Historic Downtown Charleston
What to do: Stroll through the Cobblestone Streets, admire the preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, and explore the lovely squares and gardens.
King Street (shopping and dining), Waterfront Park, White Point Garden. Website: https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
Fort Sumter National Monument
What to do: Visit the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Accessible only by boat. Contact: (843) 883-3123 Website: http://www.nps.gov/fosu
The Battery and White Point Garden
What to do: Walk along this scenic promenade, which is lined with historic mansions, and enjoy views of the harbor. The garden includes historic cannons and statues. Website: https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
Charleston City Market
What to do: Visit this open-air market featuring local artisans, food vendors, and unique Charleston souvenirs. Contact: (843) 958-8100 Website: https://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com/
Charleston Tea Garden
What to do: Tour America’s only tea plantation, located on Wadmalaw Island, and learn how tea is grown and processed. Contact: (843) 559-0383 Website: https://www.charlestonteagarden.com/
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
What to do: Visit one of the oldest plantations in the country, known for its stunning gardens, wildlife, and historic home. Contact: (843) 571-1266 Website: https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/
South Carolina Aquarium
What to do: Explore marine life native to South Carolina through exhibits and interactive experiences. Contact: (843) 577-3474 Website: https://www.scaquarium.org/
The Angel Oak Tree
What to do: See the famous Southern live oak, believed to be over 400 years old. It’s a stunning natural landmark in Angel Oak Park. Contact: (843) 224-4903 Website: https://www.angeloaktree.org/
Charleston Waterfront Park
What to do: Relax in this popular park, known for its iconic pineapple fountain and beautiful views of the Cooper River. Website: https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
King Street Shopping
What to do: Shop along King Street, known for its variety of boutiques, art galleries, and high-end stores. Website: https://www.kingstreetshoppingdistrict.com/
Historic Plantations Tour
What to do: Visit other famous plantations such as Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall, each offering insight into Charleston’s history and culture.
Boone Hall Plantation: (843) 884-4371 | https://boonehallplantation.com/
Middleton Place: (843) 556-6020 | https://www.middletonplace.org/
Drayton Hall: (843) 769-2600 | https://www.draytonhall.org/
Ghost Tours
What to do: Explore Charleston’s haunted history with a spooky walking tour. Contact: Ghosts of Charleston Tours (843) 884-9254 | https://ghostsofcharlestontour.com/
Rainbow Row
What to do: Stroll along this picturesque section of Charleston’s historic district, known for its colorful 18th-century homes. Website: https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
Shem Creek
What to do: Visit Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant for great seafood restaurants, kayak rentals, and views of local shrimp boats. Website: https://www.mountpleasantchamber.org/
Charleston Harbor Tours
What to do: Take a boat tour around Charleston Harbor to see Fort Sumter, the Battery, and the picturesque coastline. Contact: (843) 722-2628 Website: https://www.charlestonharbortours.com/
Middleton Place
What to do: Explore one of the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Contact: (843) 556-6020 Website: https://www.middletonplace.org/
Charleston Carriage Tours
What to do: Take a horse-drawn carriage tour through Charleston’s historic district for a detailed look at its history and architecture. Contact: (843) 723-8145 Website: https://charlestoncarriagetours.com/
The Charleston Museum Web: charlestonmuseum.org
Description: Known as America's first museum, it offers exhibits on the history, culture, and natural history of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry region.
The Gibbes Museum of Art Web: gibbesmuseum.org
Description: A fine arts museum with a rich collection of American art, featuring works from the colonial era to the present.
Old Slave Mart Museum Web: charlestoncity.info
Description: Located in the historic building that once served as a site for the slave trade, this museum highlights Charleston's role in the Atlantic slave trade.
The International African American Museum Web: iaamuseum.org
Description: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Charleston and beyond, located near the historic site of the city’s Gadsden’s Wharf.
The Battery & White Point Garden Web: charleston-sc.gov
Description: A historic park offering views of historic homes and cannons from the Civil War era, this area has small exhibits on Charleston's military history.
The Nathaniel Russell House Web: historiccharleston.org
Description: A National Historic Landmark featuring a preserved 1808 mansion showcasing early 19th-century life in Charleston, including period furnishings.
The Edmondston-Alston House Web: edmondstonalstonhouse.com
Description: An antebellum home that offers a glimpse into Charleston’s history and the lives of its wealthier inhabitants before and during the Civil War.
The Maritime Center Web: scmuseum.org
Description: This museum offers exhibits on Charleston’s maritime history, including ship models, maritime artifacts, and historical stories.
The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry Web: explorecml.org
Description: A museum with hands-on exhibits and interactive activities for children and families, offering educational fun for younger visitors.
Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the flavors and culture of Charleston!
FIG (Food Is Good) Cuisine: Contemporary American Website: https://www.eatatfig.com
Husk Cuisine: Southern, Lowcountry Website: https://www.huskrestaurant.com
The Ordinary Cuisine: Seafood, Oyster Bar Website: https://www.theordinaryrestaurant.com
Magnolia's Cuisine: Southern, Lowcountry Website: https://www.magnoliasrestaurant.com
Peninsula Grill Cuisine: Southern, American Website: https://www.peninsulagrill.com
Chez Nous Cuisine: French Website: https://www.cheznouscharleston.com
Sullivan’s Steakhouse Cuisine: Steakhouse, American Website: https://www.sullivanssteakhouse.com
Lewis Barbecue Cuisine: BBQ Website: https://www.lewisbarbecue.com
Xiao Bao Biscuit Cuisine: Asian Fusion Website: https://www.xiaobaobiscuit.com
The Grocery Cuisine: American, Farm-to-table Website: https://www.thegrocerycharleston.com
North Charleston Attractions and Restaurants
North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center
Website: https://www.northcharlestonfiremuseum.org– This museum showcases the history of firefighting with a large collection of fire trucks, engines, and memorabilia, as well as exhibits on fire safety and the history of American LaFrance fire apparatus.
Riverfront Park
Website: https://www.northcharleston.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/riverfront-park – A scenic park offering walking trails, picnic areas, and views of the Cooper River. It's also home to public art installations and seasonal events.
The North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Website: https://www.ccprc.com/88/Wannamaker-County-Park – This park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, a large dog park, and a beautiful pond with kayaking and fishing opportunities.
Charleston Tea Garden
Website: https://www.charlestonteagarden.com – Located just outside North Charleston, this is the only tea plantation in North America. Visitors can take a tour to learn about tea production and sample various blends.
The H.L. Hunley Submarine
Website: https://www.hunley.org – A short drive from North Charleston, the Hunley is the first successful combat submarine and is a significant historical site. The submarine is on display at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center.
North Charleston's Old Village
Website: https://www.northcharleston.org/old-village – A charming, historic area that features some of the oldest buildings in the region. It's a great place to explore, with small shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks.
Park Circle
Website: https://www.northcharleston.org/park-circle – A vibrant neighborhood with local restaurants, breweries, and cafes, as well as a beautiful circular park. It’s a lovely spot for a casual stroll or an evening out.
Hyman's Seafood
Website: https://www.hymanseafood.com Cuisine: Seafood
Known for its fresh Lowcountry seafood and Southern hospitality, Hyman's is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. Popular dishes include shrimp and grits, fried oysters, and Lowcountry boil.
Location: 215 Meeting Street (near downtown Charleston, but accessible from North Charleston)
The Glass Onion
Website: https://www.glassonioncharleston.com Cuisine: Southern, New American
This cozy spot offers a creative spin on Southern comfort food with farm-to-table ingredients. Favorites include the buttermilk fried chicken and the smoked pork belly.
Location: 1219 Savannah Hwy (a short drive from North Charleston)
Holy City Brewing
Website: https://www.holycitybrewing.com Cuisine: Brewpub, American
Perfect for craft beer lovers, this brewpub serves up a selection of house-brewed beers along with delicious bar snacks and food like burgers and sandwiches.
Location: 1021 Aragon Ave (North Charleston)
The Grit Counter
Website: https://www.thegritcounter.com Cuisine: Southern, Modern Comfort Food
A great spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, The Grit Counter offers Southern-inspired fare with a modern twist, such as grits bowls, chicken and waffles, and craft cocktails.
Location: 2895 Carner Ave (North Charleston)
Shem Creek Bar & Grill
Website: https://www.shemcreekgrill.com Cuisine: Seafood, American
Located near Shem Creek, just a short drive from North Charleston, this restaurant offers beautiful views of the creek along with delicious seafood dishes like shrimp, oysters, and fish tacos.
Location: 508 Mill St, Mount Pleasant
Basil
Website: https://www.basilthai.com Cuisine: Thai
If you're craving Thai food, Basil is a local favorite for its flavorful dishes, including pad Thai, green curry, and massaman curry. They also have great vegetarian options.
Location: 5101 Dorsey Ave (North Charleston)
O-Ku
Website: https://www.okusushisc.com Cuisine: Sushi, Japanese
For sushi enthusiasts, O-Ku offers fresh, high-quality sushi, sashimi, and inventive rolls, along with a fine selection of cocktails.
Location: 463 King St (downtown Charleston, but still accessible from North Charleston)
The Park Café
Website: https://www.parkcafespring.com Cuisine: Southern, American
This charming restaurant offers a laid-back vibe and a menu featuring fresh Southern-inspired dishes like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and decadent brunch options.
Location: 730 Rutledge Ave (near downtown Charleston)
Mellow Mushroom
Website: https://www.mellowmushroom.com Cuisine: Pizza, American
A fun, relaxed restaurant offering a wide variety of pizza options with creative toppings, along with craft beer choices and salads.
Location: 2090 N. Center St (North Charleston)
Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Café
Website: https://www.yeolefashioned.com Cuisine: Ice Cream, American
A sweet treat spot serving delicious ice cream, milkshakes, and nostalgic sandwiches. It's a great place for a casual dessert or snack.
Location: 7950 Rivers Ave (North Charleston)
The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum Web: northcharlestonfiremuseum.com
Description: A museum dedicated to firefighting history, featuring antique fire trucks, equipment, and the history of the American LaFrance brand.
The H.L. Hunley Submarine Web: hunley.org
Description: A fascinating museum housing the recovered Confederate submarine, the H.L. Hunley, and exhibits on its history and eventual recovery.
The Old Village Post House Inn & Museum Web: posthouseinn.com
Description: This small museum focuses on the history of Old Village in Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area, showcasing a variety of artifacts and displays.
The Carolina Ice Palace Web: carolinaicepalace.com
Description: Though primarily a skating venue, the Carolina Ice Palace hosts exhibitions related to sports and the history of ice skating in the region.