What Are The Top Things To Do In Tourism In Charleston South Carolina?

Tourism in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from historical explorations to culinary delights. SIXT.VN is here to guide you through the best attractions, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable trip. Discover the charm of this Southern gem with our expert travel advice, airport transfer service, hotel bookings, sightseeing tickets and tour packages.

1. Planning Your Charleston Getaway

Charleston is a destination that caters to a variety of interests. Whether you’re short on time or planning an extended stay, it’s essential to prioritize the must-see spots. With SIXT.VN, planning your trip is easy with our consultation services.

1.1. Must-See Attractions in a Day or Two

If you only have a day or two, focus on the attractions within walking distance of each other. According to the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, King Street, the Battery, Rainbow Row, and Charleston City Market are all conveniently located and can be easily explored in a single day.

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Alt: Eerie Charleston Ghost Tour in an Ivy-Covered Alleyway

1.2. Exploring Charleston Over Several Days

For those with more time, after visiting the can’t-miss sights, delve deeper into Charleston’s history and culture with a museum visit or tour. If you have time, consider renting a car to explore the surrounding areas. Sullivan’s Island offers beautiful beaches, Kiawah Island boasts renowned golf courses, and Morris Island is perfect for shark tooth hunting. Let SIXT.VN assist with your rental car booking, airport transfer and hotel bookings, so you can enjoy your trip.

1.3. Convenient Transportation with SIXT.VN

Navigating a new city can be daunting. SIXT.VN offers reliable and convenient airport transfer services to ensure a smooth arrival and departure. Our professional drivers and comfortable vehicles will take you directly to your hotel or any destination in Charleston, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying your vacation.

2. Can’t-Miss Attractions

Charleston is brimming with attractions that capture its unique charm and history. From scenic strolls to cultural landmarks, there’s something for every traveler.

2.1. Strolling Waterfront Park and the Battery

Begin your exploration at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, where you’ll find the iconic Pineapple Fountain. Walk along the water before heading to Rainbow Row, famous for its colorful Georgian-style row houses. Continue down East Bay until it becomes East Battery, another picturesque street with harbor views and historic homes. According to David Hood, head butler at The Spectator Hotel, Charleston has a European city feel, blending small-town intimacy with cosmopolitan amenities.

2.2. Walking Down King Street

A visit to Charleston is incomplete without a walk down King Street. Lower King is home to antique shops, Middle King features a mix of local and high-end boutiques, and Upper King offers the city’s best nightlife and dining.

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Alt: Quaint Vintage Shuttle on Historic King Street, Charleston

2.3. Taking a Ghost Tour

Discover the spooky side of Charleston with a ghost tour. Bulldog Tours offers options ranging from a visit to the haunted old jail to a paranormal investigation of the USS Yorktown. Explore Charleston’s paranormal history.

2.4. Picking Up a Sweetgrass Basket

A Charleston sweetgrass basket is an iconic souvenir. These baskets, woven from local marsh grass by Gullah artisans, can be found throughout the city, particularly in the Charleston City Market.

2.5. Visiting the International African American Museum

The International African American Museum (IAAM) opened its doors on June 27, 2023, at Gadsden’s Wharf. This landmark project showcases African American history through nine core exhibition galleries, a special exhibition gallery, and contemporary art. The museum also houses the Center for Family History, a genealogy and ancestry resource center. The African Ancestors Memorial Garden on the ground level honors the shoreline where enslaved Africans first arrived in America.

3. Top Things to Do in Charleston for History Lovers

Charleston’s rich history is evident in its many historical sites and landmarks. From forts to museums, there are numerous opportunities to learn about the city’s past.

3.1. Learning About U.S. History on the USS Yorktown

While Charleston is known for its role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, you can learn about World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Here, you’ll find the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, a destroyer, and a submarine, along with educational exhibits.

3.2. Exploring Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park tells the story of Charleston’s role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan’s Island, was in use from 1776 to 1947, while Fort Sumter, on an island in Charleston Harbor, was the site of the start of the Civil War.

3.3. Visiting the Old Slave Mart Museum

The Old Slave Mart Museum is located in a building that once served as an auction gallery where enslaved people were sold. Here, you can learn more about the history of slavery in Charleston.

3.4. Seeing the Angel Oak

The Angel Oak, on Johns Island, is considered the largest Southern live oak tree east of the Mississippi River. Estimated to be at least 400 years old, its sprawling branches shade an area of over 17,000 square feet.

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Alt: Majestic Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island with Sprawling Branches

3.5. Learning About Gullah History and Culture

The Gullah are African American people from the Lowcountry regions of South Carolina and neighboring states. Their history, culture, and language are important parts of the Charleston story. Join Gullah Tours to learn more about Black history in the city, stopping at significant places like Denmark Vesey’s home and quarters where enslaved people once lived.

4. For Foodies

Charleston is a renowned foodie destination, offering a diverse culinary scene that includes both established favorites and innovative newcomers.

4.1. Starting Your Day with Biscuits

Start your day with a warm biscuit from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit or Vicious Biscuit. At Vicious Biscuit, try The Vicious, a cheddar and jalapeño biscuit stuffed with fried chicken, maple sausage gravy, house cowboy candy, and maple syrup.

4.2. Shopping Local at the Farmers Market on Saturdays

Spend Saturday mornings at the farmers market on Marion Square. Find local produce, artisan crafts, and snacks to enjoy while you browse.

4.3. Eating Your Way Around the City’s Best Restaurants

Charleston’s culinary scene has inspired visitors to experience the city’s most popular dining hot spots, according to Jason Horbal, assistant general manager at HarbourView Inn. Top recommendations include Wild Common for the tasting menu, Fig for elevated Southern dishes, Hank’s Seafood Restaurant for seafood, and Halls Chophouse for steaks followed by bread pudding. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for under-the-radar favorites.

4.4. Ordering Classic Charleston Dishes

On your culinary tour, try local dishes such as fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and hush puppies, all washed down with a glass of sweet tea.

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Alt: Delicious Shrimp and Grits, a Charleston Culinary Staple

4.5. Sipping Local Brews

Charleston has many local breweries, so try beers from Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Holy City Brewing, and Westbrook Brewing, or visit the Firefly Distillery, known for their sweet tea vodka and fruit-flavored moonshine.

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Alt: Refreshing Pint of Local Beer at Rusty Bull Brewery, Charleston

5. For Families With Kids

Charleston offers a variety of family-friendly activities, from aquariums to historic sites.

5.1. Seeing the Local Marine Life at the South Carolina Aquarium

The waterfront aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals and the Sea Turtle Care Center, which aids sick or injured turtles. The AZA-accredited aquarium highlights the marine life found throughout South Carolina, from the mountains to the coast.

5.2. Cheering on the Charleston RiverDogs

Charleston is home to a Minor League Baseball team — the RiverDogs — so those looking for a sporty outing can snag tickets to cheer them on. Actor Bill Murray is a part-owner of the team.

5.3. Visiting Charles Towne Landing

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, in West Ashley, is the site of the first European settlement founded in South Carolina in 1670. Explore the gardens, visit the original settlement area, and see animals that lived in the area when it was settled. According to David Hood, it has a perfect mix of history and scenery.

5.4. Watching Eagles, Falcons, and Owls Take Flight

The Center for Birds of Prey at the Avian Conservation Center offers visitors a chance to learn about birds of prey in a beautiful setting. The center includes a medical clinic for injured birds and a facility for research, conservation, and educational programs. The center offers tours and flight demonstrations every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

5.5. Searching for Shark Teeth on Morris Island

Morris Island, accessible only by boat, is an 840-acre uninhabited island in Charleston Harbor. Once a strategic location during the American Civil War, the island now features a secluded beach with shells, fossils, and shark teeth. Tour operators like Adventure Harbour Tours offer guided excursions that focus on searching for beach treasures and learning about the island’s ecology.

6. For Couples

Charleston is a romantic destination with many activities perfect for couples, from sunset cruises to art museums.

6.1. Taking a Sunset Cruise

Getting out on the water is a must when you visit Charleston. A sunset cruise through the harbor aboard a catamaran or tall ship is a great way to enjoy the waterfront location.

6.2. Admiring Art From Near and Far

Head to the Gibbes Museum of Art to see works ranging from 18th-century paintings and decorative arts to contemporary pieces from local artists. You can also visit galleries throughout the city. Time your visit to the yearly Spoleto Festival, which welcomes artists from around the globe for a 2+ week performing arts extravaganza.

6.3. Strolling the Shem Creek Boardwalk

Shem Creek, in Mount Pleasant, is home to waterfront seafood restaurants, and you can walk along its boardwalk to take in views of the water, marsh, and boats.

6.4. Lounging on the Beach

Downtown Charleston is a short drive from Folly Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, and Sullivan’s Island Beach. Folly has lively bars and restaurants, Sullivan’s Island is more residential, and Isle of Palms is somewhere in between, with easy public access via Isle of Palms County Park.

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Alt: Serene Lighthouse View on Sullivan’s Island Beach at Dusk

7. For Groups of Friends

Charleston offers a variety of activities perfect for groups of friends, from golfing to rooftop bars.

7.1. Hitting the Links at Acclaimed Golf Courses

Thanks to the South Carolina Lowcountry’s comfortable weather and fantastic golf courses, you can golf year-round in and near Charleston. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the area’s most famous courses.

7.2. Paddling Around on a Kayak Tour

Take a kayak tour through the marshes and creeks around Charleston to get close to the area’s marine and wildlife. Charleston Outdoor Adventures is one of several tour operators in the area.

7.3. Walking the Ravenel Bridge

Charleston’s famous bridge connecting Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, has a path for pedestrians. You can walk across its entirety for views of the harbor.

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Alt: Scenic View of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston

7.4. Hopping Around the Rooftop Bars

Get a new perspective on Charleston with a visit to one of the rooftop bars around the city. Options include Fiat Lux at the Hotel Bennett, Citrus Club at The Dewberry, Pavilion Bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel, The Rooftop at The Vendue, and Élevé at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston.

8. Why Choose SIXT.VN for Your Charleston Trip?

Planning a trip to Charleston involves several logistical considerations. Here’s how SIXT.VN simplifies your travel experience:

8.1. Overcoming Travel Challenges with SIXT.VN

Many travelers face challenges when planning a trip to Charleston, such as creating detailed itineraries, language barriers, and finding reliable services. SIXT.VN addresses these challenges by offering:

• Detailed Itinerary Planning: We provide tailored travel plans based on your preferences, ensuring you make the most of your time in Charleston.
• Reliable Airport Transfer: Our airport transfer service guarantees a smooth and stress-free arrival and departure, with professional drivers and comfortable vehicles.
• Hotel Booking Assistance: We offer a range of accommodation options to suit your budget and location preferences, making it easy to find the perfect place to stay.
• Sightseeing and Tour Bookings: We help you book tickets to popular attractions and arrange guided tours, saving you time and ensuring you don’t miss out on the best experiences.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Our dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with any issues or questions that may arise during your trip.

9. Maximizing Your Charleston Experience with SIXT.VN

SIXT.VN is your one-stop solution for a hassle-free Charleston vacation. Our services are designed to provide convenience, reliability, and exceptional support, ensuring you have an unforgettable travel experience.

9.1. Convenience and Speed

Our online platform makes it easy to book all your travel needs in one place. Whether it’s airport transfers, hotel bookings, or tour tickets, SIXT.VN offers a seamless and efficient booking process.

9.2. Reliability and Trust

We partner with trusted local providers to ensure you receive high-quality services. Our airport transfer service is prompt and reliable, our hotel options are carefully selected, and our tour operators are experienced and knowledgeable.

9.3. Dedicated Support

Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns. Whether you need help with your booking or require assistance during your trip, we are here to provide prompt and helpful support.

10. Key Benefits of Using SIXT.VN

Choosing SIXT.VN for your Charleston trip offers several significant advantages:

• Save Time: Our streamlined booking process saves you valuable time, allowing you to focus on planning the fun aspects of your trip.
• Reduce Stress: We handle all the logistics, from airport transfers to tour bookings, reducing the stress associated with travel planning.
• Enjoy Peace of Mind: With our reliable services and dedicated support, you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing we have your back.
• Discover Hidden Gems: Our local expertise helps you uncover Charleston’s hidden gems, ensuring you have an authentic and memorable experience.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Tourism In Charleston South Carolina

1. What is Charleston South Carolina known for?

Charleston is renowned for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and excellent culinary scene. It’s a popular destination for history buffs, foodies, and those seeking Southern charm.

2. What are the top attractions to visit in Charleston?

Top attractions include Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, the Charleston City Market, and the International African American Museum. King Street is also a must-visit for shopping and dining.

3. When is the best time to visit Charleston?

The best times to visit Charleston are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months.

4. How can I get around Charleston?

Charleston is a walkable city, especially in the historic downtown area. You can also use ride-sharing services, taxis, or the local bus system. Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore areas outside the city center. SIXT.VN provides airport transfer and can assist with your car rental bookings.

5. Are there any family-friendly activities in Charleston?

Yes, Charleston offers many family-friendly activities such as visiting the South Carolina Aquarium, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, and the Center for Birds of Prey. Beaches like Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are also great for families.

6. What are some popular dishes to try in Charleston?

Popular dishes include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and hush puppies. Be sure to try sweet tea, a Southern staple.

7. What are some good options for accommodations in Charleston?

Charleston has a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Some popular hotels include The Spectator Hotel, HarbourView Inn, and Hotel Bennett. SIXT.VN offers hotel booking assistance to find the perfect stay for your needs.

8. How can SIXT.VN help me plan my trip to Charleston?

SIXT.VN offers comprehensive travel services including personalized itinerary planning, reliable airport transfer, hotel bookings, sightseeing tickets, and curated tour packages. Our goal is to make your trip to Charleston as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

9. Are there any historical sites related to slavery in Charleston?

Yes, Charleston has several historical sites related to slavery, including the Old Slave Mart Museum and Gadsden’s Wharf, where the International African American Museum is located. These sites offer important insights into the history of slavery in the region.

10. What are some options for day trips from Charleston?

Popular day trips from Charleston include visiting the Angel Oak on Johns Island, exploring the historic town of Savannah, or relaxing on the beaches of Kiawah Island or Sullivan’s Island.

Ready to experience the best of tourism in Charleston, South Carolina? Let SIXT.VN handle the details while you create unforgettable memories. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation with our consultation services, airport transfer service, hotel bookings, sightseeing tickets and tour packages! Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam. Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358. Website: SIXT.VN.