THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Charleston, SC (2025)
Places to Visit in Charleston
On the itinerary: Historic sightseeing and shopping at Charleston Market by day, haunted tours by night. If you’ve got more time: Day trips to Fort Sumter and Folly Beach. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Charleston.
Culinary Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹9,802
City Toursfromper adult₹2,362
Plantation Toursfromper adult₹2,496
Ghost Toursfromper adult₹3,119
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adult₹3,565
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult₹4,010
Plantation Toursfromper adult₹11,139
Catamaran Cruisesfromper adult₹4,991
Bus Toursfromper adult₹3,306
Cooking Classesfromper adult₹7,931
Historic Sites
Historic Sites
Historical estate featuring America's oldest landscaped gardens and a rich family legacy, complete with scenic trails, vibrant wildlife, and interactive farm animal exhibits.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Historical fort with Civil War roots; includes a museum with enlightening exhibits, participatory flag ceremonies, and scenic ferry rides with historical narration.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Vibrant market showcasing local artisans, with a mix of handmade jewellery, clothing, art, and traditional sweetgrass baskets. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and cultural crafts.
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Historic Sites
Interactive murder mystery show in an intimate theatre, engaging audiences of all ages with laughter and voluntary participation in a light-hearted, PG-rated script.
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Historic Sites
Historical plantation tour with a focus on the realities of the South and the Gullah/Geechee culture, set among picturesque gardens and interactive exhibits.
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Iconic bridge presenting panoramic views and pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, ideal for a scenic walk or bike ride. Connects with charming neighborhoods and historical sites.
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Historic Sites
Aquariums
Marine sanctuary featuring a 60-foot ocean tank, interactive touch tanks, and a dedicated turtle hospital emphasizing conservation and rehabilitation of sea life.
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Historic park shaded by grand oak trees with serene ocean views, Civil War relics, and a gazebo amidst antebellum mansions for leisurely strolls and picnics.
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Other Top Attractions around Charleston
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Lakotah L1 contributionGreat trip to magnolia plantation and Gardens. We did every tour and enjoyed each one of them. The best, by far, was John at the "from slavery to freedom" tour. He, with great tact, brought a very challenging subject to light. He was informational, charming, and engaging.
The nature tour was also fantastic. A great chance for some photos and botanical information.
I definitely recommend coming here, and taking as many tours as you can. If you can't pay for the extras or make the time work, spend your day walking around the gardens and taking in all of the beautiful trees, plants, bridges and more.Written 11 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jodie S1 contributionThis is an absolutely amazing place. We were pleasantly surprised by the amazing design of buildings and rooms. They have a nice happy hour with games you can play. We love that you could just walk to the plantation and walk through the gardens.Written 1 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Suzie GMedford, OR49 contributionsThis was a great tour. There was so much information and the raising of the flag was very special. The boat ride was pleasant with both indoor and outdoor seating. We saw a dolphin which was “extra”.Written 13 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ukie57Rochester, NY179 contributionsSuch a gorgeous area to walk and absorb the southeastern coast from city side. The Pineapple Fountain is a wonderful spot for a remembrance photo. Lots of areas where shade is available for a spot to rest on a hot day.Written 9 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kerry f corcoranLincoln, NE162 contributionsLoved being able to stroll through the market everyday. We stayed about a block away at the Loutrel and it was perfect to walk through every morning. They had every vendor you could possibly need or want.Written 16 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Pauld886Falmouth, MA127 contributionsAn excellent example of a pre-civil war mansion with period furnishings. Our tour guide Joe was outstanding and I highly recommend a tour with a docent. He was able to answer all of our questions regarding the architecture as well as the history of the area and the family that inhabited the mansion. Audio tours are also available.Written 1 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kerry f corcoranLincoln, NE162 contributionsWe wanted something different our last night in town and we were happy to stumble into the Black Fedora. If you like plays, good stories, a good laugh and hilarious audience engagement…..make a stop. We were able to get tickets the day of and had a wonderful experience. They serve drinks and some light snacks.Written 16 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dave BIthaca, NY12 contributionsThis is tour was the antidote for other plantations we visited, where a glossing over of history and truth seemed to be the order of the day. Concentrating on the lives and experiences of the slaves (with stories from their descendants), the tour offered frank insights of disturbing events and noteworthy resilience. If you want to be comforted by the lies that slavery wasn't really all that bad, don't come here. Tour guide Harriet led a master class in truth.Written 5 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Travel 360144 contributionsReally creative design and materials. Elegant and stately. It also makes a great backdrop for pictures. It looked like it was glowing in our pics.Written 8 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jodi PLafayette, LA12 contributionsMy husband was a little hesitant to go on this tour and I couldn't get him to leave! Wonderful history and the home is HUGE. It's amazing to see how these people lived in these days compared to today. You can tell this home was beyond elaborate in its day.Written 5 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Car7177Milwaukee65 contributionsThe ocean tank is really fantastic. Huge Loggerhead Turtle in the tank which was fun to see. We also really enjoyed feeding the Manta Rays. A must if you go! This is right next door to the Fort Sumter Visitor Center so it was easy to walk over there as well. We were there on a rainy day so it was very busy. Still enjoyable but crowded.Written 13 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanju_222323New Jersey17,948 contributionsAt the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula sits White Point Gardens and the Battery. It’s where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet to form the Atlantic Ocean (according to locals), and is a must-see for visitors.
It is a nearly 6-acre historic public park located at the tip of the Charleston Peninsula overlooking Charleston Harbor and Cooper River. The park entrances visitors with its beautiful water views, graceful live oak trees, and historic monuments.
formerly known as Oyster Point – it is a lovely spot to sit on a bench and enjoy the view under the shade of live oak trees.
Amazing history:
Originally, the park was used as a fortification during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and several cannons from both eras remain on site as a reminder of the city's military past.
it hasn’t always been as pleasant as it is now. It’s the first point on peninsular Charleston reached by ships heading up from the harbor entrance. As such, White Point Gardens served military purposes at various times in its history:
a watch tower was built on the location in the late 1680s and locals added cannons and entrenchments in the early 1700s
save time for a break beneath the old live oaks in nearby White Point Garden where several Civil War relics and memorials commemorate the city's role in the battle.
Ocean views, gentle breezes, large shady oak trees, and oyster shell pathways are enough to make anyone want to pull up a blanket and have a picnic on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Today, White Point Garden attracts both locals and tourists to its historic monuments and markers, shaded benches, and gazebo, which hosts weddings and other events.Written 2 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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