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Things to do in Charleston

 

Attractions (91)

Activities (136)

Nightlife (13)

Shopping (29)

All (91)
Cultural (36)
Museums (16)
Performances (13)
Landmarks (7)
Outdoors (7)
Sports (5)
Zoos & Aquariums (3)
Amusement (2)
Name

Attractions travellers recommend

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Ranked #1 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Bridges
Map | Visitor photos (105)
Ranked #2 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Parks
Bright green public space overlooking the coast: great for picnics and lounging.
Map | Visitor photos (177)
Ranked #3 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Educational Sites
Owner description: The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of... more » Owner description: The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. The College offers a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities and cutting-edge programs. « less
Map | Visitor photos (34)
Ranked #4 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Gardens
Map | Visitor photos (94)
Ranked #5 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Cemeteries
Scenic cemetery where 5 Civil War Generals are buried.
Map | Visitor photos (51)
Ranked #6 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Performances
Owner description: Experience the sounds that define Charleston's musical history...from gospel to Gershwin. Each weekly live concert features... more » Owner description: Experience the sounds that define Charleston's musical history...from gospel to Gershwin. Each weekly live concert features music of the Civil War; light classics of the venerable St. Cecelia Society; the music of George Gershwin, who wrote "Porgy & Bess" during a summer in Charleston; gospel spirituals sung by slaves as they passed through the port of Charleston; and "Amazing Grace", the words of which were inspired in the composer, John Newton, while he worshipped in our host venue, Circular Congregational Church. Visit our website or call the box office for concert dates and ticket information. « less
Map | Visitor photos (9)
Ranked #7 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Theatres
Map | Visitor photos (7)
Ranked #8 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Educational Sites
Map | Visitor photos (31)
Ranked #9 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Religious Sites; Architectural Buildings
Map | Visitor photos (14)
Ranked #10 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Historic Sites
A historic house museum that is highly recommended.
Map | Visitor photos (29)
Ranked #11 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Gardens; Historic Sites
Owner description: Middleton Place is an 18th century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest... more » Owner description: Middleton Place is an 18th century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped Gardens, the Middleton Place House Museum and the Plantation Stableyards. The Gardens reflect the elegant symmetry of 17th century European design. Sculpted terraces, parterres, and reflection pools inhabited by swans are highlights of their intricate design. Rare camellias bloom in the winter, while vibrant azaleas blanket the hillside above the Rice Mill Pond in the spring. « less
Map | Visitor photos (239)
Ranked #12 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Historic Sites; Gardens
This Georgian-Palladian gem, built in 1738, is America's oldest plantation house open to the public.
Map | Visitor photos (148)
Ranked #13 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Parks; Sports Complexes
Owner description: Joe Riley Stadium is home to the Charleston Riverdogs, concerts, camps, and other activities. It is one of the nicest minor... more » Owner description: Joe Riley Stadium is home to the Charleston Riverdogs, concerts, camps, and other activities. It is one of the nicest minor league stadiums in America, and is situated on the banks of the Ashley River. It is extremely popular in Charleston, and Riverdog games are known across the country for their unique promotions, Friday night Fireworks, and one of their quirky co-owners (Bill Murray). « less
Map | Visitor photos (5)
Ranked #14 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
A 60-acre preserve where visitors observe many wildlife habitats.
Map | Visitor photos (15)
Ranked #15 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Historic Sites
An historical mansion open to the public.
Map | Visitor photos (20)
Ranked #16 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Museums
Owner description: Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House (constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838) commands... more » Owner description: Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House (constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838) commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor. From its piazza, General P. T. Beauregard watched the fierce bombardment of Ft. Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. And on December 11 of the same year, the house gave refuge to General Robert E. Lee the night a wide-spreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel.Much like the Middleton Place House Museum, the collection at the Edmondston-Alston House Museum consists of pieces that belonged to the family, reflecting not only family history but American history. Despite the ravages of the Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886 and numerous hurricanes, the Alston family pieces remain in place much as they have for over 150 years. Notable in the collection is an original print of the Ordinance of Secession, portraits, dining room table, gas lights, mirror and exquisite interior woodwork. « less
Map | Visitor photos (27)
Ranked #17 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Other
A historic military college best known for its Moorish-inspired architecture.
Map | Visitor photos (14)
Ranked #18 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Ferries/ Boats
Owner description: Don't miss the boat! The Water Taxi is the most fun and convenient way to see Charleston harbor. We run every hour between... more » Owner description: Don't miss the boat! The Water Taxi is the most fun and convenient way to see Charleston harbor. We run every hour between the Aquarium Wharf and Patriots Point Marina with dolphin sightings in between. $10 All day Pass and kids 3 and under are FREE. 9am til 8pm 7 days a week. Going Sightseeing in downtown Charleston- take the Water Taxi! Want a relaxing harbor cruise- take the Water Taxi! Going to see the USS Yorktown- take the Water Taxi! Want to see some Dolphins- take the Water Taxi! Voted Best cheapest sunset and dolphin cruise in Charleston! Come see for yourself. Boats leave daily. « less
Map | Visitor photos (20)
Ranked #19 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: History Museums
Owner description: History comes alive as Colonial dressed guides talk about Pirates, Patriots and Presidents! Explore the location where... more » Owner description: History comes alive as Colonial dressed guides talk about Pirates, Patriots and Presidents! Explore the location where pirates were once held and view a section of the 1698 fortification that once protected the Walled City. Completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House, recognized today as South Carolina's most historic building. Where Patriots were imprisoned, the Constitution was ratified and George Washington was entertained. « less
Map | Visitor photos (49)
Ranked #20 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Historic Sites
A historic village recreating the life and times of America's early settlers.
Map | Visitor photos (61)
Ranked #21 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest
A section of Charleston where hotels, restaurants and nightlife are found.
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Ranked #22 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Religious Sites
Map | Visitor photos (6)
Ranked #23 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Gardens; Historic Sites
Home of the oldest garden in America.
Map | Visitor photos (396)
Ranked #24 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Theatres
Owner description: Live theatre featuring clean comic whodunit shows, volunteer audience participation, a la carte appetizers, desserts, and... more » Owner description: Live theatre featuring clean comic whodunit shows, volunteer audience participation, a la carte appetizers, desserts, and drinks. « less
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Ranked #25 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Historic Walking Areas
Owner description: This Tour Company is located in downtown Charleston, SC. And has been in business for approximately eight years. The company... more » Owner description: This Tour Company is located in downtown Charleston, SC. And has been in business for approximately eight years. The company offers Ghost Tours nightly of the Historical District. « less
Map | Visitor photos (2)
Ranked #26 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Churches/ Cathedrals
Map | Visitor photos (10)
Ranked #27 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Historic Sites
Owner description: One of Charleston's architectural treasures, this historic mansion owned by George Walton Williams transports visitors back... more » Owner description: One of Charleston's architectural treasures, this historic mansion owned by George Walton Williams transports visitors back in time. « less
Map | Visitor photos (55)
Ranked #28 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Religious Sites; Architectural Buildings
Map | Visitor photos (10)
Ranked #29 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: History Museums
Owner description: The Charleston Museum, America's First Museum, founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and... more » Owner description: The Charleston Museum, America's First Museum, founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. We invite you to explore this rich, varied history at the Museum and its two National Historic Landmark houses. All are located downtown, in America's Most Historic City. Featuring: Lowcountry History, Historic Armory, Charleston in the Revolutionary War, "City Under Seige" (civil war), Natural History Hall, Kidstory, and Historic Textiles Gallery « less
Map | Visitor photos (28)
Ranked #30 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Category: Children’s Museums
Map | Visitor photos (12)
Travellers' advice about Charleston