Best Things to Do
in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s Most Iconic and Walkable Photo Op

Rainbow Row is a famous series of 13 houses along Charleston’s East Bay Street. With its captivating, eponymous bright colors, Rainbow Row is one of the most photo-worthy locations in the city. Each pastel home has its own fascinating history and architecture. Theories as to why the houses are so brightly colored range from the colors helping drunk sailors find their way home more easily, to their allowing merchants to indicate what wares they sold, to their ability to keep the buildings cooler during hot summers.  Whatever the truth, Rainbow Row is a must-see part of Charleston.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: A Hidden Gem Beneath Charleston’s Historic Charm

Nestled in the walkable heart of Charleston, SC, just south of Broad Street, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of the city’s most fascinating — and often overlooked — hidden gems. Located in the historic district, this Georgian-era building has served various purposes, including a British prison, a Revolutionary War stronghold, and a U.S. Post Office.

Today, it functions as a museum that unravels Charleston’s complex history. The upper floors feature colonial artifacts and political history, while guided tours of the Provost Dungeon tell the stories of pirates, patriots, and prisoners who were once held beneath the city’s streets.

For those visiting Charleston, it’s a must-see destination that offers an unfiltered look at the city’s foundations—quite literally. As you descend into the dungeon, you’ll stand where captives once awaited their fate, surrounded by original stone walls and artifacts dating back centuries.

Just steps away from Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and several historic homes, the site easily fits into any itinerary. It’s also near some of Charleston’s finest art galleries, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy blending history with culture.

Travel Advice: Arrive early in the morning to bypass the crowds, and think about combining your visit with a walking tour of nearby sites to fully enjoy Charleston’s compact and picturesque center.

International African American Museum (IAAM)

Opened in June 2023, the IAAM is situated at the historic Gadsden's Wharf, where approximately 40% of enslaved Africans entered the U.S. The museum offers a profound exploration of African American history and culture, making it a significant addition to Charleston's cultural landscape. 

Marvel at the Angel Oak

Known as one of the most beautiful trees in the world, Angel Oak is another Charleston treasure. It is between 400 and 500 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi, and its canopy shades more than 17,000 square feet. Many believe that this tree is haunted by the spirits of enslaved people. Whether this is true or not, many visitors claim that the tree has an otherworldly presence. Angel Oak is just a 30-minute drive outside the city, and its surrounding park is free admission. This tree is an absolute must-visit wonder.

Visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

The 738 acres at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens contain a wealth of nature and history. Its well-preserved slave quarters offer an eye-opening look inside the culture and lifestyle of enslaved people on the plantation, while the main hall provides visitors a glimpse inside the traditions of Southern planting families. The gardens are home to countless butterflies and varieties of antique flowers. Visitors can learn about the history of enslaved people, the plantation’s farming practices, and more during a visit to Boone Hall, with tickets starting at just $28.

Peruse the Charleston Museum

Charleston Museum is famously known as America’s very first museum. Established in 1773, the museum and its two Historic Landmark Houses are home to a vast collection of artifacts. From exhibits on antique textiles to Lowcountry Native American history to sports in Charleston, the museum is steeped in information. Its focus is on the archaeological, artistic, and communal history of South Carolina. Learn about everything from antique weapons to fossils with a visit to Charleston Museum, where admission starts at $12.

Take a Ghost Tour

Many believe Charleston to be one of the most haunted cities in America; visitors can experience the city’s paranormal underside during their own guided ghost tour. Tour Charleston offers a Ghosts of Charleston Nighttime Walking Tour with special access to Unitarian Church Graveyard, a haunted hotspot. During the tour, a storyteller brings Charleston’s haunted history to life while guests embark upon a nighttime tour of the city’s spookiest locations. This terrifying 90-minute ghost tour is available for $35 and is a must for those interested in Charleston’s haunted history.

Visit Charles Towne Landing

There is no better way to wrap up this list than Charles Towne Landing: the birthplace of South Carolina. This landing is where a group of English settlers first arrived in 1670. Nowadays, the park is home to a replica village and sailing ship that allows people to experience the life and era of America’s first settlers. Admission to the park is only $12 for adults. With 6 miles of trails and 80 acres of gardens, Charles Towne Landing is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and to experience some of the nation’s history.

Visit the historic Middleton Place

Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark, is the site of the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Originally a plantation owned by the Middleton family, it is now a museum dedicated to those who lived and worked on the plantation. The stories of Middleton Place range from those of the Founding Fathers to that of enslaved people, offering a rich look into the history of the nation. Adult tickets are $29 for access to these 110 acres of gardens, farmland, and historic buildings at Middleton Place.

Walk the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

A gorgeous, 8-lane suspension bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge stretches from Charleston to Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River. It offers sweeping views of Charleston, and it is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the city. The bridge has a 12-foot path for pedestrians and bikers, named Wonders’ Way. The path is named after Garrett Wonders, who died in a vehicle accident on the bridge before the path was constructed. The 2.5 mile long bridge is the perfect place to admire Charleston’s picturesque skyline and harbor during a sunset stroll.

Relax at Sullivan’s Island Beach

Located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, right by the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island Beach is the perfect respite from city life. Guests can surf, swim, and catch some rays at this scenic stretch of coastline. The beach is public, and it offers one of the most natural environments in the area. On the beachfront, visitors can find many bars and restaurants for a perfect way to wrap up a day in the sand.

Charleston Culinary Tours

Charleston is renowned for its delicious Southern fare and its lively culinary scene. From classics like shrimps and grits to fried green tomatoes, Charleston has some of the best cuisines in the United States. Undiscovered Charleston offers a culinary history walking tour with a cooking demo and a lunch and wine-tasting experience. Chef Forrest Parker will start by taking you on a 90-minute walking tour where you will get to understand the culinary influences that shaped Charleston into one of the world’s top food destinations. You’ll end the tour by enjoying a delicious 4-course meal at Bistro A Vin prepared by Chef Parker himself. Immerse yourself in the world of true Southern fare while learning about the history of Charleston’s most popular dishes!

Tour Charleston in an
Old South Carriage Tour

Founded in 1670, Charleston is brimming with stories from the past. The Old South Carriage Company offers horse-drawn carriage tours through this beautiful port city, complete with a tour guide. Guides recount more than 300 years of the city’s vibrant history as visitors ride through 30 blocks of historic Charleston.

A carriage tour is a relaxing and authentic way to learn about Charleston’s history and to see its notable homes; the carriages are drawn by Belgian or Percheron draft horses, the same horses that tilled American farms in the 19th century. Tickets are $50 for a one-hour tour.

Wander through
Charleston City Market

One of the nation’s oldest public markets, Charleston City Market, is both a cultural and a culinary hub. Open during the day year-round, with weekly Night Markets, Charleston City Market is constantly bustling. Over 300 entrepreneurs sell their wares at the market, offering everything from Christmas collectibles to handcrafted jewelry to gourmet jellies.

Visitors can spend a whole day at the market talking to locals, trying Charleston cuisine, and shopping for souvenirs, making it one of the best activities for getting to know the city.

Explore Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter, standing regally at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, was the location of the first battle between the Confederacy and the Union during the American Civil War. Its walls still show much of the extensive damage left behind by that 1861 assault. Now a National Historic Park, it can be accessed by a 30-minute ferry ride. Visitors can explore the fort and its accompanying museum, which showcases the history of the Civil War and of the fort itself.

For $32, visitors can explore the grounds, take a trip around the harbor, and learn about Fort Sumter’s important place in American history.

Farmers Market

Find the best of Charleston’s fresh produce and artisanal goods when you visit the Charleston Farmers Market, nestled in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. Featuring dozens of vendors that range from small family farms to candle makers to flower sellers, this market has something for everyone. It’s more than just a place to shop, however — it’s also the perfect way to connect with the local community and to make some lasting memories.

Held from 8am to 2pm every Saturday from April to November (though there’s also a holiday market in December), the Charleston Farmers Market will give you a genuine taste of Lowcountry living.

Gibbes Museum of Art

The finest visual art institution in Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art aficionados and those interested in the cultural history of Charleston. With over 10,000 pieces in its permanent collection, this Beaux Arts-style museum offers hours of entertainment and education. Artists whose work is in the permanent collection include Henrietta Johnston, Merton Simpson, and George LaGrange Cook. A visit here will also introduce you to the up-and-coming and well-established contemporary artists in and around Charleston. 

Stop by the Gibbes Museum any day of the week to soak in the important artistic heritage of the region and to appreciate some of the region’s most iconic artists.

Sailing Yacht Charters

Looking for a luxurious and private way to enjoy the sights of Charleston from the sea? Charleston Yacht Charter has you covered. Combining the best of Southern hospitality with the fascination of the open seas, this yacht charter opportunity will make for an unforgettable experience. Charleston Yacht Charter operates three luxury boats — Fate, Mystique, and Kismet, each with state-of-the-art interiors and professional staff. No matter which one you choose, you are in for an unparalleled, bespoke experience.

Each tour will take you past Charleston’s most iconic sights, including Fort Sumter, The Battery, Waterfront Park, and much more.

Edmondston Alston House

Built in 1825, Edmondston Alston House was one of the very first houses to be built on The Battery, and bore witness to some of the most important moments in Charlestonian history, including the Civil War and the Charleston Earthquake of 1886. Owned over the centuries by a merchant and then the affluent Alston family, the interior is a time portal back to the 19th century, complete with an original copy of the Ordinance of Secession.

With history that includes stories about such figures as Robert E. Lee, Edmondston Alston House is a fascinating testament to Charleston’s tumultuous past.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

History and military valor are on full display at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, an institution that is home to the World War II-era aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Yorktown and a fleet of other ships. Since it opened in 1976, this museum has highlighted the valiant and courageous efforts of American troops over the years, as well as various technological innovations that have contributed to American victories. 

Featuring interactive, experiential exhibits, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is the perfect place to learn more about — and immerse yourself in — the stories of the men and women bravely serving America.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site: A Walkable Journey Through Charleston’s Complex Legacy

Located just a short drive from South of Broad and the walkable streets of downtown Charleston, SC, the McLeod Plantation Historic Site is one of the most significant places to explore Charleston’s role in American history. This 37-acre former plantation on James Island is dedicated to honoring the experiences of the enslaved and preserving the enduring traditions of Gullah and Geechee culture.

The site offers a rare and unflinching perspective that focuses not on the wealth of plantation owners but on the lives, resilience, and cultural contributions of those who were enslaved. Visitors can walk through original historic homes, including preserved slave cabins, and participate in powerful guided tours that address everything from daily life under slavery to post-Emancipation struggles and legacies.

For those seeking meaningful travel tips while visiting Charleston, McLeod Plantation serves as a place of reflection and education that deepens your understanding of the city beyond what you will find in postcard views or antebellum mansions.

To enhance your experience, consider pairing your visit with a stop at the Old Slave Mart Museum in downtown Charleston, where exhibits highlight the city’s role in the domestic slave trade. Together, these two sites provide a more honest and complete view of the city’s past, one that is often overlooked compared to more decorative stops in places like Savannah or traditional plantations like Magnolia.

If you are looking for more than just a scenic getaway, McLeod Plantation should be at the top of your list. It is not just a historic site; it is a necessary chapter in Charleston’s ongoing story.

South Carolina Aquarium: A Hidden Gem of Conservation and Discovery in Downtown Charleston

If you’re visiting Charleston and looking for fun things to do with purpose and depth, the South Carolina Aquarium is an experience you shouldn't miss. Located along the harbor in downtown Charleston, this well-curated attraction combines interactive marine exhibits with significant conservation initiatives, making it one of the city's hidden gems.

The aquarium is particularly renowned for its Sea Turtle Care Center, where injured sea turtles are rehabilitated and eventually released back into the wild. This showcases impressive marine rescue efforts. Beyond this, the aquarium offers year-round programs focused on reducing ocean plastic and promoting sustainable seafood choices among both locals and visitors.

Home to more than 5,000 species, the aquarium features a diverse range of animals, including river otters, pelicans, alligators, jellyfish, and large groupers. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all find something enjoyable as they explore the immersive exhibits set against stunning views of Charleston Harbor.

Whether you are planning a coastal getaway, taking a break from a food tour, or spending a weekend in the historic district, the aquarium serves as an ideal starting point. It is just a short walk from the French Quarter and other charming cobblestone streets that make Charleston such an appealing destination.

In a city celebrated for its rich history and charm, the South Carolina Aquarium adds a unique educational element that combines local character with a global impact.

Riley Waterfront Park: A Downtown Charleston Gem for Sightseeing & Serenity

Riley Waterfront Park, located along the shimmering shores of Charleston, SC, is a ten-acre urban oasis in the heart of downtown. This beautifully landscaped park provides panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River, making it one of the best spots in the Holy City for relaxation, reflection, and sightseeing.

A highlight for visitors is the beloved Pineapple Fountain, a stunning symbol of Southern hospitality. Whether you are taking photos during the day or admiring its soft, colorful glow at night, the fountain never fails to impress.

As you explore the winding pathways, you will find yourself surrounded by vibrant greenery, shady palms, and the soothing sounds of water. It is the perfect place to start or end a day of exploring Charleston, especially with a warm cup of coffee or a takeaway brunch from one of the city’s celebrated cafés.

Originally opened in 1990, Riley Waterfront Park has become a favorite destination for both locals and travelers. It is more than just a park; it is a peaceful retreat that connects you with the charm and rhythm of the city. Whether you are heading toward King Street for shopping or strolling to nearby landmarks like Marion Square, this park serves as a natural pause point on any Charleston itinerary.

From leisurely afternoon walks to morning jogs or a quiet moment on a bench with harbor views, Riley Waterfront Park captures the essence of what makes Charleston one of America’s most enchanting cities.

These 23 activities are just a few of the countless activities Charleston has to offer. Whether on a family vacation or a solo trip, this fascinating Southern city is the perfect destination.

Book your stay at The Pinch and experience the best of Charleston.