes. Charles Alston, a wealthy Lowcountry rice planter, acquired the home and updated its architecture in Greek Revival style. Today, the well-preserved property remains in the Alston family. Visitors can see this blend of design styles in the home's public rooms and outdoor piazzas, as well as the extensive collection of period pieces from furniture and mirrors to portraits and Alston family silver. Integral to the story of the home and the fortunes of the Alstons is the story of the enslaved people who lived and labored in the home. You'll learn more about these men and women during the tour. 

Previous visitors said the Edmondston-Alston House was a highlight of their trip for its architectural details, waterfront location, and knowledgeable docents who shared insights into 19th-century life for both the families and enslaved in Charleston. Some travelers felt it expensive, however, for the handful of rooms they could visit, as the family occupies the top floor.

Spoleto Festival USA Spoleto Festival USA

U.S. News Insider Tip: If your interests fall closer to the culinary arts than the performing arts, book a trip for the Charleston Wine & Food in early March. The festival packs dinners, seminars, workshops, brunches, street fairs and interactive experiences (like boat trips to working oyster farms) into five days. Local and international food, wine and cocktail talent host the events.  – Lauren Mowery, Contributor

Founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Charleston's annual Spoleto Festival USA showcases music, theater, dance and opera performances. The festival draws its name from the city of Spoleto in Italy where Menotti previously founded an arts festival. This 17-day annual event (which runs from late May through early June) draws tens of thousands of visitors, both domestic and international, who come for the festival's unique blend of world-class performances and Southern charm.

H.L. Hunley Submarine H.L. Hunley Submarine

Originally built in 1863 for the Confederate Army, the H.L. Hunley became the world's first successful combat submarine. It was suddenly lost at sea in 1864 and remained so until 1995 when it was discovered off the coast of Sullivan's Island with the help of thriller author Clive Cussler. In 2000, the Hunley and the remains of its crew were brought to the surface for a detailed restoration at the old Charleston Naval Base.

Today, you can visit the base and tour the submarine; an experience that many recent visitors said is well worth your time, especially if you're interested in naval history. The experience features interactive exhibits and activities, which recent visitors found fascinating. Many also praised the expert guides. After a 20-minute overview, visitors can explore on their own.

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The Traveling Drifter

11 Best Historic Sites in Charleston South Carolina

From the Revolutionary War to the first shots of The Civil War, Charleston, South Carolina has a rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, in honor of King Charles II of England. Charleston has turned into one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists and a gem in the United States. Here are my 11 best historic sites in Charleston South Carolina to see while visiting.

There are many different sides to Charleston. First, you can visit the amazing restaurants and food. Charleston is one of the best culinary cities in the United States. Secondly, beaches. There are many great beaches including Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah, Edisto, and many more. It is nice to grab a beer or a drink and enjoy it from a restaurant on the beach.

Finally, the history of Charleston. Taking a walk on cobblestone streets, looking at the antebellum houses while horse-drawn carriages stroll past, shoots you to another time. This is the reason why I fell in love with this city. There are many more ways to enjoy Charleston.

As you will see, it will not be hard to find something to do in Charleston. If you enjoy history, Charleston will be a gem.

Charleston has so many historic sites to pick from when deciding what the best ones are. Along with the ones on this list, you will be able to walk around the streets of Charleston and find many places to view as well. Some will cost some money and some will be free. To find out some free things to do, check out my page here .

This list can be forever growing as the history of Charleston keeps growing each day. Enjoy the list and have fun exploring these historic sites in Charleston South Carolina.

1. Charles Towne Landing

The birthplace of the Carolina Colony, this spot is where English settlers first landed in 1670. Charles Towne Landing starts with the earliest accounts of settlement and colonial history. The location is a park, on a marshy point, on the banks of the

Ashley River. First, you enter the visitor center, there is a museum to walk through. The museum walks you through the history of the settling and founding of Charles Towne.

After the museum, you head outside to walk the history trail. Once on this 6-mile trail, there are numerous things to see. First, there are active archeologists working on the grounds who will be happy to talk to you. Secondly, there is a 17th-century replica sailing ship, the Adventure. Third, there is a zoo that holds North American animals that the Charles Towne settlers would have encountered. Finally, visit the Legare – Waring House which is a true Southern charm and a hot spot for weddings.

What a perfect place to start for historic sites in Charleston South Carolina. Nothing better than starting at the beginning of Charleston.

2. Boone Hall Plantation

Arriving in 1672, Major John Boone was one of the first settlers in the Colony of South Carolina. He received the land as a wedding gift in 1681 from his father-in-law. The son of Major John Boone planted the iconic oak trees in 1742 in an evenly spaced layout. This created the famous look for the southern plantation. Boone Hall Plantation is one of America’s oldest plantations that is actually still in operation producing agriculture!

Sitting on an area of 738 acres, Boone Hall Plantation grounds have seasonal crop fields, as well as creeks, ponds, and wetlands to see. Among the beautiful nature here, make sure to check out the ground’s featured exhibits.

First, make sure you take a tour of the house, where the guide will explain the full architecture and history of the house. Secondly, head outside and experience Gullah culture by watching presentations about this amazing culture. The Gullah are African Americans who are descendants of slaves of The Low Country, with their unique language, stories, and culture. Third, the history of the daily life of slaves that worked the land of the plantation including 9 slave houses. Finally, there are many more activities to see including many more tours on the grounds.

Here, you will why this is one of the best historic sites in Charleston South Carolina.

3. Ft Sumter

South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20th, 1860. U.S. Army Major Robert Anderson abandoned Fort Moultrie and moved his companies to the unfinished Fort Sumter 6 days later. The Union troops were now on a man-made island surrounded by The South Carolina Militia.

They were now in a state that was no longer part of the Union. When Anderson refused to surrender, Confederate batteries opened fire on the fort which lasted for 34 hours on April 12, 1861. On April 13th, the fort surrendered and was evacuated. This event ushered in the first battle of The American Civil War.

It is a strange feeling to stand in a place with such significance in Charleston and American History. To get there, you will need to take a ferry ride out to the island from Patriots Point. If you are lucky, you will be able to see dolphins swimming on the ride. The tour of the fort is amazing! While touring you get to see amazing things including cannonball that is still in the walls!

4. The Charleston Museum

America’s first museum, The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. The museum first opened to the public in 1824, though it was temporarily closed during the Civil War. The museum’s current location in Charleston was completed in 1980.

There are lots of great exhibits to see and learn about. Start out with Lowcountry History. Learn about the Native Americans that inhabited the area, the colonists, the enslaved African Americans, and the wars that impacted the area. Next, head over to Becoming Americans, how Charleston had an important role in the Revolutionary War to become an independent nation.

After that, the Bunting Natural History Gallery tells the story of the history of the Lowcountry. After that, City Under Siege goes over the history of Charleston during the Civil War. Finally, there are more exhibits to walk through and continue to learn the history of Charleston and the surrounding area.

5. Ft Moultrie

On June 28, 1776, Commodore Sir Peter Parker of the British Royal Navy had his nine warships attack Fort Sullivan. This happened during the beginning of The American Revolutionary War.

Earlier in the year, Colonel William Moultrie of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment took command of the incomplete fort. Ft. Sullivan was the line of defense for Charleston against naval invasion. They built the fort out of palmetto logs. When the British attacked, the palmetto logs did not shatter, in fact, they absorbed the cannon fire from the warships. Col Moultrie was able to hold off the British and damage their ships and send them on a retreat.

The fort was renamed Fort Moultrie in his honor, his battle flag was used as the inspiration for the present-day South Carolina state flag. The British did eventually capture the fort in 1780 but retreated from Charleston in 1782.

Fort Moultrie would be in use through WWII and decommissioned in 1947. Fort Moultrie was active for 171 years. As you tour the fort, you walk through all the eras of American history for which it protected our seacoast.

6. The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

Building finished in 1771, The Old Exchange Building has been used for many different things. From being a Custom House, a Post Office, and a USO facility during WWII, this building has a rich history in Charleston.

When Charleston fell to the British in 1780, the Exchanged was used as a barracks and prison during The American Revolutionary War. The prison held Colonial Troops, enslaved African Americans, even some British Troops, and some say, pirates.

Once the war ended, The Exchange was used to host South Carolina leaders as they ratified The Constitution of The United States in 1788. The Exchange was used for many events while George Washington was in Charleston for his Southern Tour in 1791. These are just some of the highlights of the history of The Exchange and what it means to Charleston.

The Half-Moon Battery is the only part of the original city wall of Charleston. It was uncovered in 1965 under The Exchange Building and is open for the public to see.

7. Magnolia Gardens

Arriving from Barbados to Charles Towne, Thomas Drayton and his wife, Ann established Magnolia Plantation in 1676. Thomas and Ann were the first owners of the plantation. This would lead to 15 generations and 300 years later to still having the plantation in the family.

Magnolia Plantation was originally a rice plantation. It used African-American slaves to work the rice fields. These African American slaves helped start and spread the Gullah culture in The Low Country.

In the 1840s, Reverend John Grimke-Drayton inherited the plantation and transformed it into the gardens that it is famous for today. He wanted to create romantic gardens for his wife, Julia. It’s said that John was the first to introduce Azaleas to America.

The plantation house burned down during The Civil War. The gardens opened to the public in 1870. They included many parts to see such as Barbados Tropical Garden, Camellia Collection, Cypress Lake, Flowerdale, The Long Bridge, Swamp Garden, and many more!

8. Old Slave Mart Museum

In the sad but true and dark history of The United States, there was slavery. Primarily in the southern states, it was mostly made up of Africans that were bought, sold, and traded. Slaves that were brought into Charleston were sold in public auctions up until 1856 when the city prohibited the sale in public venues.

Enclosed slave markets opened up including Ryan’s Mart, which is the site of The Old Slave Mart Museum . This place was used for the slave trade until February 1865 when Union Troops occupied Charleston.

At one point during the slave trade, 35%-40% of slaves that entered The United States came through Charleston, SC. The Old Slave Mart Museum is staffed by descendants of Charleston slaves. This is not a place for young children or looking for artifacts. There is a lot of reading and education done at the museum.

Though it is a dark part of the history of Charleston and The United States, it is still good to learn from the past. That way, we as a people do not repeat our transactions of the past.

9. Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is an amazing place to walk in the steps of the heroes of our military family. First, to tour, the USS Yorktown, which is an Essex Class Aircraft Carrier that served from 1943 to 1970. You are able to tour many decks and different parts of the ship. You are able to see the main engineering, mess hall, quarters, ammo rooms, the flight deck which holds 28 naval aircraft, and the bridge.

After the USS Yorktown, make your way to the destroyer, USS Laffey. The Laffey served from 1944 to 1975. This is “The Ship That Would Not Die”, getting this nickname from uses in the D-Day Invasion and The Battle of Okinawa.

Next, you will want to make your way to the Vietnam Experience. This area is built like a USMC Artillery Firebase. There are 4 helicopters in the exhibit to view.

This is one of the best historic sites in Charleston South Carolina and a must for any fan of military history. This is a great place to take your kids to learn about military history.

10. Old City Jail

Also known as The Old City Jail , it was in use between 1802 and 1939. This jail held many different prisoners during the time it was in use. Of course, during the Civil War, it held both Union and Confederate troops. Pirates have a history in Charleston as well. Pirates were held here as prisoners.

Among the notable prisoners, 2 major ones stand out. First, Lavinia Fisher and her husband John, who were part of a highway robbery gang, were held from 1819 to 1820. They were executed at the jail in 1820. Secondly, Denmark Vessey, who was jailed in 1822 planned a slave revolt. He planned to take out slave owners, free slaves, and sail them to Haiti.

The Old City Jail is famous now because most say that it is haunted by Lavinia Fisher. The only way to take tours is through a company that specializes in ghost tours in Charleston.

As of 2021, The Old City Jail is currently under renovation.

11. H.L. Hunley

At the time the Confederate States were looking into submarine warfare, the Union had a strong blockade around all the southern states. The Confederacy is looking into options around the blockade or ways to get through it.

The story of the H. L. Hunley also known as just the Hunley goes back to February 1862 during the Civil War. The first submarine was designed and the first tests were done on a submarine called, the Pioneer. In January 1863, the American Diver, which was the next submarine built before the Hunley, proceeded to have harbor trials done.

The Hunley started to be built in April 1863 at Park and Lyons Machine Shop in Mobile, Alabama. In July of the same year, the Hunley was launched for the first time. She showed a lot of promise during her first demonstrations. In August 1863, the Hunley was shipped to Charleston by rail to help with the blockade that was choking the city.

The Hunley had two test missions where she sank and her crew was lost. On February 17, 1864, the Hunley heads out and makes world history by becoming the first combat submarine to sink another ship, the USS Housatonic. No one knows what exactly happened to the Hunley but she never made it back to port and was lost at sea for over a century.

The Hunley was discovered by NUMA on May 3, 1995, and was raised from the sea on August 8, 2000. The ship still had her crewmembers inside of her. The 8-man crew was laid to rest in Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston.

You can see the Hunley today in Charleston at the Friends of the Hunley. Let me just say, it is really amazing in person!

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What part of Charleston South Carolina is historic?

Being one of the oldest cities in The United States, Charleston has history at almost every corner. Charleston’s history spreads all over the Lowcountry. You will find the majority of the major historic locations on the peninsula.

Known as Historic Charleston, downtown Charleston is full of historical houses, museums, churches, and other numerous sites. You will find that Charleston is proud of its history and how it helped shape The United States.

How do you see historic sites in Charleston South Carolina?

The best way to see the historic sites in Charleston South Carolina is by walking. Charleston is on a peninsula so there is only so much room to go. This is a perfect city to walk in. It is easy to get lost for hours just discovering the streets of Charleston.

However, if you get tired and need to find another way around, Charleston has plenty of other options for you.

• Horse and Carriage  – There are many tours that will take you through the historic sites in Charleston South Carolina. Click the link to get an awesome deal.
• Rickshaw – Downtown has a lot of rickshaws that would love to take you to all the downtown historic sites.
• Rideshare – There are always plenty of rideshare options throughout Charleston. You will need to use these to get to some of the locations like plantations.

Historic sites in Charleston South Carolina in conclusion

A city that is rich in history, Charleston has many more places to discover when it comes to her history. Take your time to walk through every area and discover the beauty of historic Charleston. I recommend a walking tour or horse carriage tour to get a sense of all the history in the city.

Read more about different things to do in Charleston, SC What 13 things should I not miss in Charleston SC post.

I hope that you will enjoy all these 11 best historic sites in Charleston South Carolina as much as I do. Please see as many of these locations as possible.

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Shaun Hammond is the owner and author of The Traveling Drifter, a travel blog that has a focus on Charleston, South Carolina, Cruising, and Hiking/Backpacking. Shaun is a has lived in Charleston since 2007 and is an expert about the city. He has spent much of his time exploring and discovering Charleston to help travelers and locals get the most out of their Charleston experience.

The History Lover’s Guide to Charleston

Even on a short weekend getaway, you can’t escape the complex stories that define this southern city..

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The newly renovated Charleston Visitor Center resides in the historic Deans Warehouse in downtown Charleston.

Courtesy of Charleston Visitor Bureau

You can try to avoid it, but Charleston ’s history is on display everywhere—the candy-hued houses on Rainbow Row , the cannons at the Battery, the church graveyards, the moss-covered walls of the College of Charleston . Few cities can rival Charleston’s place in U.S. history; the city’s past is a complex character in the story of the American South: rich with politesse and traditions; an antebellum heritage and a cosmopolitan present; and woven through it all, a legacy of slavery and uprisings, heroes and villains.

It’s one thing to explore the city’s deep history in a book—it’s another to walk in the footsteps of its ancestors. To discover the real Charleston, South Carolina, start with an overview at the new Charleston Area Visitor Reception and Transportation Center (VRTC) , which reopened in October 2020 in the historic Deans Warehouse downtown, itself a site worth visiting on your history tour.

Built from 1840 to 1856, the old Deans Warehouse—one of five former railroad buildings that are now a National Historic Landmark District—reopened as a visitor center May 1991. In its latest refresh, the very much modernized interior includes a virtual reality exhibit about the city, a test kitchen for cooking demonstrations, a stage for local performers, and a gift shop and coffee bar featuring one-off local souvenirs. Plot your route with some help from Charleston experts, and consult our list below to fill in the gaps.

The shade cast by Charleston’s iconic Angel Oak spans 17,000 square feet.

Courtesy of Explore Charleston

Charleston’s earliest inhabitants

The Cusabo people lived in the Lowcountry before the arrival of Europeans, and their presence can be found in surprising ways. Massive rings of oyster shells like the 4,000-year-old Sewee Shell Ring in Charleston County’s Awendaw suggest that oysters were a key part of their diet and that the tribe often gathered in a communal setting.

To get an even closer look at the watery landscape the Cusabo inhabited, escape the city via a kayak tour with Coastal Expeditions , whose naturalist guides can point out edible plants and explain the indigenous flora and fauna. Visiting Bulls Island can take you even further back in time—exploring this undeveloped island makes it easy to imagine people subsisting on its bounty.

If you prefer dry land or if time is limited, you can still see something older than European settlement by driving out to the Angel Oak on Johns Island , a massive live oak tree that is thought to be the country’s oldest living organism east of the Rockies.

Explore the original colony

West Ashley’s Charles Towne Landing —the site of the first Charleston colony—could be the city’s most underrated attraction (and a bargain at $12). Visitors can explore the deck and cabins of a replica 17th-century ship, a re-creation of the one settlers first arrived on in 1670. The historic park also has replica structures from the original village, as well as an impressive and modern museum. Perhaps best of all (especially for families), the Animal Forest is home to native animals, including pumas, otters, and bison.

Relive the Golden Age of Piracy

Name any famous pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy (1650–1730), and chances are they swaggered the streets of Charleston. Notorious and fascinating characters from Edward “Blackbeard” Teach to Anne Bonny to Stede Bonnet all spent time here. Locals Eric and Sabrina Lavender lead daily pirate tours —in full costume and accompanied by a live parrot—that recount the stories of these rogues and privateers, placing them in context at surviving landmarks, including the 1713 Powder Magazine, the last remaining structure of the original walled city.

Built as the Planter’s Hotel in 1809, the Dock Street Theatre is now home to the Charleston Stage Company.

Photo by Shutterstock

Say “bonjour” to the French Quarter

The word “refugee” originated in France, as a description of the Protestant Huguenots who fled the oppressive French Catholic regime of the 1680s. Some 400,000 of the refugees sailed to Charleston, where their names and families—Ravenel, Prioleau, Huger, Gaillard—are still among the most visible and prominent in the city today. The French Huguenot Church in the French Quarter is the last active church dedicated to Huguenots in the country. (Services are held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., with tours of the church available Monday through Friday.)

The Quarter is an excellent place to walk and on its streets, you’ll find St. Philip’s (Anglican) Church , the Dock Street Theatre , and most of the city’s high-end art galleries.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens offers tours of not just the Revolution-era main house, but also the slave cabins on the grounds.

See the legacy of wealth . . .

The word “plantation” has been dropped from the fanciful names of Charleston’s residential subdivisions in recent years for good reason. The historic plantations—massive white-owned farms worked by enslaved Africans—are hardly something to celebrate, and tours of Charleston’s historic antebellum houses make sure that the plantation system is not romanticized.

Middleton Place balances its impeccably maintained gardens, inn, and riverfront property with frank exhibits that portray slave life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Next door, the trails and tours of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens by tram and boat display the natural splendor of the Lowcountry, and special daily tours focus on the slave cabins that remain on the grounds. Still farther down the Ashley River, the immaculately preserved Drayton Hall , a 1738 mansion, puts the grandeur of a plantation owner’s life in perspective by also emphasizing the life of the estate’s other residents. Across town, Mount Pleasant’s Boone Hall echoes Middleton’s approach, balancing its glorious avenue of oaks and romantic grounds with a Gullah Theater and African American reenactors who give an honest take on the plantation’s slave-driven past.

. . . and its brutal cost

Many visitors to Charleston mistakenly assume that the steep steps at the City Market ’s Meeting Street entrance were where the city’s infamous slave auctions were held. That’s not the case—the Old Slave Mart on Chalmers Street, a grisly vestige of the city’s once-booming slave trade, is the remaining auction site of the dozens that once operated here. It solemnly reminds visitors that about 40 percent of the Africans brought to North America as slaves were processed through Charleston.

The vast number of slaves serving a smaller white population resulted in deep paranoia among the landowners and fear of rebellion. One of the most notable attempts of uprising ended in tragedy in Charleston before it even began. In Hampton Park , visitors can see a statue of freedman Denmark Vesey that memorializes his alleged leadership role in an 1822 plan to kill the slaveholders and sail with the liberated slaves to Haiti. When news of the plot was leaked, Vesey was quickly tried and publicly hanged, along with 34 others.

The racial history of the city is still unsettled. Even today, Charleston’s public schools remain largely segregated. But there are occasional bright spots in the long history of bitter discord: Despite the racist hatred behind the 2015 shooting of nine parishioners at the city’s Mother Emmanuel AME Church , the reaction of the congregation—one of immediate forgiveness—surprised the world by its grace. Visitors are welcome to attend the church’s 10 a.m. Sunday services.

And “when the International African American Museum (IAAM) debuts in Charleston in [January 2023], the long-awaited institution will be elevated by pillars as a sign of respect for the site on which it stands: the former Gadsden’s Wharf, where almost half of the imprisoned Africans who were brought to North America on slave ships disembarked in the United States,” reports Sarah Buder .

The first shots of the Civil War were fired on the federal troops at Fort Sumter by cadets of the Citadel.

Witness the revolution and the siege

Book a tour: Flipper Finders

Charlestonians like to joke that the Ashley and Cooper rivers merge in Charleston Harbor to form the Atlantic Ocean. While it may not be the Atlantic’s source, the waterway does play a huge role in U.S. history, thanks to the narrow harbor mouth and the iconic island bastion, Fort Sumter, that protects it.

Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, however, predates Fort Sumter. Its palmetto log walls withstood a barrage of cannonballs during a June 28, 1776, battle, allowing the 400 patriots inside to fight off the invading British ships. That “Carolina Day” victory inspired the palmetto tree’s place of honor on the South Carolina state flag.

Just across the mouth of the harbor from Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter was built beginning in 1829. On January 9, 1861, a federal ship was attempting to resupply the troops occupying the fort when cadets from the Citadel military college fired upon it, in what became the first shots of the Civil War. Control of Fort Sumter became a pivotal concern as the war developed until Union troops abandoned it in April 1861. They were unable to recapture it during the following four years.

From 1842 to 1922, the Citadel was located at present-day Marion Square. That building, now an Embassy Suites Hotel, features some of the college’s original archways and hardwood floors and contains a small exhibit of items collected from the cadets who lived and studied there.

Take a tour from Folly Beach–based Flipper Finders for a different perspective on the region’s military history. Its boat will drop you—and your rental bicycles—on uninhabited Morris Island for the day. From the harborside of Morris Island, Fort Sumter looks as though it’s within swimming distance. Ride your bike along the beach to see the island’s famous lighthouse, and then head to the narrow stretch of sand where the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first African American regiment to fight in the Civil War (made famous by the movie Glory ), stormed and overtook the Confederate-held beachhead, Battery Wagner.

How many cities have a haunted jail that once housed pirates, serial killers, and Civil War prisoners?

Photo by Robbin Knight

Take a walking tour

Book a tour: Bulldog Tours

Charleston’s carriage tours and ghost tours are popular, but more focused, topic-specific tours tend to have smaller groups, which allow history lovers to ask detailed questions. The city’s many qualified guides love it when visitors want to go deeper on a specific topic. Among the recommended guides is Bulldog Tours , which gives access to the Old City Jail, an eerie 215-year-old building tucked into the Harleston Village neighborhood.

This article was originally published in November 2019. It was updated on November 15, 2022.

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Historical Things to Do in Charleston, SC

Table of contents.

People come to Charleston for many reasons – architecture, food, beaches and cultural events. Yet one of the main draws for Charleston is her incredible past. From Colonial times to the Civil War, this city by the sea played a prominent role in the country’s history.

The Charleston area has numerous museums and historical attractions that help tell the city’s many stories. It can be tough to see them all in one trip. For the best highlights, plan a visit to these homes, museums and attractions to learn all about Charleston, SC, history.

Top Historical Things to do in Charleston, SC

#1 charles towne landing state historical site.

To see where it all began, spend some time at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site . This state park sits on a marshy point off the Ashley River on the spot where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony. Walk the self-guided history trail, explore the exhibits in the Visitor Center or visit the 22-acre natural habitat zoo to see a variety of animals that inhabited South Carolina at the time when this site was a newly settled English colony.

#2 South Carolina Historical Society Museum

The South Carolina Historical Society Museum is housed in a National Historic Landmark building at 100 Meeting St. The recently remodeled, repurposed Fireproof Building houses a new, state-of-the art museum with interactive exhibits that showcase South Carolina history, culture and arts. The building was designed by Robert Mills and constructed between 1822 and 1827. The Fireproof Building is believed to be the first of its kind constructed in the United States. Pairing personal manuscripts, maps, and artifacts with innovative technology, visitors experience illuminating moments that shaped Charleston, South Carolina and the country.

#3 Charleston Museum

Founded in 1773 and commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum,” The Charleston Museum was established by the Charleston Library Society on the eve of the American Revolution. First opened to the public in 1824, the museum developed prominent collections. Operations were suspended due to the Civil War but began again shortly afterward. 

Exhibits highlight the Native Americans who first inhabited the Lowcountry and enslaved African Americans who played a significant role in the area’s agricultural growth. Browse displays on historic textiles and clothing, Charleston silver and Charleston’s role in the Civil War. Young visitors can check out the kids’ area and family friendly activities.  

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#4 Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

According to historical accounts, petitions and arguments before the Assembly by Charles Town’s wealthy merchants and investors prompted the government to pass an act in 1767 for the building of an “Exchange or Custom House.” During 1771 and 1772, The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon , with its Palladian symmetrical design, was constructed at the foot of Broad Street. It was renovated in the late 1970s and formally opened on Oct. 5, 1981. It remains a much-visited tourist attraction at 122 East Bay St.

#5 Fort Sumter

Easily visible in the center of the Charleston harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument is not only an interesting tourist attraction, but an important piece of American history. Confederate forces fired the first shots of the Civil War at Federal troops at Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. on April 12, 1861. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Throughout the war’s duration, Fort Sumter would play an important role as Union forces spent nearly four years trying to take it back.

#6 Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island has undergone numerous changes over the years. The first fort was still incomplete when Commodore Sir Peter Parker and nine warships attacked it on June 28, 1776. After a nine-hour battle, the ships retired. Charleston was saved fro m British occupation, and the fort was named in honor of its commander, Col. William Moultrie. After several years of neglect, little of the fort remained by 1791. At the end of the 18th century, a second fort was built – one of 20 new forts along the Atlantic Coast. But, once again, the fort was neglected and eventually destroyed by a hurricane in 1804.

By 1809, a third brick fort was constructed on Sullivan’s Island. When South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860, the Federal garrison abandoned Fort Moultrie for the stronger Fort Sumter. By the 1880s, Fort Moultrie was modernized, but ultimately became a small part of the Fort Moultrie Military Reservation that covered much of the island.

#7 Edmondston-Alston House

The Edmondston-Alston House located at 21 East Battery was constructed in 1825. The views from its piazza are magnificent. In fact, Gen. P. T. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. Later that year, on Dec. 11. Gen. Robert E. Lee stayed at the house when a large fire spread through his Charleston hotel.

#8 Old Slave Mart Museum

Charleston’s history as a player in the domestic slave-trading system is detailed at the Old Slave Mart Museum, located at 6 Chalmers St. In the 70 years between the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the Civil War, more than one million American-born slaves were sold away from plantations in the upper South to work the rapidly expanding cotton and sugar plantations in the lower South. This museum details the city’s role in inter-state slave trade after the 1808 ban on international slave trade. Slave auctions at the Old Slave Mart ended in November 1863. The property changed hands through the years and had various uses. In 1988, the City of Charleston acquired the property.

#9 H.L. Hunley Museum

On Feb. 17, 1864, the H. L. Hunley became the world’s first successful combat submarine when it sank the USS Housatonic. After signaling to shore that the mission was accomplished, the submarine and her crew of eight mysteriously vanished. Lost at sea for more than a century, the Hunley was located in 1995 by Clive Cussler’s National Underwater and Marine Agency. The vessel was raised in 2000 and delivered to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, where scientists are working to preserve the Hunley for future generations.

#10 Middleton Place

A National Historic Landmark,  Middleton Place is home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Visitors can walk through the extensive gardens and stop off at the Stableyards for a glimpse of life on an 18th- and 19th-century working plantation where skilled enslaved artisans made tools, pottery, clothing and tended an array of livestock. 

The House Museum – built in 1755 – is a surviving portion of the three-building residential complex that once stood overlooking the Ashley River. Be sure to stop off at Eliza’s House, once occupied by former Middleton slaves. The house has historical exhibits and a list of the 2,800 enslaved people who worked on the Middleton’s various plantations around the Lowcountry. 

#11 Nathaniel Russell House Museum

A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was built over a five-year period and completed in 1808 by Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. The house cost $80,000 to build, at a time when the average value of a home was $262. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel with each cantilevered step supporting the one above and below it. The graceful interiors with elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic.

#12 Drayton Hall

Founded in 1738, Drayton Hall is the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture and the oldest preserved plantation house in America still open to the public. Because of our preservation philosophy, all imperfections and changes over time have survived to the present.

#13 Charleston City Market

Explore Charleston City Market , one of the nation’s oldest public markets and the cultural heart of Charleston. It is home to more than 300 vibrant entrepreneurs, and we are open every day of the year except December 25th. No matter what time of day or season you plan to visit, there is something to see, do, taste, and take home as a souvenir from the Charleston City Market!

#14 Powder Magazine

Completed in 1713, The Powder Magazine is South Carolina’s oldest government building. The building was used as an arsenal from 1713-1748 and during the American Revolution in order to defend the city. After 1780, it was retired, and by the early 19th century, it was privately owned. During this period, The Powder Magazine served as a print shop, livery stable, wine cellar, and carriage house. In 1902, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of South Carolina purchased the building, saving it from demolition. Within a year, it was opened to the public. Today, it is a museum where you can explore colonial military history in the last standing component of Charleston’s original fortifications.

#15 McLeod Plantation

Established in 1851, McLeod Plantation has borne witness to some of the most significant periods of Charleston’s – and our nations – history. Today McLeod Plantation is an important 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site that has been carefully preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. The grounds include a riverside outdoor pavilion, a sweeping oak alley, and the McLeod Oak, which is thought to be more than 600 years old.

Visiting Charleston Just Got Way Easier!

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Charleston FAQ's

Best places to stay and hotels in charleston.

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

What Beach in Charleston is Best?

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

What are some historical things to do in Charleston?

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

What to do with the family and kids in Charleston?

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

Are you a Charleston First Time Visitor? Checkout the guide

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Charleston things to do in the Spring season?

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Charleston things to do in the Summer season?

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Charleston things to do in the Fall season?

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

What should I not miss in Charleston?

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

How many days do I need in Charleston?

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Is Charleston a walkable city? Do I need a car?

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

Is Savannah or Charleston better?

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

• Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
• Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
• Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
• Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
• Both cities have equally good tours.
• Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
• In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
• Savannah is more affordable.
• TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

Are there popular events happening when I'll be visiting?

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Are there tour coupons that I can use for Charleston?

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

What are the top tours and attractions in Charleston?

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Relocating or buying a house in Charleston?

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

Additional Places to Explore

Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is a masonry sea fort located

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Fort Moultrie

The first fort on Sullivan’s Island was still

SpiritLine Dinner Cruise

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Party on the water on their popular sunset

Crusin Tiki Bar Harbor Tours

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Charleston SC Visitors Guide

Historic Antebellum Mansions, Civil War sites, year round festivals, pristine beaches, barrier islands, and mouthwatering Lowcountry cuisine are just a few of the reasons why Charleston SC is one of America's favorite destinations. Experience this diverse southern city which blends French, English, West African and traditional Southern American cultures into the music, art, food, and lifestyle. 

Why Visit Charleston SC?

• F requently voted one of the most beautiful cities in America
• Ranked by the travel media as one of the top U.S. destinations
• Rich in history - The city where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
• Boasts over 1400  significantly historic buildings
• Stately mansions and vast plantations
• Moss draped tree lined streets 
• Emphasis on Southern Hospitality
• Mouthwatering Lowcountry cuisine
• Superior accommodations
• Multitude of shopping options  including boutiques, antique shops, and malls 
• Nearby white sand beaches
• Year-round festivals and events

Things to do in Charleston SC

• Discover the beauty and character of this historic city by taking a narrated walking tour
• Take a walk or bike ride across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge
• Take a relaxing 30-minute boat ride through Charleston Harbor 
• Visit Middleton Place to tour the house museum originally built in 1755 and America's Oldest Landscaped Gardens
• Visit Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
• Visit the world's largest naval maritime museum at Patriots Point and tour a massive aircraft carrier
• Visit the South Carolina Aquarium , home to more than 5,000 animals, at the edge of the historic Charleston Harbor
• Visit the funky, laid back Folly Beach where you can take a leisurely walk on the beach, shop or enjoy some fresh seafood
• Tour original slave cabins at nearby Boone Hall Plantation
• Visit the Edmonston-Alston House , originally built in 1825
• View the massive 400 year old Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island
• Shop for souvenirs, crafts, woven baskets, jewelry, clothing, sweets, and artwork at the historic Old City Market
• Learn about Charleston’s rich history by taking a horse drawn carriage ride
• Take an evening ghost walk  to some of the most haunted places in Charleston
• Sit on the over sized swings and enjoy the views and the ocean breeze at Waterfront Park

Where to Eat, Sleep and Explore in Charleston SC

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• Tips on getting around Charleston
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• Visitor Center Information Learn More >>   Charleston Travel Guide

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17 Must-Visit Historical Sites in Charleston South Carolina

Step back in time to explore important landmarks and historical sites in Charleston South Carolina. From cobblestone streets to grand antebellum mansions, Charleston holds many intriguing stories waiting to be uncovered! As you discover iconic sites such as the Battery , Rainbow Row , and Old Exchange Building you will be taken back in time to an era where colonial influences met Southern charm. Charleston’s historic landmarks not only showcase architectural marvels from years past but also give us insight into the lives and struggles of people who helped shaped Charleston as it stands today. For history buffs and curious learners alike, Charleston offers plenty of landmarks that will leave any visitor spellbound by its rich past and heritage.

Table of Contents

Preserving Charleston Historic Landmarks Is Essential

Preserving historic landmarks is central to maintaining Charleston’s cultural identity and heritage. These iconic structures serve as tangible connections with our past that help us appreciate how history shaped us, both as people then and now. Charleston’s historical landmarks not only look like beautiful architectural structures; they remind us of those whose stories came before.

By protecting these landmarks for future generations to enjoy the same sense of wonder and connection to history that we experienced as children ourselves. Historic buildings and sites serve as reminders of collective memory and shared experiences within communities; while also serving as educational resources providing insights into different periods, architectural styles, social contexts, etc.

Historic landmarks also bring economic benefits to their city of origin. Charleston’s rich history and well-preserved historic sites attract visitors from across the world, increasing tourism while contributing to local economies through tourism dollars spent locally and creating cultural assets which create revenue, jobs, and support for businesses in Charleston.

Conserving Charleston’s historic landmarks isn’t simply about conserving; it’s also an investment in the city’s future. By protecting these treasures, they ensure that future generations can learn about and experience Charleston’s dynamic past.

Explore The Historic Landscape of Charleston Landmarks

Charleston’s historic landmarks are rich with stories. One such location is St. Michael’s Episcopal Church , built in 1761 and known for its iconic 186-foot steeple. Witnessing significant American historical moments including both revolutions, civil wars and even famous figures like John Rutledge who signed the United States Constitution is a testament to that fact.

Nathaniel Russell House was constructed in 1808 as an exquisite Neoclassical mansion that perfectly illustrates Charleston’s wealth and elegance during the antebellum period. Inside is exquisite detailing like a cantilevered spiral staircase and ornate plasterwork – giving visitors a look into the life of both the Russell family and those enslaved African Americans who worked there.

Dock Street Theatre stands as another iconic Charleston landmark, first constructed in 1736 as America’s inaugural permanent theater. Since its birth, this historic venue has endured fires, earthquakes, and wars while continuing to host performances and provide cultural space within Charleston.

Charleston’s historic landmarks each hold their own special story and architectural value, so exploring these sites allows one to step back through time and gain first-hand knowledge of Charleston’s past.

Explore Charleston’s Historic Buildings Architecturally

Charleston’s historic buildings showcase an eclectic variety of architectural styles that reflect its diverse history and influences. One such architectural style, in particular, stands out: Georgian. Characterized by symmetrical facades with evenly spaced windows and classical details – examples being St Michael’s Episcopal Church as well as various grand mansions within Charleston itself, Georgian is particularly prevalent here.

Federal is another prevalent style, distinguished by its simplicity and symmetry. A prime example of Federal architecture in Charleston can be seen at Nathaniel Russell House with its elegant proportions and intricate detailing – it stands as a testament to this trend!

Greek Revival architecture left its mark on Charleston during the mid-19th century, particularly with the Aiken-Rhett House being an outstanding example. Built in the 1820s and featuring grand porticos, columns, and elaborate plasterwork reminiscent of ancient Greek temples; all hallmarks of its style.

Charleston’s architecture also demonstrates the influence of Caribbean and West African architecture, especially Rainbow Row houses with their colorful facades that combine the Caribbean with Georgian architectural styles – these popular tourist destinations date back to 18th-century Charleston!

As you explore Charleston’s historic buildings, take time to appreciate all their intricate details, craftsmanship, and stories they contain – each building serves as an expression of its architectural legacy in Charleston.

Charleston Is Home to Historic Landmarks and Landmarks

Charleston is known for several iconic historic landmarks that serve as iconic symbols of its beauty. One such location is The Battery , an impressive seawall and promenade along Charleston Harbor that provides stunning views. Lined by grand antebellum mansions, The Battery offers breathtaking panoramas that allow locals and visitors to unwind while taking in all that Charleston offers. This spot serves as an idyllic destination to take in its beauty while relaxing or taking photographs of it!

Rainbow Row, with its colorful houses on East Bay Street, has become an emblematic representation of Charleston. Dating back to 18th-century construction and painted with pastel hues, Rainbow Row attracts photographers and artists.

The Old Exchange Building in Charleston is another iconic attraction. Constructed during the late 18th century, this landmark served variously as a customs house, post office, and prison before eventually becoming a museum showcasing Charleston’s role in both American Revolution and slave trade history.

Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, known for being the site of the first shots fired during the American Civil War, is another historic landmark that deserves to be visited. Visitors can take a boat tour out to this fort and tour its grounds while learning more about events leading up to it and its significance in history.

These iconic landmarks encapsulate Charleston’s heritage, making visits here essential for anyone interested in understanding this city’s past.

Hidden Gems in Charleston: Lesser-Known Historic Landmarks

Charleston may be known for its iconic landmarks, but there are also lesser-known historic sites worth discovering in Charleston’s historic center that should not go overlooked. These hidden gems provide a more personal and off-the-beaten-path experience of Charleston’s history that should not be missed out.

Heyward-Washington House stands as an iconic example of Charleston’s hidden treasures, nestled into its historic district. Built during the 1770s as the residence for Thomas Heyward Jr. – one of the signers of the Declaration – and later used as an office during Revolutionary War times, its now an open museum that gives visitors a peek into Charleston’s elite life during these turbulent years.

Another hidden treasure nearby the Nathaniel Russell House is the Aiken-Rhett House. While Nathaniel Russell House has been restored with extraordinary care and detail, Aiken-Rhett House remains in its original state providing visitors with an insight into both white owners and African Americans who lived and worked here during its existence.

The Powder Magazine is another gem often missed by visitors to Charleston. Dating back to the early 18th century, this small brick building served as storage of gunpowder during colonial rule; nowadays it serves as a museum that educates guests about Charleston’s military past.

These lesser-known sites may not receive as much publicity as Charleston’s iconic landmarks, yet they provide an unforgettable and authentic experience to those willing to seek them out. Discovering them allows you to uncover hidden stories that shaped Charleston’s history as you find out its story through exploration.

Tourism’s Impact on Charleston Landmarks

Tourism plays an instrumental role in maintaining Charleston’s historic landmarks and sites, helping preserve them for future generations, and supporting efforts to protect and restore these treasures. Each year millions of visitors to Charleston come for its rich heritage and well-preserved sites which play host to millions of guests bringing millions of dollars and dollars for restoration work – not forgetting boosting Charleston’s economy!

However, tourists present challenges to preservation while maintaining accessibility and sustainability. An increase in foot traffic could cause wear-and-tear on historic buildings or sites and must be managed carefully as conservation measures are implemented to preserve landmarks for longer.

Tourism brings economic advantages to cities as it generates revenues that can be reinvested into maintaining and conserving historic sites. Income generated from ticket sales, guided tours, and souvenir purchases helps fund ongoing upkeep and preservation initiatives.

Tourism creates jobs and strengthens local economies, contributing to overall city revitalization. Historic sites frequently partner with vendors and service providers who benefit from tourist influxes by creating networks of businesses that capitalize on them.

Tourism can have an enormously positive effect on Charleston’s historic landmarks; however, for tourism practices to have lasting benefits on conservation efforts it must strike an appropriate balance between accessibility and conservation measures. Implementation of sustainable practices such as restricting visitor numbers, conserving natural areas through conservation initiatives, or supporting responsible travel can go a long way toward safeguarding these treasures for generations to come.

I’ve made a listing of great activities to explore with kids while in Charleston as well!

Preserving and Restoring Charleston’s Historic Landmarks

Conservation and restoration of Charleston’s historical landmarks require cooperation among government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the local community. Working together ensures long-term preservation and ensures sustainable future of its heritage.

The Historic Charleston Foundation , for example, is a non-profit organization committed to conserving and protecting Charleston and the Lowcountry’s cultural resources through the acquisition, restoration, and management of historic properties ensuring their preservation for future generations. Furthermore, educational programs and advocacy initiatives aim to heighten awareness about historic preservation.

The City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) plays an essential role in the preservation and restoration of historic structures. By reviewing proposed changes to buildings within historic districts within Charleston’s limits, BAR ensures any proposed modifications meet city architectural guidelines while not jeopardizing historical fabric.

South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) plays an essential role in Charleston’s preservation. They administer federal and state historic preservation programs while offering technical support to property owners, developers, local governments, and property managers alike. Furthermore, the SHPO oversees the National Register of Historic Places which recognizes significant historic sites or buildings across South Carolina.

Preserving and restoring Charleston’s historical landmarks are critical in assuring future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from these precious resources. By cooperating, stakeholders can protect and safeguard Charleston’s rich architectural history.

Consider joining A Historic Landmark Tour in Charleston

One of the best ways to experience Charleston’s rich past is with a historic landmark tour . These guided excursions provide insights into its past while giving greater context for each landmark’s significance and history.

Numerous tour companies in Charleston provide visitors with various tour options, from walking tours and carriage rides to boat cruises and boat charters. Walking tours are especially popular because they allow visitors to explore Charleston’s historic district while listening to knowledgeable guides share interesting tales and historical insights regarding its landmarks.

Carriage tours provide an enjoyable, leisurely way to see Charleston’s historical sites. Visitors can sit back and take in all that Charleston has to offer from its cobblestone streets; taking in all its sights and sounds along the way! Carriage tour guides also provide commentary about key landmarks as their carriage travels through Charleston’s historic district.

Boat tours provide an ideal way to discover Charleston’s maritime past and its scenic harbor area, offering panoramic views of Fort Sumter.

Taken on foot, carriage ride, or boat tour – taking a historic landmark tour in Charleston can be both a memorable and fulfilling experience. By delving deeper into its stories and history while appreciating the architectural beauty of landmarks.

Wrap-Up: Historical sites in Charleston South Carolina

Charleston’s historic landmarks serve as living reminders of those events that have helped form Charleston. Ranging from grand mansions to cobblestone streets, each landmark tells its tale and showcases Charleston’s glorious past.

Preserving and celebrating these landmarks are integral to protecting Charleston’s cultural identity and heritage. By understanding and appreciating Charleston’s past, we can gain a greater appreciation of present-day treasures that still deserve protection for future generations.

Get on your walking shoes, grab a guidebook, and set out on an exciting exploration of Charleston! Explore iconic sites, uncover hidden gems, and take a historic landmark tour to fully experience Charleston’s rich history – embrace stories and beauty that these landmarks hold and be taken back through time to an era where colonial influences and Southern charm interweave! Don’t wait; start discovering Charleston today!

Visitor Guide

Book your vacation, the official charleston visitor guide – spring 2023.

Welcome to the Official Charleston Visitor Guide for Spring 2023! This comprehensive guide showcases the best of Charleston and is designed to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find plenty of things to see and do in this charming city, which is steeped in history and Southern hospitality. From historic landmarks and breathtaking beaches to world-class restaurants and charming boutiques, Charleston has something for everyone. So get ready to explore and let this guide be your companion on your journey. We hope you have an unforgettable Charleston experience!

Charleston's nonstop flight list is growing.  Check if your airport is on the list.

Request a mail-in Visitor Guide  via CharlestonCVB.com

Table of Contents

People come to Charleston for many reasons – architecture, food, beaches and cultural events. Yet one of the main draws for Charleston is her incredible past. From Colonial times to the Civil War, this city by the sea played a prominent role in the country’s history.

The Charleston area has numerous museums and historical attractions that help tell the city’s many stories. It can be tough to see them all in one trip. For the best highlights, plan a visit to these homes, museums and attractions to learn all about Charleston, SC, history.

Top Historical Things to do in Charleston, SC

1) charles towne landing.

To see where it all began, spend some time at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site . This state park sits on a marshy point off the Ashley River on the spot where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony. Walk the self-guided history trail, explore the exhibits in the Visitor Center or visit the 22-acre natural habitat zoo to see a variety of animals that inhabited South Carolina at the time when this site was a newly settled English colony.

2) THE SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

The  South Carolina Historical Society Museum  is housed in a National Historic Landmark building  at 100 Meeting St. The recently  remodeled, repurposed Fireproof Building   houses a new, state-of-the art museum with interactive exhibits that showcase South Carolina history, culture and arts.  The building was d esigned by Robert Mills and constructed between 1822 and 1827 . T he Fireproof Building is believed to be the first of its kind constructed in the United States.   Pairing personal manuscripts, maps, and artifacts with innovative technology, visitors experience illuminating moments  that shaped Charleston, South Carolina and the country.

3) THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM

Founded in 1773 and commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum,” The Charleston Museum was established by the Charleston Library Society on the eve of the American Revolution. First opened to the public in 1824, the museum developed prominent collections. Operations were suspended due to the Civil War but began again shortly afterward.  

Exhibits highligh t  the Native Americans who first inhabited the Lowcountry and enslaved African Americans who played a significant role in the area’s agricultural growth. Browse  displays  on historic textiles and clothing, Charleston silver and  Charleston’s  role in the Civil War.  Young visitors can check out  the kids ’  area and family friendly  activities .    

WANT TO TOUR WHILE IN CHARLESTON?

If so, checkout TourPass Charleston which provides an all-access pass with full admission to over 40 top tours, attractions and historic sites. With a TourPass you can make reservations in advance, skip the lines and make your vacations a little more stress-free. Purchase online only at: https://tourpass.com/charleston

4) THE OLD EXCHANGE & PROVOST DUNGEON

According to historical accounts, petitions and arguments before the Assembly by Charles Town’s wealthy merchants and investors prompted the government to pass an act in 1767 for the building of an “Exchange or Custom House.” During 1771 and 1772, The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon , with its Palladian symmetrical design, was constructed at the foot of Broad Street. It was renovated in the late 1970s and formally opened on Oct. 5, 1981. It remains a much-visited tourist attraction at 122 East Bay St.

5) FORT SUMTER

Easily visible in the center of the Charleston harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument is not only an interesting tourist attraction, but an important piece of American history. Confederate forces fired the first shots of the Civil War at Federal troops at Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. on April 12, 1861. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Throughout the war’s duration, Fort Sumter would play an important role as Union forces spent nearly four years trying to take it back.

6) FORT MOULTRIE

By 1809, a third brick fort was constructed on Sullivan’s Island. When South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860, the Federal garrison abandoned Fort Moultrie for the stronger Fort Sumter. By the 1880s, Fort Moultrie was modernized, but ultimately became a small part of the Fort Moultrie Military Reservation that covered much of the island.

7) EDMONDSTON-ALSTON HOUSE

The Edmondston-Alston House located at 21 East Battery was constructed in 1825. The views from its piazza are magnificent. In fact, Gen. P. T. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. Later that year, on Dec. 11. Gen. Robert E. Lee stayed at the house when a large fire spread through his Charleston hotel.

8) OLD SLAVE MART MUSEUM

9) h.l. hunley.

On Feb. 17, 1864, the H. L. Hunley became the world’s first successful combat submarine when it sank the USS Housatonic. After signaling to shore that the mission was accomplished, the submarine and her crew of eight mysteriously vanished. Lost at sea for more than a century, the Hunley was located in 1995 by Clive Cussler’s National Underwater and Marine Agency. The vessel was raised in 2000 and delivered to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, where scientists are working to preserve the Hunley for future generations.

10) MIDDLETON PLACE

A National Historic Landmark,  Middleton Place is  home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America . Visitors can walk through the extensive gardens and stop off at the  Stableyards  for a  glimpse of  life on an  18th –  and 19th – century working plantation where skilled enslaved artisans made tools, pottery, clothing and tended an array of livestock.  

The House Museum – built in 1755 – is a  surviving portion of the three-building residential complex that once stood overlooking the Ashley River.  Be sure to stop off at  Eliza’s House, once occupied by former Middleton slaves. The house has historical exhibits and a list of the 2,800 enslaved people who worked on the Middleton’s various plantations around the Lowcountry.

11) NATHANIEL RUSSELL HOUSE MUSEUM

A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was built over a five-year period and completed in 1808 by Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. The house cost $80,000 to build, at a time when the average value of a home was $262. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel with each cantilevered step supporting the one above and below it. The graceful interiors with elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic.

12) DRAYTON HALL PLANTATION

Founded in 1738, Drayton Hall is the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture and the oldest preserved plantation house in America still open to the public. Because of our preservation philosophy, all imperfections and changes over time have survived to the present.

13) CHARLESTON CITY MARKET

Explore Charleston City Market , one of the nation’s oldest public markets and the cultural heart of Charleston. It is home to more than 300 vibrant entrepreneurs, and we are open every day of the year except December 25th. No matter what time of day or season you plan to visit, there is something to see, do, taste, and take home as a souvenir from the Charleston City Market!

14) POWDER MAGAZINE

Completed in 1713, The Powder Magazine is South Carolina’s oldest government building. The building was used as an arsenal from 1713-1748 and during the American Revolution in order to defend the city. After 1780, it was retired, and by the early 19th century, it was privately owned. During this period, The Powder Magazine served as a print shop, livery stable, wine cellar, and carriage house. In 1902, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of South Carolina purchased the building, saving it from demolition. Within a year, it was opened to the public. Today, it is a museum where you can explore colonial military history in the last standing component of Charleston’s original fortifications.

15) MCLEOD PLANTATION

Established in 1851, McLeod Plantation has borne witness to some of the most significant periods of Charleston’s – and our nations – history. Today McLeod Plantation is an important 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site that has been carefully preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. The grounds include a riverside outdoor pavilion, a sweeping oak alley, and the McLeod Oak, which is thought to be more than 600 years old.

To visit the majority of these top historical sites, purchase TourPass Charleston – top things to do in Charleston . With one pass you can visit up to 40 of Charleston’s top attractions.

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• North America
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Things to Do in Historic District, Charleston, South Carolina

Steeped in history, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in America. Wandering around downtown’s narrow cobbled streets that open up to the sea, you will step into another era, with many landmarks and monuments representing the triumphs and horrors of its past. From the Old Slave Mart to the powerful-looking Colonial homes, history cannot be ignored. So, if you want to try the food, get stuck in the bustling city market or learn about the city’s history, here are some great options.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Pineapple Fountain

Overlooking the Charleston Harbor, the famous Pineapple Fountain at the Charleston Waterfront Park is picture-perfect. This modern landmark, unveiled in 1990, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a day of wandering around the historic center. On a sweltering evening, surrounded by palm trees and the peaceful sound of cascading water, you are encouraged to splash around – you will see whole families doing so together.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

For an illuminating tour to learn about those imprisoned by the British during the American Revolution, book a guide in period costume within the Provost Dungeon walls at South Carolina’s most historic building. However, explore the rest of this landmark, too, as the rooms tell the stories of the ratification of the Constitution and the atrocities of the public slave trade. It’s an excellent place for history buffs.

Nathaniel Russell House Museum

This impeccably restored home from the early 19th century, with manicured gardens and architectural splendor, demonstrates the wealth of those who benefitted the most from America becoming a republic. The attention to reproducing the details of this era is breathtaking. However, visitors will find out that while the owners lived in opulence, Africans were enslaved on this property. Charleston , as a city and in places like this museum, is coming to terms with how it recounts its past to understand its future.

Sites and Insights Tours, Inc

Covering African-American history and the local Gullah Geechee culture, Al Miller leads what may be one of the most hilarious yet poignant tours around historic downtown Charleston. He impresses a passionately black perspective on this city and the African-American contribution that built it, recalling the sacrifices made to create the wealth in the region. His storytelling is as illuminating as it is informative. The tour departs daily from outside the Charleston Visitor Center.

Charleston City Market

Many visitors to Charleston will find themselves at this distinctive 200-year-old city market; today, after modern development, it hosts hundreds of vendors, many of whom are selling handmade products. The most famous of this market’s exports are the sweetgrass baskets, which are weaved in front of you every day. This craft originating in West Africa is very much part of the fabric of this city. Inspiring and historical as the baskets may certainly be, the market is also home to the best grab-and-go lunch: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits. Try the buttermilk biscuit with sausage, egg and cheese.

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Old Slave Mart Museum

Constructed in 1859, the Old Slave Mart was the last slave auction facility standing in South Carolina, and its remnants house this museum today. There is a lot of information to digest, but it’s the small things – a statistic or an artefact – that will make this place hit home. When it does, it’s impossible to think of Charleston or South Carolina without the horrors of the global slave trade echoing on every street. It’s a powerful experience that you don’t want to miss.

See & Do

Things to do at night in charleston, south carolina.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book near charleston city market.

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A List of Historic Landmarks in Charleston to Visit

Categories: Lifestyle

12 Charleston Landmarks and Historical Sites

Charleston, South Carolina is an enchanting port city originally founded in 1670. With its charming cobblestone streets, antebellum houses, and vast harbor, it’s no surprise the city is visited by history buffs and vacationers alike. Not to mention, it has been voted as one of the best cities in the United States multiple times due to its rich history and plethora of exciting activities.

Continue reading to discover twelve Charleston landmarks and historical sites to visit while exploring the Holy City. 

1. Angel Oak Tree

Situated on Johns Island, the Angel Oak Tree is commonly referred to as a “Lowcountry treasure.” With its grand stature and winding branches, it is considered the most beautiful tree in the United States. Being roughly 500 years old and having survived numerous storms and hurricanes, it has even become a symbol of the resilience and strength of the South and its residents. Not to mention, this tree will be right by your path on your way to Kiawah Island, making it an excellent stop on your journey!

2. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantation was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family and has witnessed many historical events, from the American Revolution to the Civil War. Here, you can tour the beautiful gardens and the Drayton family home as well as learn about the lives of the enslaved families that resided here. No visit to the plantation is complete without taking the time to recognize and honor the role enslaved African-Americans played throughout the plantation’s 350-year history. 

3. Aiken Rhett House

Originally built in 1820 and owned by former governor William Aiken, the Aiken Rhett House is one of the best-preserved townhouses in the United States. Here, visitors can admire the original architecture , art, and furnishings displayed in this historic home. Guests are also able to view the Aiken-Rhett slave quarters, which have remained virtually untouched since the 1850s and still maintain the original paint, floors, and fixtures. 

4. Fort Sumter National Monument

Located in the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter was the site of the first shots of the Civil War on April 12, 1861. Take a quick cruise to the Fort, while admiring the beautiful scenes of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and the Waterfront Park. Once you arrive at the fort, you will experience an immersive historical experience where you will learn about the events that took place here over a century ago. 

5. Fort Moultrie

Another historic military landmark, Fort Moultrie was first built on Sullivan’s Island out of palmetto logs and sand in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. The fort has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. Currently, Fort Moultrie has been restored to portray the many time periods of its vast history. 

6. Historic Charleston City Market

The cultural heart of the city, the Historic Charleston City Market is one of the nation’s oldest public markets. Here, you can stroll through the market and browse the work of hundreds of local artists and entrepreneurs. Plus, no trip to Charleston is complete without a sweetgrass basket souvenir, which has been created by the local Gullah people for centuries using locally-harvested bulrush. 

7. Old Charleston Jail

Widely considered one of the most haunted landmarks in the downtown area, the Old Charleston Jail held several notable criminals from its construction in 1802 until 1939. Countless 19th-century pirates, Civil War prisoners, and thieves were held within the confines of the jail. Most notably, Lavinia Fisher, who is thought to be the first female serial killer in the United States, was imprisoned here. If you’re not easily frightened, we definitely recommend visiting the Old Charleston Jail during your stay in the Holy City. 

8. The Williams Mansion

Formerly known as the Calhoun Mansion, the Williams Mansion was the residence of George Walton Williams, who built the home as a testament to his desire for Charleston to regain its prominence after the Civil War. The home was created by artisans and craftsmen who were experienced in the contemporary woodwork and fresco styles of the Gilded Age. In fact, the residence is commonly referred to as “Charleston’s Gilded Age Mansion.”

Although the home is currently a private residence, it is open to the public for touring. Inside the home, you will find various antique pieces, art collections, and opulent items which were collected during travels across Europe and Asia. Because of this, a tour of the Williams Mansion is a true cultural experience. 

9. Dock Street Theater

As the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances, Dock Street Theater first opened on February 12, 1736. It is believed that the original Dock Street Theater most likely was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1740, along with many of the buildings in the French Quarter neighborhood. However, after several re-openings since its original creation, the Charleston Stage at the Dock Street Theater currently produces over 100 performances each year. 

10. USS Yorktown and Patriots Point

The centerpiece of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the USS Yorktown was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Nicknamed World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady,” the carrier was utilized in the Pacific offensive that helped to defeat Japan and  would go on to earn 5 battle stars during the Vietnam War. Admission into the museum includes access to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, three historic ships, the destroyer USS Laffey, 28 historic aircrafts, as well as the three-acre Vietnam Experience.

11. Drayton Hall

One of the most distinctive Charleston landmarks, Drayton Hall is an 18th-century estate that has been carefully preserved to maintain its authenticity. Spend time touring the main house, exploring the surrounding landscape and gardens, and visiting the African-American cemetery located on the grounds.  

12. Old Slave Mart Museum

Learn about the city’s role in the inter-state slave trade at the Old Slave Mart Museum . Here, visitors can explore the museum, which once housed the major slave market as well as understand more about the enslaved experience and African American history. 

Plan Your Visit to the South Carolina Lowcountry 

If you’re planning a trip to the Holy City, consider also visiting Kiawah Island. Located a short 45-minute drive from downtown Charleston, the private Island is an oasis of natural beauty that spans across the picturesque coastline and a 10-mile beach. Here, you can spend time wandering through the maritime forest, kayaking along the marsh, and playing world-class golf . 

Click the button below to begin planning your visit. 

The 21 Best Historical Tours in Charleston, SC You Have to Book

Charleston, oh sweet Charleston—this city is like a living, breathing history book just waiting for us to turn its pages! This place presents a myriad of choices for the curious soul, from the narrative-rich downtown historic tours to the flavorful escapades offered by food and drink tours. You can also learn about the African American legacy in Charleston with tours that provide a poignant look at African history and heritage in South Carolina. And for those intrigued by the paranormal, historic ghost tours present an enthralling experience, intertwining historical information with a touch of the eerie.

There are so many unique historical tours in Charleston that it can be difficult to pick, that's why we’ve whittled down a list of the 21 best tours. Join us on this journey into the heart of history, there’s an adventure for everyone!

Find a Selection of Charleston History Tours for You

Downtown charleston tours, historic food/drink tours, plantation tours, african history tours, historic ghost tours.

Historic Carriage Tour

This highly-rated historical tour in Charleston is an exciting way to experience this enchanting city with a touch of elegance. Accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide and a beautiful horse, indulge in a 1-hour carriage ride through the city's fascinating history. Sit back and relax as you take in the sights, sounds, and stories of historic downtown Charleston in a comfortable carriage. It's the classic way to discover the captivating charm of Charleston! Check Carriage Tour Availability. Tours book up fast, reserve your spot! 

• $50 / adult (ages 12+)
• $40 / child(ages 4-11)
• $0 / infants(ages 0-3)

Use Code EARLYBIRD and save $5 on the 9 am tour.

Duration & Times

• Available daily 9 am - 5 pm

Charleston's BEST Cancellation Policy— Cancel for free with 1-hour notice.

Charleston's Hidden Alleyway Tour

The charming alleyways of Charleston provide an intriguing glimpse into the city's rich history. Despite being overshadowed by grand homes and iconic landmarks, these cobblestone, brick, and stone pathways offer an intimate and immersive experience of Charleston's unique allure. On this Charleston history tour, you can explore the lesser-known alleyways, as well as some well-known points of interest in the popular historic district. The tour typically includes four to six different alleyways and passages, along with intriguing historical insights. Admission to Powder Magazine Museum is included in your tour. 

• $30/person 
• 2 hours 
• Mon-Sat  9:30 am & 2 pm

Group Walking Tours of Charleston

Join the Charleston History Tour, where each adventure spans over 18 city blocks in the historic area of the city. Your journey traces Charleston's earliest days as a fortified walled city protecting itself from 18th-century pirates. Discover the story of how the Carolina Colony attracted its first settlers. As you walk, enjoy glimpses of the city's magnificent gardens and grand homes, a testament to our commitment to preserving Charleston's past. 

On this tour , see St. Michael's Church, The Battery, Rainbow Row, and more.

• $25 /person 
• 2.5 hours 
• Mon-Sat 10:30 am & 2 pm

See It All Charleston City Bus Tour

Discover the wonders of the Holy City with this relaxing Charleston historical tour— an informative 90-minute bus tour . The professional guides will take you through Charleston's historic district in cool, air-conditioned comfort while sharing 350 years of the city's history. The tour highlights stunning architecture, the Citadel, the Old City Market, lush gardens, exquisite wrought iron art, and the city's 210 churches. The journey will take you around the Battery and provide a photo opportunity with Fort Sumter in the background. It's the perfect summary of Charleston.

• $29/ adult (ages 12+)
• $18/ child    (ages 4-11)
• Free (ages 3 & under)
• 1.5 hours 
• Daily tours between 10 am - 3:30 pm

Charleston History Walk

Experience the modern-day charm and rich history by foot on this Charleston historical tour . Beyond just a collection of dates and facts, this tour presents a captivating narrative of the city's founding in 1670, its economic progress, and the evolution of the preservation movement that resulted in the establishment of the historic district in 1931. Walk through the city's historic buildings and neighborhoods, and discover the stories of the people and cultures that make Charleston unique. You'll leave this tour with a newfound appreciation of Charleston's vibrant history.

• $40 / adult (ages 18+) 
• $35 /Active Military or Veteran
• $35/ First Responder (Police, Firefighter, Paramedic, EMT)
• $30/ child (ages 7-17) 
• Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:30 am & 2 pm

Charleston History and Horticultural Tours

Embark on a Charleston history tour that immerses you in the past of the original walled city and beyond while also bringing you into its architectural and natural extravagance. You’ll learn how power and money shaped Charleston's evolution, explore various styles of architecture, and discover the origins of the iconic houses while uncovering captivating stories about the individuals who constructed and lived in them. Along the way, witness the remarkable diversity of flora and learn about their arrival in Charleston.

• $30/ person
• Sat, Sun 9:30 am

Charleston Strolls and Savor the Flavors Package

Experience the charm and history of Charleston's downtown district with a $10 discounted bundle offer of two Charleston tours , a history tour, and a food tour, that can be booked on different days. 

Charleston history tours like this take you on a walking journey through 300 years of alluring stories that have shaped the city's rich past. 

During the food tour, you’ll indulge in the best of Charleston's culinary scene, savoring mouth-watering Lowcountry cuisine from top culinary innovators in the ever-evolving restaurant district of Upper King Street. 

• Starting at $122/person
• 2h History Tour
• 2h 30m Food Tour
• History tour - daily starting 10 am to 2 pm 
• Food tour - daily starting 10 am to 2 pm 

Culinary History and Walking Tour

This unique half-day journey, Charleston Historical Tour & Cooking Class , is led by chef/guide Forrest Parker. Charleston's intricate history and culinary evolution earned it a spot among the world's top food destinations. Explore both well-known and hidden landmarks and discover how recipes continue to define the local menus. The tour concludes at the cozy Bistro A Vin, where the Chef teaches you how to cook three Lowcountry classics. Savor your dishes with a wine pairing or sweet tea and take home the chef's recipes.

• $222/person 
• 4 hours 
• Mon, Thu, Fri-Sun 9 am to 1 pm 

Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour

The Upper King Street neighborhood is bursting with vitality, highlighting imaginative cuisine, cutting-edge design, and lively nightlife. On this 2.5-hour Charleston historic tour through food,  you'll sample delectable dishes from restaurants that lead the way in the city's culinary scene. These trailblazers push boundaries with their inventive menus, fueled by their unwavering passion for cooking. Experience the modern and diverse side of the Lowcountry cooking while gaining valuable insight into the city's ever-evolving gastronomic landscape.

• $95/person 
• Fri, Sat at 3 pm 

McLeod Plantation Tour

Discover the charm of Charleston's captivating history firsthand by exploring architecturally significant buildings, gardens, and historic homes. On this tour, you’ll be able to take part in the tradition of sweetgrass basket weaving and hear tales of the city's 300 years. Afterwards, you’ll embark on a ride to McLeod Plantation - which focuses on the story of enslaved people and their path to transformation as well as the purpose of the plantation after the Civil War. Experience a Charleston historical tour with knowledgeable local guides, and witness the transformation of a city.

• $550 /up to 4 people (includes transport) 

Admission to McLeod Plantation:

• $20/adult (ages 12+),
• $15 /senior (over 60+),
• $6 child (ages 3-12)
• Free (ages 2 & under)  
• Tue-Sun 9 am to 12 pm

Drayton Hall Plantation Tour

Experience a piece of American history at the Drayton Hall Plantation , a stunning example of Georgian-Palladian architecture. Built in 1738, Drayton Hall has not only survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars but remains one of the best-preserved historic sites in the US. Join the tour to explore the main floor and cellar of the house, as well as the beautiful grounds and galleries. You’ll love learning the history of Drayton Hall and its inhabitants and discovering furniture, artwork, manuscripts, and botanical plantings that call the plantation home.

• $87/person - transportation included
• Wed-Mon Afternoons

Beyond the Fields: Enslavement at Middleton Place

Middleton Place has survived numerous historical events, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, economic hardships, and natural calamities. Discover the life experiences of generations of enslaved individuals who lived and toiled at Middleton Place by embarking on this Charleston historical tour. This program invites guests to partake in a thought-provoking dialogue on the topic of slavery in American history, complete with tales of both suffering and resilience. This is not a walking tour. The experience will start with a presentation, and then you stay to tour the plantation.

• $29 /adult (ages 14 & up) 
• $15 /student (ages 14 & up) with student ID 
• $10 /child (ages 6-13) 
• Free/ child (ages 5 & under) 
• 40 minutes 
• Daily 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Charleston's African American History and Heritage

Discover the impact and legacy of African Americans from the dark era of slavery to the civil rights movement. The tour delves into the community's struggles and triumphs. During this engaging walking tour, you'll visit important landmarks such as the Aiken Rhett House, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and the Philip Simmons Prayer Garden. Your participation in this African American History and Heritage tour also helps support the International African American Museum, as a portion of the proceeds go towards the institution's efforts. 

• Free /child (ages 3 & under) 
• Contact for times

Black History & Sightseeing Walking Tour

This Charleston tour explores a side of the city you never knew existed. Experience "The Other Charleston" with a historical stroll through the antebellum section of Wragg Borough, also known as the 5th ward of colonial Charles Town. This Black History Tour , inspired by Franklin Williams' frustration with the exclusion of enslaved Africans in traditional historical accounts, dives deeper into Charleston's Black History. Don't miss out on this eye-opening journey.

• $33.25/adult (ages 13 to 65)
• $31.25/senior (ages 65+)
• $31.25/veteran
• $23.25/child (ages 7 to 12)
• $28.25/group of five adults 
• Daily at 10 am

Tours on the Water

Shem Creek Kayak Tour

The Shem Creek kayak adventure is a unique Charleston historical tour, offering a brief history of the culture and nature of the Lowcountry. This beloved Mount Pleasant experience is a great option for families and small groups who want to get away from the streets and onto the water to enjoy views of the Holy City skyline. You’ll also get a chance to see local wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, manatees (in the warmer months), and even sea turtles! Marvel at the Charleston Peninsula, Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney from the Charleston Harbor. 

• $58/adult 
• $48/child 
• 3 hours 
• Daily  8:30 or 9:30 am

Daily Harbor Tours

Embark on a voyage aboard the Carolina Belle and marvel at the mesmerizing splendor of the Charleston Harbor, while gaining insight into the city's past. This picturesque Charleston historical tour will sail past 75 prominent landmarks and places of interest, such as Fort Sumter, USS Yorkton, St. Michael's Church, and grand mansions on The Battery. Watch for aquatic life, including dolphins gliding through the water and pelicans swooping down for their next meal. The knowledgeable and professional captain will enlighten you with the history, stories, and interesting facts about the harbor. 

• $45 /adults (ages 12+)
• $31/children (ages 4-11)
• Mon - Sun 11:30, 1:30, & 3:30 pm
• 90 minutes 

Dolphin Tour

Cruise the Tidal Creeks outside Charleston and Folly on a Bottlenose Dolphin tour for an unforgettable eco-adventure. You’ll board the Carolina Skiff Bay boat and navigate the calm inlets, creeks, and marshes behind Folly Beach. The area is home to more than 300 residential wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, who eat, play, and raise their calves in the creeks. While enjoying the wind on your skin, be entertained with stories of the local ecosystems, various wildlife, and waterways. 

• $44/adult (ages 13 & up)
• $32/child (ages 3-12)
• $10/infants (ages 3 & under)
• Mon- Sun 9:30 am, 12:30 pm

Haunted Carriage Tour

Charleston's Only Haunted Carriage Tour!

Uncover the dark side of Charleston on a Haunted Carriage Ride! Charleston's most thrilling twilight tour will show you a world of spine-tingling stories as you ride through the streets of America's most haunted city. You’ll be amazed by the enthralling tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots that are hidden on every corner of Charleston. This is one of the historical tours in Charleston, SC, that you can't miss! Tours are popular, check tour availability. 

• $0 / infant(ages 0-3)
• Available most nights, starting early evening

Charleston's BEST Cancellation Policy— Cancel for free with 1 hour notice.

Charleston Haunted Jail Tour

Experience one of the most interesting Charleston historic tours in the ground level of the Old City Jail, once home to notorious criminals, pirates, and prisoners during the Civil War. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the Haunted Jail Tour will explore the cells, hallways, and living quarters of some of Charleston's earliest wrongdoers and the primitive forms of torture that were used to mistreat the incarcerated. You’ll hear the tales of infamous inmates, such as the notorious female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher, which are sure to captivate you on this tour.

• $ 37/adult (ages 12 & up) 
• Daily from 6 pm -10:30 pm 

Not recommended for young children.

Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour

The Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour was crafted by Mike Brown, an experienced guide who has led tours for more than two decades. Mike's expertise has been showcased on local, national, and international platforms, including South Carolina ETV, HGTV, the BBC, and Destination America's Ghost Asylum. He also hosts the Pleasing Terrors Podcast, boasting listeners from all 50 states and 73 countries worldwide. Join this Charleston historic tour to experience the spine-tingling tales of the city's notorious haunted history.

• $28.00/adult, online 
• $15.00/child
• Daily  7:30 pm & 9:30 pm

Nightmares and Nightcaps

The Nightmares and Nightcaps tour will walk you through the heart of historic Downtown Charleston with a knowledgeable costumed guide. The tour kicks off at a haunted bar, where you have the option to purchase a nightcap while learning about the spirits that refuse to leave. The journey will take you through the charming Charleston French Quarter, where every corner is filled with shadowy nightmares and historic buildings. To cap off your Charleston historic tour, we recommend a visit to one of our favorite haunted bars. 

• $29.95/adult
• Friday- Sunday 8:30 pm 

All tour guests must be 18+ years

Which Charleston historical tours did you choose? We're sure it was a challenge making a decision! For more information about Charleston and things to do, follow our blog for monthly updates.

Groups & Private Tours

Daily 9am - 9pm (Varies seasonally)

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Additional tours, private tours, book today & save $2 per person, we are no longer offering the ft. sumter tour combo.

Charleston Daily

Seeking all the beauty that is charleston, sc.

8 of the Oldest Places in Historic Charleston, SC that you should add to your travel bucket list

December 8, 2023 Charleston Daily 1 Lowcountry ,

By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina is a city rich in history and architecture. Here are some of the oldest buildings in Charleston:

• Pink House (c. 1694 – 1712) – 17 Chalmers Street, Charleston, SC 29401 – Also known as the “Sergeant Jasper House,” this small pink building on Church Street is one of the oldest buildings in Charleston. It is a private residence and not open to the public.
• The Powder Magazine (c. 1713) – 79 Cumberland St, Charleston, SC 29401 – The Powder Magazine was used as a storage facility for gunpowder during the colonial period. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (The cornerstone for the existing building was laid in 1752 and the building opened in 1761) – 71 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401 – This beautiful church on Broad Street was completed in 1761 and is one of the oldest surviving churches in the city. It is still an active parish and open to the public.
• Heyward-Washington House (1772) – 87 Church St, Charleston, SC 29403 – This Georgian-style mansion on Meeting Street was built in 1772 and was the residence of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
• Nathaniel Russell House (1808) – 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 – This Federal-style mansion on Meeting Street was built in 1808 by Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy merchant. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
• Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Building (c. 1771) – 122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401 – Located on East Bay Street, this building was originally a custom house and was used as a prisoner-of-war facility during the Revolutionary War. It is now a museum that is open to the public.
• Dock Street Theatre (c. 1809) – 135 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401 – This building on Church Street was originally a hotel but was converted into a theater in 1937. It is now the home of the Charleston Stage Company and is open to the public for performances and tours.
• Old Charleston Jail (c. 1802) – 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC 29401 – Commonly referred to as the “Old City Jail”, this former prison is a site of historical and architectural significance in Charleston, SC. Operational between 1802 and 1939, it held many notable figures, among them Denmark Vesey, Union officers during the Civil War, high-seas pirates, and Lavinia Fisher.

Please note that there are many other historic buildings in Charleston, and this list is not exhaustive.

We hope this list helped solidify your next itinerary!

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Heyward-Washington House

St. Michael’s Church

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Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

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WE lived at 401 Bull St Charleston and when we returned years later it was listed as one of the oldest homes there. No one was allowed to go in it. It it still standing after all these years?

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10 Best Historic House Tours in Charleston

Charleston's history is central to its experience, and the city's Historic Charleston Foundation, along with several other organizations, maintain several historic homes and properties that will give you a deep dive into the area's background. Here, our list of some of the most informative, professional, and enriching ones to check out.

Joseph Manigault House Arrow

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Arrow

Heyward-Washington House Arrow

Nathaniel Russell House Arrow

McLeod Plantation Historic Site Arrow

Aiken-Rhett House Arrow

Philip Simmons Foundation Arrow

This is certainly an unusual house museum in Charleston, but it is one absolutely worth visiting. Not only does it provide a pleasing contrast to the grand residences South of Broad, it also tells the story of those whose skills and determination formed the backbone of Charleston’s built environment.

Edmondston-Alston House Arrow

Drayton Hall Arrow

Middleton Place Arrow

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The 15 Best Historic and Protected Sites in Charleston

1.  Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

2.  The Gazebo

3.  Fort Sumter National Monument Visitor Center

4.  Legare Waring House

5.  Calhoun Mansion

6.  Magnolia Plantation Conservatory

7.  The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

8.  Magnolia Plantation Carriage House

9.  Circular Chruch Graveyard

10.  McLeod Plantation

11.  The Battery

12.  Nathaniel Russell House

13.  Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

14.  Angel Oak Tree

15.  Historic Charleston Foundation

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » South Carolina (SC) » 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Charleston

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Charleston

When it comes to Downtown Charleston in South Carolina forget sky high tower blocks because they are few and far between. This downtown district has retained many of its historic features and is a veritable time capsule with elegant colonial-style buildings lining its cobbled streets.

The district was founded as a port in 1670 on a peninsula which juts out between the Cooper and Ashley Rivers into the North Atlantic Ocean. Now covering a total area of around five square miles, Downtown Charleston encompasses James, Johns and Daniel’s Islands as well as the Cainhoy Peninsula and the neighborhood of West Ashley.

Downtown Charleston is steeped in history, but it has a modern side too. Read on to discover fifteen of the best things to do in Downtown Charleston which will make any visit to the district both fascinating and fun.

1. Charleston Walking Tour

Exploring beautiful Downtown Charleston by foot is the best way to uncover all its hidden secrets. Join a walking tour and stroll around the district accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide to find one surprise after another.

See Fort Sumter where the American Civil War began, be impressed by the grandeur of antebellum mansions and discover concealed courtyards and gardens while listening to informative snippets of history and amusing anecdotes about past residents of the district.

Recommended tour : Charleston Historical Walking Tour

2. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is Charleston’s modern landmark and a superb place from where to view the downtown district and Charleston harbor.

The two and a half mile long cable-stay bridge spans the Cooper River and carries eight lanes of traffic plus a pedestrian walkway and cycle path.

Walk out to the middle of the bridge or hire a bicycle and cycle across. The vistas from the bridge are sensational in the daytime but even more impressive at sunset.

Related tour : Charleston Harbor 1.5-Hour Narrated Cruise

3. McLeod Plantation Historic Site

The cotton industry played a big part in Downtown Charleston’s past. Visit the McLeod Plantation Historic Site on James Island’s Country Club Drive to see first hand what life was like in those bygone days for both wealthy owners and their enslaved workers.

The site, which covers a total area of thirty-seven acres, has a 19th-century mansion surrounded by centuries-old oak trees hung with Spanish moss, six clapboard constructed slave houses and many more restored buildings pertinent to the cotton industry era.

4. Saltwater Cycle

The Saltwater Cycle is a fun way to see Downtown Charleston, meet new friends and have fun all at the same time.

Board the sixteen-seater floating cycle at Ripley Light Marina at 8 Ashley Pointe Drive and be ready for one hour and forty minutes of pedal-powered maritime diversion along the shoreline.

The Saltwater Cycle is BYOB, bring your own booze, though coolers, ice and plenty of lively party music are provided.

Need something faster? Try the Charleston Harbor 2-Hour Speedboat Adventure

5. Gibbes Museum Of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art, on Meeting Street, houses a variety of exhibitions including a world-renowned collection of over six hundred miniature portraits.

The museum has seven individual galleries each one dedicated to artworks from different periods. Three galleries are devoted to eighteenth and nineteenth-century paintings and sculptures and another to the Charleston Renaissance period.

The museum has extensive collections of modern and contemporary works plus hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

6. Poogan’s Porch

Indulge in some real Southern hospitality at Poogan’s Porch on Queen Street.

The restaurant, housed in a fully restored Victorian mansion with porches on the first and second floor, has been serving up Southern delicacies for four decades.

Don’t miss out on tasting the house specials of shrimp and grits or their crispy fried chicken with a side of biscuits and gravy. It’s wholesome, hearty food just like grandma might have made.

7. Historic Charleston City Market

The Historic Charleston City Market is the cultural hub of Downtown Charleston and has been in operation since 1807.

The market hall itself is a national landmark which houses over twenty retail outlets and eateries plus many artisan studios producing traditional sweetgrass basketry and artwork.

The Charleston City Market is open seven days a week and holds extra night markets on Fridays and Saturdays.

8. Charleston Harbor Cruise

Board the Carolina Belle at its mooring on Wharfside Street for a leisurely cruise around Charleston harbor.

The eighty-foot cruiser has a main salon and two observation decks, one in the stern of the boat and the other at the prow plus a bar serving drinks and snacks. During the ninety minute cruise, the captain narrates interesting historical facts about the landmarks being seen while navigating.

Take a camera and some binoculars. Dolphins and pelicans are often sighted during the sailing.

Book online : Historic Harbor Cruise

9. Pub and Brewery Tour

Combine sightseeing of historic locations with a few drinks on an a trip with a local.

Meet up with the guide and fellow pub enthusiasts before setting off to explore several of the district’s historic taverns.

The two hour tour include a chatty history lesson on Charleston’s pub culture plus snacks to soak up the beer.

Book online : History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk

10. The Calhoun Mansion

See the opulent luxury of the late 19th century in all its vintage glory at the Calhoun Mansion on Meeting Street.

The twenty-four thousand square foot mansion is the biggest single-family residence in Charleston and still used as a family home even though it’s open daily for public viewing.

Take a tour through its three magnificent floors with thirty-five rooms full of period furniture. The entrance hall alone measures sixty-five feet and has a fourteen-foot high ceiling. The house has twenty-three antique fireplaces plus an enormous music room and stunningly beautiful landscaped gardens. It is seriously grand.

11. Hydrofly Watersports Charleston

Head to Hydrofly on Lockwood Drive for a water-themed adrenaline thrill.

Whatever watersport rocks your boat, you’ll find it at Hydrofly. From wakeboarding and tubing to jet ski rentals, parasailing and paddleboarding plus the latest Flyboard. Never done any of those? Don’t worry; there are qualified instructors giving lessons before you take to the water.

If all that’s just too much, then chill out at Hydrofly’s two-story Tiki Hut, the floating base for the watersports, and enjoy the incredible views from the sun deck while catching some rays.

12. Haunted Jail Tour

Get spooked on a tour of Charleston’s most haunted building, The City Jail. The castle-like building on Magazine Street housed many of Charleston’s infamous criminals, from pirates to serial killers, over a period of one hundred and fifty years.

Head inside after dark to explore the warden’s quarters and cells listening for the eerie rattle of chains and the slamming of cell doors as the spirits make their presence known.

If after dark is just too scary, try the daytime history tour, but no-one is guaranteeing the ghosts won’t still be there.

Related tour : Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

13. Charleston Crab House

Surrounded by water as it is, it’s hardly surprising seafood features on many restaurant menus, but it’s The Charleston Crab House who really know how to make a meal of it.

For a great seafood dinner, check out either of their two premises. One is centrally located on Market Street and the other is in a waterfront spot on Wappoo Creek Drive on Johns Island.

Indulge in the Crab House Crab Pot, a Lowcountry Shrimp Boil or She Crab Soup. They’re all traditional Charleston dishes which no-one should leave Downtown without tasting.

14. Waterfront Park

The Waterfront Park is a ten-acre green space on Concord Street with fantastic views of Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River.

The park has a seaside-style pier jutting into the river which is a great spot for viewing wildlife, passing sailing yachts, cruise boats and the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge.

Don’t miss getting a photo of the Pineapple Fountain. It’s fun by day, even more spectacular at night when illuminated and definitely Instagrammable.

15. Henry’s on the Market Bar and Restaurant

Head up to Henry’s Rooftop Bar on North Market Street to watch the sun go down.

Henry’s restaurant-bar, open since 1932, has it all — great food, live music and a lounge for dancing plus a rooftop patio for chill out drinks.

Rock in a rocking chair or swing in a hammock while sipping on a Silver Rickey or a Sweet Tea Cosmo as a palette of vermilion streaks the skies. The bonus? The same as in the rest of Downtown Charleston, there are no skyscrapers to spoil the view.

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Charleston:

• Charleston Walking Tour
• Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site
• Saltwater Cycle
• Gibbes Museum Of Art
• Poogan's Porch
• Historic Charleston City Market
• Charleston Harbor Cruise
• Pub and Brewery Tour
• The Calhoun Mansion
• Hydrofly Watersports Charleston
• Haunted Jail Tour
• Charleston Crab House
• Waterfront Park
• Henry's on the Market Bar and Restaurant

One Day In Charleston SC Itinerary

Charleston is a city just brimming in history and Southern charm.

As you walk through its streets, you’ll find candy-colored houses, beautiful gardens, cute shops, history museums, and killer eateries.

For a foodie like me, Charleston really delivers.

I was just at the beach near Charleston — Isle of Palms — for a week and went into the city several times. I’m ready to hand over my recommended one day in Charleston itinerary, with tips for visiting.

Overview & Tips For One Day In Charleston

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see in 1 day:

• White Point Garden
• Rainbow Row

Historic Center

• Magnolia Plantation or Fort Sumter option
• dinner at a great restaurant
• ghost tour or sunset cruise

Here are some quick tips for visiting Charleston:

• consider booking a guided walking tour to get the historical backdrop
• book dinner reservations well in advance
• bring comfy footwear for the cobblestones
• stay hydrated!

One Day in Charleston Itinerary

If you check out a map of Charleston, you’ll see that the historic center sits on a peninsula.

Start your one day Charleston itinerary at the southern tip, where you’ll find White Point Garden. This spot features beautiful oak trees and lovely harbor views, though recent construction might affect the scenery.

Right nearby, you’ll discover the oleander-lined Battery, a seawall that doubles as one of Charleston’s best promenades.

With harbor views on one side, including Fort Sumter in the distance, and gorgeous homes on the other, it’s a must-see. The refreshing sea breeze is a welcome relief, especially during Charleston’s hot weather.

After walking the length of the Battery from White Point Garden, you’ll find East Battery Street, which turns into East Bay Street.

Head north up East Bay Street, and you’ll arrive at one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks: the pastel-colored houses of Rainbow Row.

These 18th century homes got their bright colors in the 1930s and 1940s, possibly to cope with the summer heat or help locals find their way home at night.

Regardless of the reason, they’re a must-see on any trip to Charleston.

Then, explore Charleston’s historic center, which is best done on foot.

Don’t miss cobblestone Chalmers Street, home to the famous Pink House, and Church Street, which boasts some of Charleston’s most beautiful homes.

The Pink House is a favorite because of its bright color and gambrel tile roof, set off by the cobblestones in front.

Also worth a visit are Philadelphia Alley, St. Philip’s Church, St. Michael’s Church, and King Street.

The French Huguenot Church and Dock Street Theater are worth a look, too!

King Street is where you’ll find loads of shops and boutiques. Everywhere you look, there are hanging flowers decorating lamp posts.

The most upscale section of King Street, often referred to as the “Fashion District,” is located between Calhoun Street and Market Street. 

I was shopping with my daughter and she really liked Candlefish, a temple to all things candle-related.

We also loved Sewing Down South, which is featured in the TV show Southern Charm . And Something About Me has incredibly cute clothing for women.

The South of Broad neighborhood and French Quarter, with their beautiful homes and tree-lined streets, are deserve a wander.

Further north, you’ll find the Charleston City Market. This historic market dates back to the 1790s.

The current building is from the 19th century. It’s an excellent spot for souvenir shopping for things like sweetgrass baskets and other artisanal goodies.

When you need a break from the heat, grab some lunch in the historic center. If you want something casual, check out Leon’s Oyster Shop, Hominy Grill, or Brown Dog Deli.

You could also book a guided food tour . The pro is that you can sample all the different kinds of Low Country food. The con is that it lasts 2.5 hours, which takes up a substantial chunk of your day.

After lunch, head to one of Charleston’s museums on Museum Mile.

The Old Slave Mart Museum, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the Gibbes Museum of Art are all great choices.

The Gibbes is housed in a beautiful Beaux-Artes style building. It’s renowned for its extensive collection of American art, with a particular focus on works related to the South and Charleston’s rich cultural heritage.

Alternatively, you could visit one of Charleston’s house museums like the Aiken-Rhett House or the Nathaniel Russell House.

I visited the Aiken-Rhett house. The museum provides insights into the antebellum South, the lives of the wealthy elite, and the experiences of enslaved individuals.

Magnolia Plantation

For a change of pace, and if you have time, you could also drive to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Located about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, this historic site has been owned by the Drayton family since the 1670s.

It features beautiful gardens, an authentic period house museum, and nature trails.

In fact, the Romantic Garden is the last surviving 19th century garden of its type. It also boast the most ancient azalea and camellia collection in the United States.

To see it all, you can zip around on the nature train. If it’s not too hot outside, you’ll see some alligators on the ride.

To learn about the plantation’s dark history, you can take the Slavery to Freedom tour and see Slave Street.

You can drive there yourself. There’s free parking.

Or, you could book a guided tour from Charleston . But that leaves at 10:30, so you have to shuffle around this itinerary to make it work.

Alternative: Fort Sumter

If you only 1 day in Charleston, Fort Sumter is pretty out of the way. But Civil War buffs may want to make the trek anyway.

The ferry service is the only way to reach the fort, which is located on an island in Charleston Harbor. 

The ferry operates multiple times a day, with schedules varying by season. The ride takes about 30 minutes each way and departs from Liberty Square and Patriot’s Point.

You should book your tickets online in advance. They include admission to the museum there.

>>> Click here to book a ferry and Fort Sumter ticket

Charleston is positively covered in fantastic restaurants, both beloved traditional spots and dynamic newcomers.

For a memorable experience, consider Husk, FIG, and 82 Queen. Make reservations! I couldn’t get into FIG even though I tried to reserve a month in advance!

If you’ve had your fill of Low Country Food, try Le Farfelle. It’s Italian and was excellent when I was there. Try the oysters!

Want something more casual? You can pick up amazing barbecue at the Lewis Barbecue. We got it to go and it was excellent — the ribs were to die for!

You can also get some great soul food to go from Dave’s Carry Out.

Night Tours

If you’re up for something spooky, Charleston is plenty haunted!

The city’s long history, dating back to its founding in 1670, has left it with numerous tales of ghostly encounters and haunted locations.

You may want to polish off your day in Charleston with a ghost tour . They will take you to haunted spots like the Old City Jail, Dock Street Theater, and the Unitarian Graveyard.

You can also do a haunted tour by horse carriage .

Alternatively, you could take a sunset cruise on the harbor or charter a sailboat .

Tips For One Day In Charleston

How to get to charleston.

You can fly into Charleston Airport, which is about 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston.

From there, you can pick up a rental car or taxi/uber into the city.

The Amtrak Silver Meteor and Silver Star routes also serve Charleston.

How To Get Around Charleston

Charleston isn’t that big. You can walk to everything on this itinerary. With just one day in Charleston you’ll want to stick to the historic center anyway.

If it’s hot, just pop into a boutique or coffee shop for an air conditioned break.

If you are driving into the city, know that parking can be gnarly. I would throw your car into a parking lot near your destination. I used the Queen Street parking lot.

Horse-drawn carriage tours offer a unique way to see the historic sites.

You can also rent bikes or scooters to get around or take a bus tour .

When To Visit Charleston

The best times to visit Charleston are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather will be mild and gardens will be in bloom.

Summer is extremely hot. I wouldn’t visit then unless you are planning a beach vacation.

If you are a festival person, Charleston has quite a few of them to plan your visit around:

• Charleston Wine + Food Festival : Held in early March, celebrating the city’s culinary scene.
• Festival of Houses and Gardens : Runs from March to April, offering tours of private historic homes and gardens.
• Spoleto Festival USA : A major arts festival in late May and early June, featuring performances in theater, opera, dance, and music.
• Fall Tours of Homes, History & Architecture : Organized by the Preservation Society of Charleston, offering tours of historic homes and buildings in October.

Where To Stay In Charleston

Charleston Place on Meeting Street is known for its classic elegance, exceptional service, and extensive amenities including a rooftop pool, spa, and fine dining at The Palmetto Cafe and Charleston Grill.

The Dewberry Charleston is also on Meeting Street. It’s a mid-century modern design with luxurious touches, a full-service spa, the rooftop Citrus Club, and Henrietta’s restaurant.

Hotel Bennett is a luxury hotel on King Street. It boasts grand architecture, rooftop pool and bar, Camellias champagne bar, and Gabrielle restaurant.

Finally, Zero George Street is an intimate boutique hotel with restored historic buildings, award-winning restaurant, cooking school, and charming courtyards.

Also, keep in mind that parking is generally not included in the stated rate at most downtown hotels in Charleston. So be sure to check the fine print before booking.

More Than One Day in Charleston?

If you have extra time, you may want to hit the beach on Sullivan’s Island or the Isle of Palms.

Sullivan’s Island is where Fort Sumter is located. You can also visit Fort Moultrie and the Charleston Light.

Aside from that, Sullivan’s Island has a great restaurant — The Obstinate Daughter. You can only reserve two weeks in advance and it seems to always be booked. So set a reminder to nab a reservation.

If you’re a fan of The Notebook film you could also head to Cypress Gardens to live out your Ali and Noah fantasies. This is where the romantic boat scene was filmed — where the pair paddle through the swamp, surrounded by swans.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Charleston itinerary. Pin it for later.

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Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

South Carolina Is Home to 76 National Historic Landmarks… These 5 Are the Best Ones to Visit

B eginning in 1935, the United States began an increased effort to preserve important historical places around the country. It took until 1960 for the National Historic Landmark program to come to fruition under the authority of the National Park Service and, later, as a segment of the National Register of Historic Places. Today, there are over 2,600 National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) throughout the country. According to the National Park Service , “The designation of a property as an NHL:

• Preserves the stories of nationally important historic events, places, and people for all Americans.
• Helps to protect the historic character of the property from any federal action.
• Might facilitate eligibility for grants, tax credits, and other opportunities to maintain its historic character.”

Some states naturally have more NHLs than others, with a majority clustered on the East Coast where early colonists jumpstarted American history. South Carolina , as one of the original 13 colonies with a rich history, is home to 76 NHLs. With so many to visit, we’ve rounded up the top five best sites to explore on your next trip to the Palmetto State .

1. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum — Mount Pleasant, SC

Okay, this first location is a bit of a cheat. The museum itself isn’t recognized as an NHL, but several of the ships featured on the naval base are. With a single stop, you can visit two vessels listed as NHLs: both the U.S.S. Laffey and U.S.S. Yorktown rest at anchor in the Charleston Harbor.

The destroyer Laffey served in the D-Day invasion in 1944, the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the blockade of Korea in 1952, and Cold War efforts between 1957 and 1964, earning the nickname “The Ship That Would Not Die.”

Yorktown , an aircraft carrier also known as the “Fighting Lady,” played a large role in the World War II offensive in the Pacific between 1943 and 1945, as well as during the Vietnam War between 1965 and 1968. She also rescued the crew and capsule from the Apollo 8 space mission in 1968.

The National Park Service designated both ships as NHLs in 1986, and both continue to serve as museum ships to educate and entertain visitors.

2. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church — Charleston, SC

St. Philip’s represents the oldest congregation in South Carolina and, in fact, the oldest congregation south of Virginia . The original wooden church took shape in 1681 at the current location of the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Broad and Meeting. The current St. Philip’s is now located on Church Street, a few blocks away, after being damaged in a hurricane and moved.

The rebuilt church features Tuscan porticoes and Roman columns, which contribute to a larger-than-life feeling within the church. The steeple, the last part of the church to be completed in 1850, stands tall enough to be used as a lighthouse that helped guide sailors into Charleson’s harbor until 1915. The church was designated an NHL in 1973 to protect its history and significance. 

3. Beaufort Historic District — Beaufort, SC

The second-oldest town in the state, Beaufort took shape on Port Royal Island in 1711. Many of the classic homes here take visitors back in time, before the Civil War. Most residents had already fled by the time Civil War armies reached the town, so they converted the buildings into hospitals, offices, and other useful purposes rather than destroy them. As such, historic Beaufort features breathtaking examples of antebellum construction, with homes designed in Federal, neoclassical, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne styles. Live oak trees hung with Spanish moss add to the atmosphere, as do the many graveyards, chapels, and businesses.

The National Register of Historic Places recognizes both the district as a whole and individual properties, including the Anchorage, the Barnwell-Gough House, Tabby Manse, and more. The district was recognized as an NHL in 1973, with two houses — the Marshlands and the Robert Smalls House — also recognized individually in 1973.

4. Burt-Stark Mansion — Abbeville, SC

The Burt-Stark Mansion goes by multiple other names, including the Armistead Burt House and “The Deathbed of the Confederacy.” This Greek Revival-style home was built in the 1830s and had seven owners before its donation to the Abbeville Historic Preservation Commission. Confederate President Jefferson Davis held his last council of the Civil War in the Burt-Stark Mansion in 1865, where he admitted the Confederacy had lost. After this meeting, the Confederacy dispersed.

The house was named a NHL in 1992 and continues to operate as a museum to the Old South. Period-accurate antiques, furniture, and artifacts fill the home, creating a time capsule for visitors to enjoy.

5. Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens — Murrells Inlet, SC

Home of America’s first and largest formal sculpture garden, Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens offer beautiful views for visitors. Atalaya, the expansive home on the property, features Spanish Revival architecture that echoes the styles found in coastal Spain . The house also includes the large studio space used by celebrated sculptor and philanthropist Anna Hyatt Huntington and where she produced much of her art.

Brookgreen Gardens encompasses more than 9,000 acres as a nature preserve, including 550 acres used as sculpture garden that showcases a wide breadth of Huntington’s sculptures alongside those of her contemporaries. The property’s designation as a NHL, which came in 1992, only includes the 550 acres of sculpture garden and the Atalaya buildings.

South Carolina contains many houses, buildings, and properties that contributed to the creation and formation of the United States. While we could only highlight a few here today, there are many more to explore, especially within Charleston. The beautiful historic homes, plantations, churches, and other areas help remind us of our history and commemorate our past in a way worth celebrating. Thankfully, projects like the National Historic Landmark program aim to preserve these places for all to learn from and enjoy.

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