Where to Go and What to Do in Charleston?

When you think of Charleston, you may think of antebellum mansions, romantic cobblestone streets, and some of the best Southern cuisine in the United States. Located along the coast in South Carolina, Charleston is one of the most charming cities in America, and it’s a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Whether you’re looking for activities to fill your days or restaurants where you can sample the local food, here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit and things to do in the Holy City.

Historic Landmarks and Attractions

When it comes to things to do in Charleston, exploring the city’s many beautiful landmarks should be at the top of your list.

• The Battery: Grab a blanket and a picnic lunch and head to The Battery at the tip of Charleston’s peninsula. From here, you can watch cruise ships, sailboats, and yachts glide past in the harbor while admiring the stunning views of Fort Sumter and Sullivan’s Island.
• Rainbow Row: This row of 13 colorful Georgian-style homes, believed to be built back in 1748, will delight your inner artist. With its picture-perfect pastel facades and idyllic setting, Rainbow Row is a photographer’s dream come true.
• Fort Sumter National Monument: A crucial site during the start of the American Civil War, visitors to Fort Sumter can take boat tours and learn about the nation’s history with interactive exhibits, Ranger-led tours, and more.
• Charleston City Market: Dating back to 1804, this thriving open-air market has it all—local produce, art, souvenirs, crafted goods such as jewelry and pottery, souvenirs, and more.
• USS Yorktown: Get an up-close look at 35 restored aircraft, including vintage biplanes and helicopters, on board this WWII fighter carrier at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Food and Drink

Charleston is well-known for its delicious food. You simply can’t leave without treating your taste buds to some delicious Southern-style fare. Whether you’re longing for Lowcountry favorites such as shrimp and grits or barbecued ribs, you’ll find plenty of restaurants to satisfy your appetite. Here are a few spots that are popular with both tourists and locals alike:

• Hominy Grill: For Southern comfort food classics prepared with a modern flare, many locals will point you in the direction of Hominy Grill. Thanks to recipes from its much-loved chef, Robert Stehling, Hominy Grill has been featured on the Food Network and in various publications.
• 82 Queen: This two-storied tavern has been around since 1983 and it’s still a favorite for its genuine Southern hospitality and top of the line dishes such as its award-winning grits.
• FIG Restaurant: FIG stands for Food Is Good and this restaurant is certainly living up to its name by using local ingredients from farmers markets to create its wonderful dishes.

No visit to Charleston would be complete without stopping by a few watering holes for an ice-cold beer or signature cocktail. Whether you prefer a craft microbrew or classic martini, you’ll find plenty of bars and pubs that offer something refreshing. Here are some local favorites:

• The Daiquiri Deck: Head to this lively waterside joint for great daiquiris, frozen margaritas, live music, and beach views.
• McCradys: Sample whiskeys from around the globe at McCradys bar where the bartenders put their spin on classic drinks such as Manhattans.
• The Bar at 164: This chic townhouse bar serves craft cocktails made with local ingredients with a no-nonsense approach.

As you can see, Charleston has plenty of attractions both outdoors and indoors to keep visitors entertained. From its vibrant arts scene to some of the best Southern cooking in the United States, this historic city has something for everyone who visits. Whether you want to explore a few salt marshes, take random walks down cobblestone streets, or learn all about Civil War history—you won’t run out of things to do in Charleston. Bon voyage!

Insider’s Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re looking for a city that’s steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, then Charleston is the perfect destination for you. This city is known for its captivating architecture, friendly Southern charm, and laid-back vibes. While the popular tourist spots are certainly worth visiting, it’s the lesser-known hidden gems that will truly make your trip unforgettable. Here are some insider tips on where to go and what to do in Charleston.

Hidden Attractions

While Charleston is full of tourist attractions such as the Charleston City Market and the Battery, some lesser-known places are worth exploring. For instance, The Angel Oak tree on Angel Oak Road is one of Charleston’s best-kept secrets. It is believed to be around 400 to 500 years old and offers a stunning view in the whole area. Another hidden gem is McLeod Plantation, a historic property that tells the story of Gullah Geechee culture and the important role enslaved Africans played in shaping Charleston’s history. It’s a unique experience that few people know about, yet it offers valuable insights into the city’s complex past.

Local Cuisine

Charleston has a wealth of restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the South. The city’s cuisine is a blend of African, Caribbean, and European influences, which makes for a unique and delicious dining experience. One must try dish is shrimp and grits. For the best shrimp and grits in Charleston, head to Hominy Grill, where they serve it up with a spicy tomato sauce. Another dish to try is the She-Crab Soup at the Charleston crab house, which features crab roe and sherry, and truly represents Charleston’s cuisine.

Cultural Experiences

When in Charleston, you have got to experience its vibrant culture – whether through music, festivals, or art. One immersive and cultural experience is the Charleston City Market. It’s bursting with charm and sells handmade items created by locals who are mostly descendants of slaves who worked in this area. You can watch artisans create their goods while learning about the area’s history. Another highlight is the annual Spoleto Arts Festival, where you can catch performances of music, dance, and theatre from all around the world.

Historical Stories

Charleston’s history is captivating and dramatic, full with stories of survival, conflict, and unity. For a truly unique experience, book a trip to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. For a deeper dive into the city’s African-American history, step into the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. You will be moved to hear about Charleston’s Gullah people who have retained their African heritage for the last 300 years.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something more unconventional, then consider taking a tour of Charleston’s spooky side. Dozens of graveyards in Charleston make possible a haunted graveyard tour. The H.L. Hunley Submarine tour is another unique experience, where you can explore the world’s first successful combat submarine. And for something a bit more mellow, take a stroll through the Holy City’s lush and inviting gardens such as the Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Charleston is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. We hope this insider’s guide has inspired you to go beyond the usual tourist spots and experience Charleston like a local. It is a city that will leave you captivated, and we’re sure you will fall in love with it just as much as we did.