Location: Charleston
Top Things to do in Charleston
What to do and see in Charleston, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 801 reviews
Reviewed By Drgole - Hastings, Michigan
What better way to see a Cathedral like St John the Baptist than to attend a Mass on Easter Sunday. The Gothic architecture is stunning with the stained-glass windows, the columns and the vaulted ceiling. The organ filled the church recesses with music. The incense filled our nostrils a unique familiar smell. The message about Jesus rising from the dead for our Salvation was alive and well on this Easter Sunday for Christians everywhere. Even if there is no service going on, this church is worth a visit to see the architecture of the European churches.
2. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
Tours of our historic sanctuary are available Monday-Friday at 10:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm and 2:15 pm and on Sunday at 1:15 pm and 2:15 pm. Our Chosen Treasures gift shop is open Sunday-Friday 10 am to 4 pm. From our beginnings in 1749, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) has been at the spiritual heart of Jewish Charleston. Since 1841, we have served as the cornerstone of Reform Jewish practice.
Reviewed By LW8415
We loved the tour and our guide, Dave, was a wonderful historian. He gave such great detail about the history of Jewish people moving to America, and specifically Charleston. This tour was one of the highlights of our weeklong trip. Our toddler also was pretty annoying the entire time and the tour group was gracious and forgiving.
3. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By mushroommarlene - connecticut
This is such a beautiful bridge to see from afar, or drive over. We happened to be here for the Copper River Bridge run, scores of thousands of runners, walkers, moms with strollers and the like, get to congregate first thing in the morning and pass to the other side, from Mount Pleasant to Marion Park in Charleston. Charleston is blessed to have this landmark.
4. McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 672 reviews
Established in 1851, McLeod Plantation has borne witness to some of the most significant periods of Charleston's - and our nations - history. Today McLeod Plantation is an important 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site that has been carefully preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. The grounds include a riverside outdoor pavilion, a sweeping oak allée, and the McLeod Oak, which is thought to be more than 600 years old. It is a place like no other, not frozen in time but vibrant, dynamic, and constantly evolving, where the winds of change whisper through the oak trees and voices from the past speak to all who pause to listen. McLeod Plantation was built on the riches of sea island cotton - and on the backs of enslaved people whose work and culture are embedded in the Lowcountry's very foundation. It is a living tribute to the men and women and their descendants that persevered in their efforts to achieve freedom, equality, and justice. All of their stories - black and white, enslaved and free - are given their due. After years of careful research and restoration, McLeod Plantation Historic Site invites visitors to embark upon an in-depth exploration of the lives of those people whose stories are essential to understanding Charleston's complex past and helped shape who we, as a nation, are today.
Reviewed By mushroommarlene - connecticut
We were there during a school spring vacation so shared our visit with parents and children, retirees, and vacationers. The staff goes out of their way to illustrate plantation life with authentic details and photos. Very informative presentation by our docent Paul (?), grounds are very walkable and welcome center well organized with great visual aids. Highly recommend
5. Riley Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Bright green public space overlooking the coast: great for picnics and lounging.
Reviewed By James L - Suwanee, Georgia
It was the first place we visited when we got into Charleston. Great place to enjoy a long walk, while looking at the waterfront, and we took a lot of nice pictures. There are parts of the waterfront that you can take pictures of the Arthur Ravenel and Bridge and the USS YORKTOWN, but we mostly enjoyed the view as we walked. I agree with others, very scenic and tranquil!
6. St. Michael's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 647 reviews
Charleston's oldest church has been tolling its bells on the hour since 1764. Dynamic Downtown Worship in the Anglican Tradition
Reviewed By Etta B - Crownsville, Maryland
Truly beautiful, St Michael's has been standing on this spot since the 1680s. So much history, has to be seen. The enclosed pews are fascinating, and one President Washington worshipped in. You can visit and wander the beautiful structure, except of course during Sunday worship services.
7. Magnolia Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
Magnolia cemetery, a non-profit trust, is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Founded on the site of a rice plantation in 1850 during the "rural cemetery movement". It is the resting place of 6 Civil War Generals, soldiers and sailors, governors, signers of the ordinance of secession, mayors of Charleston, Lawyers, doctors and the list is endless. Open to the public seven days a week however the office is only open Monday through Friday. Open and closing times are posted as are rules and regulations at the entrance to the cemetery.
Reviewed By SwedishForMe - Boston, Massachusetts
A visit to Magnolia Cemetery makes for an extremely interesting and quiet side trip while visiting Charleston. Read up on the history at the cemetery's website before you go or don't. Either way you will find your visit fascinating. Signs at the entrance give a modest amount of information about the history of the cemetery.
We visited on a weekday, mid-afternoon. Magnolia is a short car ride from the center of Charleston. Not much signage leading the way but head north on Meeting Street and your car or eyeball-GPS will find it. You might think you are lost as the city neighborhood turns into a rather funky industrial area. When you feel that way, you are almost there. A sign pointing to Magnolia Cemetery will appear on your right.
Respectful visitors are welcome; there is no fee to enter. Commercial tours are prohibited without certain permissions. Large groups are not encouraged. As a result, you will most likely have the 92 acres to yourself. Roadways, paved and unpaved, weave through the property for careful, slow driving.
Worth the small effort to get there, so go!
8. The Citadel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 630 reviews
A historic military college best known for its Moorish-inspired architecture.
Reviewed By DL P - River Edge, New Jersey
We visited during a weekday and even though we did not get to see the parade we were still quite awed. This historical military school is beautiful and pristine. We Enjoyed walking the grounds, viewing the war artifacts around campus, the chapel, the memorial and visiting the book store. Can’t help but have a feeling of pride when standing on these grounds.
9. College of Charleston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 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 jaymcq - Andover, Massachusetts
Now I understand why it's consistently rated among the most spectacular campuses in the country. Big old trees with spanish moss, etc. Really beautiful and it's set right in the downtown.
10. Unitarian Church in Charleston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Doc687 - Rochester, Minnesota
This is a must-see on a visit to Charleston. This church had survived several hurricanes, two wars including the Revolutionary War, and an earthquake. It is beautifully restored. The tracery ceiling is modeled after a similar fan tracery ceiling in King's College in Cambridge. They offer free tours but you can make a donation if you like. It is easy to walk to, right off King Street. Don't miss the Churchyard. It is keep natural with many lovely species of flowers and many old grave markers. It has one of two monuments in the South that honor the enslaved workers who built the church.
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