Things To Do In Downtown Charleston Sc

Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful city with a unique blend of modern amenities, impressive historical sites, and vibrant culture. Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston is the oldest and largest city in the state. Founded in 1670, it was one of the first cities in America and has preserved its rich history and culture to this day. As the birthplace of the Civil War, Charleston is filled with historic sites and museums that reflect its fascinating past.

The downtown area is a popular destination for tourists who come to experience the city’s charm and explore its many attractions. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there are plenty of things to do in downtown Charleston. From historic sites and monuments to parks and museums, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Historic Sites and Monuments

One of the best ways to experience the history of Charleston is to explore its many historic sites and monuments. There are numerous sites in downtown Charleston that tell the story of the city’s past, from Revolutionary War-era buildings to Civil War-era forts.

The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in downtown Charleston. Built in 1771, it served as a customs house, post office, and jail during the Revolutionary War. Today, visitors can take a guided tour to explore the underground dungeon and learn about the city’s history.

Nearby, visitors can also explore the Old Slave Mart Museum. The museum is located in the heart of downtown Charleston and pays tribute to the city’s tumultuous history with slavery. The museum features interactive exhibits, art installations, and artifacts that tell the story of Charleston’s slave trade.

Also located in downtown Charleston is Fort Sumter National Monument. This historic fort was the site of the first shots of the Civil War in 1861. Visitors can take a ferry ride out to the fort to explore its grounds and learn about its role in American history.

Parks and Gardens

Downtown Charleston is home to several parks and gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic lunch. There are numerous public parks throughout the city, including White Point Garden and Waterfront Park. White Point Garden is a gorgeous green space located along the waterfront and is perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Meanwhile, Waterfront Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It has several miles of scenic trails perfect for walking, biking, and jogging.

For those looking for something more tranquil, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is the perfect spot. This peaceful garden is home to more than 500 species of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as several ponds and walking trails. Visitors can explore the grounds on a guided tour or take a peaceful stroll through the gardens on their own.

Museums

Downtown Charleston is also home to several museums that are perfect for a day filled with learning and exploration. The city’s most popular museum is The Charleston Museum, which is the oldest museum in America. It features exhibits on natural history, art, and local history, as well as several rotating special exhibitions. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s past and its role in American history.

For those looking for something more modern, there’s The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. This innovative museum showcases contemporary art from around the world with rotating exhibitions throughout the year. It’s a great place to explore new artwork and gain a deeper understanding of modern art.

Finally, there’s The Confederate Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the history of the Confederate States during the Civil War. The museum features artifacts from the war, including weapons, uniforms, flags, paintings, and more.

Popular Tours in Downtown Charleston

Downtown Charleston offers several unique tours that give visitors an inside look into the city’s culture and history. One popular tour is the Historic Charleston Walking Tour which takes visitors through some of Charleston’s most iconic neighborhoods including South of Broad Street, French Quarter, and Ansonborough. The tour lasts around two hours and includes stops at some of Charleston’s most notable landmarks such as Rainbow Row and Washington Square Park. Guests will learn about the history of these neighborhoods as well as see some of their most impressive architecture.

Another popular tour is the Ghost & Graveyard Tour which takes visitors on a 90-minute journey through some of downtown Charleston’s most haunted sites such as St Phillips Church Graveyard and Unitarian Church Cemetery. The tour guide will provide guests with stories about Charleston’s haunted past as well as tales about some of its most notorious ghosts. Guests will also have the chance to visit some of Charleston’s oldest graveyards where they can explore headstones dating back centuries!

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day exploring gardens and parks or an exciting adventure discovering historical sites, downtown Charleston has something for everyone. From museums and monuments to tours and gardens, there are plenty of things to do in downtown Charleston that will make your visit to this beautiful city truly unforgettable!