Paint the Town Pink
Rainbow Row, a series of 13 houses along East Bay Street, is Charleston’s most famous and photogenic block. The homes are painted in bright pastel pinks, purples, blues, and more colors worthy of an ice cream shop. Each home has its own fascinating history and architecture. Several theories abound as to why the houses are so brightly colored: that the colors once helped drunk sailors find their way home, that they allowed merchants to indicate what wares they sold, and that colors help keep the buildings cool during hot summers. Whatever the true reason, Rainbow Row is unequivocally charming— and very Charleston.
Go Deep
Nestled in the historic heart of Charleston, SC, just south of Broad Street and steps from Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of the city’s most fascinating — and often overlooked — hidden gems. This Georgian-era building has served various purposes; it was once a British prison, then a Revolutionary War stronghold, and eventually, 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, surrounded by stone walls and centuries-old artifacts, you’ll stand where captives once awaited their fate. A word of advice: Arrive early in the morning to bypass the crowds, and think about combining your visit with nearby historic sites to take full advantage of Charleston’s walkable center.
Charleston’s Black Community
The International African American Museum (IAAM) is located at the historic Gadsden’s Wharf, where approximately 40% of enslaved Africans entered the U.S. The museum, which opened in June 2023, is a profound exploration of African-American history and culture in Charleston and beyond. It’s quite harrowing at times, including a visit to the Ancestors Memorial Garden which features life-size silhouettes packed shoulder to shoulder— as they would have been on those brutal Atlantic crossings—etched into the pavement. It’s an unskippable element of Charleston’s history.
Heaven on Earth
Known as one of the most beautiful trees in the world, the so-called Angel Oak is a Charleston treasure. Located in Angel Oak Park, it is between 400 and 500 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi. Known for its massive size and sprawling branches, the tree stands over 65 feet tall and has a crown spread of about 17,000 square feet. While the historic landmark was named after the Angel family who once owned the land, its name also accounts for its otherworldly presence; many believe this spectacular tree is haunted by the spirits of enslaved people. It’s located about thirty minutes outside the city center by car on John’s Island, and it remains a prime example of the natural splendor along the South Atlantic coast.
Garden Variety
Enter the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens through the iconic Avenue of the Oaks, two long rows of two-century-old massive oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Founded in 1681 by Major John Boone of England on the banks of the Wampacheone Creek, this plantation was among the most lucrative of its time; now, its museum places an emphasis on the history of the Gullah-Geechee people, descendants of the enslaved people brought to work on South Carolina plantations like these. On 738 acres, the property features a series of well-preserved colonial-era buildings as well as its original slave quarters, which offer an eye-opening look inside the culture and lifestyles of enslaved people on the plantation. In the gardens, find countless butterflies and historic flower varieties. One way to get around the massive property is via covered wagon tours.
Museum Piece
As America’s very first museum, the Charleston Museum remains one of the best ways to learn about the city’s history. Established in 1773, the museum and its two Historic Landmark Houses are home to a vast collection of artifacts: from antique textiles and Charleston-made Victorian-era silver to Lowcountry-region Native American pottery and Civil War-era armaments. The natural history gallery, which spotlights the furry and feathery denizens of the Lowcountry, is especially great for kids or nature enthusiasts of any age; the gallery includes primitive fossils, taxidermied animals, geological examples, and reconstructed skeletons that show the magnificent biodiversity of Charleston and its surrounding areas.
Paranormal Activities
With its tumultuous history and Southern gothic aura, many believe Charleston to be one of the most haunted cities in America. Experience the city’s paranormal side by taking a guided ghost tour, preferably after dark. Tour Charleston offers a Ghosts of Charleston Nighttime Walking Tour with special access to Unitarian Church Graveyard, a haunted hotspot that also inspired Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem Annabel. Some other spooky sites include the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, with its eerie halls once occupied by long-dead prisoners, the Blind Tiger Pub, a Prohibition-era speakeasy rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a Jazz Age raconteur named Helen, and the Pirate House, a onetime haven for scallywags and all the nefarious activity that once dominated Charleston’s port area. While these tours are not for the faint of heart, they’re full of fun ghost stories that will delight anyone with a sense for all things strange and spooky.
Park Life
Charles Towne Landing is the official birthplace of South Carolina, where a group of English settlers first arrived in 1670. Since 1940, it’s been in use as a public park, where visitors can explore replica buildings, observe animals in a natural habitat zoo, and walk or bike through 664 acres of Lowcountry terrain. A replica village and 17th-century sailing ship paint a picture of the lives of America’s early colonial settlers. With 6 miles of walking trails and 80 acres of gardens— including an experimental crop garden, which features historic species of crops known to have been grown by settlers— Charles Towne Landing is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and to experience South Carolina history.
Landscaping
Sitting along Charleston’s Ashley River, 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. Tickets include access to 110 acres of gardens, farmland, stableyards, and the historic buildings on site.
Cross That Bridge
A gorgeous, 8-lane suspension bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge stretches from Charleston to Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River. The 2.5 mile long bridge offers sweeping views of Charleston, making it one the best places in the city to watch the sunset. The bridge has a 12-foot path for pedestrians and bikers, named Wonders’s Way 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.
Beach Day
At the mouth of Charleston Harbor, right by the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island Beach is a sunny respite from city life. The beach is public, meaning anyone can surf, swim, and catch some rays at this scenic stretch of coastline. Bars and restaurants like fan favorite Obstinate’s Daughter (great for brunch and pizza and pasta) line the beachfront should you want a bite or a sunset drink to wrap up a day in the sand. Folly Beach has a little bit more honky tonk vibes and feels more California beach bum than most of the other coastal spots. This is where the real surfers come to find the best breaks and then celebrate a day with the waves at hipster spots like Chico Feo with Caribbean fusion fare and ambitious natural wine list.
For a sleepier seaside experience there is Edisto, about 45 miles south of Charleston. The island, which has no high rises or chain restaurants, has kept its old school Southern character and attracts a lot of families who have been coming here for generations. (The quiet island was made famous by Padget Powell’s 1984 novel “Edisto”.) Visitors can fish, kayak, beach comb for beautiful shells and spot dolphins. Edisto has a strong Gullah Geechee presence and legacy as this is where many of the enslaved Africans came after the end of the Civil War to purchase their own land, build churches and start a new life.
Eat Up
With its rich local bounty and lively culinary scene, Charleston has become known as a gourmand’s paradise, consistently ranking among the world’s best food cities. Low country cuisine has a unique footprint in American dining; shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes are just a few Southern dishes that the region has made famous. Eat your way through Charleston with one of Undiscovered Charleston’s culinary walking tours, which includes a cooking demo and wine-tasting led by Chef Forrest Parker, a native South Carolinian and the state’s official governor-appointed Chef Ambassador. The tour concludes with a four-course meal at Bistro A Vin prepared by Parker himself. Just make sure you come hungry. There’s also Crabbing with Tia Clark, who comes from a Gullah Geechee family and takes guests out on the docks to learn how to crab in the Ashley River.
Horse and Carriage
Live like the Charlestonians of yore and explore the city by horse-drawn carriage. The Old South Carriage Company offers horse-drawn carriage tours through the city, with a guide taking visitors through 30 blocks of historic Charleston and 300 years of history. The carriages are drawn by Belgian or Percheron draft horses, the same type of horse used to till American farms in the 19th century. For the macabre-minded, “haunted” nighttime carriage tours are also on offer.
Market Value
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 features over 300 vendors selling locally-made wares at the market. Visitors flood the market for everything from handcrafted jewelry made from the famous Charleston rice beads to gourmet jellies and chocolates. Grab a sweetgrass basket— the heritage craft of the Gullah-Geechee coastal community — and use the classic South Carolina souvenir to carry your haul.
Hold the Fort
The majestic Fort Sumter, which sits on Charleston Harbor, was the site of the first battle between the Confederacy and the Union that launched the Civil War. Its walls still show much of the extensive damage left behind from 1861. Now a National Historic Park, it can be accessed by a 30-minute ferry ride. The site grounds also include a museum which showcases the history of the Civil War and of the fort itself. One of Charleston’s most popular sites, it’s a pivotal stop for those looking to learn more about American military history.
Farm Fresh
Find the best of Charleston’s fresh produce and provisions at the Charleston Farmers Market, nestled in Marion Square, right in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. Named one of the country’s top ten farmers markets by Travel + Leisure, the market features dozens of local vendors that range from small family farms and craft beer brewers to candle-makers and boutique florists. Some unmissable stalls include Altman Farm and Mill, a family-run institution for baking mixes, Best Pickles in Charleston, and Charleston Spice Company. Held from 8 am to 2 pm every Saturday from April to November (though there’s also a holiday market in December), the Charleston Farmers Market will give you a taste of the Lowcountry’s excellent natural bounty.
State of the Art
The finest visual art institution in Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art aficionados and anyone interested in the cultural history of Charleston. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Pierce Milburn, thanks to a large donation on the part of James Shoolbred Gibbes — after whom it is now named — the museum is a work of art inside and out. The history of the Gibbes Museum is closely intertwined with that of the city itself — it harkens back to the 18th century, when, at one point, Charleston was the 4th largest city in the country and the nation’s wealthiest. Then, as the museum writes on the website, was “the City both muse and subject.” Over the years, the Gibbes Museum has built up a collection of more than 10,000 pieces. The diverse collection ranges from distinguished American art of the 1800s to contemporary works representing the current state of the American South. (There’s also a parallel miniature collection with hundreds of works on display, among the best of its kind in the country.) Some artists represented include Henrietta Johnston, the earliest known artist in the English colonies and the first portraitist in the South; Merton Simpson, an American abstract expressionist; and George LaGrange Cook, a 19th-century Charleston photographer. Since 1984. The Halsey Institute at the College of Charleston has been staging cutting-edge works in a wide range of mixed media disciplines.
Water Everywhere
There are plenty of ways to explore Charleston: by foot, by golf cart, by horse-drawn carriage, and, yes, by yacht. Set sail with the Charleston Yacht Charter to see some of Charleston’s iconic sites by sea. Choose from three luxury boats: Fate, Mystique, and Kismet, each with state-of-the-art interiors and professional staff. Tours take you past Charleston’s most famous waterfront sites, including Fort Sumter, The Battery, and Waterfront Park.
Charleston is hemmed in by water: two rivers merge to form the harbor. And while it’s great to watch regattas from land, it’s surprisingly easy to get out there yourself—no experience necessary. The folks at Charleston Sailing Charters (CSC) have slowly grown their fleet for almost two decades, offering fully crewed excursions on any of their multiple vessels, from a roomy motor yacht that can accommodate larger parties, to sleek and meticulously maintained sailboats with a passenger limit of six (Coast Guard regulation). Booked a two-hour sunset tour for a French-made 43-foot beauty called the “Fate” (cue the theme song from Gilligan’s Island). A few hours on the water was dreamy, but CSC offers longer and even overnight sails where you travel 40-60 miles down the coast and back along the intercoastal waterway, dine at the Salty Dog Café at Bohicket Marina, and spend the night in cozy cabins fully equipped with in-room showers.
Coastal Expeditions
Greater Charleston is both surrounded by and interlaced with saltwater marshes, and kayaking is a great way to appreciate that. You can either rent kayaks (singles or doubles) or stand-up paddle boards to venture solo (with tips on where to go), or book guided tours of varying lengths with Coastal Expeditions. It is quite common to see surfacing dolphins feeding in pairs and groups, with the occasional summer manatee making an appearance.
House Visit
Built in 1825, the Edmondston Alston House was one of the very first houses to be built on The Battery. It bore witness to some of the most important moments in Charlestonian history, including the Civil War and the Charleston Earthquake of 1886. Once the home of the affluent Alston family, the interior is a time portal to the 19th century, complete with an original copy of the Ordinance of Secession. With stories about historic figures like Robert E. Lee, Edmondston Alston House is a fascinating trip through Charleston’s tumultuous past. Nathaniel Russell House The Nathaniel Russell House was built in 1808 by wealthy merchant and slave trader Nathaniel Russell, and today is recognized as one of America's most important neoclassical houses. Built in the Federal style, it is most famous for its dramatic three-story cantilever flying staircase. There are various geometrically shaped rooms, including rectangular, oval, and square. Many slaves worked here to tend to the expansive house and gardens, and remained in the family until 1857. Today the house is operated by the Historic Charleston Foundation as a museum and visitors can see the amount of time, energy, and expense that went into restoring the structure. It’s emblematic of how the newly minted rich lived 200 years ago and another example of the city’s complicated history.
All Aboard
Military valor is on full display at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Since its opening in 1976, this museum has showcased the history of American troops at sea through a series of interactive, experiential exhibits. The museum is home to a fleet of famous ships, including the World War II-era aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Yorktown; onboard, visitors can experience what it was like to be a technician in the engine room during World War II with interactive kiosks and virtual tours. Visitors can also sit inside a replica Apollo spacecraft capsule while listening to actual recordings from the Apollo 8 mission. Other areas of the 888-foot-long ship are accessible to visitors, offering opportunities to explore and learn more about its history.
Gullah-Geechee 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 profound places to explore Charleston’s complex role in American history. This 37-acre former plantation on James Island is now 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 the stories, struggles, and enduring legacy of enslaved people and their descendants.
Consider pairing your visit with a stop at the Old Slave Mart Museum in downtown Charleston, the original site of the domestic slave trade. Together, these sites provide a more honest and complete view of the city’s past, one that is all too often overlooked.
Under the Sea
Go ahead, dive right in! The South Carolina Aquarium, located on the harbor in downtown Charleston, is home to more than 5,000 species at sea, including river otters, pelicans, alligators, jellyfish, and large groupers. The aquarium combines interactive marine exhibits with significant conservation initiatives; it’s particularly renowned for its Sea Turtle Care Center, where injured sea turtles are rehabilitated and eventually released back into the wild. The aquarium also offers year-round programs focused on reducing ocean plastic and promoting sustainable seafood choices among both locals and visitors.
Cover the Waterfront
Riley Waterfront Park, located along the 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 a morning stroll or a lazy afternoon. Think vibrant greenery, shady palms, and the soothing ripples of the river.
Don’t miss the majestic Pineapple Fountain, whose unique shape nods to the maritime tradition of the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality and welcome; historically, returning sea captains would display the expensive fruit as an invitation to welcome others into their homes. The fountain is especially spectacular when it lights up at night. 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. It is more than just a park; it is a peaceful retreat that connects you with the charm and relaxed rhythm of the city.
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