Top 15 Things to Do in Charleston: Your Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

Are you searching for things to do in Charleston on your next vacation? Charleston, South Carolina, brims with heritage, coastal landscapes, and Southern charm. Stroll centuries-old streets lined with pastel houses. Savor Lowcountry cuisine in historic taverns. Relax on sandy shores or explore scenic marshes teeming with wildlife. In 2025, the city’s cultural festivals, refreshed attractions, and classic Southern hospitality await. Below, find fifteen ways to dive into Charleston’s best.

Explore Charleston’s Historic Sites

The Battery and White Point Garden

At Charleston’s southern tip lies The Battery. This iconic seawall overlooks Charleston Harbor, once crucial for defense. Lined with antebellum mansions, the promenade exudes 19th-century elegance. White Point Garden sits at its edge, offering shaded benches and Civil War cannons. Families photograph children climbing on relics of history, while couples admire pastel homes across the street.

• Why It’s a Must-See
  • Free scenic views, plus a window into Charleston’s maritime past.
• Parking
  • Meters near East Battery or a short walk from downtown, at about $2 per hour.
• Tip
  • Early morning visits yield fewer crowds and gentle light for photos.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter marks the Civil War’s first spark. Today, you can catch a ferry ( $30 adult round trip) from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. After a 30-minute ride, disembark on a small island fortress. Rangers narrate major battles and soldier life. War artifacts, cannons, and interpretive plaques fill the courtyard. You’ll also glimpse passing cargo ships and possibly playful dolphins.

• History
  • The first shots of the Civil War fired here in April 1861.
• Duration
  • Ferries run about 2 hours round trip, including fort exploration.
• Pro Tip
  • Book online in peak seasons (spring or summer) to secure morning slots.

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Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row features 13 pastel Georgian homes on East Bay Street. Painted in mint, peach, lemon, and more, they form Charleston’s most photographed block. These 18th-century dwellings represent the city’s post-war revival. Tourists pause for selfies near wrought-iron gates or under blooming window boxes.

• Short Stroll
  • The houses stand side by side. You can see them in 15 minutes or linger for detail shots.
• Best Light
  • Late afternoon golden hues accentuate pastel walls.
• Nearby
  • Waterfront Park (5 minutes away), for a pineapple fountain cameo.

Charleston City Market

Established in the 1790s, Charleston City Market runs four blocks under covered halls. Vendors offer sweetgrass baskets ($30–$300), artisanal soaps ($5–$10), or benne wafers ($4–$7). The atmosphere hums with friendly chatter, Gullah dialect, and swirling scents of local foods. Admission is free.

• Don’t Miss
  • Sweetgrass basket weavers demonstrating centuries-old craft.
• Food
  • Sample she-crab soup ( $5–$8 cup) from local stalls or sweet iced tea for $2–$3.
• Hours
  • Open daily, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM. Night market on select weekends extends hours until 10 PM.

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Relax in Charleston’s Natural Beauty

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Dating back to 1676, Magnolia Plantation entices flower lovers. Entrance typically runs $20–$25 for adults, plus optional tours (like the swamp boat, $10). Bloom times vary: azaleas peak in spring, camellias in winter, while summer’s lush greenery envelops walking paths. If you adore wildlife, watch for alligators or wading birds by the water.

• Focal Points
  • Audubon Swamp Garden for cypress groves and egrets.
  • The plantation house tour reveals family antiques and vantage points of the Ashley River.
• Note
  • Some walking paths can be muddy. Wear sturdy shoes.

Angel Oak Tree

Angel Oak stands on Johns Island, near Charleston. This live oak’s gnarled branches can dwarf visitors, measuring over 65 feet high. The shade beneath is refreshingly cool on hot afternoons. Entry is free, but a donation box supports upkeep.

• Age
  • Estimated 400–500 years old. Some locals claim even older.
• Photography
  • A panorama lens helps, as the sprawling canopy extends nearly 200 feet.
• Timing
  • Closes around 5 PM. Avoid midday crowds by arriving early or near closing.

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Sullivan’s Island Beaches

For a calmer alternative to Folly Beach, head to Sullivan’s Island. Parking lines side streets ( watch posted signs for rules). The sandy shore meets gentle surf. Families build sandcastles, couples stroll in search of seashells. The central area near Fort Moultrie has historical significance and visitor exhibits ( $10 seven-day pass covers multiple fort sites).

• Atmosphere
  • More residential vibe, fewer big hotels or loud bars.
• Food
  • Middle Street offers local eats like The Obstinate Daughter ( entrees $17–$32).
• Sunset
  • Fewer tall buildings block your view. The horizon glows pink above the Atlantic.

One of the most unique attractions in the area is the Charleston Tea Garden, where you can explore the rich history of tea cultivation in America.

Indulge in Charleston’s Food and Dining Scene

Traditional Southern Cuisine

A journey to Charleston begs sampling Lowcountry dishes. You’ll find shrimp and grits ( $15–$22), she-crab soup ( $8–$12), or hushpuppies ( $4–$6) at nearly every corner bistro. Spots like Poogan’s Porch or Husk excel in farm-to-table ingredients. Chefs fuse heritage recipes with modern twists.

• Popular Sides
  • Collard greens, cornbread, or red rice.
• Reservations
  • Book dinner tables ahead, especially on weekends, as Charleston ranks high on foodie lists.
• Sweet Endings
  • Try pecan pie or banana pudding ( $5–$8) for a sugary finish.

King Street Food District

King Street, once a humble thoroughfare, now buzzes with restaurants, rooftop bars, and dessert lounges. Each block reveals new tastes, from artisan pizzas to sushi rolls.

• Nightlife
  • Post-dinner, lounge bars mix craft cocktails ( $9–$15). Some spots feature live jazz or local acoustic sets.
• Brunch Scene
  • Sunday brunch on King Street is big, with shrimp omelets ( $12–$16) or biscuits and gravy ( $8–$12).
• Window Shopping
  • Between bites, check chic boutiques or antique shops for unique souvenirs.

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Charleston Farmers Market

Marion Square transforms each Saturday into a farmers market mecca ( April–November). Vendors peddle fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade jams. Craftspeople display pottery, paintings, or Gullah-inspired art. Admission is free.

• Local Tastes
  • Try a warm biscuit, goat cheese sample, or organic honey ( $5–$10 jars).
• Live Entertainment
  • Street musicians or small dance troupes appear near the fountain.
• Timing
  • Opens around 8 AM. Arrive early for the best pick of pastries and produce.

Discover Family-Friendly and Outdoor Activities

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park welcomes parents pushing strollers, couples snapping selfies, and kids drawn to the Pineapple Fountain. Benches line the Cooper River, offering breezy escapes from downtown hustle. The walkway extends to a dock with swings facing the water.

• Fountain Fun
  • In warmer months, kids frolic in the splash fountain. Lifeguards are absent, but shallow waters keep it safe.
• Sunset Stroll
  • Late evenings highlight harbor lights and passing ships.
• Nearby
  • Vendue Range street leads to an arts district with small galleries or rooftop bars.

Pro Tip: The South Carolina Aquarium sits a short walk away from Waterfront Park, near Liberty Square. It features sea turtle rehabilitation, touch tanks for rays, and a large two-story ocean tank. Tickets cost about $29 for adults. Families or sea-life lovers can spend 1–2 hours exploring exhibits.

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Shem Creek Boardwalk

Across the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant lies Shem Creek. A wooden boardwalk extends along shrimp boats and marsh grasses. Kayaking or paddleboarding runs about $30–$40 for a few hours. Restaurants on the creek edges provide fresh seafood lunches ( $15–$25). Dolphin sightings are common, especially in cooler months.

• Walking
  • A free, scenic walk. Gentle slopes, no steep inclines.
• Sunset
  • Golden reflections on the water, perfect for romantic photos.
• Wildlife
  • Spot egrets, herons, or the occasional manatee if you’re lucky.

Charleston Harbor Tours

Hop aboard a 90-minute harbor cruise ( $25–$35) to see Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and downtown skyline. Guides often share maritime tales of blockade runners, pirates, or local ghost legends. Some tours add dinner or drinks for a more upscale vibe ( $60–$80).

• Who Goes
  • Families, couples, history fans. The breezy top deck fosters a social atmosphere.
• When
  • Day tours highlight details; sunset cruises evoke romance.
• Dolphins?
  • Very possible. Many sightings near the harbor mouth.

Take Day Trips and Romantic Escapes

Boone Hall Plantation

Founded in 1681, Boone Hall lies about 25 minutes from downtown. Entry runs $26 for adults, covering the main house tour, gardens, and slave cabins that interpret the African American experience. The iconic Avenue of Oaks—lined with centuries-old trees—makes a timeless photo backdrop.

• Why Visit
  • Rich colonial history, working farm, and well-kept grounds that have appeared in films.
• Seasonal
  • Spring sees colorful azaleas or summer peach harvest.
• Lunch
  • A small café or bring snacks ( $5–$10) to enjoy under the oaks.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island’s pristine beaches and golf courses lure visitors seeking calm. Public Beachwalker Park charges about $10 parking. The resort side includes five-star hotels, spa retreats, and challenging golf fairways (greens fees $100–$300). Quiet sunsets, scenic trails, or kayaking in tidal creeks define a perfect romantic getaway.

• Distance
  • About a 45-minute drive from Charleston.
• Dining
  • Upscale oceanfront restaurants ( $25–$50 entrees).
• Nature
  • Watch for dolphins or sea turtles near the shore.

Middleton Place

A National Historic Landmark, Middleton Place brims with 18th-century architecture, terraced gardens, and stable yards. Entry ( around $29) includes self-guided house tours, reflection pools, and live oak groves draped in Spanish moss. Seasonal blooms—like camelias in winter or azaleas in spring—transform the estate. Guides in period attire occasionally demonstrate weaving or blacksmithing.

• House Museum
  • Showcases family heirlooms, paintings, and antiques.
• Gardens
  • The oldest landscaped gardens in America, symmetrical and inspired by European designs.
• Worth Half a Day
  • Many linger to watch alligators in the Ashley River or dine at the on-site restaurant ( $15–$25 meals).

Quick Table: Key Charleston Highlights

Attraction	Approx. Cost	Highlights
Fort Sumter Ferry	$30 adult round trip	Civil War history, harbor views
Magnolia Plantation	$20–$25 base	Oldest public gardens, wildlife
Angel Oak Tree	Free (donations)	400-year-old oak, scenic photo ops
Charleston City Market	Free entry	Sweetgrass baskets, local crafts
Sullivan’s Island	Free beach	Quiet shores, Fort Moultrie nearby

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Charleston

Is Charleston worth visiting?
Absolutely. With centuries of history, waterfront views, and a thriving culinary scene, Charleston holds broad appeal. Explore forts, taste shrimp and grits, lounge on beaches, or meander under mossy oaks.

How to spend a day in Charleston?
Begin at The Battery, snap pictures of Rainbow Row, ferry to Fort Sumter, then lunch near King Street. Afternoon visits to Magnolia Plantation or Shem Creek add nature. End with a candlelit dinner along the harbor or King Street’s rooftop bars.

What is Charleston best known for?
It’s famous for its preserved antebellum architecture, Civil War landmarks, and Lowcountry cuisine. The city also prides itself on sweet tea, friendly locals, and colorful festivals like Spoleto in spring.

Are there beaches in Charleston?
Yes! Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, and Isle of Palms each deliver a distinct vibe. Families flock to Folly for lively surf, while Sullivan’s offers a mellow retreat. Isle of Palms is a mix of resort condos and wide sands.

What are some romantic spots in Charleston?
Strolling hand in hand at Waterfront Park, indulging in a garden walk at Middleton Place, or taking a sunset sail in the harbor highlight Charleston’s romantic side. Rooftop drinks on King Street also remain popular.

Is Charleston family-friendly?
For sure. Kids enjoy the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Harbor tours, or Shem Creek kayak outings. The city’s museums, parks, and mild weather keep families engaged year-round.

Conclusion

Charleston seamlessly blends old-world heritage with modern flair. These things to do in Charleston reflect a city steeped in charm, from pastel row houses to live oaks shading plantation gardens. Wander the narrow lanes near Rainbow Row, dine on savory she-crab soup, or watch shrimp boats pass Shem Creek. Families can explore nature at Magnolia Plantation, while couples might savor cocktails near King Street’s skyline views.

Plan your 2025 visit soon. Book ahead for popular restaurants or historical tours. Each corner reveals hidden stories, living traditions, and gracious locals. Whether you’re discovering Charleston’s Civil War sites, tucking into a hushpuppy feast, or simply breathing in the salty air from a harbor cruise, you’ll leave with warm memories and a yearning to return.

For official schedules, attraction details, or up-to-date events, visit the official Charleston Area CVB website directly. They provide real-time festival calendars, special deals, and traveler resources to make your Charleston journey seamless.