Answers to “What is the Best Thing to do in Charleston, South Carolina?”

When it comes to sites with Southern charm and hospitality, it’s tough to beat Charleston, South Carolina. Whether you’re into historic landmarks, outdoor activities, or just want to relax and enjoy some of the city’s southern cooking, there’s something here for everyone. In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the best things to do in Charleston.

Visit historic landmarks and noteworthy buildings

Charleston is steeped in history, and to really appreciate what it has to offer it’s worth taking a few hours to explore the city’s buildings and monuments. The city is home to a plethora of beautiful landmarks and notable buildings like the 1712-built Heyward-Washington House, the Greek Revival-style Calhoun Mansion, and the iconic 29-story Gateway Tower.

Heyward-Washington House

The first thing on your list should be the Heyward-Washington House. Built in 1712, this iconic landmark is a great place to stop for a history lesson. The house was part of the family estate of Thomas Heyward Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was also used as a hospital during the Revolutionary War. Today, the house is open for guided tours and houses exhibits on local history and culture.

Calhoun Mansion

Next on our list is the Calhoun Mansion, located near the Ashley River. Built in 1876, this “Palace on the Ashley” was modeled after a Renaissance palace in Florence, Italy. The house sits on nine acres of grounds with charming gardens filled with roses. It also houses a collection of 19th century antiques, artwork, and furniture.

Gateway Tower

Rounding out our list of noteworthy buildings is the Gateway Tower, which is located just outside of downtown. This 29-story skyscraper stands at 502 feet tall and is home to office space, a medical clinic, and the top floor observation deck which has some incredible views of downtown Charleston and the surrounding area.

Explore outdoor activities and nature

If spending an afternoon exploring historic landmarks isn’t your thing, Charleston offers plenty of options for enjoying the great outdoors. There are plenty of green spaces, parks, and trails in and around the city, making it perfect for those who love to get outside and explore nature. Here’s a look at some of the best outdoor activities in Charleston.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a day at the beach but don’t want to drive too far from the city center. This barrier island offers plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball, skateboarding, jet skiing, and more. Plus, there are some great restaurants nearby so you can refuel after a day of beachcombing and watersports.

Battery and White Point Gardens

The Battery and White Point Gardens are two of the city’s most popular outdoor spaces. This area is located along the harbor and is home to some Civil War cannons that date back to 1861. It also offers spectacular views of Charleston Harbor as well as historic rain trees that were planted in 1837. It’s a great place for a romantic stroll or picnic with stunning harbor views.

Middleton Place

Located just outside of city limits is Middleton Place – an 18th century plantation that was once home to the South’s wealthiest family during Colonial times. Today, the estate offers 65 acres of gardens and grounds that feature fountains, ancient oaks, azaleas and boxwoods. Visitors can also explore the plantation house museum and have lunch at one of its restaurants before taking a boat tour or horsebacking ride along the Ashley River.

Experience local culture and cuisine

One of the best experiences you can have in Charleston is sampling some of its local culture and cuisine. From seafood restaurants to art galleries to live music venues, there’s something for everyone here no matter what type of experience you’re looking for.

Small eateries and family-owned restaurants

Charleston has no shortage of great seafood restaurants where you can indulge in dishes like shrimp & grits, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, and fried oysters. But there are plenty of great small eateries worth exploring as well. There are also lots of family-owned restaurants where you can get a taste for authentic Lowcountry fare – like fresh she-crab soup or mouth-watering BBQ ribs!

Live music venues

Charleston is brimming with live music venues where locals come out to enjoy a night out on the town. Popular spots include the Palace Hotel in downtown Charleston – which has live DJs spinning old-school hip hop & R&B – as well as King Street’s Music Farm – which hosts national touring acts from a variety of genres.

Joining a Pub Crawl Tour

For something completely unique, join Charleston Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl by Viator. This tour takes you through some of Charleston’s most popular bars for an evening filled with friendly locals, locals stories about their city, discounts on drinks, souvenirs from each bar visited and so much more. Not to mention all pubs visited are located near each other so there is minimal walking involved! This tour is incredibly popular amongst locals and tourists alike who are looking for a fun night out with friends or just want to experience some culture while having a good time. So if you’re looking for a unique way to get introduced to some local pubs in Charleston then consider joining the Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl tour! You won’t regret it. Click here to book your ticket now.

As you can see there are plenty of things to do in Charleston South Carolina – from exploring historical landmarks to indulging in local cuisine or joining an evening pub crawl tour – that make it one of the best destinations in America to visit! Whether you’re looking for some outdoor activities or just want something to do on your next vacation, this guide is sure to have something that will spark your interest in this charming situation in South Carolina’s lowcountry!