Charleston, South Carolina is a city that at times seems like it is from decades ago. You will find mansions that are centuries-old, moss-draped trees, cobblestone alleys and spooky cemeteries to explore. There is no shortage of historical sites for visitors to wander through. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options. On top of everything else, you can hit one of the nearby beaches when you visit Charlotte. Add in great outdoor activities such as golfing and you’ll soon learn that this is an outdoor paradise.
So whether you were visiting as a couple, a large group, or a family, Charleston, SC has plenty to offer. Your time here is even better when you have a great rental vehicle to get you from place to place. Quite often travelers here will opt for a sporty sedan or an SUV to take them to all the amazing locations in the city.
- 1. Fort Sumter National Monument
- 2. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- 3. Historic Charleston City Market
- 4. South Carolina Aquarium
- 5. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- 6. Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- 7. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
- 8. Folly Beach County Park
- 9. Morris Island
- 10. Charleston Farmer’s Market
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Charleston
Must-see attractions in Charleston
1. Fort Sumter National Monument
This is the site of a pivotal battle in the Civil War. Since around the middle of the 20th century, this fort has been open to the public. Visitors can check out both the fort itself and the national park that surrounds it. One of the bonuses of visiting here is it you get to go on a memorable ferry ride to and from Charleston to get here.
Address: On an island in Charleston Harbor and accessible by boat
Entry fees: There is no entry fee for Fort Sumter, but you do need to buy a ticket for the ferry to get there.
Hours: Monument hours
Time required to see the attraction: 1 to 2 hours
2. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
This location offers a stately southern mansion with lush gardens surrounding the property. This is one of the oldest plantations in the south and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. At one time this plantation grew rice. When you are here you will see the extensive dams and dikes built to flood the fields. This makes a great location for a long afternoon stroll through beautiful surroundings.
Address: 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: Plantation hours
Time required to see the attraction: 1 to 2 hours
3. Historic Charleston City Market
This historic market complex sits right in downtown Charleston. Established in the 1790s, it now stretches to around four city blocks. The market begins at the culturally significant Market Hall that faces Meeting Street. From their visitors will find many one-story market sheds that end at E. Bay Street. This is a fantastic place to find locally sourced arts, crafts and goods.
Address: 188 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29401
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Market hours
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
4. South Carolina Aquarium
This aquarium is home to roughly 10,000 plants and animals. Some of the animals you will find here include loggerhead sea turtles, great blue herons, and green moray eels. The largest exhibit here is the great ocean tank. The tank extends all the way up to the third floor of the aquarium. This makes it the deepest tank in North America. There is also a Touch Tank where patrons can get up close with a variety of ocean life.
Address: 2100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: Aquarium hours
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
5. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
You’ll find this museum at the mouth of the Cooper River on the Charleston Harbor. Some of the highlights of this museum include a carrier, destroyer and submarine all housed here. There are military veterans that volunteer here to give visitors more information about the vessels found at the museum. There’s also the chance to go on helicopter rides when you visit.
Address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: Museum hours
Time required to see the attraction: 1 to 2 hours
6. Joe Riley Waterfront Park
This is a roughly 8-acre park that sits on about 1/2 mile of the Cooper River. The park received a Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects. The park offers many scenic walkways and makes a great place to take an afternoon walk. One of the highlights of the park is the amazing fountain in the center.
Address: Vendue Range, Concord St., Charleston, SC 29401
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Park hours
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
7. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
If the kids have come with you to Charleston, this is a great place to visit. The museum offers plenty of hands-on exhibits for kids to explore and interact with. Two of the highlights of the museum include the water room and the castle. While kids may get a little wet exploring these areas, they are sure to have a great time while they are here.
Address: 25 Ann St., Charleston, SC 29403
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: Museum hours
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
8. Folly Beach County Park
No trip to Charleston would be complete without a great day at the beach. This is an expansive beach that offers gentle rolling ocean waves. This makes it a great place for swimming for swimmers of all ages. On the beach, you will find showers available plus a snack hut. There are lifeguards at the beach plus you can also bring dogs here.
Address: 1100 W Ashley Ave., Folly Beach, SC 29439
Entry fees: Park entry is free, but you will need to pay for parking and rental of items like beach chairs.
Hours: Park hours
Time required to see the attraction: 2 to 4 hours
9. Morris Island
This uninhabited island of about 840 acres sits in Charleston Harbor. One of the highlights of this island is the stunning lighthouse you will find here. The only way to get here is by a very relaxing ferry boat ride. Once you are here this is a great place to stroll along a quiet and serene beach. You can also do some swimming in the gentle ocean waves.
Address: Accessible by boat in Charleston Harbor
Entry fees: Boat tour information
Hours: Island tour times
Time required to see the attraction: 2 to 4 hours
10. Charleston Farmer’s Market
If you are someone that likes to shop somewhere a little off the beaten path and this is just the spot for you. Here you will find all manner of products created by local vendors. This includes a variety of arts and crafts and souvenirs, as well as plenty of local food and beverages to try out.
Address: 329 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29403
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Market hours
Time required to see the attraction: 1 to 2 hours
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Charleston
Charleston, SC is quite famous for the variety of food options you will find here. While you will certainly find plenty of traditional Southern fare, its location next to the ocean means there are some great seafood options as well. You also won’t want to miss some of the great biscuits you will find at restaurants here!
The Ordinary: Do not let the name fool you because there’s certainly nothing ordinary about the food that you will find here. This is a fantastic place to try local oysters, bee snapper and softshell crab. A favorite among locals are the oyster sliders that they serve on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Husk: One of the highlights of this restaurant is that its ingredients come exclusively from the southern United States. The restaurant sits in a meticulously landscaped two-story mansion right in the heart of Charleston. Some of the favorites here include the classic burger as well as their shrimp and grits.
167 Raw: This is by far one of the best seafood restaurants in Charleston. It’s a great place for fast-casual eating at the small oyster bar and seafood counter. Some of the best choices here include tuna burgers, lobster rolls and sea scallop po’boys. Parking can be scarce here so plan ahead before you hop in your rental car.
