You will be sure to enjoy our list of recommendations for the best things to do in Charleston, SC. From long-time locals who know the city best to vacationers getting ready for their first trip, all may agree that Charleston is a unique and beautiful destination. With its cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and Spanish moss draped trees, it’s not hard to understand why visitors keep coming back. But what makes this South Carolina port town so special?
From beaches to boutiques and world renowned cuisine — there’s plenty to discover in Charleston! We invite you now on a tour of the most popular attractions where you’ll explore some of the city’s history while also enjoying a few surprises along the way. Let’s get started!
Of course, this may vary depending on a variety of things: if you are a college student, at a bachelorette party in Charleston, a newlywed couple, family with kids on vacation, or there for a wedding party… and the list goes on and on. Whatever reason you find yourself in this beautiful, historic, southern town you will, without a doubt, find something fun to do! 🙂
Paul’s sister actually lives in Charleston and it’s only about 3 1/2 hours from Charlotte. We love visiting any chance we get! This travel guide to Charleston SC contains our honest opinion on attractions, beaches, food, and shopping.
Make sure to check out our other travel blog posts here! ☺️
Attractions
1. Stroll Rainbow Road, or Ride in a Horse Carriage
Rainbow road is by far one of the best things to do in Charleston SC consisting of boutiques, restaurants, bars, and much more! You can even rent a horse drawn carriage for fun things to do in Charleston, SC for couples and get a stroll of the historical area!
2. Visit Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter is an essential destination for any Charleston visitor as the location of the battle that ignited the American Civil War.
3. Step Back in Time at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
As the oldest public garden in America, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a must when visiting Charleston. It has been opened since 1870 and resides on a 464-acre property that includes a conservatory, cafe, maze, small zoo, theatre, and more!
4. Go on a Ghost Tour
Did you know that Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in America? The haunted ghost tours tops one of the fun things to do in Charleston, SC for young adults.
5. Walk the Shem Creek Boardwalk
One of the best free things to do in Charleston, SC, Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant’s popular waterfront dining and drinking district, has a park and boardwalk offering panoramic views of the marsh and Charleston Harbor.
Another great travel destination near the coast with a free boardwalk is the Outer Banks, NC.
Food
6. Black Magic Cafe
Black Magic Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily, and is a local favorite! We had it multiple days in a row it was soooo good! 😍
7. Wild Olive
Wild Olive opened its doors in the heart of Charleston’s farming community in 2009. Striving to capture the cultural magic of true Italian dining.
While sourcing as much product locally as possible, the kitchen staff transforms the bounty of the lowcountry into artisanal variations of regional Italian classics. House-made pasta and house-cured salumi are focal points for Chef Larson and his team.
In 2013, Wild Olive became the first Certified Green Restaurant in South Carolina. In its continual commitment to operate an environmentally conscious business, Wild Olive not only purchases the bulk of their product locally, but also recycles and composts 85% of their waste. In essence, the restaurant is not only farm to table, but table to farm.
8. Blind Tiger
The Blind Tiger has always been one of our favorites when visiting Charleston. It is a classic, historical pub serving brunch and lunch/dinner.
9. 167 Raw Oyster Bar
A New England style Oyster Bar in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, SC. The menu highlights the outstanding seafood mecca that is the East Coast, spanning from New Brunswick, Canada to the local waters here in Charleston and beyond.
One of the freshest seafoods Charleston has to offer!
10. Husk Restaurant
Centrally located in historic downtown Charleston, Husk transforms the essence of Southern food. Husk reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in the South.
Beaches
11. Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island consists of a quiet 10 mile stretch of beautiful, pristine waters.
It has everything you need, including an expansive beach, a large swimming area, and onsite amenities like a dressing area, showers, restrooms, grills, and a snack bar!
12. Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is full of local shops, restaurants, and bars that are all just a short walk from the water.
13. Folly Beach
Folly Beach in Charleston, SC, is widely treasured by surfers and beach enthusiasts. Nicknamed “The Edge of America,” the town of Folly Beach exemplifies South Carolina’s Lowcountry lifestyle. If you’re hungry or thirsty, try one of the locally owned restaurants just a few steps from the shore. After that, we recommend parking at Folly Beach County Park, and exploring the area’s wetlands and saltwater rivers.
14. Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms, South Carolina beach is celebrated for its family-oriented atmosphere and vibrant seaside community. You can even enjoy a game of golf before cooling off on the shore. People often savor the beautiful drive to Isle of Palms and stay for an entire day.
15. Johns Island
Johns Island in South Carolina is the largest island in the state of South Carolina.
It is bordered by the Wadmalaw, Seabrook, Kiawah, Edisto, Folly and James islands. The Stono and Kiawah rivers separate Johns Island from its border islands. It is the fourth largest island on the East Coast.
Shopping
16. King Street
From expensive international brands to vintage stores, and one-of-a-kind boutiques, King Street has it all for the shopaholic! One of the top things to do in Charleston this weekend. 😃
You’ll find everything from Apple King Street and the Gap to antique dealers, jewelers, swanky home decor studios, bridal boutiques and custom designer menswear stores.
17. Old City Market
The Historical Charleston City Market is one of the oldest shopping places in Charleston, dating back to 1807. They are home to over 300 entrepreneurs and are open every day of the year besides Christmas!
Parking is plentiful and the surrounding neighborhood is filled with fabulous places to eat, walking and carriage tours, specialty shops, and award-winning hotels.
18. Mount Pleasant Town Centre
The Mount Pleasant Town Centre is a 500,000-square-foot open-air shopping destination set on 51 acres with over 60 stores and restaurants, the Regal Palmetto Grande movie theater, the Hyatt Place hotel, and a beautiful greenspace activated with events. A curated mix of shopping, chef-driven dining, upscale accommodations, community-inspired events, and welcoming gathering spaces draw locals and visitors alike to soak up the luxury of Lowcountry Living and enjoy a day on the Towne.
19. Charleston Farmers Market
The Charleston Farmers Market is a great place to visit for fresh fruits and veggies. They are dedicated to the support and advocacy of Lowcountry farmers, growers, prepared/packaged food, artisans, crafters, live performers and community groups and activities. As one of the best things to do in Charleston, they offer a variety of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans.
20. Shops at Charleston Place
The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place is a self-enclosed upscale mini-mall tucked into the lobby level of the luxury Belmond Charleston Place complex. Its more than two dozen high-end stores include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, L’Occitane and Calypso St. Barth.
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