Location: North Charleston
Top Things to do in North Charleston
- 1. North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center
- 2. H. L. Hunley
- 3. Riverfront Park
- 4. Holy City Brewing
- 5. Tanger Outlets
- 6. Charleston Area Convention Center
- 7. Wannamaker County Park
- 8. Whirlin' Waters Adventure Park
- 9. North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
- 10. Frankie's Fun Park
10 Things to Do in North Charleston That You Shouldn't Miss
North Charleston is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina, with incorporated areas in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. On June 12, 1972, the city of North Charleston was incorporated and was rated as the ninth-largest city in South Carolina. As of the 2010 Census, North Charleston had a population of 97,471, growing to an estimated population of 108,304 in 2015, and with a current area of more than 76.6 square miles (198.5 km). As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, for use by the U.S. Census Bureau and other U.S. Government agencies for statistical purposes only, North Charleston is included within the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville metropolitan area and the Charleston-North Charleston urban area. North Charleston is one of the state's major industrial centers and is the state's top city in gross retail sales.
Restaurants in North Charleston
1. North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By KParrishVa
We've been here three times since 2013 and enjoy it each time. The kids love fire trucks! The museum is not very crowded (every time we've been- it's been in the 3pm hour), with only a few people in the museum. The displays are beautiful and they have many pristine old fire trucks. They have a lot of safety information to read and see in live-action. There is a mock-up house in the back that give safety information on common house fire causes that's very well done. It may be a little scary for younger kids- our youngest thought it was scary when he was 6 years old, but now is fine with it.
They have a fire pole you can slide down! They've now added a theater with a short film on fire safety aimed at children. It's a good show with a mist of water as a neat surprise for the audience!
Overall, at $6 for adults and kids under 12 free, this is a good bargain for an hour or so of history, fire safety and let's be honest- AC in the blazing SC heat!
2. H. L. Hunley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
The Hunley became the world's first successful combat submarine in 1864 with the sinking of the USS Housatonic. After making world history, she mysteriously vanished. Lost at sea for over a century, she was finally found in 1995 and then raised from the ocean floor in 2000. Since then, scientists have been at work to conserve the legendary submarine and solve the mystery of her disappearance. Tours of the Hunley include viewing the Hunley in her 75,000 conservation tank, facial reconstructions of the crew, and interactive exhibits that tell the submarine's fascinating tale throughout the centuries.
Reviewed By HankmidGA - Savannah, Georgia
We were anxious to show the submarine to our granddaughter who had learned the history at school. I think they did a great job organizing and displaying the information, However, where the lecture part started, things (for me) went bad. The acoustics are terrible and could barely hear the narrator. I think it was too pricey, as well.
3. Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By bcvarner1 - North Charleston, South Carolina
It is an old naval shipyard in the North Charleston area. Many locals worked there for years before it was closed. A brief informative history using plaques, statues, and pictures help to envision the past. Fishing piers, swings, benches, chairs, shelter and a playground make it a great family place to go for hours. The ships sailing by(if you are lucky) and the breeze off the river definitely makes your day. This is our favorite walking spot. The park is very well maintained and clean. Very quiet and serene. But, there are times when there are great activities at the park and we love those times also. it is a place for all. A writer, a pastor writing a sermon, someone wanting to be alone or someone meditating..
4. Holy City Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By MaryEllenBertkau - Charleston, South Carolina
Stopped by for lunch and had the Holy City Porter which was fantastic. Ordered lunch, and although it took longer than expected it was worth the wait. Delicious fish and also BLT. (although the cheese was not melted..maybe it wasn't supposed to be).
We will be back.
5. Tanger Outlets
Overall Ratings
4 based on 326 reviews
Find great savings on merchandise from your favorite designer and name-brands direct from the manufacturer at stores like: Nike, Off 5th, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Coach, J.Crew, Talbots and many more. Before you travel, check out the Tanger Outlet website to find the latest Coupons & Sales Offers for Tanger Outlets in Charleston. Or, when you arrive at the outlets, make your first stop Shopper Services to learn about the benefits of joining TangerClub (Tanger Club information is also available online). In Shopper Services you can purchase a coupon book full of great savings or if you are already a TangerClub member pick up a coupon book for free! Think Outlets, Think Tanger.
Reviewed By Boris E - Raleigh, North Carolina
Tanger Outlets was a good place for a walk during our stay. Most of the entire place has a covered walkway and provides a chance to view high quality stores. In addition, you can easily find parking anywhere. I was not too impressed with the prices in most the locations, so it was quite a fast experience for us of less than a hour. If you want to spend some time during the evening time before dinner reservations, it is a great place to visit.
6. Charleston Area Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
The Charleston Area Convention Center Campus, centrally located within the Charleston metro region, opened August 12, 1999 with an exhibition hall of 76,960 square feet, divisible into three separate halls.The exhibit hall floor features floor boxes thirty feet on center with power, communication, microphones, and drains, with a conduit system that allows you to pull a line anywhere in the hall. Floor boxes at the columns have water and on the column is forced air.There is a thirty-foot clearance from the floor to the bottom of the roof joist. The ceiling features an exposed overhead structure for convenient rigging as well as metal halide and dimmable quartz lighting. Wall panels hide in wall pockets when not in use. Each hall, when divided, has pre-function access, concessions and restrooms. Loading docks are accessible to each hall with vehicle access three coiling doors. The halls have a public address system, fully equipped with overhead sprinklers for your safety, and are ADA compliant.For our International exhibitors, the Convention Center is a Foreign Trade Zone. Pre-function space connects to the Ballrooms, the Performing Art Center and Meetings Rooms. Indoor connectors attach the North Charleston Coliseum, Montague Terrace and the Embassy Suites Hotel. Performing Arts Center: The Performing Arts Center is an intimate and aesthetic venue that hosts many theater shows and concerts. With 2,300 cushioned seats and full production capabilities, this is a perfect space for large auditorium style meetings. The PAC features an in-house, state of the art, sound system and lighting system. There are two loading docks, a complete rigging grid and a 110’ x 40’ stage. Additionally, there are eight dressing rooms, complete support services and food and beverage services.Embassy Suites:The Embassy Suites Charleston Convention Center adjacent to the Convention Center, features 255 rooms, and lease and service the 25,000 square foot (combined) Ballrooms and 14 Meeting Rooms.Centerplate Catering: Our in-house food and beverage service provider, Centerplate Catering, is responsible for all concessions within the Convention Center, North Charleston Coliseum, Montague Terrace, and North Charleston Performing Arts Center.Exhibit Halls Catering: Within these areas, there are two entities that can satisfy your food service needs, Centerplate Catering and Embassy Suites, both located on Campus. For alcohol sales, Centerplate Catering holds the exclusive rights on this service.Ballroom and Meeting Room Space Catering: Within these areas, Embassy Suites holds the exclusive rights to all food and beverage services.
Reviewed By KNCA - Roanoke, Virginia
We had a small-ish conference here. It was ideal. Not overwhelming, and we stayed at a hotel that was attached.
7. Wannamaker County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By klfkathy - Charleston, South Carolina
First visit to Wannamaker park with our dogs. The dog park is excellent for our small pack. There is a small area with alot of trees for small dogs. There is a larger area with several watering stations and a lot of grass for the bigger dogs. We liked it so much we purchased a Charleston Park pass for the year!
8. Whirlin' Waters Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Located within Wannamaker County ParkExtra Fee for water park
Reviewed By Pam_David - Houston, TX
Charleston is hot. I mean really really hot even for someone born in Florida and living in Texas. So, if you choose to visit this lovely city during the summer, you will need to find somewhere to cool off. We spent a fun-filled day with our 3 and 6-year olds here. There were water slides for older kids, but lots to do for the littles too. Even a 16 foot long slide that my 3 year old LOVED. The life guards were lovely -- kind, and super attentive to the kids. The food was very moderately priced. $6 for a kids meal. However, I had read about families who brought food. They did not allow outside food. In fact, they made us open our lunch bag with waters. They actually tagged it as being allowed.
9. North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 141 reviews
North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center hosts many of Charleston's largest and most popular concerts, musicals, and events. This venue offers entertainment throughout the year along with convenient parking, great concessions, and a friendly staff!
Reviewed By ransom007 - Anaheim, California
When I went, attendants required parking on the far side of the performing arts center. Not being familiar with the complex, I had trouble finding the arena because signage is very bad. Once I stumbled upon the arena, the employees were minimally helpful in directing me to my seat. The arena itself is nice enough, but it seems like they are trying to keep fans away.
10. Frankie's Fun Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By SumBug82 - Oak Ridge
We didn't stay long, but on a Sunday night this place was pretty crowded. The putt putt course was not very creative, and the water around it was not well kept--there was a ton of algae and scum. The staff was fairly nice, but it was almost too crowded to do anything in the arcade or do any of the rides.
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