This Southern City Is Known for Its Cobblestone Streets — and Its Waterfront Promenade Offers Iconic Sunset Views
All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
The best things to do in Charleston include exploring Rainbow Row and taking a spooky ghost tour. Throughout the year, this exciting city has endless adventures and experiences for any traveler.
South Carolina’s historical capital Charleston is one of the East Coast’s most renowned destinations. From historical places such as Boone Hall Plantations to its booming food scene, there’s tons to experience.
The city receives almost 8 million tourists annually. It hosts world-famous festivals like the MOJA Arts Festival and the Charleston Jazz Festival. It also has year-round warm weather and nearby beaches.
Below are the top 12 things to see and do in Charleston, South Carolina. These experiences and destinations are highly rated on Google, our personal favorites, and popular with locals.
Highlights at a Glance
Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend
Headed to Charleston, SC? Which must-do experience is calling your name? (Or are you just here for the food?)
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© f11photo / Adobe Stock
© Kevin Ruck / Adobe Stock
© Julien McRoberts/Danita Delimont / Adobe Stock
© DnDavis / Shutterstock
© Susanne2688 / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
🎧 Listen Instead: Your Article in Podcast
Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.
Get Your Kicks in the French Quarter
Charleston’s French Quarter may not be as famous as New Orleans’, but it’s definitely full of good times. This neighborhood is where you’ll find some of the city’s most famous hotels, including the French Quarter Inn.
Stop into the Charleston City Market, one of the city’s oldest markets. It was built in the late 18th century and today, you’ll find over 300 local vendors. Afterward, stroll to the U.S. Customs House and other historical monuments.
At night, King St lights up with restaurants and bars. Party well into the night and see live music, including its famous local jazz.
Read also: Beautiful Cities in the US
See Charles Towne Landing
Charles Towne Landing is where the first settlers of Charleston established their settlements. English colonizers landed at the spot in 1670. From their colony grew the settlements that would turn into South Carolina.
Visit the park to step into history. You’ll see a replica of the settlement and see original wooden buildings. Peek inside the Common House and check out the original cannon platforms of the first settlements’ defensive walls.
Visit early to avoid the heat. After your tour, walk through the historical gardens to see edible plants and old-growth trees.
Read also: Walkable Cities in the US
Experience Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a colorful street featuring over a dozen colorful homes. Its history goes back to the 18th century when it was home to influential business people and stores. After being abandoned in the 19th and 20th centuries, it became a protected historical landmark in 1931.
The row of homes is colored in pastel facades. The history of the colors comes from several legends, including marking homes for drunken sailors. Whatever its origin, this is one of the city’s best landmarks to visit.
Outside of the historic homes, there’s tons to do on this block of E Bay Street. Hop into restaurants and cafes. Bring your camera because this area is beyond photo-worthy!
Read also: Warm Destinations in September in the US
Stroll Through Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Waterfront Park is a beautiful space downtown full of fountains and paths. This is where locals come to picnic, and musicians play for their admiring fans.
It covers 10 acres near the harbor and downtown. At its center is the famous Pineapple Fountain. From this meeting point, you can walk through the park grounds and take in the beautiful nature.
Walk through tunnels of trees or stop into the City Gallery art gallery to see local art. You’ll see historical markers along the park’s paths that tell the story of its founding. If you can get up early, this is the best place in the city to catch a sunrise.
Read also: Historical Cities in the US
Tour the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a must-see historical landmark in Charleston. It was built as a customs house but served several functions throughout the city’s early history.
It was built in 1771, and much of its original architecture is preserved. During the American Revolution, the British used it as their dungeon for prisoners. It is also one of the three buildings remaining where the US Constitution was ratified.
Tour the museum to see original architecture and artifacts from its history. Visit early to skip the lines and miss the inevitable field trip groups during the week.
Read also: US Cities With Unique Art Scene
Take a Boat to Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument is one of the South’s most important historical monuments. In the 18th century, its neighboring Fort Moultrie played an important role in the Revolution. Fort Sumter was later built in the 19th century and became one of the starters of the Civil War.
You can visit this historical fort by boat and take a tour of the grounds. Walk along the old walls and battle embankments. You’ll learn about the fort’s unique history and the American Civil War.
Save this
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Visit throughout the year but book your tickets early in the summer. If you can, visit Fort Moultrie National Historical Park across the river.
Read also: Best Cities to Live in the US
Tour the Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
The Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens is one of the best-preserved plantations in the South. It developed as a working plantation in the 18th century.
Today, you can visit the plantation to learn about the brutal history of slavery in the US. Take a self-guided tour through the former slave cabins. Then, watch a live presentation about Gullah culture, the local culture brought about by enslaved Africans.
After learning about the plantation’s history, take a tour of the 738-acre gardens. Much of the plants grown today have been farmed in the same spot for hundreds of years. Learn about traditional farming and enjoy treats surrounded by flowers and wild butterflies.
Read also: Greenest Cities in the US
Visit Angel Oak Park
Angel Oak is a little drive outside of the city but well worth seeing. The tree attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. It’s over 400 years old and one of the oldest trees on the East Coast.
The oak is surrounded by a beautiful park. People come to picnic or spend the day hanging out under the famous tree.
The tree stands over 60 feet tall and has massive branches that spread out over the grass. In the fall, the surrounding trees lose their leaves, making it one of the most striking spots for photos.
Read also: US Cities With Vibrant Night Life
Go on a Ghost Tour!
Throughout the year, Charleston hosts exciting ghost tours. According to many local and national news sources, Charleston is one of the US’ most ghostly places.
Within the city, you’ll find dozens of haunted buildings, homes, and cemeteries. The best way to see it all is by ghost tours.
Each tour offers something different to learn and experience. From haunted mansions to spooky cemeteries, your hair will stand on end, guaranteed. Book these tours early in the fall, especially around the late October spooky season!
Read Also: Haunted Tourist Destinations in the US
See the Charleston Museum
The Charleston Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the city. It was founded in 1773 and is the US’ first museum.
This historical space takes you through the history and culture of the city and South Carolina. You’ll learn about the brutal history of slavery, the American Revolution, and the city’s modern culture.
See antiques, fossils, and more through guided tours or on your own. Visit early before tour groups and school field trips take over. You’ll thank me later!
Read also: National Monuments in the US
Take a Tour of the Harbor
There are many tours that take you on a boat through the majestic harbor. Charleston is built on a peninsula surrounded by several river mouths that open to the Atlantic.
Tours travel to historical monuments offshore. You’ll see tons of wildlife, including the occasional alligator.
Some tours happen during sunrise or sunset. One of the most famous companies is the Charleston Harbor Tours company. Book your tickets early in the summer because these tours fill up quickly.
Read also: Small US Towns With Big Cultural Offerings
See South of Broad’s Old Houses
Start in the South of Broad neighborhood to explore the old mansions. Charleston grew significantly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Unfortunately, much of this growth was fueled by the horrendous trade of enslaved people.
As the economy grew, so too did the population of its elite, who built luxurious homes in the South of Broad district. Today, you can visit many of these historical homes.
You can experience history in these architectural gems by walking through the neighborhood. Some of the most renowned homes include the Toomer-Purse House and the Nathaniel Russell House. You can take guided tours and learn about the homes and their former owners.
Read also: Luxurious Cities in the US
Pin It Now, Read It Later
