Things to do in Charleston

Activities, attractions and tours

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
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Most popular experiences in Charleston

Tours & day trips

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Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 453 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €32 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 57 activities
Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 137 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €195 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 46 activities
Charleston: Boone Hall Plantation Entry & Tour w/ Transport

Charleston: Boone Hall Plantation Entry & Tour w/ Transport

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 20 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €68 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 13 activities
Zipline Canopy Tour and Climbing Wall Package

Zipline Canopy Tour and Climbing Wall Package

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Price is €90 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Charleston: Schooner Sailing Experience & Dolphin Watch

Charleston: Schooner Sailing Experience & Dolphin Watch

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 86 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €40 per adult
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What to do in Charleston

Popular places to visit

College of Charleston

College of Charleston

Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.

College of Charleston
Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market

Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.

Charleston City Market
Charleston_MedicalUniversityofSouthCarolina_6162782_04

Medical University of South Carolina

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Medical University of South Carolina during your travels in Charleston. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Medical University of South Carolina
Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park

Stroll the city’s waterfront esplanades at sunset, when the afternoon sun begins to dip and the harbor is lit with soft colors.

Waterfront Park
South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium

See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.

South Carolina Aquarium
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Turtles, alligators and birds abound in this former plantation, now swampland, gardens, lakes and forest.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter

Enjoy an informative boat ride on picturesque Charleston Harbor and explore the grounds of one of America’s most significant Civil War-era forts and battle sites.

Fort Sumter
Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row

Find out about the history of Charleston with a stop at Rainbow Row. Make time for the churches and local tours in this walkable area.

Rainbow Row
Charleston Music Hall

Charleston Music Hall

Enjoy a performance at Charleston Music Hall, a popular theatre in Charleston. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the stunning cathedral in the area.

Charleston Music Hall

Where to stay in Charleston

Find the best Charleston areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Charleston

Travellers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

French Quarter

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Dock Street Theater to Charleston City Market – discover French Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

South of Broad

If you're spending some time in South of Broad, Rainbow Row and Nathaniel Russell House are top sights worth seeing.

West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

Charleston Historic District

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Uban streets in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Vibrant sunrise twilight

Summerville

Broad Street Panorama in Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Johns Island

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is visit South Carolina Aquarium. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's golfing and culture.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
Begin your day with a visit to Patriots Point and South Carolina Aquarium. Then, explore other areas of Charleston for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
You can't go home without exploring South Carolina Aquarium, ranked the top tourist attraction in Charleston.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
Three days in Charleston is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. South Carolina Aquarium, International African American Museum and Charleston Museum are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as North Charleston.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to do and see in Charleston. Several top sights, like South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Charleston's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Charleston is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Charleston with kids.

What to do in Charleston for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Charleston, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Firefly Distillery or Credit One Stadium.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Charleston. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Sunrise Park Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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