My Favorite Things to do in Charleston, SC

What to Do in the Area:

Founded in 1670, this port city is not only rich in history, but also has more to do than meets the eye. Between the antebellum town houses in Charleston’s French Quarter and the Battery (both downtown) to the Plantations located in the metropolitan areas, there’s plenty of museums, shopping, dining, and beaches to be able to entertain yourself while you’re visiting the Lowcountry. With this being such a LARGE area to explore, I’ve broken down my list accordingly. Oh, it’s also fun to recognize some sites from The Notebook** too. Here’s my list of favorites in the Charleston area.

Charleston

Downtown Charleston can be a very walkable city. For those who aren’t renting a vehicle while you’re visiting, CARTA offers a free bus with 3 different routes throughout downtown only. Check out the routes of the Downtown Area Shuttle.

Things to See + Do:

Stroll throughout the Battery and White Point Garden.
Check out Waterfront Park (including the Pineapple Fountain) and Pier
See Rainbow Row (79 – 107 East Bay Street)
Make a candle at Palmetto Scent Studio
Take a House Tour (or several) – check out my post on them here!
Take a walk down Broad Street and visit an art gallery.
Stop in and admire the Gibbes Museum of Art.
Walk through the Historic Charleston City Market.
Visit the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Check out The Old Slave Mart Museum
Enjoy a culinary tour by Charleston Culinary Tours
Take a Ghost Tour
Visit the Charleston Museum.
Check out the South Carolina Aquarium.
Take a carriage tour!
See a show in the theater district:
1. Queen Street Players
2. Dock Street Theatre
Attend a Riverdogs game
Shop on King Street!
See the American Theater**
Do your own Pub Crawl and visit several of our local Breweries.
Book a tour to visit Fort Sumter. (Departure point at Fort Sumter Visitor Center)

TIP: Did you know that the Charleston Brewery District offers a free Trolly to select locations on Saturdays from 13:00 – 21:00? Click here for more information.

Charleston continued (west of the Ashley River)

Once you venture outside of the peninsula of Downtown Charleston, a car is better transportation for getting around to visit all the other sites in the area.

Things to see + Do:

Explore Charles Towne Landing
Visit the Ashley River Plantation District, home to the three plantations in Charleston: Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and Middleton Place.

James + John’s Island

These barrier islands are slightly southwest of Charleston and are great for more of a relaxing vacation. James Island is home to Folly Beach, which I’d say is the most popular (aka “touristy”) beach in the area. While it’s a great area to spend a lengthier stay at, the traffic getting on and off the island can get congested.

Things to see + do:

Visit McCloud Plantation Historic Site.
Tickle your toes in the sand at Folly Beach!
Take a stroll along the beaches and find the Morris Island Lighthouse.
Visit Angel Oak
Visit James Island County Park and enjoy their Splash Zone Waterpark, Climbing wall, and more!
Pop in at Legare Farms – check website for more info on operating hours

Mount Pleasant, SC

Although people generally mistake it for a community within Charleston, this is a different city with an entirely different feel to it. Between the shopping and nearby beaches, here are a few things to do in this upscaled southern city.

Check out the plantation at Boone Hall **
Explore and learn about the history of Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.
Need a break from everything? Check out the Charleston Fun Park
Check out the history at Patriots Point: Naval & Maritime Museum
Book a tour to visit Fort Sumter. (Departure point at Patriots Point)
Visit Palmetto Islands County Park and enjoy their Splash Zone Waterpark, kayak rentals, and more!

North Charleston, SC

Things to See + DO:

Visit Riverfront Park (known as the old Charleston Navy Base)
Do your own Pub Crawl and visit one North Charleston’s Breweries.
Check out Firefly Distillery
Attend a Stingrays game.
See a show at the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center

Sullivan’s Island, SC

This is a more family friendly area, and great to be able to spend time at the beach. If you’re looking for more to do, you can visit Fort Moultrie, or Mount Pleasant is close by to visit.