Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina has so much to offer from gorgeous beaches and nature, stunning architecture, and centuries of history to lively nightlife, shopping, and the best food you’ve ever had. A visit here can feel like a city trip, a beach vacation, or a combination of both! You can be sightseeing, boating, or swimming in the ocean by day, and eating amazing food, shopping, and bar hopping by night.
In this post, we’ll cover the best things to do in Charleston, SC for first-time visitors, including:
Sightseeing
Outdoor Activities
Unique Experiences
Boozy Things to Do for Adults
Charleston is truly my favorite place in the world and has so many fun, unique things to do for every type of traveler, so you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone! Whether you’re on a trip with friends, a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip, Charleston has plenty of options for your visit. Also, be sure to check out our posts on the best restaurants and bars in Charleston.
It’s almost impossible to fit all the things to do in Charleston on one list (let alone in one trip), but you’ll find just about everything in this post, so let’s get dive in so you can plan the best Charleston, SC itinerary!
Sightseeing in Charleston, SC
Exploring this beautiful city is one of the best things to do in Charleston, SC for first-time visitors. From visiting historical sites and landmarks or taking a tour, you'll be in awe at the city's charm, learn so much of its history, and get plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
Landmarks & Historic Homes –
Visit Rainbow Row and explore the French Quarter
Check out the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park
Walk by the beautiful churches, like the French Huguenot Church, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, and St. Michael’s Church
P.S. My favorite is the French Huguenot Church because it’s pink
Shop at the Charleston City Market for local goodies and souvenirs
Visit historic homes, like the Aiken-Rhett House or Nathaniel Russel House, or take a tour of the Edmondston-Alston House where you can enjoy incredible views of the harbor from the piazza
Stroll the streets South of Broad Street to see beautiful candlelit homes on adorable cobblestone streets
In my opinion, walking through the quaint streets near the Battery is the best thing for first-time visitors to do in Charleston, SC. Surrounded by historic homes and small, charming streets, it feels like you’ve stepped into a different time. This area is so quiet and peaceful, it’s perfect for a long walk and if you’re traveling as a couple, it’s one of the most romantic things to do in Charleston
Visit the Angel Oak Tree
Take a walk through the beautiful College of Charleston
Visit The Battery to enjoy beautiful oak trees and views of the Charleston Harbor
Drive, walk, or run over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Take in the scenic waterfront views from the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant
Take a boat tour to the Morris Island Lighthouse at Folly Beach (and probably see dolphins!)
Enjoy sunset on Sullivan’s Island with views of the Charleston Light, one of the most modern lighthouses in the country
Military / Historical Sites –
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride before stepping into history at Fort Sumter National Monument, the site of the first shots of the American Civil War
Tour Fort Moultrie to learn about Charleston’s history in the American Revolutionary War
Visit the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, plus the USS Yorktown in the harbor
History Tour –
If you’d like to see the town by foot, try a Two Sisters Guided Walking Tours. They have the most popular historic walking tours in Charleston, SC that are definitely worth trying if it’s your first time here
If you’d rather relax and be driven around, a Sightseeing Bus Tour is perfect. Personally, I’d avoid the horse-drawn carriages
If you want to see the city in a unique way, check out Charleston Haunted Jail Tour, Downtown Food Tour, or Nightmares and Night Caps
Charleston, SC Outdoor Activities
Beyond bustling downtown, the city is surrounded by the beautiful Low Country with many rivers, beautiful foliage, and multiple beaches, so there are tons of fun outdoor activities in Charleston, SC.
Spend a day on the water –
Visit one of Charleston’s beautiful beaches: Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, or Sullivans Island
Head to Shem Creek for kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or bar hopping and be sure to look out for dolphins! Shem Creek offers some of the most unique outdoor activities in Charleston, SC beyond the beaches
For kayak and paddleboard rentals or guided kayak tours, check out Nature Adventures
For a public catamaran sail, Palmetto Breeze is a great option
To rent your own boat or take a fishing charter, Shem Creek Boat Rentals has many options
Shark tooth hunting with Palmetto Fossil Excursions or just head to Folly Beach
Enjoy the harbor and rivers with a boating excursion, such as a sunset cruise, dinner cruise, sailboat, party cruise, floating tiki bar, or dolphin eco-tour
Visit a garden or historic plantation –
Take a flat-bottom boat tour at Cypress Gardens in the swamp where The Notebook’s geese scene was filmed
Drive down the Avenue of the Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens and see one of The Notebook’s filming locations
Stroll through the gardens at Middleton Place or Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Spend some time outdoors at Hampton Park and enjoy the gorgeous flowers or at Riverfront Park in North Charleston for great river views
Unique Experiences in Charleston
You’ll never run out of things to do in Charleston, SC! You can go from shopping in the morning to making a candle or perfume in the afternoon to watching a comedy show or concert in the evening – the options are endless. And don’t forget to sprinkle in some relaxation to your busy itinerary!
Fun Things to Do in Charleston –
Visit a museum, like the Charleston Museum (the United States’ oldest museum) or the Gibbes Museum of Art
Check out some art galleries downtown
Local’s Tip: If you’re visiting on the first Friday of the month, be sure to check out the First Friday Artwalk when the galleries are open to the public late (5 - 8pm) and offer refreshments. This is one of my favorite free things to do in Charleston, especially for couples!
Take a candle-making workshop downtown at Candlefish or in Mount Pleasant at Oyster Candle Co
Make your own perfume at Tijon, which is a fun thing to do on a girls’ trip in Charleston!
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Bennett’s Camellias
If you’re a fan of Bravo’s Southern Charm, stop at Sewing Down South, grab a drink at Republic Garden & Lounge, or check out some of the cast’s other locations: Bourbon N' Bubbles, Mesu, Lamar’s Sporting Club, Palace Hotel, and By The Way
Plan your trip during the holiday season to see what a Southern Christmas in Charleston looks like!
Shows & Performances in Charleston –
Laugh at one of Theater 99’s Improv Comedy Shows or The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre’s interactive performances
Catch a concert or show at Music Farm, The Refinery, Gaillard Center, Firefly Distillery, Credit One Stadium, or North Charleston Coliseum
Enjoy a concert in the sand at the Windjammer or at Party at the Point at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina (Fridays in spring/summer)
Listen to your favorite songs at John King Grill & Dueling Piano Bar – this is one of my favorite things to do at night for young adults in Charleston, SC
Sing your go-to karaoke song at Bangkok Lounge
Watch a sporting event like the Charleston RiverDogs Baseball, Charleston Battery Soccer, South Carolina Stingrays Hockey, Charleston Open in March/April, or Charleston Classic Basketball Tournament in November
Before your show or event, plan to get dinner at one of the best restaurants in Charleston!
Best Places for Shopping in Charleston –
Shop at adorable boutiques and jewelers downtown or designer stores at Charleston Place
If you’re visiting on the second Sunday of the month, check out 2nd Sunday on King Street where the street is closed to traffic and instead filled with local vendors and artists
Check out a Farmer’s Market – every Saturday in Marion Square or Sunday at Charleston Pourhouse on James Island (plus food trucks, live music, and an outdoor bar)
Self-Care –
Get a facial at Face Foundrié or SkinLab
Get a blowout at Drybar
Get a massage, manicure, or pedicure at Salt Spa & Yoga, Charleston Place, or Charleston Head Spa
Fun Things to Do in Charleston, SC for Adults
If you’re traveling with adults, there are tons of fun (boozy) things to do in Charleston! Whether you like cocktails, craft beer, wine, or specialty spirits, Charleston has it!
Hop on the free Brewery Shuttle to try 11 Charleston breweries every Saturday
Learn about Prohibition and how to make cocktails at Sip History in a Secret Speakeasy with Alchemix
Try authentic Low Country wine at Deep Water Vineyard
Try Firefly Distillery’s famous Sweet Tea Vodka, the world’s first!
Learn how whiskey is made with a tour at High Wire Distilling Co
Design your own bar hop, like ranking the best Espresso Martinis or going to every bar with Frosé
Add some of Charleston’s best cocktail bars to your bar crawl!
Enjoy downtown Charleston nightlife! Check out our blog post on the 6 best cocktail bars in Charleston
If it’s not obvious yet, there is really something for every traveler to love about the Holy City. With so many fun things to do in Charleston, SC, you’ll have to plan another trip to experience it all! This city is a foodie’s paradise, bucket list destination for a history buff, a couples’ romantic getaway, a party weekend for friends, and a family’s favorite vacation all at once. I know you’ll make great memories on your trip to Charleston and hope you get to add some of these activities to your Charleston, SC itinerary!
For recommendations on where to eat, drink, or staying during your trip to Charleston, check out our other blog posts:
If you want some extra help designing the perfect Charleston SC itinerary, sign up below to receive my free Charleston travel guide (coming soon)
