Things To Do In Charleston

1500 Old Towne Rd
Discover 664 acres of archaeological digs, an indigenous animal zoo, and more on the grounds of the original 1670 Charleston settlement.

340 Concord St
Today, this gone-era-stronghold-turned-official monument encompasses three sites: the original offshore fort, the Visitor Education Center (basecamp for island-bound ferries), and Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, a linchpin of coastal fortification from the Palmetto-log days of 1776 to WWII.

164 King Street
Even in our history-rich city, this library stands out, both for its vast archives and for its age (it has been lending materials since 1748!).

1254 Long Point Rd
Explore a Founding Father’s sprawling estate—plus exhibits, film screenings and a roster of special programs—for free.

325 Country Club Dr
From home to hospital to Freedman’s Bureau headquarters, this circa-1851 property is a pivotal cultural and historical landmark.

125 Bull St
Charleston’s first secondary school for African-Americans is now part-museum (public tours offered) and part-archive.

3550 Ashley River Rd
Public-access since 1870, this legendary site boasts a watercolor-worthy garden of year-round blooms, from daffodils and daisies to hydrangeas.

4300 Ashley River Rd
Time has only enhanced the appeal of the pastoral landscape, where sheep and horses mingle with museum guests and overnight visitors.

3030 Cypress Gardens Rd
A short ride from downtown leads to miles of garden trails, wild backwater beauty, and a greenhouse filled with butterflies.

1235 Long Point Rd
The circa-1743 live oaks that line the approach to this preservation site form one of the most breathtaking canopies in the South.

3688 Angel Oak Rd
The oldest living thing east of the Mississippi is rooted on Johns Island, about 20 minutes from downtown.

30 Mary Murray Dr
A mighty corps of volunteers and municipal landscapers keep this Olmsted-designed public greenspace lush and in bloom year-round.

3380 Ashley River Rd
This architectural icon and living history site is the oldest unrestored plantation house in the U.S.

222 Calhoun St
The roots of this meeting house date back to 1798, when both African-American and white Methodists paid for its construction.

89-91 Church St
A precursor to the modern farmers’ market, vendors peddled produce in front of these former tenements until the late 1920s.

East Bay St at Tradd St
These 13 vibrant, supremely photogenic buildings make up the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the country.

16 Meeting St
With 24,000 square feet of living space, this Gilded Age stunner is Charleston’s largest private residence.

51 Meeting St
The ornamental breadth and beauty of this restored neoclassical landmark appeals to a broad crowd.

87 Church St
In 1791, George Washington overnighted at this Georgian-style double house (now a historic museum).

100 Meeting St
The pioneering architect Robert Mills designed this 1820s structure to protect Charleston County offices and records.

Head to the corners of Meeting and Broad Streets—known locally as the Four Corners of Law—to view this majestic structure designed by White House architect James Hoban.

48 Elizabeth St
The Historic Charleston Foundation oversees this museum house (a bold blend of three architectural styles) and its many outbuildings.

101 E Artic Ave
Surfers flock to the Wash Out on the island’s east end. But you don’t have to hang ten to appreciate the island’s laidback funky vibe. The county park offers beach chair and umbrella rentals as well as public restrooms. Beyond, there is ample beach access up and down the barrier island.

Beyond the beach: Before downing a Painkiller (a potent concoction of rum, pineapple juice,  orange juice and cream of coconut) at the Surf Bar or grabbing lunch at one of the island’s  local haunts—Taco Boy, Black Magic and Lost Dog are favorites—venture to the very  end of  East Ashely Avenue for views of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse.

1-14th Ave
The Isle of Palms Connector dead-ends pretty much at the entrance of the county park, or you can park along Palm Boulevard to access this six-mile family-friendly stretch of beach just north of downtown Charleston. IOP is also a popular surf spot, especially for beginners. 

Beyond the beach: The Windjammer is a front-beach music venue where you’ll find live tunes most nights.

Station 26 St
The closest beach to downtown Charleston, this quiet island town is the area’s most residential. A drive through the historic district is worth a brief delay. Parking can be tricky so arrive early or come late. Head toward Station 18 to watch the bi-container ships come in and out of Charleston Harbor. 

Beyond the beach: Snag a table at Poe’s restaurant (named for Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote his famous short story The Gold-Bug while stationed here at Fort Moultrie) for one of the best burgers in town.