A Guide to the Must-See Attractions of Charleston

Charleston is a city with a rich and vibrant history. Located in the southeastern United States, it is the largest city in South Carolina and the second largest city in the state. Founded in 1670, Charleston has grown to become an important cultural, economic and historical hub of the South.

The city is known for its stunning architecture, friendly people, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to many top-rated restaurants and unique boutiques. Visitors come from all over the world to explore its landmark sites, enjoy its Southern hospitality and soak up its unique charm.

Charleston has a wide variety of attractions to explore. From historic sites to outdoor activities, there is something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the must-see attractions in Charleston and provide some insight into what makes this city so special.

Historical Sites

Charleston is known for its rich history and there are several sites in the city that are worth visiting. The Old Exchange Building is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States and was built in 1771. The building served as a meeting place for important political and social events. Today, it houses an interesting museum with exhibits about the city’s history.

Another popular destination is the Magnolia Plantation. This plantation was established in 1676 and is the oldest surviving plantation in the United States. It is home to the oldest public gardens in the country and offers guided tours of the grounds and gardens. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the Ashley River and enjoy spectacular views of the plantation from the water.

The Charleston City Market is another popular attraction. Established in 1804, it is one of the oldest public markets in America. The market features more than 200 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to local produce and art. It is a great place to pick up souvenirs and get a taste of local culture.

Outdoor Activities

Charleston has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. One of the most popular is a visit to Sullivan’s Island. This small island is located just off the coast of Charleston and features beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great place to spend a day relaxing on the beach or exploring the island’s trails.

Folly Beach is another popular beach destination in Charleston. Located just south of downtown, Folly Beach offers visitors stunning views of the nearby ocean and plenty of activities like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The beach is also home to many restaurants, bars and shops, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon exploring.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is another popular outdoor destination for visitors to Charleston. The bridge spans two miles over the Cooper River and provides spectacular views of both downtown Charleston and the harbor. Visitors can take a walk or bike ride across the bridge or enjoy a leisurely stroll along its pedestrian walkway.

Shopping & Dining

Charleston has a wide variety of shopping and dining options available. King Street is one of the most popular shopping areas in the city, with many shops offering unique items from local artisans and boutique stores. It’s also home to some of Charleston’s best restaurants, including Magnolia’s, Husk, and FIG, which offer everything from Southern-style cuisine to international fare.

The City Market is another popular spot for shopping and dining in Charleston. This historic market has been around since 1804 and offers visitors a variety of handmade crafts, art, jewelry and souvenirs from local vendors. It’s also home to some delicious food stalls offering everything from Southern barbecue to fresh seafood dishes.

Charleston also has several malls and shopping centers for visitors looking for more traditional shopping options. The Citadel Mall, Northwoods Mall, Tanger Outlets, and Town Center are all excellent options for those looking for clothing stores, department stores, specialty shops, and more.

Popular Tours

There are several popular tours that visitors can take to get an up close and personal look at some of Charleston’s most interesting attractions. One of these tours is the Historic City Tour which takes visitors through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row, White Point Gardens, Fort Sumter, Battery Park and more. This tour takes place on a double decker bus and includes an informative guided narration about each stop along the way. Book a Charleston Historic Tour here.

For those looking for a more adventurous tour, there’s also the Low Country Wildlife Tour which provides an up close look at some of Charleston’s native wildlife like alligators, deer, birds and more. This tour takes place on a boat that travels through some of Charleston’s scenic marshlands and swamps and provides visitors with an opportunity to see some of nature’s most beautiful creatures up close. Book a Low Country Wildlife Tour here.

Finally, visitors can also take a tour of the nearby Morris Island Lighthouse which was built in 1876 and still stands today despite being battered by hurricanes over the years. This tour offers visitors stunning views of Morris Island and Folly Beach as well as a chance to learn about this historic lighthouse’s fascinating past. Book a Morris Island Lighthouse Tour here.

Conclusion

Charleston is an amazing city with plenty of attractions to explore and enjoy. From historical sites to outdoor activities and shopping, there’s something for everyone in this charming Southern city. Whether you’re looking for an interesting tour or just want to soak up some sun on one of its beautiful beaches, you’re sure to find something to do in Charleston that will make your trip memorable.