Charleston Top Things To Do

Charleston, South Carolina is a vibrant city that is full of history, culture, and attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. The city was founded in 1670 and was once a major port. Charleston has evolved over the years and is now a popular tourist destination. It is known for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and its laid-back Southern charm. There are plenty of things to do in Charleston, from exploring its historic sites to enjoying its unique cuisine. Here are some of the top things to do in Charleston.

Explore Historic Sites

One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is to explore its many historic sites. The city is filled with buildings and monuments that tell the story of its past. One of the top places to visit is Fort Sumter, which is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Other popular sites include the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, which was built in 1771, and the Old Slave Mart Museum, which is a reminder of the city’s dark past. There are also several historic churches in the city, including St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, which dates back to 1751, and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, which was built in 1680.

Take a Tour

One of the best ways to explore Charleston is to take a tour. There are several tours that are offered in the city, including walking tours, horse-drawn carriage tours, and boat tours. The walking tours are a great way to explore the city’s historic sites and learn more about the city’s history. The horse-drawn carriage tours offer a more leisurely way to explore the city and take in some of its best sights. Boat tours offer a unique way to explore Charleston’s harbor and get a glimpse of some of its most famous landmarks.

Enjoy Unique Cuisine

Charleston is home to some of the best cuisine in the country. The city is known for its seafood dishes, such as shrimp and grits, oyster stew, and she-crab soup. There are also several restaurants that specialize in Lowcountry cuisine, which is a fusion of African and Caribbean flavors. The city also has several excellent bakeries and coffee shops, as well as wine bars and craft breweries. There are also several bars and clubs in the city that serve up some of the best cocktails and craft beers in the South.

Visit Local Markets

Charleston has several local markets that are worth visiting. The Charleston City Market is one of the most popular markets in the city, and it has been open since 1804. The market features artisans selling handmade goods, food vendors selling local seafood, and souvenir shops selling unique souvenirs. The City Market also hosts several events throughout the year, such as art shows and music festivals. Another popular market is the Marion Square Farmers Market, which features locally grown produce and handmade goods from local vendors.

Experience Local Culture

Charleston has a vibrant culture that can be experienced through its music, art, and festivals. The city has several music venues where you can catch live performances from local musicians, as well as larger venues that host national acts. There are also several galleries and museums throughout the city that showcase local and international art. Every year, Charleston hosts several festivals that celebrate its culture, such as Spoleto Festival USA, Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and MOJA Arts Festival.

Book a Tour of Boone Plantation

The Boone Plantation is one of the most popular attractions in Charleston. The plantation was built in 1743 by John Boone and it was once one of the largest plantations in the area. Visitors can take an hour-long tour of the property to learn more about its history and to see its original buildings. The tour includes a visit to the main house as well as a visit to an antebellum slave cabin. Visitors can also explore other parts of the plantation such as the gardens, cemetery, blacksmith shop, and distillery.

Book a Tour of Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie is another popular attraction in Charleston. The fort was built in 1776 and was one of the first forts in America to be used for military defense. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort to learn more about its history and to see its original buildings. The tour includes visits to various parts of the fort such as the powder magazine and barracks as well as a visit to an old Confederate cannon battery. Visitors can also explore other parts of the fort such as an officer’s quarters and a blacksmith shop.