Charleston, SC, is a paradise for the senses.
Charleston has a rich history and culture that makes it one of the most distinctive destinations in the world. From historic landmarks to natural beauty to delicious food, there is so much to explore! With a stunning waterfront district, you’ll find art galleries, shops, restaurants, and gorgeous scenery right on your own doorstep.
Charleston hospitality will make you feel at home, and there’s always something going on––from spring blooms to warm summer nights – that will delight your taste buds while showing you why Charleston is one of the top spots in America!
Charleston’s rich culture provides opportunities for learning like never before. They offer hundreds of historical landmarks, from plantations to museums to churches. The city is also brimming with parks, gardens, and green spaces, so if you’re looking for a little fresh air (and maybe a barbecue or two), you’ll find it here!
Charleston has attracted visitors for years due to its unique charm and history.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina
1. Be Mesmerize With Bright, Full of Sunshine, and Colorful Buildings in Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a historic, colorful row of three-story, square-shaped Charleston houses on East Bay Street. The colors of the buildings work with one another to create a burst of color that can be seen for miles away. Anything from red to yellow to purple is visible on the street, allowing visitors to experience an old-world warmth and whimsy.
Intricate carvings and wrought iron fences make these three homes iconic landmarks in America’s history. The houses were constructed in the late 18th century. They have survived hurricanes, the Gilded Age, and even the Civil War. Today they are used as a part of Rainbow Row tours.
2. Explore Charleston’s Waterways by Paddleboarding Under the Moonlight
Charleston is a city known for its historical culture, beautiful scenery, and plenty of fun activities. But what’s an activity that not many people know about? Paddleboarding under the moonlight in Bohicket Marina! Since Charleston is home to many marshes and estuaries, these waterways provide the perfect paddleboarding at night.
Charleston also has plenty of natural light in the evening hours as the sun dips into the horizon. So bring your friends, grab some boards from Bohicket Marina, and be one of the few who can say they tried this adventurous activity! It may be just what you are seeking for to complete your list of upcoming fun adventures.
3. Search for Supernatural Experience by Ghost Tours or Ghost Walks at Old Charleston City Jail
There are several things to do in Charleston, but if you’re looking for something different from the norm, a ghost walk or spiritual tour of Old Charleston City Jail might be perfect.
The old city jail still stands until this day. The tour guides who take people on walks through the cells claim this spot is one of America’s most haunted buildings. They will also talk about a good mystery- or at least get your mind filled with fictional tales about what happened inside the cells during its years as a prison.
Suppose you’ve never been on a ghost walk before. In that case, they’re sort of like walking tours where instead of focusing on history and architecture as they usually do, these walks focus largely on ghosts and unexplained phenomena.
4. Get Washed Away by Waves at the Washout
When you’re seeking for unique things to do in Charleston, South Carolina’s oldest coastal city, visiting Washout is a must. And when it comes to the highest tides on Earth, this is as good as it gets.
The Washout is a natural, channelized wave that spills over both sides of the Cape Romain Bridge when the tide is especially high. It’s part of a tidal estuary in Charleston Harbor, and it’s become a favorite spot for Charleston locals and tourists alike.
5. Explore the Long Miles of Paved and Scenic Trails at Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is a long, low-barrier island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, with miles of scenic and paved trails that are perfect for hiking. Travelers looking for new and unique things to do who are also interested in nature will be interested in exploring Kiawah Island.
The island is a narrow ribbon of land about 20 miles long, depending on where you measure from. On the south end, it is closely guarded by the wild outer reaches of Folly Beach, while on the north end, it adjoins Seabrook Island and historic Edisto Beach.
Kiawah Island’s unique features make it a quintessential vacation destination, offering plenty to see and do, along with many popular fun-filled activities for both kids and adults! For those traversing with children or who are young at heart, the island has plenty of kid-friendly activities.
6. Visit Charleston Tea Plantation or America’s Largest Tea Plantation
The tea plantation in Charleston is a wonderful place for anyone to visit. If you enjoy tea, then this is the perfect place for you! The plantation has over 30 miles of pathways that are parallel to the coastline. With small conservation areas in between each path, you can explore and walk along these trails. Many types of animals are found on the site, so it may be worth coming just to see the wildlife!
Once you’ve finished exploring the plantation, visit the place where tea was first experimented with. The Hemingway House is a house on the way up to the plantation. Anyone who is in Charleston with interest in history will definitely enjoy this building.
The plantations also offer tours throughout their entire grounds, so you can learn about the history of this site and find out more about how they grow their tea (from planting it to making it) and more.
7. Head Out to the Open Ocean and Enjoy a Fishing Trip
Do you want to take the very best fishing trip in the Charleston area? Then, make your way up to Folly Beach and enjoy a fresh fish for dinner as you watch the sunset! The ocean is not too far from the city, so it’s a perfect way to enjoy some incredible nature.
While many charter fishing trips concentrate their efforts on local Lowcountry hotspots such as Kiawah Island or Folly Beach, highly experienced captains know where the fish at. So, no matter where you anchor, you can expect at least a few bites of fishes such as barracuda, triggerfish, and red snapper at the very least.
8. Have a Visit at the Oldest Unrestored Plantation in America
Travelers looking for something unique to do in Charleston, SC, should visit Drayton Hall Plantation. The plantation’s ruins are located on the Black River. In 1787 James Drayton purchased a large plot of land from the British government to establish a plantation, and his family name was made famous in North America from the name of this property.
Many people worldwide have visited or own copies produced by this popular book about blacksmithing, especially because one of his descendants wrote it. Visitors can learn more about James Drayton and his family’s history while exploring what remains on site today at Drayton Hall Plantation.
9. Spend an Afternoon at the Stunning Gardens of Middleton Place
Middleton Place has a fantastic history of over 160 years and is currently still being maintained as a plant nursery. But what makes this place extra special is the sheer beauty of nature that it offers.
Some of the more popular features at Middleton Place are the natural landscapes, including ornamental gardens with beautiful flowers and plants. The gardens are beautifully landscaped in traditional Charleston style – as seen in the striking architectural gateways and corner pillars.
Some paths make for easy access to all areas around the plantation house, which is situated atop a gorgeously contoured knoll with stunning views across Charleston’s historic Battery area and beyond Mount Pleasant.
10. Luxury Cruise Is One of the Good Things About Charleston
If you spend enough time in Charleston, you might want to try something different. But, on the other hand, if you’re a traveler looking for things to do in Charleston, cruising on the luxury cruise ship might be worth trying.
The luxury cruise is unique in that it offers an experience that’s not only new but fun and exciting. It allows travelers the opportunity to see sea backdrops and take pictures of them from their outdoor observation deck.
Various quality shipboard activities can be done during one’s stay on board, such as cooking classes or taking part in card games with other passengers.
11. Witness One of the Oldest Living Oak Tree of the Mississippi River on Johns Island
The Angel Oak on Johns Island is a one-thousand-year-old live oak tree that has been registered as a National Historic Landmark. It is also the last living oak of the Mississippi River. There are many opportunities to explore and marvel at this tree with its spectacular, deep-green canopy protecting it from sunlight.
The springtime flowers spread throughout the canopy give visitors an enchanting view of nature in all seasons. Take a moment to walk through the magical Angel Oak and experience nature’s endless beauty firsthand!
12. Sign Up for a Guided Fossil Hunt at Charleston Fossil Adventures
Charleston Fossil Adventures is the oldest and most trusted fossil discovery site on the east coast. They offer an opportunity for travelers looking to explore Charleston uniquely, or individuals who want to get away from the crowds at North Charleston, or anyone who simply wants to check out some ancient rocks.
Charleston Fossil Adventures teaches how to identify fossils. A qualified and experienced fossilist will also help you create your own collection of interesting objects from 100 million years ago! Curious about what kinds of materials Charleston fossil hunting uses? You can ask some of their experts that work with fossils created from bones, shells, teeth, and parts of plants.
13. Learn the Historical Significance of Fort Sumter National Monument
When travelers visit Charleston, they should find their way to Fort Sumter National Monument. Charleston was founded in 1670, and Fort Sumter protected it for the next two hundred years. Fort Sumter contains a museum with various interesting artifacts, including weapons from the Civil War. It also has beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. All these artifacts and sights make Fort Sumter a great place to visit.
So, there are many things to do in Charleston that a lot of travelers don’t know about or have never experienced. For example, you can witness the oldest living oak tree on the Mississippi River on Johns Island. You can also enlist for a guided fossil hunt at Charleston Fossil Adventures. Finally, you can also take a tour of Fort Sumter National Monument and learn about its historical significance.
The best thing about Charleston, SC, is that there’s always something for everyone. There are tons of things to do and see in this city, from museums to the natural environment. In addition, with the welcoming atmosphere of Southern hospitality, you can’t help but feel at ease and right at home.
For a more personal touch on what a traveler might find attractive about visiting Charleston, we have created a list of things that will give you an experience you’ll treasure for years to come. We hope you’ve found something you ought to visit in this article.
Where are you planning to travel next? Before your next vacation, you may find these guides useful. You can find a complete list of articles on our website. It will make you want to grab your bag and go!