Welcome to Athingstodo.com! 🌴 If you’re searching for the most exciting things to do in Charleston SC, you’ve just found your perfect guide. At Athingstodo.com, we love sharing the best adventures, flavors, and hidden gems that make Charleston a city full of charm, history, and Southern hospitality.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family trip, or a romantic escape, our guide to things to do in Charleston SC will help you experience the city’s beautiful streets, iconic attractions, and unforgettable culture. Let’s explore Charleston together and create memories you’ll treasure forever! 🏝️
Things to Do in Charleston SC This Weekend
Charleston is a vibrant city with plenty to offer every weekend. Whether you want to enjoy live music, explore historic sites, or savor delicious food, here’s a handy guide to plan your weekend.
| Activity | Location | Entry Fee | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Farmers Market | Marion Square | Free | Saturday mornings |
| Historic Downtown Walking Tour | Downtown Charleston | $20 – $30 | Morning or afternoon |
| Waterfront Park | Downtown Charleston | Free | Anytime |
| Charleston City Market | Market Street | Free | Morning to evening |
| Live Jazz at The Commodore | King Street | Cover charge varies | Evenings |
On weekends, the Charleston Farmers Market is perfect for fresh local produce and crafts. Take a walking tour through historic downtown to soak in the city’s rich heritage. Waterfront Park offers a relaxing spot to enjoy views of the harbor. The City Market is bustling with artisans, and live jazz at The Commodore brings the city’s music scene alive.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston SC
Charleston is packed with fun activities for all ages. Here are some favorites for a memorable time.
| Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Boone Hall Plantation | Historic plantation with gardens and tours | Mount Pleasant |
| Angel Oak Tree | Majestic oak tree over 400 years old | Johns Island |
| Kayaking Tours | Paddle through scenic waterways | Various locations |
| Charleston Museum | Oldest museum in the US with rich exhibits | Downtown Charleston |
| Ghost Tours | Spooky guided walks through haunted spots | Downtown Charleston |
Visit Boone Hall Plantation to explore history and beautiful gardens. The Angel Oak Tree is a natural wonder perfect for photos. Kayaking tours offer an adventurous way to see the waterways. The Charleston Museum showcases local history, and ghost tours add a thrilling twist to your visit.
Free Things to Do in Charleston SC
Enjoy Charleston’s charm without spending a dime by exploring these free attractions and activities.
| Attraction | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfront Park | Iconic fountains and harbor views | Couples, families |
| Battery & White Point Garden | Historic park with scenic views | History lovers |
| Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge | Walk or bike across this stunning bridge | Outdoor enthusiasts |
| Historic District Walking | Explore colorful streets and architecture | Everyone |
| Charleston Library Society | Free exhibits and historic collections | Culture seekers |
Relax at Waterfront Park with its famous Pineapple Fountain, stroll through Battery & White Point Garden, or cross the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge on foot or bike. The historic district offers beautiful streets to explore, and the Charleston Library Society hosts free exhibits.
Best Things to Do in Charleston SC
Discover the top-rated experiences that showcase Charleston’s unique culture and beauty.
| Attraction | Why Visit? | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Sumter National Monument | Historic Civil War site and boat tours | $25 |
| Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | Stunning gardens and wildlife tours | $30 |
| Rainbow Row | Iconic colorful historic homes | Free |
| Charleston Tea Garden | Learn about tea production and enjoy tastings | Free |
| Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum | Historic naval ships and exhibits | $25 |
Visit Fort Sumter to learn about the Civil War’s start, explore Magnolia Plantation’s beautiful gardens, and stroll Rainbow Row’s charming streets. The Charleston Tea Garden offers free tours, and Patriots Point features historic naval vessels.
Things to Do in Charleston SC with Kids
Charleston is family-friendly with many activities that kids will love.
| Activity | Highlights | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Aquarium | Marine life exhibits and touch tanks | $30 |
| Charleston Waterfront Park | Splash fountains and playgrounds | Free |
| Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry | Interactive exhibits and play areas | $15 |
| Patriots Point Naval Museum | Explore historic ships and interactive exhibits | $25 |
| Boone Hall Farm | Petting zoo and farm experiences | $15 |
Kids will enjoy the aquarium and splash fountains at Waterfront Park. The Children’s Museum offers hands-on fun, while Patriots Point Naval Museum lets kids explore real ships. Boone Hall Farm provides a petting zoo and farm activities.
Things to Do in Charleston SC for Adults
Adults can enjoy a variety of cultural, culinary, and relaxing activities.
| Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Tastings | Sample local and international wines | Various wineries |
| Fine Dining | Award-winning restaurants with Southern cuisine | Downtown Charleston |
| Spa Days | Relaxing treatments and massages | Downtown and nearby |
| Art Galleries | Contemporary and historic art | Downtown Charleston |
| Brewery Tours | Explore local craft beer scene | Various locations |
Enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards, indulge in Southern cuisine at fine dining spots, or relax with a spa day. Art galleries showcase Charleston’s creative side, while brewery tours offer a taste of local craft beers.
Things to Do in Charleston SC for Couples
Charleston offers many romantic spots and experiences perfect for couples.
| Activity | Why It’s Romantic | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Harbor Cruise | Scenic views and peaceful atmosphere | Evening |
| Dinner in Historic District | Cozy restaurants with charming ambiance | Evening |
| Stroll through Waterfront Park | Relaxing walk with beautiful views | Sunset |
| Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride | Historic tour with a romantic touch | Afternoon or evening |
| Picnic at White Point Garden | Quiet, scenic spot perfect for two | Daytime |
Enjoy a sunset cruise, dine in historic settings, or take a romantic carriage ride. Waterfront Park and White Point Garden offer peaceful picnic spots with stunning views.
Top 10 Things to Do in Charleston SC
Here’s a quick list of the top 10 must-do activities and attractions in Charleston:
| Rank | Activity/Attraction | Why It’s a Must-Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Historic Downtown Walking Tour | Rich history and architecture |
| 2 | Fort Sumter National Monument | Civil War landmark |
| 3 | Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | Beautiful gardens and wildlife |
| 4 | Charleston City Market | Local crafts and food |
| 5 | Waterfront Park | Iconic fountains and harbor views |
| 6 | South Carolina Aquarium | Family-friendly marine exhibits |
| 7 | Rainbow Row | Colorful historic homes |
| 8 | Patriots Point Naval Museum | Historic naval ships |
| 9 | Boone Hall Plantation | Historic plantation and gardens |
| 10 | Charleston Tea Garden | Tea production tours and tastings |
Things to Do in Charleston SC in December
December in Charleston is festive and full of holiday cheer.
| Activity | Highlights | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Festival of Lights | Drive-through light show at James Island | $25 per car |
| Charleston Holiday Market | Seasonal crafts and gifts | Free |
| Christmas Parade | Festive downtown parade | Free |
| Ice Skating at Charleston Waterfront Park | Seasonal outdoor rink | $10 – $15 |
| Holiday Tours | Historic homes decorated for the season | $20 – $30 |
Enjoy the Festival of Lights, shop at holiday markets, watch the Christmas parade, or skate outdoors. Holiday tours showcase beautifully decorated historic homes.
Cool Things to Do in Charleston SC
For unique and memorable experiences, try these cool activities.
| Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost Tours | Spooky walks through haunted Charleston | Downtown Charleston |
| Culinary Classes | Learn to cook Southern and Lowcountry dishes | Various locations |
| Kayak Eco Tours | Explore Charleston’s waterways and wildlife | Various locations |
| Art Walks | Monthly gallery openings and artist meet-ups | Downtown Charleston |
| Live Jazz at Local Clubs | Experience vibrant music scene | French Quarter |
If you’re looking for family-friendly places near you, here are some favorites:
| Place | Highlights | Distance from Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Aquarium | Interactive marine exhibits | Downtown Charleston |
| Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry | Hands-on learning and play areas | Downtown Charleston |
| Waterfront Park | Splash fountains and open spaces | Downtown Charleston |
| Patriots Point Naval Museum | Historic ships and exhibits | Mount Pleasant |
| Boone Hall Plantation | Farm animals and gardens | Mount Pleasant |
Explore nearby attractions and activities close to Charleston:
| Activity | Location | Distance from Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Angel Oak Tree | Johns Island | 15 miles |
| Kiawah Island Beaches | Kiawah Island | 25 miles |
| Folly Beach | Folly Beach | 12 miles |
| Middleton Place Gardens | Dorchester County | 12 miles |
| Drayton Hall | Charleston | 13 miles |
Charleston offers a rich variety of activities:
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Explore historic neighborhoods
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Enjoy world-class food and music
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Visit plantations and gardens
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Experience outdoor adventures
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Attend festivals and cultural events
Things to Do Near Me Today
If you want to explore Charleston right now, consider:
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Walking through Historic Downtown
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Visiting Waterfront Park and City Market
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Enjoying live music on King or Frenchmen Street
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Sampling Lowcountry cuisine at local eateries
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Relaxing at a nearby beach or park
Things to Do with Kids Near Me
Family-friendly fun near you includes:
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South Carolina Aquarium
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Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
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Waterfront Park splash fountains
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Patriots Point Naval Museum
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Seasonal family festivals and events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best free things to do in Charleston SC?
Visit Waterfront Park, stroll through Battery & White Point Garden, explore Rainbow Row, and enjoy free walking tours in the Historic District.
When is the best time to visit Charleston SC?
The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and outdoor events are in full swing.
Are there family-friendly activities in Charleston SC?
Yes! The South Carolina Aquarium, Children’s Museum, Waterfront Park, and Patriots Point Naval Museum are great for families.
Thank you for exploring Charleston SC with Athingstodo.com! We hope this guide helps you discover the best experiences and make unforgettable memories in this charming Southern city. Enjoy your adventure! 😊
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