15 Best Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina

Planning a trip to Charleston? We’ve got you covered!

We didn’t expect Charleston to get under our skin the way it did, but between the pastel facades, shady verandas, and salty sea breeze, it’s a place that stays with you. There’s a calm energy here, even in the busiest parts of town, and a strong sense of pride in the people who call it home.

In this guide, we’re sharing 15 incredible activities that really brought the city to life for us, from hidden history walks and boat rides through the marshes to food tastings that still have us dreaming.

If you’re ready to experience the heart of Charleston, one unforgettable stop at a time, let’s get into it!

Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina

1. See the city’s alleyways and historic sites with a local guide

This small-group walking tour feels like being let in on a local secret, weaving through quiet alleyways, tucked-away gardens, and stories that bring old Charleston to life. From the moment the route dips into the first hidden passage and the noise of the main streets fades, it’s clear this tour reveals a side of the city many visitors miss.

Over the course of two hours, the guide leads guests through tucked-away passages and peaceful courtyards, each with its own story. These aren’t just scenic shortcuts; many date back centuries and were once used by merchants, tradespeople, and even revolutionaries.

One standout stop is the Heyward-Washington House, the former home of Thomas Heyward, one of the original signers of the United States Declaration of Independence. The guide shares plenty of fascinating history here, adding deeper context to an already impressive landmark.

The small group size makes it easy to ask questions and spend a little extra time in quieter spots. It’s a relaxed, slower-paced experience that rewards those who enjoy the details.

For anyone wanting to uncover a side of Charleston that hides in plain sight, this tour is a great place to begin. It offers a deeper appreciation for just how much history exists beyond the city’s well-trodden streets.

2. Explore Charleston’s historic streets on a horse & carriage ride

We’ll admit it, we were a little skeptical about this horse-drawn carriage tour at first. Was this going to be too touristy? But as soon as we met our guide, John, and his gorgeous horse, Roddy, we knew we were in for something special.

Roddy was calm and clearly a local celebrity, while John had the kind of storytelling style that made every stop along the way come to life.  By the time we were rolling past pastel mansions and moss-draped oaks, we were completely won over.

This is Charleston at its most iconic, and honestly, it was one of the most relaxing ways to take in the city’s history. The ride lasts about an hour, and John shared stories about everything from antebellum architecture to Revolutionary War heroes.

Each carriage gets assigned a route by the city when it departs, so you might roll through the residential South of Broad neighborhood or get a closer look at historic churches and public buildings. Either way, you’re in for postcard-worthy views around every corner.

We passed by grand homes with intricate ironwork and secret gardens tucked behind high gates. One of our favorite stops was hearing the backstory of a home once owned by a cotton merchant, it’s those kinds of personal touches that brought the history to life.

The slow pace makes it perfect for soaking in the views and snapping photos—ideal for first-timers, families, or anyone skipping the walking. No surprise this ended up being our favorite tour!

3. Snap photos at Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is one of those places you’ve probably seen before without even realizing it, and once you’re standing there, it completely lives up to the hype. This stretch of 13 pastel Georgian-style homes is easily Charleston’s most recognizable photo spot, with soft pinks, blues, yellows, and greens lining the street in a way that feels almost too perfect to be real.

But there’s more to it than just pretty colors. These homes date back to the 1700s, originally built as merchant houses along the harbor when this area was a bustling commercial hub. By the early 1900s, they had fallen into disrepair, but a major restoration effort in the 1930s brought them back to life, and in many ways, helped spark Charleston’s entire historic preservation movement.

It’s a quick stop, usually 10 to 15 minutes, but it’s one you won’t want to skip. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are still thin, making it much easier to get that perfect shot.

4. Learn Civil War history at Fort Sumter

For visitors wanting to go beyond Charleston’s streets and experience its history from a different perspective, this Fort Sumter tour combines two must-dos: a peaceful harbor cruise and a deep dive into Civil War history. From the moment the ferry departs, with views of Rainbow Row and the Battery slipping by, it’s clear this is an experience to remember.

The ride across Charleston Harbor is about 30 minutes each way, and it’s beautiful—pelicans skim the water, sailboats drift past, and the skyline slowly unfolds in the distance. But the real impact comes once visitors dock at Fort Sumter, the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861.

Standing on the windswept grounds, looking out at the same harbor cannons that once stood guard, it’s hard not to feel the weight of that history.

There’s plenty of time to walk around the fort’s ruins and explore the onsite museum, which provides powerful context around the events that unfolded here. From preserved artillery to original flags, the exhibits are thoughtful and moving. Rangers are also on hand to answer questions, often sharing lesser-known stories that bring the past to life.

The full tour lasts around two hours, and the ferry offers both indoor and outdoor seating for all weather. It’s a great fit for history buffs, families, or anyone looking for a meaningful break from the downtown crowds.

5. Stroll The Battery & White Point Garden

A walk along The Battery is one of the best ways to experience Charleston’s history and coastal charm all at once. This scenic promenade curves along the waterfront, lined with grand historic mansions on one side and open views of Charleston Harbor on the other.

Originally built as a defensive seawall during the Civil War, The Battery still holds onto that history today. As you make your way toward White Point Garden, you’ll pass Civil War cannons, historic monuments, and massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss, giving the whole area that classic Southern feel.

The views are just as memorable as the history. From here, you can watch sailboats glide across the harbor, spot distant bridges, and catch some of the best sunset views in the city.

Walking is the most popular way to explore, but biking is also a great option if you want to cover a bit more ground at a relaxed pace. It’s an easy route from Rainbow Row, making it simple to add to your itinerary.

One thing to keep in mind is that this area has very little shade along the seawall itself, so it’s best to go earlier in the morning or later in the evening, especially in the warmer months.

6. See Charleston from the water and relax on a private sailboat

This private sailing charter was pure Lowcountry bliss. The moment we stepped aboard, everything slowed down, the hum of the city faded, and all we could hear was the flap of the sails and the gentle splash of water against the hull (before the tunes came on!). It’s a peaceful, scenic, and easily one of the most relaxing ways to take in Charleston.

The cruise is also fully private, so it’s just you, your group, and the captain, no crowded decks or set itineraries. We sailed past historic sites like Fort Sumter and the Battery, with the Charleston skyline glowing in the afternoon sun. It’s the kind of experience that feels totally unhurried. 

Charters are for up to six people, so it’s best to bring along friends and family if you can, which helps make the already reasonable price even more affordable!

Our captain was friendly, professional, and happy to customize the route based on what we wanted to see. We decided to go past Castle Pinckney and circle back toward the marina as the sun started to dip, and wow, we might have just about filled up our phones with photos of the sunset!

This tour is ideal if you’re celebrating something special or just want a quiet escape with a few friends. It’s a totally different perspective on Charleston, and one we’d happily do again.

7. Relax at Waterfront Park

When Charleston’s heat and busy streets start to catch up with you, Waterfront Park is the perfect place to slow things down. Set right along the harbor, this green space offers open views of the water, shaded walking paths, and plenty of spots to sit and take a break.

The star of the park is the Pineapple Fountain, a well-known symbol of hospitality in Charleston. Its unique design makes it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks—and in the warmer months, it doubles as a splash-friendly spot where kids (and honestly, adults too) can cool off.

Beyond the fountain, a wide pier stretches out over the water, lined with benches that are ideal for relaxing and watching boats drift by. You’ll also get a great view of Fort Sumter in the distance, which adds a bit of historical context to the scenery. It’s an easy place to linger, whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment or just taking in the coastal scenery.

Waterfront Park is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the light reflects off the harbor and casts a calm, golden glow across the whole area.

Best of all, it’s right in downtown Charleston, making it easy to pair with nearby stops like Rainbow Row or the City Market.

8. Discover Charleston’s haunted history on a ghost walking tour

It’s hard to say what stands out more on this haunted ghost walk, the eerie stories or the lively pub stops, but this tour delivers a great mix of both, blending spooky tales, local history, and a fun, laid-back vibe. For anyone into haunted history with a social twist, this tour is a must.

Led by guide Vannah, the experience takes guests through some of the city’s oldest (and most haunted) corners, where the past feels especially close. The route includes stops outside shadowy alleyways, crumbling graveyards, and once-infamous inns, with stories of pirates, prisoners, and souls that never quite left.

The stories are grounded in real events and historical figures, which makes them all the more chilling. Between ghostly tales, the tour includes stops at a few historic pubs where guests can grab a drink, mingle with the group, and take a breather before heading to the next haunted spot.

The pace is enough walking to explore without overdoing it, and the mix of old-world bars and lantern-lit streets gives it a storybook feel. It’s a 21+ experience and a great fit for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a unique evening out.

For a night of haunted history paired with historic watering holes, this tour offers a spirited way to experience Charleston.

9. Take an eco boat cruise to Morris Island Lighthouse

If you’re craving a peaceful escape from the busy streets of downtown Charleston, this small-group cruise is the perfect getaway. Drifting through saltwater creeks toward the remote Morris Island Lighthouse, you’ll get a whole new perspective on the Lowcountry.

You’ll board a small flat-bottomed boat, which makes for a smooth ride through the creeks and waterways. Along the way, your captain helps you keep an eye out for local wildlife, like dolphins and egrets, that call these calm creeks and marshes home. This stretch of coastline is largely undeveloped, which is why it still feels so wild compared to downtown Charleston.

The atmosphere stays calm and unhurried, giving you plenty of chances to take photos and simply soak in the views. If you’re into photography, later afternoon departures tend to have the best light, especially as you approach the lighthouse.

The real highlight is arriving near Morris Island. The lighthouse there is striking—remote, weathered, and standing all alone just offshore. You can’t walk up to it, but seeing it from the water is unforgettable, especially with the sun hitting the horizon behind it.

This tour lasts about two and a half hours and is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone looking to get off the beaten path. If you want to see a wilder side of Charleston and enjoy its coastal beauty, this trip is a must!

Related Read: To make sure you have the best time possible in Charleston, we’ve created this detailed 3-day itinerary that visits all the best places and hidden gems!

10. Taste your way around Charleston

This 3-hour food tour felt like spending an afternoon with a friend who knows all the best local spots, and isn’t shy about ordering seconds. Set in Harleston Village, it was a perfect mix of Charleston’s Lowcountry flavors, neighborhood charm, and behind-the-scenes stories we would have had a hard time finding on our own!

We tasted a little bit of everything, from buttery biscuits to coastal shrimp dishes to a surprisingly addictive local specialty we’d never even heard of (we won’t spoil the surprise!). 

Each stop was chosen for a reason, and our guide, Sydney, made it easy to appreciate not just the food but the people behind it. Along the way, we learned how Charleston’s culinary traditions have evolved and how this neighborhood fits into the broader story of the city.

The pace was relaxed, with plenty of time to sit, savor, and ask questions. We especially loved that the tour is offered in both small-group and private options, so whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends, it’s easy to find the right vibe.

This is a great pick for food lovers who also want to explore Charleston beyond the main historic core. You’ll leave full, and probably already planning where to go back for dinner!

11. Explore the Charleston City Market

Right in the heart of downtown, the Charleston City Market is one of the best places to get a feel for the city’s local culture while picking up a few unique souvenirs. Stretching across several blocks in a series of open-air sheds, it’s easy to wander through at your own pace, popping in and out of vendor stalls as you go.

The market dates back to the 1800s and is still home to a wide mix of local vendors selling everything from handmade goods to regional treats. One of the biggest highlights is the sweetgrass baskets, a traditional craft unique to the Lowcountry. These intricate, handwoven pieces are made by local artisans using techniques passed down through generations, making them one of the most meaningful things you can take home from Charleston.

Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a fun place to browse and soak up the atmosphere. For the best experience, try to visit in the morning before the crowds build, especially during peak travel seasons. Most vendors are open from around 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Keep in mind that not all vendors accept credit cards, so you might want to bring a bit of cash if you’re planning to buy something—and you should, since it’s a great way to support local artisans and help keep these traditions alive.

12. See Charleston from the water on a guided kayak adventure

Charleston’s natural beauty really shines once you get out on the water, and this kayaking tour was the perfect way to see it up close. From tidal creeks to wildlife encounters, it felt like paddling through a living postcard of the Lowcountry.

Led by a local naturalist, the tour lasts about two hours and sticks to calm, beginner-friendly waterways—no experience needed! Our guide, Aiden, was full of knowledge and super easy to talk to, pointing out oyster beds, explaining how the tides shape the landscape, and helping us spot wildlife along the way. We saw herons, egrets, and even a pair of dolphins cruising along.

The small-group setup also really added to the experience—we had just eight people (including us) on our tour! It felt relaxed and personal, with plenty of space to take it slow, ask questions, and just enjoy being out on the water. The marsh views were beautiful, especially as the light started to shift near sunset.

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone looking to get active without breaking a sweat. It’s a great alternative to traditional sightseeing, and a refreshing reminder of how alive Charleston’s coastal ecosystem really is.

If you’re up for a gentle adventure with incredible views, this kayak tour is a must-do!

13. Visit the iconic Angel Oak Tree

Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, the Angel Oak Tree is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in the South, and it’s absolutely worth the trip. Estimated to be around 400 to 500 years old, this massive live oak has stood through centuries of change, surviving hurricanes and becoming a lasting symbol of the region’s natural heritage.

What makes it so striking is its size and shape. The tree’s sprawling branches stretch out in every direction, some supported by the ground beneath them, creating a canopy so wide it almost feels like stepping into another world. It’s easily one of the most photographed spots in the area, but seeing it in person puts its scale into perspective in a way photos just can’t capture.

The site itself is simple, with a short walk from the parking area that leads you directly to the tree, making it an easy and accessible stop.

Just arrive earlier in the day if you can. This is a popular spot, and while it never feels crowded in the traditional sense, visiting in the morning makes it easier to take in the tree’s full scale with fewer people around.

Located about 20 minutes from downtown, with free parking available, it’s an easy addition to any Charleston itinerary.

14. Visit the Middleton Place Plantation

This 3-hour Middleton Place tour is a great fit for travelers who want plantation history and scenery without turning it into a full day commitment. With a maximum of six travelers, it has the kind of small group feel that usually leads to a better experience. You can hear the guide clearly, ask questions as you go, and move at a comfortable pace!

It starts with hotel pickup and a narrated drive through Charleston’s Old and Historic District, which doubles as a quick city orientation. Along the route you pass highlights like Rainbow Row, White Point Garden, the High Battery, St. Michael’s Church, and the Exchange building, with the guide adding context and a few local details that make the streetscape feel more meaningful than a simple drive by.

At Middleton Place, the tour focuses on the estate’s big draws, such as the plantation home which is open to the public, the working farmyard, and the formal gardens. Middleton Place is widely known for having America’s oldest landscaped gardens, and the design is made for slow strolling, photos, and taking in the Lowcountry setting.

The main drawback is that admission is not included and is paid separately, around $47 USD per person, so it’s worth budgeting for upfront. The upside is that you are really paying for the parts that make the day easy and enjoyable. Having a guide to add context, hotel pickup so you do not have to sort transport, and a small group size helps make the visit feel far more relaxed than arranging it on your own.

15. Learn about prohibition in a speakeasy cocktail-making class

This cocktail class felt like stepping straight into the 1920s, tucked behind an unmarked door in downtown Charleston, with jazz in the background and vintage glassware waiting on the bar. It’s part history lesson, part hands-on mixology workshop, and 100% fun!

Led by our local bartender, Logan, who was seriously knowledgeable and had great energy, the experience dove into Charleston’s Prohibition past while teaching us how to make (and enjoy) three expertly crafted cocktails. 

We learned about the ingredients, techniques, and stories behind each drink, from bootleggers and secret codes to the city’s hidden drinking culture during the dry years. There were plenty of laughs, a few surprises, and even some vintage bartending tools to try out ourselves.

What made it even better was the setting. The speakeasy space is dimly lit and full of character, with a curated vibe that makes you feel like you’re in on something special. It’s intimate, with limited spots, so you get a lot of personal attention and time to ask questions.

This one’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who loves cocktails with a twist of history. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a memorable evening out, it’s a unique way to taste a different side of Charleston.

Where to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, finding the right place to stay can make all the difference. From its cobblestone streets and pastel mansions to its historic waterfront and vibrant food scene, Charleston is packed with charm, and your accommodations should match the experience.

Whether you’re looking to splurge on luxury, enjoy the comforts of a mid-range stay, or stick to a budget without sacrificing quality, we’ve rounded up the best hotel options around the city.

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Bennett Charleston is the epitome of Southern luxury, nestled in the heart of the historic district with a near-perfect location score of 9.8. From its rooftop pool and city-view suites to an indulgent spa and elegant dining options, every detail is designed for a high-end stay. The grand interiors, impeccable service, and proximity to Charleston’s top sites make it a favorite among couples and luxury travelers.

Room rates typically range from $500–$1,000+ USD per night. Check availability and book your luxury stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hyatt House Charleston/Mount Pleasant is a standout mid-range option offering spacious studio-style rooms with full kitchens, ideal for longer stays or family getaways. Guests enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, a relaxing outdoor pool, and a fitness center. The hotel’s quiet yet convenient Mount Pleasant location puts you just minutes from downtown Charleston and nearby attractions like Patriots Point and Sullivan’s Island.

Room rates typically range from $160–$240 USD per night. Check options for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Hyatt Place North Charleston is a smart, budget-friendly stay offering spacious rooms with cozy seating areas, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Guests enjoy a free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and easy access to dining and attractions nearby. With comfortable beds and friendly staff, it’s a solid pick for both short getaways and longer stays in the Charleston area.

Rooms can start at just $96 USD per night. Head to Booking.com to check availability and secure your stay!

For more hotel options, check out all of Charleston’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

We didn’t expect Charleston to linger in our memories quite like it has, but between the mossy oaks, rich history, and warm hospitality, it’s a city that gets under your skin in the best way. From scenic tours and historic sites to local flavors and coastal adventures, we hope this guide has helped you discover some unforgettable ways to experience Charleston.

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