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23 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC [Top Things to See!] in South Carolina

Explore Charleston, South Carolina, a city steeped in history and Southern charm. From iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row and the Battery to significant historical sites like Fort Sumter and preserved plantations, this collection offers a deep dive into America's past. Enjoy a taste of Lowcountry cuisine at renowned restaurants and soak in the vibrant culture of this captivating coastal city.

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  • Charleston Battery

    A historic seawall and promenade offering picturesque views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.

  • Rainbow Row

    A picturesque street featuring a vibrant collection of historic Georgian row houses painted in various pastel colors.

  • Charleston City Market

    A historic market complex offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and food items.

  • Pineapple Fountain

    An iconic fountain in Waterfront Park, symbolizing hospitality with its distinctive pineapple shape.

  • Angel Oak Tree

    A historic and massive live oak tree, estimated to be over 1,500 years old.

  • U.S.S. Yorktown

    A historic aircraft carrier serving as a museum, offering a glimpse into naval history.

  • Fort Sumter

    A historic sea fort where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.

  • Historic Plantations and Gardens

    A general category for historical estates and gardens surrounding Charleston, showcasing antebellum architecture and landscapes.

  • Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

    A historic colonial building that served various governmental and military roles, including a prison.

  • French Quarter

    A historic neighborhood known for its art galleries, theaters, and charming cobblestone streets.

  • Morris Island Lighthouse

    A historic lighthouse offering scenic views and a glimpse into maritime history.

  • South Carolina Aquarium

    An aquarium showcasing the diverse aquatic life and ecosystems of South Carolina.

  • Historic Churches and Graveyards

    A collection of historic churches and their surrounding graveyards, reflecting Charleston's rich religious and architectural heritage.

  • The Hunley Museum

    A museum dedicated to the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley and its historic underwater missions.

  • King Street

    A renowned shopping street offering a diverse range of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

  • House Museums

    Historic houses preserved as museums, offering a look into the architecture and lifestyle of past eras.

  • Charleston RiverDogs

    A minor league baseball team playing at The Joe Riley Stadium, offering a fun sporting experience.

  • Four Corners of Law

    A historic intersection in Charleston where four corners are occupied by government buildings representing different legal jurisdictions.

  • Charles Towne Landing

    A historic park and museum commemorating the original English settlement of Charleston.

  • Middleton Place

    A historic plantation known for its magnificent landscaped gardens and preserved plantation house.

  • Magnolia Plantations and Gardens

    A historic plantation featuring beautiful, romantic-style gardens and a historic house museum.

  • Drayton Hall

    A remarkably preserved colonial plantation house offering an authentic look at 18th-century plantation life.

  • Boone Hall Plantation

    A historic plantation known for its iconic Avenue of Oaks and continuous agricultural operation.

  • Cypress Gardens

    A beautiful swamp garden featuring boat tours through cypress swamps, famously used as a filming location.

  • McLeod Plantation

    A historic plantation offering insights into the lives of enslaved people and the evolution of the site.

  • California Dreaming

    A popular restaurant known for its scenic ambiance and diverse menu, located in a former butterfly atrium.

  • Bowens Island

    A rustic seafood restaurant celebrated for its fresh oysters and scenic marsh views.

  • Snapper Jacks

    A casual eatery famous for its fresh fish sandwiches and relaxed atmosphere.

  • FIG

    A highly acclaimed restaurant focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, offering a refined dining experience.

  • Husk

    An award-winning restaurant dedicated to showcasing the diversity of Southern ingredients and culinary traditions.

  • Rodney Scott's BBQ

    A renowned barbecue joint specializing in authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue.