Charleston is an amazing city! Full of History, Southern hospitality, and outdoor activities, there are endless things to occupy any visitor. With so many fun and interesting things to do, it can be hard to determine what the best things it do in Charleston are.
One of my favorite things about Charleston is it’s compact size – which makes it so walkable! There is also accessible and affordable public transportation, and Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful. If you ‘d like to visit areas outside the city center, which I think you should, you’re best off renting a car. Charleston is very drivable making this an easy endeavor.
I recently visited Charleston for the third time and since I was traveling solo, I was able to get a lot of exploring done. Here are some of the things I discovered that I think are the best things to do in Charleston:
Take a Free Walking Tour
The first thing I like to do when visiting any new city is take a walking tour. The best way to explore any city is on foot, and walking tours help you to get the lay of the land, find interesting sites to return to, and delve into the history of a city.
The guides on these tours are always, in my experience at least, knowledgeable and passionate about their city. And because they’re locals, they’ll be able to tell you where to eat, stay and catch the local scenes. Tours are also a great way to meet people from all over the world!
I did the Historic Charleston Walking Tour from Free Tours by Foot, and I highly recommend them. The guide, Scott, was so fun and a wealth of knowledge! It was a great tour.
Even though these tours are free, the guides work solely on tip so make sure bring some cash. $10-15 per person is the average, which is way cheaper than the $25 per person big tour companies charge!
See the Darker Side of the Holy City on a Supernatural Ghost Tour
Many cities in the US claim to be the most haunted city, and Charleston is no exception. Even though you may not see Charleston on many of the Top 10 Haunted Cities lists, there is no doubt that the paranormal energy within the city is strong.
Ghost tours are fantastic nighttime entertainment. Not only do you get a guided night time tour around some of the most interesting places in the city, you also get to learn some of the local folklore.
On my most recent trip to Charleston, I did a ghost tour with Gothic Gia also from Free Tours by Foot – another free walking tour, yay! Gia was an awesome guide who really knows her stuff. She told great stories and explained different ways people can sense spirits. She escorted us to some areas of the city I never would have noticed before and even showed us how to capture photos of some supernatural beings.
Take a Walk
Even though this may sound too simple, I think one of the best things to do in Charleston is simply to walk around and explore it.
Once you’ve gotten a little guidance from a friendly tour guide on where to go in Charleston, it’s time to set out on your own. The historic district of Charleston is very walkable — and it’s such an enjoyable walk! One of my favorite Charleston activities is to walk around and marvel at the beautiful houses.
Set aside one morning to grab a coffee from Bitty and Beau’s and stroll around South of Broad where all the giant homes are. My favorite streets to explore are:
- South and East Battery – the homes on these streets are some of the most over-the-top southern estates you’ll ever see!
- Legare Street – the homes on this street are second in size but equal in grandeur to those of the Battery’s.
- E. Bay Street – this street is home to the famous Rainbow Row, the Walled City of Charles Town Memorial, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Building, and the Slave Auction Site Memorial.
- King Street – great for shopping!
You really can’t go wrong with any street in Charleston, there’s so much to explore!
Give Your Feet a Rest From the Comfortable Seat of a Horse Drawn Carriage
Carriage Tours are one of the most popular things to do in Charleston. And why not? Can you think of a more charming way to see the city? I sure can’t!
Bump along through the historic district, and gawk at the mansions south of Broad while your carriage driver/guide ushers you through the history of Charleston.
There are several options to choose from, including: Historic Carriage Tours, Haunted Carriage Tours and even Private Carriage Tours. Go ahead, get carried away!
Marvel at the Staircase at the Nathaniel Russell House Museum
Take a guided tour through this two-centuries old home that showcases what life was like for the mercantile elite of the old south. The Nathaniel Russel House guided tour tells the story of the family who lived in the house, what their daily lives were like, and of the enslaved men and women who made their lifestyle possible.
The home has been restored as near as possible to its original 1808 appearance, showcasing intricate details and beautiful furniture throughout the home. The crown jewel of this property is the immaculate staircase that is an architectural marvel. The free-standing, three-story, spiral masterpiece is one of the many reasons this house is recognized as one of America’s most important Neoclassical houses.
Single House Ticket:
- Adult: $15.00
- Child 6-16: $7.00
- Under Age 6: Free
Combination Ticket:
Or, you can buy a combination ticket, which will get you into both the Nathaniel Russel House and the Aiken Rhett House. If you’re not sure about visiting both, just keep your ticket and take it with you to the other house and they’ll give you the discounted price.
- Adult Combo: $24.00
- Child 6-16 Combo: $12.00
- Under Age 6: Free
Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum
Built in 1820, the Aiken-Rhett House is recognized as one of the best preserved townhouse complexes in the nation.
Unlike the Nathaniel Russel House, the Aiken-Rhett House has not been restored, rather it has been preserved. Take an audio guided tour through the house’s history. See damage done by cannon balls during the civil war, wind and water from hurricanes and marvel at how well the house has stood the test of time.
See the living quarters and working areas of the enslaved people who called this house home. Hear their stories and learn their history. It is truly an eye opening experience.
Single House Ticket:
- Adult: $15.00
- Child 6-16: $7.00
- Under Age 6: Free
Combination Ticket:
Or, you can buy a combination ticket, which will get you into both the Nathaniel Russel House and the Aiken Rhett House. If you’re not sure about visiting both, just keep your ticket and take it with you to the other house and they’ll give you the discounted price.
- Adult Combo: $24.00
- Child 6-16 Combo: $12.00
- Under Age 6: Free
Walk Through History at One of Charleston’s Many Plantations
Though they’re a reminder of a darker past, these antebellum masterpieces have morphed into something more in the present day. Walk through history and learn about the foundations of our nation from an entirely different perspective.
Many plantations and historic sites have shifted the narrative and refocused on the lives of the enslaved Africans who made this type of life possible. Hear their stories and learn their history, as well as the history of the families they served.
Many plantations in the area also offer beautiful grounds and breathtaking gardens to enjoy.
The best plantations to visit in Charleston include:
- Drayton Hall
- McLeod Plantation Historic Site
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens; and
- Middleton Place
Check Out the Local Wares at the Historic Charleston City Market
The City Market is three blocks of artists, artisans, music and food. Local crafters come together to showcase the best the Lowcountry has to offer.
Strolling through stalls you’ll find locally made jewelry, jams, honey, housewares and so much more! This is the best place to come to find the perfect souvenir, or just to grab a bite of local fare and browse the amazing creations on display.
Take a Stroll down the Pitt Street Bridge
Just over the bridge in Mt. Pleasant, this hidden gem is a favorite with locals. Once a trolly bridge that connected Sullivan’s Island and Mt. Pleasant, it is now a site for recreation and relaxation.
The paved pathway with ample green space leads to a pier where you’ll catch locals fishing. Benches line the pathway and are a great place to stop for a minute and watch the multitude of birds diving for their dinner in the vast wetlands, or the kayakers paddle lazily by.
This is also a great place to catch an amazing sunset!
Watch the Boats Roll in at Shem Creek
Also located in Mt. Pleasant, Shem Creek Boardwalk is one of the prettiest places in the Charleston area. Offering sweeping views of the city and even all the way out to Fort Sumter, the boardwalk is a great place for a peaceful stroll.
One of the best times to visit is in the evening when the fishing boats return for the night. Seagulls, egrets and even dolphins follow the boats in hoping to catch the scraps thrown over the side. Afterwards you can grab a drink and/or dinner at one of the many restaurants located here and watch a beautiful sunset over the wetlands.
Shem Creek is also a popular place to rent kayaks and get a closer look at the amazing wildlife natural scenery.
Relax, or Party, On One of the Islands
Charleston is in a prime location to sample some of the Lowcountry’s best beach towns. Within 30 minutes of town, you have your choice of several island communities and beaches to visit, each with their own style and personality.
If you only have time for one or two I’d choose from: Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island or the Isle of Palms.
Paddle Through the Mangroves at Cypress Gardens
If you have time, and a rental car, Cypress Gardens is a must see! Located in Moncks Corner, about a 50 minute drive from downtown Charleston, these beautiful gardens have been the filming site for several films including The Notebook — gah!
Admission is just $10 for adults and includes access to miles of walking trails and a self-guided rowboat trail through the cypress mangroves. For just a couple dollars more you can join a tour and let someone else do the paddling.
The gardens are open year round, and each season brings different flora and fauna to enjoy. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in person.
With so much to do and see in Charleston and the surrounding area, I’d suggest spending at least 3-5 days here. These suggestions for the best things to do in Charleston should get you started on your adventure, but there is so much more to do see and taste! Enjoy!