best things to do in charleston sc

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic city known for its beautiful architecture, southern charm, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the best things to do in Charleston:

1. Historic District Tour: Explore the city’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the antebellum architecture, picturesque streets, and charming gardens.
2. Fort Sumter National Monument: Take a ferry to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, and learn about the city’s history and significance.
3. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Visit this stunning plantation, which features beautiful gardens, a nature center, and a petting zoo.
4. Charleston City Market: Browse the historic market, which offers a variety of goods, including souvenirs, clothing, and local cuisine.
5. Rainbow Row: Admire the colorful row of historic homes, which is a iconic symbol of Charleston.
6. Charleston Museum: Visit the oldest museum in the United States, which features exhibits on the city’s history, art, and culture.
7. Take a Ghost Tour: Charleston is known for its haunted history, and there are many ghost tours available that will take you to some of the city’s most haunted sites.
8. Go on a Food Tour: Charleston is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine, and there are many food tours available that will take you to some of the city’s best restaurants and eateries.
9. Visit the Nathaniel Russell House: This National Historic Landmark is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the United States.
10. Go to the Beach: Charleston has several beautiful beaches, including Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island, which offer a relaxing day of sun, sand, and surf.
11. Take a Sunset Cruise: Take a romantic cruise around the harbor and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline.
12. Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art: This museum features a collection of American art from the 18th century to the present.
13. Go on a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district and enjoy the city’s charming scenery.
14. Visit the Charleston Tea Plantation: Learn about the history of tea in Charleston and enjoy a cup of tea on the plantation.
15. Attend a Festival or Event: Charleston hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Spoleto Festival USA, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Arts Festival.

Some popular neighborhoods to explore in Charleston include:

• The Historic District: The heart of Charleston, featuring beautiful architecture, charming streets, and historic homes.
• King Street: A popular shopping and dining destination, featuring boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
• Folly Beach: A laid-back beach town with a surf shop, restaurants, and bars.
• Upper King Street: A trendy neighborhood with a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
• James Island: A charming island with a historic district, beaches, and a lighthouse.

Some popular restaurants in Charleston include:

• Husk: A renowned restaurant serving Southern cuisine.
• FIG: A restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
• The Ordinary: A seafood restaurant located in a former bank building.
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: A popular bakery serving Southern-style biscuits.
• Leon’s Oyster Shop: A seafood restaurant serving fresh oysters and other seafood dishes.

Some popular hotels in Charleston include:

• The Belmond Charleston Place: A luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the city.
• The Spectator Hotel: A boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and stunning views of the city.
• The Quarters on King: A historic hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the city.
• The Francis Marion Hotel: A historic hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the city.
• The Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District: A modern hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the city.