Location: Charleston
Top Things to do in Charleston
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Charleston That You Shouldn't Miss
Historic Charleston is bursting with Southern charm and hospitality. The city feels a bit like it’s suspended in time, thanks to its antebellum architecture and surrounding plantation landscapes. Take in incredible views of the Battery and the French Quarter as you stroll the Waterfront Park, then become inspired by the cultivated beauty of the gardens at Middleton Place. At night, try a ghost tour for an introduction to the spooky side of the city.
Restaurants in Charleston
1. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,377 reviews
History comes alive as Colonial dressed guides talk about Pirates, Patriots and Presidents! Explore the location where pirates were once held and view a section of the 1698 fortification that once protected the Walled City. Completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House, recognized today as South Carolina's most historic building. Where Patriots were imprisoned, the Constitution was ratified and George Washington was entertained.
Reviewed By CharlieV2011 - Chicago, United States
What a great site to visit, especially so close to July 4 ????????! I enjoyed my visit here. The guided tour of the dungeon was interesting, with stories of events surrounding political prisoners, gun ammo storage, and English tea! Upstairs, you will see artifacts that date back to the 1700’s and 1800’s such as portraits, weapons, and handmade/woven items! You will also read interesting stories about events and about historical figures. Great way to learn about history and be in the same room as important people once stood!
2. The Charleston Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,039 reviews
The Charleston Museum, America's First Museum, founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. We invite you to explore this rich, varied history at the Museum and its two National Historic Landmark houses, The Joseph Manigault and Heyward Washington Historic Houses. All are located downtown, in America's Most Historic City. Featuring: Lowcountry History, Historic Armory, Charleston in the Revolutionary War, "City Under Seige" (civil war), The Bunting Natural History Gallery, Kidstory, and Historic Textiles Gallery.
Reviewed By robinbeam - Oklahoma City, United States
We went to this museum as part of our Charleston Tour Pass. It is small, but very well curated. The display of local silver was lovely. They also have items from a local whale skeleton to an Egyptian mummy. Very eclectic.
3. Fort Sumter National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,603 reviews
Learn all about this storied spot of the first clash between the Union and Confederate armies in the Civil War, in which the Union forces finally surrendered after a 34-hour bombardment by the Rebels.
Reviewed By lrb06901
Knowledgeable NP rangers at the visitor center, lovely boat ride and memorable flag raising ceremony in the morning for those that helped AND watched to raise our flag.
4. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,816 reviews
South Carolina's Most Visited Plantation and Gardens. National Registry of Historic Places. Ancient Oak Avenue. Tours full of History. World Famous Gardens of the 19th Century "Romantic Style". Selected by Travel + Leisure (2014) as the only South Carolina garden deemed one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens". Reconstruction Period Plantation Home Tour. Award Winning Slave Cabin Tour. Very popular Nature-Train Tour. Rice Field Boat Tour. Family Oriented. Petting Zoo and Nature Center. Audubon Swamp Self-Guided Tour. Amazing Nesting Rookery. If you have only one Plantation to see, don't miss us!
Reviewed By barnettmail64
Had a wonderful trip around plantation lots to see Very interesting plus fabulous little petting zoo Shawn our driver was brilliant made the trip Good knowledge and vey informative Passionate about magnolia gardens Would definitely recommend a lovely day out
5. Audubon Swamp Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
A 60-acre preserve where visitors observe many wildlife habitats.
Reviewed By SmartCharleston - Charleston, United States
I have been here many times over the years. It is very relaxing and the perfect place for photographers!! The lake is beautiful and reflects the blue of the sky. There are lots of yellow water flowers in the summer. May birds nest there, egrets and their young have a colony. Because of the extra cost most tourist do not go there, so it is very quiet and tranquil.
6. College of Charleston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. The College offers a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities and cutting-edge programs.
Reviewed By robinbeam - Oklahoma City, United States
This is a gorgeous college campus that is the oldest municipal college in the US. It is well incorporated into the surrounding community. The architecture is beautiful.
7. Charleston Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,246 reviews
Top quality black car services for executives, luxury resorts and hotels, select weddings and events. Group transportation, trip planning and airport transfers.
Reviewed By Nomad757901 - Winston Salem, United States
Whether you're visiting Charleston for the first time or 100th time the Visitors Center is a great place to start. There's so much to read about and great history shared. There's brochures for many of the places to visit as well as coupons for discounts in the area. I love taking first time visitors here
8. The Citadel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 737 reviews
A historic military college best known for its Moorish-inspired architecture.
Reviewed By DayTrip593509
My grandson is a 3rd classman (sophomore} at The Citadel so I have visited the campus several times over the past couple of years. Apart from the barracks (which are open to non-cadets only a few times a year) outsiders are welcome to explore the campus. The campus is pretty impressive. Must-sees are the chapel, the bookstore, and a small museum. There is also a parade of the entire regiment MOST Friday afternoons while school is in session, complete with band, bagpipes and cannon. (Be sure to check the on-line calendar for times and dates.) Apart from those engaged in PT, cadets will be wearing uniforms. Cadets are uniformly polite and helpful to visitors and should be able to answer questions. Remember that they are probably on the way to class or some other obligatory event, so keep it brief. You will probably observe some cadets moving around campus at double-time. These are "knobs" (4th classmen / freshmen). Bottom line, if you're in Charleston while school is in session (Aug - May), you should add a Citadel visit to the list of things to do
9. Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,516 reviews
Bright green public space overlooking the coast: great for picnics and lounging.
Reviewed By Global_Coug - Houston, United States
Charleston is quite a charming city. The older part of town towards the battery is sort of like the best of Philadelphia's Independence neighborhood and the French Quarter in New Orleans, except clean and safe. This is a great place to walk and see beautiful antebellum houses as well as Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.
10. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 614 reviews
A historic village recreating the life and times of America's early settlers.
Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States
My wife and I visited Charles Towne Landing while in Charleston with our dog. The grounds are absolutely beautiful with live oaks draped in Spanish Moss. The site is the location of the first English settlement in what is now South Carolina. Lots of historical exhibits and ongoing archaeological work. The Adventure ship is a replica of a cargo ship from the time that visitors can check out. The Animal Forest is a small zoo with animals native to the area at the time of settlement. Dogs aren't allowed so we took turns going through. It's a really beautiful and historic site and a must-see if visiting Charleston.
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