30 Absolute Fun Things To Do In Charleston SC

When people speak about Charleston, SC, they describe it as a small town in South Carolina. But beyond the quantitative figures, the history, culture, and food make the place a hive of fun activities. Everywhere you look, you will find gorgeous mansions, buzzing restaurants, or cobblestone neighborhoods to explore.  

The city is filled with enriched historical and exciting places and activities. Here we have combined them all into a list of fun things to do in Charleston SC. Whether you are visiting for the first time or for the tenth time, this compilation is all you need to never run out of new and exhilarating things to do in Charleston SC. 

Named after a pre-Civil War coastal defense artillery battery, ‘The Battery’ is a historic seawall extending along the city’s southern tip. The battery is known for its scenic spots like White Point Garden and historic park. 

Tourists strolling this waterfront walkway gaze at the historic antebellum homes, such as the Louis DeSaussure House (1 East Battery), the Ropper House (9 East Battery), the William Ravenel House (13 East Battery), and many more breathtaking houses. 

Working Days	All Days
Timings	Open 24 Hours
Tickets	Not Required
Address	East Battery Street and Murray Boulevard

A place for creativity and artistic masterpieces, Gibber Museum of Art is a hub for the finest art collections, with over 10,000 pieces in its permanent collection. This Beaux-Arts-style museum was formerly known as Gibbes Art Gallery, and it features works of artists including Charles Fraser, William Melton Halsey, Mary Roberts, and numerous other artists. 

So, visiting this museum is one of many fun things to do in Charleston SC, for all art aficionados. 

Working Days	Weekday except National Holidays
Timings	Monday and Tuesday: 10am–5pm Thursday to Saturday: 10am–5pm Wednesday: 10 am- 8 pm  Sunday: 1 pm- 5 pm
Tickets	Adult: 12 Euros  Military, Student (college), Senior (62+): 10 Euros  Youth (4-17): 6 Euros  Member Child, Adult or Child (0-3): Free
Address	135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Site	Gibbes Museum of Art

Spanning across eight acres along one-half mile of the Cooper River is Waterfront Park, a landmark in Charleston and a beloved spot for many tourists since its opening in May 1990.  During summers, the park becomes a cooling spot, and you’d find many families relaxing in the shallow water of the fountain.

It is home to the pineapple fountain, which is a center of attraction and most photographed site. If luck is in your hand, you may also spot dolphins jumping out of the water. 

Working Days	All Days
Timings	Varies according to Seasons
Tickets	Not Required
Address	Concord Street Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401-2129

Renowned for its vibrant set of colors, Rainbow Row is an iconic landmark and a most photographed part of Charleston. Its name was coined after the pastel colors it was painted in. 

It was originally built in the 1700s as a chain of 13 town houses and has been designated a landmark for nearly three centuries. Beyond its colorful appearance of pastel hues, Rainbow Row carries a rich history of trade and warehouses with itself. 

Working Days	All Days
Timings	Open 24 Hours
Tickets	Not Required
Address	83-107 E Bay St.

Popularly known as Custom House and The Exchange, The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a fascinating place to visit, enriched with the history of Charleston. 

The place has served numerous civic institutional functions, prominently as a facility for prisoners of war, operated via British Forces during the American Revolutionary War. Its stunning Georgian Palladian facade makes visiting it a must-have thing to do in Charleston SC. 

Working Days	All Days
Timings	Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 16 dollars Children (6-12): 12 Dollars  Kids below 6: Free
Address	122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Site	THE OLD EXCHANGE & PROVOST DUNGEON

Another Charleston treasure is Angel Oak, considered to be 400–500 years old. It is one of the oldest living trees east of Mississippi. Standing 65 feet high, Angel Oak offers shade to nearly 20,000 square feet (ca. 19 a). Visitors often get confused because of its long limbs and claim the tree to have an otherworldly presence. Always keep an eye out for kids when visiting this place, as its branches are tempting to climb.  

Working Days	All Days
Timings	Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Tickets	Not Required
Address	3688 Angel Oak Rd.
Site	Angel Oak

Located in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is a historic district and one of America’s oldest plantations still in operation for over 320 years. Founded in 1681, this plantation is expanding to 738 acres of property and has been featured in many films and TV shows, such as The Notebook. 

Its history is placed in the slave trade; today you can walk through the nine slave cabins and see their history. Its gorgeous tree-lined path and serene gardens make many visitors claim it to be worth a visit. 

Working Days	All Days
Timings	Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 28 dollars Kids (6-12): 12 dollars  Children below 5: Free
Address	1235 Long Point Rd.
Site	Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Find fresh and organic produce at Charleston’s Farmers Market. The market is organized each Saturday from 11th April till the end of November. It brings you local produce, plants, herbs, prepared food, flowers, live entertainment, and community groups. Whether you are a local or a tourist visiting for the first time, Charleston’s Farmers Market unites everyone together for a fun time. 

Operating On	April to December
Timings	April to November; Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  December; Saturday, Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets	Not Required
Address	329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Site	CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET

Catch the sun and serene view at the Sullivian’s Island. If you are a foodie, hit the road to Sullivian’s Island, as it offers the best collection of restaurants among Charleston’s three beaches. 

At first, coming to this beach might not seem like the best thing to do in Charleston SC. But as you spend your day here, this beach will prove that all good things come in small packages and become fun things to do in Charleston SC, with kids. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Open 24 Hours
Tickets	Not Required
Address	Charleston County, South California
Site	SULLIVAN’S ISLAND

The Charleston Museum, established in 1773, is renowned as America’s first museum and is said to be the oldest in the United States. It is enriched with the archaeological, artistic, and communal history of South Carolina, so you can learn everything about this place. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, including an archive of natural history, a Civil War exhibition, decorative arts, and fossils. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 15 Dollars  Teens: 12 Dollars  Kids (3-12): 6 Dollars
Address	360 Meeting St.
Site	THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM

Magnolia Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in the South, dating back to 1679. Located on the Ashley River, it is a historical house with gardens that appeal to people fond of romantic aesthetics. Because of its serenity and vibe, this place should be on your list of things to do in Charleston SC for couples. 

The place isn’t just a haven for couples; it includes other elements, such as an area, which visitors have constantly complimented to be ideal for kids to bring along.

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 32 Dollars  Youth (12-17): 18 Dollars Kids (5-11): 14 Dollars  Below 5:  Free
Address	3550 Ashley River Rd.
Site	MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS

Middleton is a plantation situated northwest of downtown Charleston and home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the US. The plantation was a former residence of the Middleton family. Today, this National Historic Landmark District houses a beautiful collection of exquisite furniture and portraits. If you visit at the right time, the place also offers a photogenic spectacle of gorgeous flowers blooming. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults (14 or above): 29 Dollars  Student (14): 15 Dollars  Kids (6-13): 10 Dollars
Address	4300 Ashley River Rd.
Site	MIDDLETON PLACE

The list of things to do in Charleston SC is incomplete without talking about the shore gazing at a wonderful view of the ocean on Folly Beach. Stretching across 6 miles across the coastline of the Atlantic, this beach provides a perfect place for sunbathe and chill out. 

Its balmy atmosphere draws crowds of all ages, coming here to relax and have laughs with their loved ones. Along with the beachfront, it also offers bars and delectable restaurants nearby. 

Operating On	Daily
Timings	8 a.m. to sunset
Tickets	Not required
Address	South Carolina, USA
Site	Folly Beach

Now, you may get exhausted from wandering all the historic destinations, so to relax your nerves, visit the White Point Garden. Originally this place was used as a fortification during the Revolutionary or Civil Wars; now it has become a tourist attraction point, and because of its scenic atmosphere, you may also witness weddings. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	9 a.m. till Sunset
Tickets	Not Required
Address	2 Murray Blvd.
Site	White Point Garden

You can’t visit Charleston without running into King Street, one of Charleston’s major thoroughfares. It runs from the southern end of downtown Charleston (starting at White Point Garden) up to the northern boundaries. 

The street is divided into three districts, and each is lined up with delectable restaurants such as The Darling Oyster Bar, antique shops like Robert Lange Studios, hotels, and a couple of charming buildings.  

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Open 24 Hours
Tickets	Not Required
Address	King Street

Marvel at the 3rd largest cable-stayed bridge in the Western hemisphere, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Opened in July 2005, the bridge took nearly 4 years to complete. Today, it offers a great spot for tourists to enjoy the serene view of the fields of Patriot’s Point. 

Make your trip to Charleston memorable by visiting this bridge and gazing at the spectacular views of Cooper River and Drum Island. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Open 24 Hours
Tickets	Not required
Address	Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Charleston is known for its appetizing cuisines, from shrimp to fried green tomatoes; it is among the best foodie cities in the USA. Hence, your trip is incomplete without trying out the best Charleston culinary tours. 

There are many tour guides to assist you in exploring some of the best-known gourmet foods. Go on an empty stomach to savor the dishes to the fullest; we promise you will come out stuffed. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	24 Hours
Tickets	Not Required

Come to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum to learn about life in Charleston during the 19th century, originally constructed in the 1800s. The museum was once a mansion for wealthy families. Today it is a sight for many visitors to look into the past. 

The place has been home to the former governor of South Carolina. Tourists often admire the architectural structure and slave quarters; you can also take guided tours to understand about the previous families who resided here. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Monday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 15 Dollars  Kids (6-16): 7 Dollars Below 6: Free
Address	48 Elizabeth St.
Site	Aiken-Rhett House

After touring at so many attractions in Charleston you may long to spend your day relaxing your nerves at the beach. If so, then Isle of Palms County Park just might be your chill zone. Located just 16 miles east of the city, at this beach you can do swimming, sailing, or windsurfing; this place is a paradise for all sorts of fun.

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Vary seasonally
Tickets	Not Required
Address	First Street and 14th Avenue
Site	Isle of Palms County Park

While for some, Charleston City Market is a tourist trap, others call it a taste of Old South life. It is the nation’s oldest public market that is a blend of both cultural and culinary hubs. The market is constantly bustling with stalls packed with clothes, art, goods, and regional souvenirs. 

Over 300 local businesses sell their goods at the market. You can spend your whole day here discovering Charleston cuisine and shopping, making it one of the best things to do in Charleston SC. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Sunday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Friday to Saturday: 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Tickets	Not Required
Address	188 Meeting St.
Site	Charleston City Market

Standing on the coast of Ashley River is Drayton Hall, one of the oldest surviving plantation houses in the South that has seen both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. This plantation is an example of Palladian architecture and one of the finest examples of this style, covered with red brick and decorative windows and doors. 

Drayton Hall was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960; at present, the place has become a hotspot for archaeological artifacts and objects from the 

Drayton family.

Operating On	All Days except Tuesday
Timings	Wednesday to Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 29 Dollars  Kids (8-14): 15 Dollars
Address	3380 Ashley River Rd.
Site	DRAYTON HALL

Built in 1772, Heyward-Washington House is a historic museum in Charleston, South Carolina. This Georgian-style double house was the town house of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Today, it is maintained by the Charleston Museum and features a collection of historic Charleston-made furniture including the exquisite Holmes Bookcase, deemed as the finest piece of American-made colonial furniture and formal gardens.  

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 15 Dollars  Teens (13-17): 12 Dollars  Kids (3-12): 6 Dollars
Address	87 Church St.
Site	Heyward-Washington House

If you also have a knack for connecting with the natural world, visit the South Carolina Aquarium, where wildlife surrounds you. With over 5,000 animals, the aquarium is a fun attraction for many kids and should be on your list to do things in Charleston with family. 

Licensed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, it is full of interactive exhibits of sea creatures, ranging from alligators to eels and otters, that are maintained with utmost care. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Prices vary by day
Address	100 Aquarium Wharf
Site	South Carolina Aquarium

Constructed in 1808 by a wealthy merchant named Nathaniel Russell, this house is recognized as the US’ most significant neoclassical house and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Its architectural design is inspired by the English designer Robert Adam, and the mansion is adorned with elegantly proportioned rooms. 

Once you enter, you will be immediately swooned away by the breathtaking view of the spiraling staircase, set back against golden walls in the stair hall. We suggest you arrive early to take in the beauty without much crowd or noise. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Monday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 15 Dollars  Kids (6-16): 7 Dollars
Address	51 Meeting St.
Site	Nathaniel Roussel House

Constructed nearly 200 years ago, in 1825, the Edmondston Alston House holds a splendid view of Charleston Harbor. Located along the High Battery, it is one of the oldest houses and has survived the American Civil War and numerous natural disasters.

The house underwent a change of hands; initially, it carried a federal style; later, a wealthy Lowcountry rice planter, Charles Alston, updated its architecture to the Greek Revival style. If you are a fan of Charleston’s 19th-century historical houses, this is the perfect spot to visit. 

Operating On	All Days except Sunday
Timings	Monday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 15 Dollars  Kids: 5 Dollars
Address	21 East Battery
Site	EDMONDSTON-ALSTON HOUSE

In case you are also a history buff, then Fort Sumter might be your place to explore. The place carries historical significance, as the first shot of the Civil War was fired here in 1861. It is the house of several Civil War-era cannons and chock-full of thick stone caverns. You can take a ferry to this fort and wander around, discovering the events that unfolded during the American Civil War. 

Operating On	Seasonally
Timings	Hours vary seasonally
Tickets	Not Required
Address	1214 Middle St.
Site	Fort Sumter

You can not leave Charleston before sailing the waves via the Charleston boat tour. Learn more about the city as you go cruising on water. 

Along the way, you will come across some landmarks such as The Battery, Waterfront Park, and Fort Sumter. The Charleston Boat Tour presents an opportunity for you to not only enjoy the sea with a better view of Charleston Harbor. You can choose your own choice of tour and operator for the same. 

Operating On	All Days
Timings	Vary by company
Tickets	Not Required
Address	10 Wharfside St.

The McLeod Plantation, an important site in the history of African Americans, was established in 1851 and operated mainly as a cotton plantation until 1922. Located on James Island, the site is a reserve for Gullah and Geechee heritage. 

Stretching across 37 acres, the plantation holds the true history of enslaved people, and it features a dairy, a kitchen area, a worship center, and a tree called McLeod Oak believed to have existed around for more than 600 years. 

Operating On	All Days Except Monday
Timings	Tuesday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 20 Dollars  Kids (3-12): 6 Dollars
Address	325 Country Club Dr.
Site	McLeod Plantation

H.L. Hunley also known as Hunley, CSS H.L. Hunley, or CSS Hunley, was a submarine originally built in 1863 for the Confederate Army. The submarine demonstrates the risks and pros of underwater warfare. 

It was the first combat submarine to sink and was later found on the coast of the Sullivian Islands. Today, you can tour the submarine. Many travelers have claimed it to be an interactive experience, where you can feel what the crew felt at the time of sinking. 

Operating On	Saturday, Sunday
Timings	Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets	Adults: 18 Dollars  Kids (6-12) 10 Dollars
Address	1250 Supply St.
Site	Hunley

Located at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Patriots Point Naval & Museum is an institution that has been home to World War II-period aircraft carrier U.S.S. Yorktown and an array of other ships. 

It includes two historic ships, a Medal of Honor Museum, 28 aircraft, and a 2.5-acre “Vietnam Experience.” The place serves to educate travelers on the history of wars. Visitors are welcomed all around the year, but the timings depend on seasonally. Usually, the expected timings are 9 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening. 

Operating On	Seasonally
Timings	Hours vary seasonally
Tickets	Adults: 28 Dollars Kids (6-12): 23 Dollars Below 6: Free
Address	40 Patriots Point Rd.
Site	PATRIOTS POINT NAVEL & MARITIME MUSEUM

Conclusion 

Charleston should be on the go-to list of anyone who wants to spend a soothing holiday at a gorgeous destination. The site is a delight for the senses, from romantic weather to historically significant destinations including plantations, submarines, and museums. We attempted to bring to you some of the best places to visit and things to do on your trip to Charleston, South Carolina. So pack your bags and travel to this wonderful destination filled with history.