Welcome to Charleston, NC: Your Guide to Things To Do

Charleston, North Carolina is a historic city situated along the Atlantic coast. Founded in 1670 by English settlers, it’s the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the United States. The city is known for its picturesque streets and squares, as well as its rich history and culture. Charleston is also a popular destination for tourists, offering a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. From museums and monuments to outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Charleston. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best things to do in Charleston, NC – from tours and attractions to shopping and dining – and provide you with a few helpful tips to make your visit to Charleston a memorable one.

About Charleston

Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina, with a population of over 133,000. It’s also the second-largest metropolitan area in the state. With its distinct architecture, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Charleston is one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States.

Charleston has a deep history that dates back to its founding in 1670. The city was one of the first colonies in the United States and was an important hub of commerce and industry during the Revolutionary War. Today, it’s home to several historic sites and monuments, including Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

The city is also well-known for its culinary scene. Charleston is home to some of the best restaurants in the United States, from upscale seafood restaurants to low-key local joints. The city also hosts multiple farmers markets and festivals throughout the year that celebrate its unique culture and cuisine.

Things To Do In Charleston

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there are plenty of things to do in Charleston. From museums and monuments to outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions, here are some of the best things to do in Charleston:

Explore Historic Sites & Monuments

Charleston is home to a number of historic sites and monuments that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. From Fort Sumter to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, there are plenty of sites to explore in Charleston.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Located in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument was the site of the first shots of the Civil War in 1861. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that offers guided tours, educational programs, and exhibits about the fort’s history. Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or take a guided tour for an in-depth look at the fort and its history.

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is one of the oldest surviving structures in Charleston. Constructed in 1771, it served as a trading post, customs house, and prison during its long history. Today, it’s open to visitors who can explore the building’s rich history and learn about its many uses over the centuries.

The Battery

The Battery is a historic waterfront park located at the tip of Charleston peninsula. The park was originally used as a defensive wall against naval attacks during the early days of Charleston’s settlement, but today it’s a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Visitors can explore the park’s Victorian-era homes, monuments, and cannons, as well as take a stroll along its scenic waterfront walkway.

Tour Historic Neighborhoods & Churches

Charleston is home to several historic neighborhoods and churches that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. From cobblestone streets lined with antebellum houses to clapboard churches steeped in history, there are plenty of places to explore on foot or by horse-drawn carriage.

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is one of the most iconic streets in Charleston. Located along East Bay Street, it’s a row of 13 colorful houses that date back to the late 18th century. The houses are open to visitors who can explore their bright facades and learn more about their history.

French Quarter

The French Quarter is one of Charleston’s oldest neighborhoods and was once home to French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Today, it’s a popular destination for visitors who can explore its cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and churches. Visitors can also visit local boutiques and galleries or take a carriage tour for an up-close look at the neighborhood’s historic architecture.

St. Michael’s Church

St. Michael’s Church is one of Charleston’s most famous churches and is located in the city’s French Quarter neighborhood. Built in 1761, it’s one of the oldest religious buildings in the United States and offers guided tours that take visitors inside its historic interior. Visitors can also explore its cemetery or attend Sunday services to experience its beauty first-hand.

Visit Museums & Galleries

Charleston is home to several museums and galleries that offer an insight into the city’s past and present. From art collections to maritime exhibits, there are plenty of places to explore during your visit to Charleston.

The Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art is one of Charleston’s most famous museums and is located in historic downtown Charleston. It features an extensive collection of American art from the 18th century onwards, as well as changing exhibitions on different themes throughout the year. Visitors can also explore its sculpture garden or take part in educational programs for an up-close look at American art history.

South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is one of Charleston’s most popular attractions and offers visitors an up-close look at aquatic life from around the world. The aquarium features over 10,000 animals from more than 400 species and offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. It also hosts special events throughout the year, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.

Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum is America’s first museum and is located in downtown Charleston. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Charleston’s past, including Native American relics and colonial-era items such as furniture and clothing. Visitors can also explore changing exhibitions on different themes throughout the year or take part in educational programs to learn more about the city’s history.

Visit Plantations & Gardens

Charleston is home to several historic plantations and gardens that offer visitors a glimpse into life on a Southern plantation during the 18th century. From grand houses surrounded by lush gardens to picturesque rice fields, there are plenty of places to explore when visiting Charleston.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is one of Charleston’s oldest plantations and is located on Magnolia Plantation Road. The plantation features several historic buildings, including a 19th century manor house surrounded by lush gardens and ponds. Visitors can explore its many trails on foot or by guided tour for an up-close look at its history and beauty.

Middleton Place

Middleton Place is another popular plantation located on Ashley River Road in downtown Charleston. It features an 18th century manor house surrounded by formal gardens, as well as several outbuildings that offer visitors a glimpse into life on a Southern plantation during the 18th century. Visitors can explore its gardens on their own or take part in educational programs for an up-close look at its history and beauty.

Drayton Hall

Drayton Hall is another historic plantation located on Ashley River Road in downtown Charleston. Built in 1738, it is one of the oldest surviving houses in America and offers visitors an up-close look at life on a Southern plantation during colonial times. Visitors can explore its gardens on their own or take part in educational programs for an in-depth look at its history and beauty.

Take A Tour Of The City

If you want to get a feel for what life is like in Charleston, there are plenty of tours available that will give you an up-close look at all that this historic city has to offer. From historic walking tours to boat tours around Charleston Harbor, there are plenty of ways to explore this unique city on your own terms.

Historic Walking Tour Of Charlestowne Landing

Take a tour around Charlestowne Landing for an up-close look at this historic city’s past. You will get an introduction to some of Charleston’s oldest buildings as you wander through cobblestoned streets lined with antebellum homes and charming shops. This tour will also show you some historical sites such as St Michael’s Church, The Battery and Rainbow Row as well as more modern attractions like Waterfront Park and The Gadsden Flag Monument. Book an Historic Walking Tour Of Charlestowne Landing here.

Drayton Hall Plantation Tour

Take a tour around Drayton Hall Plantation for an up-close look at this landmark’s history and beauty. Learn about the people who lived here from plantation owners to enslaved people as you explore its 18th century manor house surrounded by formal gardens filled with lush vegetation . Take part in educational programs for an in-depth look at its history and beauty or enjoy scenic views along Ashley River Road during your tour. Book a Drayton Hall Plantation Tour here.

Boat Tour Of Historic Homes Of Charleston Harbor

Take a boat tour around historic homes of Charleston Harbor for an up-close look at some of this city’s most beautiful landmarks from your own vantage point on board a boat! This tour will take you by colonial-era mansions such as William Moultrie House as well as modern luxury homes with stunning views over Ashley River Road . Enjoy scenic views along your journey as you learn about these houses’ history from your knowledgeable guide! Book a Boat Tour Of Historic Homes Of Charleston Harbor here.

Conclusion

From historic sites and monuments to museums and galleries, there are plenty of things to do in Charleston, North Carolina! Whether you want to explore historic neighborhoods or take a tour around Charlestowne Landing, this guide has provided you with plenty of tips for making your visit to Charleston a memorable one!