Top 10 Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina
Written and Photographed by Whitney O’Halek
Where can you enjoy sweet tea, biscuits, pineapples and one of the most distinctive Southern accents? Charleston, South Carolina, generously provides visitors with all that and more. As one of the oldest cities in the South, Charleston offers an old-world charm that gives you the perfect excuse to forget the cares of wherever you’re from. Here are the top 10 things you must do in Charleston to get started.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Whitney talk about Charleston on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Take the Charleston Gateway Walk – This beautiful walk through Charleston’s most serene gardens and churchyards is the best way to stretch your legs and start your morning. The walk is free, beginning at St. John’s Lutheran Church and ending at St. Philip’s Church, or vice versa. The path is just a half-mile and well-maintained by The Garden Club of Charleston. The gates open at 8:30 a.m. and stay that way until 5:00 p.m. daily. You’ll find several benches and stopping points along the half-mile route to stop and smell the roses.
9. Dip Your Feet in the Pineapple Fountain – No, really; it’s okay to do this. The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park is open to all, especially on hot, humid days. Whether you’re here to see local art at the nearby City Gallery or need a little break from walking around the city, it’s the perfect place to sit a spell and gaze across the water. Prefer to skip the worst of the humidity and admire the scenery? Go at sunrise to witness the colors change around the pineapple.
8. Wander Onto Rainbow Row – Rainbow Row is one of Charleston’s most iconic photo opportunities and one of the most Instagram-able spots in the United States. The pastel homes on East Bay Street make up Rainbow Row and feature palmetto trees for coastal, southern vibes. Get here early for photos with no other people in them.
7. Visit the H.L. Hunley and Friends of the Hunley Museum – History lovers, this is for you! The H.L. Hunley was a Confederate submarine and the first combat submarine to sink a warship, the U.S.S. Housatonic, in 1864. However, Hunley’s success was short-lived because she sank the same day, along with all 21 crewmembers. Assumed lost, she was discovered nearly 150 years later and raised in 2000. You can visit the submarine and its associated museum in town.
6. Visit all the Churches – Charleston is called the “Holy City” for a reason: the numerous churches and variety of faiths they represent. St. Michael’s Church is still the oldest, and the French Huguenot Church has unique architecture. The Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue is said to be the site of Reform Judaism’s beginning. All these and more are within walking distance of one another and welcome visitors of all faiths.
5. Dine Well on True Southern Fare – Charleston’s foodie scene is one of the most underrated in the United States, but not for much longer. Biscuits, shrimp and grits, cobbler—if it’s real Southern food, you can find it here. Bring on the cheese, cream and butter. Many restaurants use produce and meats from local farms and even more require reservations well in advance. You might come hungry, but you won’t leave that way.
4. Take a History Tour – Even if you’re not necessarily a history buff, Charleston’s deep historical roots will appeal to everyone. Having played a significant role in Revolutionary and Civil War events, Charleston is full of dramatic historical stories—including ghosts. But it doesn’t stop there. Whether you’re looking for an architecture tour, walking tour or tour by horse-drawn carriage, you’ll find it here. A tour with a local, certified guide is the best way to get to know this charming city.
3. Visit Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park –
If you come to Charleston without at least catching a glimpse of Fort Sumter, did you really go? It’s the thing you must do when you come here. Famous for being the site of the first shots of the Civil War (but not the first deaths), Fort Sumter still stands in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by ferry. Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan’s Island, dates back to 1776. You can drive to this fort if you’re a little iffy about the ferry.
2. Explore The Battery – Whether you want to see how the top one percent in Charleston live or enjoy a gorgeous view over the water, The Battery is one place you can’t miss. This Charleston icon is a defensive, historic seawall surrounding a greenspace in front of some of the stateliest homes you’ll ever see anywhere. Its name comes from the Civil War defense battery that once stood at this site, but today it’s one of the most peaceful spots in the city.
1. Tour the Historic Plantation Homes – Historic plantation homes are a significant draw for Charleston trips. The plantations formerly operated to grow things like tea, indigo and more, but now what’s left of the grounds are geared more toward pleasure gardens. The 17th-century Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is perhaps the most famous in the area, but McLeod Plantation Historic Site is home to a grand oak more than 600 years old. Drayton Hall is known for its Georgian Palladian architecture, and Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens appeared in the movie I.
Whether exploring historical sites, shopping in quaint shops, dining with the locals or enjoying the outdoors, Ouray has much to offer.
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Bandelier National Monument