Things to do in Charleston

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Charleston featuring a house as well as a couple

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Charleston must see attractions

1. College of Charleston

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.
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College of Charleston which includes heritage elements

2. Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market consists of three blocks of open-air sheds and a 19th-century hall with stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs and many other items. The historic complex has a Greek-revival design with an imposing yellow-and-red façade. The rest of the vast market is spread out in numerous shops. Chat with local vendors about the spices, works of art and handicrafts on display along these blocks.
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Charleston City Market

3. Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park reflects the character and history of the city’s architecture and gardens. At the southernmost point of the eight-acre (three-hectare) park, a wooden pier juts out over the Charleston Harbor.
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Charleston Waterfront Park featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and autumn leaves

4. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium houses some 6,000 plants and animals. The 60 exhibits cover five major geographical areas in South Carolina. See ocean-dwelling marine life and water-based creatures that live in the mountains. There’s also the Madagascar Journey, where you’ll learn about this island’s species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else in the world.
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South Carolina Aquarium

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. Tour historic buildings or take a boat ride through the wetlands. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center.
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Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

6. Fort Sumter

Arrival at Fort Sumter, site of the first battle of the Civil War between Union and Confederate forces is a sobering moment. Named for American Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, the fort sits on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Visit Fort Sumter as part of a national monument complex that includes Fort Moultrie National Monument and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.
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Fort Sumter featuring heritage elements, interior views and military items

Discover the most popular places to visit in Charleston

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Charleston

Edmonston-Alston House featuring a house

Downtown Charleston

4/5(643 area reviews)

Travelers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal and Charleston Music Hall.

Downtown Charleston
Charleston

Charleston Historic District

4.5/5(3,245 area reviews)

Appreciate the authentic antebellum ambiance as you move between historical homes, museums, markets and waterfront parks on foot or by horse-drawn carriage tours.

Charleston Historic District
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site showing heritage elements and a house

West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

West Ashley
Charleston Waterfront Park featuring a marina, a garden and modern architecture

French Quarter

Travelers to French Quarter praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal and Waterfront Park.

French Quarter
Worth every minute of waiting! The Charleston Nasty Biscuit at Hominy Grill, complete with a mimosa and side of home fries, made for the best brunch I've possibly ever had.

Cannonborough Elliotborough

While visiting Cannonborough Elliotborough, you might make a stop by sights like Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
Charleston

Harleston Village

If you're spending some time in Harleston Village, Marion Square and The Riviera Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Harleston Village

Popular day trips from Charleston