Top things to do in historic Charleston, SC

My husband was stationed in Charleston, S.C. when he served in the Air Force a few decades ago. When he recently retired, we thought Charleston would be a perfect destination. And it was – especially since I am all about history. Additionally, several of our friends currently live in South Carolina. So they made the road trip down for a very fun and overdue reunion.

While several historical venues provided my husband and me with complimentary admission, opinions are always my own. I just wish we could have stayed longer. A long weekend was much too short. We will be back to add to our top things to do in Charleston, S.C.

Special thanks to the following for providing us with guest passes:

• Explore Charleston Visitor Center
• Bulldog Tours – Graveyards and Ghost Tour
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site
• Aiken-Rhett House Museum
• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
• Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum: USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, USS Laffey Destroyer, Vietnam Experience Exhibit, and the Medal of Honor Museum

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List of the top things to do and see in historic Charleston S.C.

Here is a list of the top things to do in Charleston, S.C.

• Charleston CVB
• Bulldog Tours – Graveyards and Ghost Tour
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site (pictured)
• Aiken-Rhett House Museum
• Charleston Battery, Rainbow Row
• Charleston City Market
• Charleston Museum
• Edmondston-Alston House
• Folly Beach Pier
• Fort Sumter
• Four Corners of Law
• Heyward-Washington House
• Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant
• Joseph Manigault House
• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
• Middleton Place
• Nathaniel Russel House
• Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
• Old Slave Mart Museum
• Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum: USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, USS Laffey Destroyer, Vietnam Experience Exhibit, aircraft, and the Medal of Honor Museum
• Waterfront Park and Pineapple Fountain

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First Stop: Charleston Visitor Center

If you’re a first-timer, I highly recommend visiting the Charleston Visitor Center in historic downtown. Here you can learn more about the history, events, things to do, hotels and lodging, dining and nightlife, and create or borrow an itinerary that’ll provide lifelong memories.  

The address for the Charleston Visitor Center downtown location is 375 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. They are open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

You can find two other visitor centers in Charleston:

• Kiawah Island Visitor Center; 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC (closed on the weekends)
• Mount Pleasant Visitor Center, 99 Harry M. Hallman, Jr. Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)

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McLeod Plantation Historic Site

For a moving, poignant, and enlightening experience, tour the McLeod Plantation Historic Site in Charleston, S.C. While you’ll have the opportunity to wander the beautiful oak-lined alleys and the first floor of the beautiful mansion, it’s the stories that will stay with you. This tour is a living tribute that shares well-researched and authentic stories of the enslaved men, women, and children of this sea island cotton plantation and their transition to freedom.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site address: 325 Country Club Drive, Charleston, SC 29412. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special thanks to McLeod Historic Site for hosting us. Read my full review here: McLeod Plantation – Best Historic Tour in Charleston, S.C.

Another one of the best tours in Charleston, S.C.: Graveyards and Ghost Tour

We love walking tours and exploring historic cemeteries. So the Graveyards and Ghost Tour was a perfect activity to learn more about the legends of Charleston, S.C. A local tour guide shares eerie ghost stories while leading you on a nighttime stroll through the historic district and several graveyards.

Special thanks to Bulldog Tours for hosting my husband and me. Opinions are always my own.

During this 90-minute walking tour of the Historic District, you’ll learn about the darker side of Charleston. What’s unique about this tour is that you’ll actually go inside the locked gates of graveyards that date back to the 1600s and 1700s.

Graveyards and Ghost Tour / Bulldog Tours Address: 18 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Hours: Graveyards and Ghost Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

See my full review and more details about additional Charleston S.C. tours offered by Bulldog Tours: Best Ghost and Graveyard Tour in Charleston, S.C.

Visit Aiken-Rhett House Museum in Charleston, S.C.

Add Aiken-Rhett House Museum to your Charleston, S.C. itinerary. Built in 1820, Governor William Aiken, Jr., his family, and descendants lived in this Greek Revival mansion for 150 years beginning in the 1830s. Much of the interior is original and untouched since the 19^th century.

You can learn about the history and architecture of the Aiken-Rhett House through a self-guided audio tour which takes you to several places, including:

• Servant’s Hall
• Enslaved Quarters
• Stable and Carriage House
• Bedchambers
• Drawing Room
• Art Gallery
• Library
• Double Parlor
• Piazza (wrap-around porch / veranda)

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You can download an app prior to your visit or use their audio device.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum address: 48 Elizabeth Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 4:15 p.m. at Aiken-Rhett House Museum.

Note: You can save $6 by purchasing combo tickets for the Aiken-Rhett and Nathaniel Russel House Museums.

Special thanks to Aiken-Rhett House Museum and Explore Charleston Visitor Center for providing us with guest passes.

Take in history and beauty: Charleston Battery and Rainbow Row

If you like a little bit of history and beauty, take a walk down the promenade overlooking Charleston Harbor. You’ll find the Charleston Battery, a historic and defensive seawall, at the end of the peninsula. The adjacent White Point Garden commemorates Charleston’s role in Civil War history. This garden features several monuments, lots of shade, and views of Fort Sumter.  

This neighborhood is also home to the famed and picturesque Rainbow Row. A baker’s dozen of colorful Georgian row homes line up across from the waterfront promenade.

Charleston Battery address and hours: 2 Murray Blvd., Charleston, SC 29401; open daily 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Support local artisans at the Charleston City Market

Local small-business artisans display and sell their goods at the historic Charleston City Market. This cultural must-do attraction in Charleston first opened in 1807. Today, it’s open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. And the night market with more local vendors and musical talent runs March through December on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. You’ll find convenient parking right across the street in this historic district.

The Charleston City Market is a great opportunity to shop small and support local businesses. Some of the highlights are sweetgrass baskets, handmade jewelry and clothing, food, and more.

Charleston City Market address: 188 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit The Charleston Museum – oldest museum in the U.S.

We arrived at the Charleston Museum a little too early on a Sunday and didn’t make it back. So we will need to return to the oldest museum in the United States. The Charleston Museum offer several permanent exhibits and special exhibits, including:

• Lowcountry History Hall – focus on Native Americans , colonists, and enslaved people
• The Armory – historic weaponry from the 18^th to the 20^th century.
• Becoming Americans: Charleston in the Revolution
• City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War
• Bunting Natural History Gallery
• Kidstory – interactive, hands-on children’s exhibit
• And more

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The Charleston Museum address:  360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Hours are Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.; closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

Tour the historic Edmonston-Alston House

Located on the harbor and near the Charleston Battery, the historic Edmonston-Alston House offers a look into the 19^th century. Your can take guided tours of this Federal and Greek Revival home built in 1825 – nearly 200 years ago.  

Time did not allow us to tour the Edmonston-Alston House so on our to-do list when we return to Charleston.

Edmonston-Alston House address: 21 E. Battery, Charleston, S.C. 29401. Tour hours are Monday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Stroll the Folly Beach Pier

Take a short drive from Charleston, S.C. to Folly Beach Pier where you can stroll the pier, saltwater fish, swim, or sunbathe. Note that it can get busy in the summer so allow extra travel time.

The Folly Beach Pier extends 1,049 feet out over the Atlantic Ocean. You can fish right off the beach, take a walk, or sit on one of the plentiful benches to take in the beautiful views. Called Edge of America, the Folly Beach Pier is 25 feet wide and 22 feet above sea level.

Folly Beach Pier offers:

• Fishing rod rentals
• Gift and tackle shop
• Ice cream and snacks
• Restrooms
• Beach access
• Oceanfront dining

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Note that pets are not allowed on the Folly Beach Pier and no lifeguards are on duty. Parking is available in lots and on the street. Parking may be limited during the summer.

Folly Beach Pier address: 101 E. Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439. Hours for the Folly Beach Pier are:

• 8 a.m. to sunset; January, February, December
• 7 a.m. to sunset; March, November
• 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; April through October
• Note that fishing on their pier is not allowed after sunset

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Fort Sumter – take a historic tour of where the Civil War began

I am so disappointed that time did not allow us to tour Fort Sumter. So it’s a definite must-do when we return to Charleston, S.C.

This national historical park offers the Civil War began offers 2 ¼ hour tours of Fort Sumter along with harbor boat cruises. You can board your tour boat from downtown Charleston or nearby Mount Pleasant. Once you arrive at Fort Sumter, you can take a self-guided tour.

Fort Sumter departure address:

• Fort Sumter Visitor Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
• Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

You can find the latest tour times on the Fort Sumter website.

Walk to the Four Corners of Law

At the intersection of Meeting and Broad Streets in Charleston, S.C., you’ll come across what’s known as the Four Corners of Law. Each corner features a historic building that represents ecclesiastical/religious, city, state, and federal law. We learned about this unique historical landmark during our ghost walk.

• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (1761)
• Charleston City Hall (1804)
• Charleston County Courthouse (1792)
• U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse (1896)

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Tour Heyward-Washington House

Another historic home  I’d like to visit next time I’m in Charleston, SC: Heward-Washington House. Built in 1772, it’s the former home of one of the Declaration of Independence signers., Thomas Heward. This Georgian-style double home also features beautiful gardens. The Washington part of the name comes from our first president. George Washington rented this home for a week in 1791. Self-guided audio tours are available.

Heyward-Washington House address: 87 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29403; hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Dine at the historic Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant

We loved the food, service, and ambiance at the historic Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant. Established in 1890, this Charleston landmark started as a wholesale dry goods store. And it’s still owned by the same family. Today, Hyman’s Seafood is considered the most reviewed mom-and-pop restaurant in the U.S. There’s also a really good chance that a celebrity you recognize has dined at your table. You’ll find brass plaques on the tables. Our table featured Dolly Parton among others.

Hyman’s Seafood doesn’t take reservations. So get there early and expect a long line. But it’s worth the hype. And if any member of your party doesn’t like seafood, there are many other options like salads, deli sandwiches, and the classic Southern fare of chicken and waffles.

Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant address: 215 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401; hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or when business slows down)

Visit Joseph Manigault House

The Joseph Manigault House is another historic home on my list to visit the next time I’m in Charleston, S.C. Built in 1803, this historic home features a stunning spiral staircase, a gate temple overlooking a garden, historical outbuildings including slave quarters and a stable, and historic pieces from the early 19^th century.

Joseph Manigault House address: 350 Meeting House, Charleston, SC 29403; open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.

Stroll through the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Add the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to your itinerary when visiting Charleston, S.C. It’s located about 13 miles from the historic downtown area. However, it is worth the drive. You can explore 66 acres of gardens, 6 miles of walking and biking trails, romantic bridges, a bamboo garden, Audubon Swamp Garden, wildlife observation tower, and river views. And then there’s the actual plantation home and guided tours. It’s a lot to cover in one day. So it’s awesome that your garden admission is good for one additional visit within one year.

The historic Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, established 350 years ago, was once a working rice plantation. Highly recommend taking the From Slavery to Freedom tour to learn more about the people who designed, built, planted, and maintained the grounds and labored in the rice fields and house first as enslaved workers and later as paid garden staff.   

You can also take the Nature Train Tour where you’ll learn more about the Lowcountry plants and animals (including alligators). The Magnolia House tour gives you insight into the life inside the plantation home between 1870 and 1975. A seasonal wildlife boat tour is also available. Note that the Magnolia House and boat tours are sold separately from the general admission ticket.

Special thanks to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Explore Charleston Visitor Center for providing us with guest passes.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens address: 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414; open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tour the historic Middleton Place

So many historic places in Charleston, South Carolina that it was impossible to see everything in a long weekend. When we return, Middleton Place will definitely be a must-experience tour.

Middleton Place is the oldest landscaped garden and home to a declaration of Independence signer. With origins dating back to 1741, Middleton Place is also a National Historic Landmark. Additionally, daily guided tours include Beyond the Fields: Enslavement at Middleton Place, Garden Overview, and Meet the Historic Breeds (stable yards).

Middleton Place address: 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414; open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Christmas Eve (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and closed Christmas Day.

Visit the Nathaniel Russell House

I am a huge fan of historical fans. So will definitely visit the Nathaniel Russell House on my next Charleton, S.C. adventure. This neoclassical home built in 1808 features a three-story staircase and is a National Historic Landmark.

Nathaniel Russel House address: 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414; open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Note: You can save $6 by purchasing combo tickets for the Aiken-Rhett and Nathaniel Russel House Museums.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

A Revolutionary-era historical site built in 1771, the Old Exchange Building served as a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters, and, today, a museum. The British converted the bottom floor into a military prison, the Provost – aka dungeon.

Fun fact: The Old Exchange building is one of only three structures remaining where the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Source: oldexchange.org

You can take a self-guided tour of the top two floors of the Old Exchange and then a guided tour of the Dungeon – included with the price of admission.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon address: 122 East Bay Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401; hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

Become enlightened at the Old Slave Mart Museum

Another historic and important museum to add to your must-do Charleston, S.C. itinerary, the Old Slave Mart Museum. It’s believed this is the only known building used as a slave auction site still in existence. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Slave Mart Museum was built in 1859. This is the first African-American slave museum, often staffed by descendants of the enslaved people of Charleston, S.C. According to the Old Slave Mart Museum, up to 40% of all enslaved people entered the U.S. through Charleston. So it is very important to educate and share these stories to honor them.

Old Slave Mart Museum address: 6 Chalmers Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401; hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday.

Experience Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum: USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, USS Laffey Destroyer, Vietnam Experience Exhibit

One of the best places to visit in Charleston, S.C. is Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. This historical attraction features the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, USS Laffey Destroyer, the interactive Vietnam Experience Exhibit, Cold War Memorial, the Medal of Honor Museum, and more. Additionally, this is where you can catch the boat over to Fort Sumter (additional cost). Or purchase a helicopter tour of the area.

With nearly 1 million square feet of interactive exhibits, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum offers several hours of educational insight.

Special thanks to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and Explore Charleston Visitor Center for providing us with guest passes.

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464; hours: March 1-Sept. 8; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sept. 9-Feb. 28; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day; closes early on 4^th of July and New Year’s Eve.

USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier – Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum

The USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier is nearly 900 feet long where you can take a self-guided tour on many floors of the ship. Saying it’s ginormous is an understatement. The USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier served in the US Navy from WWII through the Vietnam War. Highlights include numerous aircrafts, the Apollo Spacecraft, an engine room experience, and a walk on the actual flight deck.

USS Laffey Destroyer

While the USS Yorktown towers over next door, the USS Laffey Destroyer is pretty impressive also. The most decorated WWII destroyer still in existence measures 376 feet in length. This ship served in Normandy on D-Day at the Utah Beach landing site. It was later commissioned to the Pacific Theater during WWII. When it was attached by 22 bombers and kamikazes, the USS Laffey earned the nickname, The Ship That Would Not Die.

The Vietnam Experience Exhibit

This 2.5-acre exhibit transports you to the Vietnam War with realistic buildings and audio for a poignant experience of what soldiers endured. Highlights include:

• Observation Tower
• Quonset Hut
• M35A2 Truck
• Mess Hall
• Helicopters
• River Patrol Boat
• Sit-down theater and video
• And more

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Slow down at Waterfront Park and Pineapple Fountain

Make sure to check out the picturesque Waterfront Park in Charleston. This 100-acre green space overlooks Charleston Harbor and Cooper River. With 1,000 feet of coastline, you can relax, stroll along the oak alley or pier, watch sunsets, boats, birds, picnic, fish, and more.

Here is where you’ll also find the popular Pineapple Fountain. And, yes, you can wade in the fountain to cool off. Pets are not allowed in the Pineapple Fountain.

Children especially also love the splash fountain that’s also found within Waterfront Park.

Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain address: 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401. The Pineapple Fountain is open 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily.

Charleston, S.C. series of the top things to do

Check out my other blog posts in this top things to do in Charleston, S.C. series.

• Guide to the best haunted tour in Charleston, S.C.
• Best tours in Charleston, S.C.: Charleston Trolley Tours
• Top things to do in Charleston, S.C.

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