Table of Contents
Welcome back to The Abroad Blog! I just spent the past 3 years living in Charleston, South Carolina and recently moved back to the northeast. In honor of my Charleston era, I wanted to create a mega guide for the city, covering 65+ unique things to do in Charleston. If you’re looking for food guides for Charleston, you’re in luck! I have an entire guide dedicated to the city’s vibrant cafe and coffee shop scene, in addition to a full article for nightlife recommendations. Lastly, I also have a full best places to eat in Charleston guide, organized by breakfast / brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. If you’re looking for a standard weekend itinerary to help inspire a trip of your own, check out my 3 days in Charleston itinerary. Now, let’s hop into this all-inclusive list of recommendations for things to do in Charleston!
Disclaimer: This blog post was written in collaboration with several businesses in Charleston, including Charlotte Berger PR and SkinLab Charleston. I was hosted at various restaurants, spas, and on tours in exchange for a mention in this guide. As always, all opinions written below are completely my own!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and book through any of these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for reading and supporting my little corner of the internet!
Don’t have time to read the entire guide? This Charleston Sightseeing Bus Tour is the BEST way to see almost ALL of the sights mentioned on this list!
Bucket List Things To Do In Charleston
I’m going to start this list with the absolute can’t-miss things to do in Charleston, SC! If you only have one day in Charleston, these are the sights I would see and the activities I would prioritize booking. Then, we will hop into more unique things to do in Charleston for your visit.
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1. Shop On King Street
King Street has to be #1 on this list! It’s Charleston’s main city road and one of the most picturesque, iconic streets in America. Historic King Street is about 2 miles in length and stretches from the intersection with Spring Street all the way down to the ocean at the White Point Gardens. King Street has local boutiques, popular chain stores, antique shops, home decor warehouses, spas (more on this below!), plus restaurants and bars. You will no doubt end up strolling on King several times — day and night, during your time in Charleston.
2. Take Photos At Rainbow Row
Another Charleston must. Located on East Bay Street, Rainbow Row is a collection of 13 colorful, historic Georgian homes that have become very Instagrammable. There wasn’t a day I passed this area when living in Charleston that I didn’t see bachelorette parties, couples, and girls trips posing in front of here. Also check out Tradd Street for more beautiful homes!
3. See The Pineapple Fountain
The Pineapple Fountain, located within Waterfront Park / The Battery in downtown Charleston, is an iconic symbol of the city. Pineapples are a sign of welcoming and hospitality, who’s history dates back to the 1800s when people would bring exotic fruits back from their Caribbean adventures to display in front of their homes — signaling they returned safely and are open for visitors. Nowadays, you’ll see a lot of front porches and stoops adorned with pineapple statues, lights, etc.
4. Stroll Along The Battery
Waterfront Park and The Battery are also a must. From the Pineapple Fountain, make a right (facing the water), and stroll the path alongside the harbor down to White Point Gardens. There’s a raised, concrete sidewalk to walk on. Plug the “Historic Charleston Foundation” office into your maps to find the walking path. And say hi to my old roommate, Ruth, as you go by!
5. Take A Carriage Ride
This one may be controversial to locals, but the horse-drawn carriages really are staples of this southern city. I took a tour myself when I first moved to Charleston and learned so much about the city’s unique architecture and early days. Plus, the horses are treated well with plenty of time off. Maybe just don’t book a tour when it’s 100° out!
6. Shop In The Charleston City Market
While you’re near the Pineapple Fountain and Battery, be sure to stroll through the Charleston City Market! This was always a must on my walking tours with friends and family around the city. The market has an enclosed, air conditioned, permanent portion and also several blocks of open-air vendors. These vendors constantly rotate and set up every single day! There’s also a night market on certain days. You can always find something special to bring home here!
7. Visit Fort Sumter National Monument
Whether you’re a history buff or just hoping to enjoy a scenic harbor cruise, visiting Fort Sumter is a must! I also did this in my early days in Charleston. You can book a ferry from the Aquarium area and enjoy scenic views of the harbor and peninsula as you sail to this historic site. This fort protected Charleston, as it’s situated right at the mouth of the ocean. It’s actually where the first shot of the Civil War was fired! Don’t miss it.
8. Eat / Drink At Shem Creek
If I only had one day in Charleston, this is where I’d spend my evening. Head over the Ravenel Bridge into Mount Pleasant, the town across the river from downtown Charleston. Here you’ll find Shem Creek — a marina / creek lined with dozens of bars and restaurants, all with the best waterfront views. My favorite place over here is Saltwater Cowboys. You can read all about it in my where to eat in Charleston guide!
9. Walk Through The College Of Charleston Campus
Maybe this one makes the top 10 on this list because I went to school here, but this campus is absolutely stunning! Be sure to set aside 20-30 minutes during your trip to Charleston to see this area. Photographing Randolph Hall in the Cistern Yard is one of the top things to do in Charleston — it’s the oldest still in use academic building in the US!
10. Sightsee South Of Broad
You would be remiss to leave Charleston without walking around the neighborhoods in South of Broad. Located around the White Point Gardens, these homes are the cream of the crop in downtown Charleston. They are the most beautiful mansions you’ve ever seen and are all completely privately owned — most have probably been in the families for hundreds of years… talk about old money.
Unique Things To Do In Charleston
Now that I covered 10 bucket list things to do in the city, let’s dive into some more unique things to do in Charleston. If you have more than 3 days in Charleston to explore, I would add some of these things to do in Charleston to your list. Even better, if you’ve been to Charleston a few times already — I hope you find somewhere new to explore on this list!
11. Lowcountry Oyster Co. Tour
At the very top of my recommendations for unique things to do in Charleston is a Lowcountry Oyster Co. tour! In case you didn’t know, Charleston is well-known for its oysters! It’s a huge part of the culture in the city, and you’ll find them in most restaurants in the downtown Charleston area. If you want to learn about the farm to table process for oysters (AND enjoy a super scenic boat ride!), this is a must! Lowcountry Oyster Co. is located about an hour from downtown Charleston, although they provide transportation options to visit their site.
Lowcountry Oyster Co. is the largest sustainable oyster farm in South Carolina. They produce a few million each year, and are the only company in the US to produce their own floats and nets, making them fully self-sufficient! You will learn a lot during your tour, including learning that 2 million oyster seeds could fit in the palm of your hand during the hatchery phase, and that 200- 5,000 oysters will eventually be harvested from each sea cage. Whether you’re an oyster fan or not (you can try them after the tour!), I couldn’t recommend this day tour more.
12. Tour The Charleston Haunted Jail
Did you know Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the US? It’s full of spooky cemeteries and churches, but the creepiest building of all is the Old Jail downtown. Today, its top floors are used for office / event space, but the basement is original. The tour will bring your room to room, mostly in the dark. Expect to hear about (and maybe feel!) paranormal presence.
Pro-tip: Savannah, GA, Charleston’s sister city, is THE most haunted city in the US. If you’re interested in ghost tours, be sure to check out my guide to a girls weekend in Savannah!
13. Go On A Ghost Tour
Another top thing to do in Charleston is to go on a walking ghost + graveyard tour. Enjoy spooky stories and tales from the past as you explore narrow alleyways, church cemeteries, and even visit a haunted graveyard in the dark with Charleston Terrors.
14. Get A Treatment At SkinLab Charleston
Break up your shopping sprees and seafood dinners with some R&R! Head to SkinLab Charleston, the only medical spa located in downtown Charleston owned by a dermatologist. They perfectly mix relaxation with results-oriented treatments, so you can feel rejuvenated and leave Charleston with noticeable results.
Each appointment at SkinLab begins with the SkinScope to dive deeper into new patients’ skin and their skin concerns. It uses two light modes — a daylight mode and a LED-UV light to identify underlying damage. Based on the results, your aesthetician will customize an in-office and at-home skin care regimen using SkinCeuticals products and treatments.
I was grateful to experience the Signature Hydrafacial — a 30 minute experience that cleansed, extracted, and hydrated my skin using Vortex Fusion Technology, which works like a vacuum to penetrate pores. This treatment is perfect for your trip to Charleston since it’s quick, but will also leave you with a glow! If you’re interested in checking out SkinLab Charleston (you should!), you can use code TRAVEL15 for 15% off your first service at SkinLab! Enjoy!
15. Authentic Pakistani Food At Ma’am Saab
I know what you’re thinking… Pakistani food? In Charleston? What about biscuits and gravy? Well, I have southern comfort food recommendations in my Charleston food guide, but since this section of the article is focused on more unique things to do in Charleston, Ma’am Saab had to make the list!
This restaurant is a MUST! Located in the heart of downtown, Ma’am Saab prepares rich, global dishes full of flavor. The appetizers + entrees I had were some of the best and most flavorful cuisine I’ve ever tried. Their cocktails were delicious, and the atmosphere was moody, trendy, and elevated. The perfect place to dine at for a date night or girls night out during your stay in Charleston.
16. Kayak / Paddleboard On Shem Creek
Dining at Shem Creek is a bucket list Charleston item, in my opinion. However, if you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, do an eco-tour! I love Folly Creek or Coastal Expeditions, located on the opposite side of the creek from Saltwater Cowboys, Sunsets, and the other restaurants, the rest of Shem Creek is a nature-lover’s dream. The creek is narrow and windy, and the perfect place to peacefully paddle as you admire the oyster beds and birds around you.
17. Peel & Eat Shrimp At Bowen’s Island
One of my favorite dining experiences in Charleston is located out on Bowen’s Island, near Folly Beach. Bowens Island Seafood is an unassuming seafood shack located right on a windy creek. It’s very casual — you order your main dish (ex. shrimp, a piece of fish, etc) and some sides, and take a number to your table. BUT the food here is to die for. The atmosphere is so fun and laid back too. You’ll see people shucking their own oyster shells and throwing them into buckets or on the floor. The peel & eat shrimp gets messy, but it’s the best meal to dive into on the back deck as you watch for dolphins below.
I ate here often during my time in Charleston, and even watched them film Outer Banks in front of me one time — of course a drone flew by as I was stuffing my face with corn on the cob, naturally.
18. Pour House Yoga + Farmers Market On Sundays
If you find yourself in Charleston on a Sunday and want to escape downtown for a bit, head on over the James Island! The James Island Connector is my favorite bridge in Charleston (the views coming back into the peninsula are just epic).
Located about 15 minutes from downtown by car is the Pour House (PoHo), a funky, hipster, indoor / outdoor music venue and event space. I never actually made it here for a concert, but I did frequently attend their community yoga on Sundays. The yoga is at 9:30 am on the main stage / deck area. You must bring $5 cash to join, however, many people “pay it forward” here, meaning someone may cover you! It’s just the vibe of the place and its community.
Pro-tip: After yoga, be sure to stick around for the Farmers + Artisans Market here from 11 am – 3 pm. You will get first dibs at the produce, candles, jewelry, etc. before the crowds show up.
19. Awendaw Green Barn Jam On Wednesdays
If you happen to be visiting Charleston during the week, attending the Awendaw Green Barn Jam is one of the most unique things to do in the city. Awendaw is a town located just beyond Mount Pleasant in the Charleston Metropolitan area. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown, so you will definitely need a car to reach it.
This event runs from about 5-8 pm on Wednesdays and is an outdoor live music series in the woods. Literally a wooden stage in the woods, with fire pits, a clay pizza oven, picnic tables, and a ton of music lovers and their dogs. Aside from the pizza, there are other vendors selling goods and snacks for purchase. The best part? You can BYOB! We came with a few bottles of wine. Head to the Sewee Outpost for the event. Tickets are $10 cash (pay at the door).
20. Flowertown Charm Goat Yoga
Next up on this list of unique things to do around Charleston is also located outside of downtown. If you have access to a car during your stay in Charleston, you’ll have to drive about 20-30 minutes northwest of the city to Summerville, SC. Located here is Flowertown Charm Farm, which specializes in small, unique farm experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the Lowcountry.
You can literally book “Farm Snuggles”, “Private Bottle Feedings”, “Paint Pottery with Goats”, “Carve Pumpkins with Goats”, and so much more. Their signature offering, and the one I did with my roommate Ruth was goat yoga! I’m not sure why, but this has become so trendy in recent years. So, we were thrilled that we finally experienced it! I will say, I get the hype — doing Down Dog and Warrior Two is indeed better with a small pig or pair of goats at your feet.
21. Beach Yoga With Serenity Tree Yoga
On the topic of yoga, I highly recommend trying beach yoga during your time in Charleston! My friends and I finally did this during our last few weeks in the city and loved it. Serenity Tree is a local yoga + wellness business that offers outdoor yoga on a rotating schedule at various locations around Charleston. I recommend trying it on the beach. It may be a bit windy, but it was so peaceful to hear the crash of the waves and enjoy the sun at golden hour.
Pro-tip: To attend, you “pay as you wish” in cash / Venmo and can just drop in.
22. Take A Surf Lesson At Folly Beach
There are three main beaches in the Charleston area — Folly, Sullivans, and Isle of Palms. Folly has the best waves and is one of the best places to swim in Charleston. Instead of just having a beach day, why not try to do something more unique in Charleston! Book a surf lesson!
My friends and I did this on a Saturday morning during our time in Charleston for like 2 hours and loved it. The lesson will begin on the sand so you can practice paddling and popping up onto your board. Then, the instructors will bring you out into the ocean and help you stand up and catch your first waves! There’s nothing that compares to this feeling.
23. Tube Down The Edisto River
This is one of the last adventures I had while living in Charleston, and is something that had to make this list of unique things to do in Charleston! If you drive one hour outside of the city, you’ll get to the best area to float in the Edisto River. You can bring your own tube, or rent ones on site.
The tubes offered are either donuts, have covered bottoms, or are coolers meant to hold your stuff. The staff will tie all your tubes together so you can drift as a large group for 1-2 miles downstream until you come to the outpost, which has food trucks, beach volleyball, and bathrooms. From there, you can take a shuttle back to your car.
24. Topgolf In North Charleston
Depending on where you live in the US (or the world!), playing Topgolf may be a fun, unique activity for you to try! Most of these are located in warmer climates so guests can practice their swing from the high-tech driving range year-round. A Topgolf opened in North Charleston, near the airport, in the past year or so and is a HIT!
Bring a group of friends and rent a bay for a few hours to play some games. Topgolf also has a full bar and delicious food menu, making it the perfect group outing during your time in the Lowcountry.
25. Participate In The World Famous Bridge Run
If you happen to be visiting Charleston in the spring, around the first weekend in April, check out the Bridge Run! The Cooper River Bridge Run is one of the most famous 10K races in the world. It’s not just a run — it’s an experience, and became one of my favorite weekends in the city each year.
Runners begin near Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant and run 6 miles through Coleman Blvd, over the Ravenel Bridge, and through downtown Charleston to Marion Square. Along the way, there are DJs, hundreds of fans, and dozens of vendors / performers at the finish line. Most people stay downtown after the race to day drink in the bars around King Street. 40,000 people come from all around the world to participate in this race; it’s not everyday a city closes down its most major highway / bridge to pedestrians!
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Things To Do In Charleston At Night
Here are a few unique ideas for things to do in Charleston at night that aren’t just bar hopping down King Street!
26. Attend A Stingrays Game
If you’re a hockey fan, be sure to check out a Stingrays hockey game during your time in Charleston! The Stingrays are a professional minor league hockey team in South Carolina. The games are at the North Charleston Coliseum and are SO fun! They have different themed nights and tickets are quite affordable so check them out.
Pro-tip: This may be a bit cheeky for this guide, but also a lot of my readers are younger women… If you’re reading this guide because you just moved to Charleston and want some inspo then I must note — I wouldn’t recommend dating any of the players. Just go to the games. Trust.
27. Concert At The Windjammer
Attending a concert at the Windjammer on the Isle of Palms (IOP) is one of the best things to do in Charleston at night! This is one of my favorite concert venues in the world. It’s a half-shell stage RIGHT on the sand. Like you can dance around barefoot. I recommend a night show here so you can enjoy the sunset and stay to dance under the stars. Midnight City is a fantastic local cover band that does a great show here!
28. Dance The Night Away At Henrys
I can’t believe this is #28 on this list and NOT #1! Henry’s Restaurant & Bar on the Market is my FAVORITE establishment in maybe the entire world. It serves food downstairs and also has a central bar you can walk around, along with a stage in a corner to enjoy live music. Upstairs is the real fun part though!
I call this bar an “adult playground”, because there are TONS of areas to explore here — each with a different vibe. If you want to dance to a live band, there’s the main music hall. If you want to sit at a bar and chat, there’s two bars near the main stage for this. Want to sway to a talented saxophonist? Head into the Whiskey Room (my personal fav… especially on Saturday’s to hear THE Chris Williams perform!). Need some air? Or to sit? There’s a few decks outside, including a rooftop deck with an additional 2 bars on the top floor. One has a swing!
This place has it all! It’s one of the few bars I’ve been to where I seem to always stay until close at 2 am, even when I’m tired. It’s just that fun. I’ve brought all my Charleston visitors here and they’ve all loved it!
29. Catch A Show At The Charleston Stage
Head to the Dock Street Theater for a performance by the Charleston Stage! It opened in 1809 and hosts original plays, along with classics each year like The Christmas Carol.
30. Credit One Stadium Event
The Credit One Stadium is Charleston’s largest event space. It’s an oval, open-air stadium located on Daniel Island, about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. If there are larger name artists coming to Charleston for a concert, they will be here! My friends and I saw Old Dominion here. Also, the stadium hosts the Charleston Tennis Open every April. This event is AMAZING so catch a match or two if you’re in Charleston then!
31. Palmetto Breeze Booze Cruise
Another one of my favorite things to do in Charleston at night! The Palmetto Breeze is the famous (and huge!) catamaran that sits in Shem Creek. It can hold 100 guests (the largest capacity north of Ft. Lauderdale), and sails the most picturesque route out from Shem Creek, around the downtown peninsula, and past Sullivan’s Island — all at sunset!
Once the sun dips down, it turns into a party as you pull back into shore. There are drinks for sale on board and fun music. I highly recommend checking this out during your trip!
32. Party At The Point
If you visit Charleston between April and July, Party At The Point is one of the most fun things to do in Charleston! Hosted on the beachfront of the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, this is Charleston’s longest running happy hour concert series (and only beach party!).
Tickets are $10 for adults in advance and free for children under 12. It’s family friendly and gates open around 5 pm for the shows. I loved doing this on Friday nights during my time in Charleston!
Pro-tip: Definitely secure tickets online and advance for this. They often sell out at the door, and one time my friend had to drive all the way back home after finding out this information.
33. Pickleball At Crush Yard
Playing pickleball at Crush Yard in Mount Pleasant is another fun thing to do in Charleston at night, especially during the colder months. Crush Yard is an indoor pickle dream. It has 8 pickleball courts, an arcade, 40+ drinks on tap at the bar, and a full restaurant.
I was grateful to attend Crush Yard’s VIP grand opening last year and couldn’t recommend this spot more. Crush Yard is the perfect plan for your friends during a rainy weekend or cold night!
34. Line Dance At The Honkytonk Saloon In Ladson
My friends and I discovered this place towards the end of our time in Charleston and BOY, do I wish I went more! The Honkytonk Saloon is located in Ladson, South Carolina, about 30 minutes outside of downtown Charleston. It’s a bit of a trek, but WORTH IT!
This is the place to go for country music nightlife. They offer Line Dancing Lessons every Friday around 7 pm, which lasts for about 1-2 hours before the floor opens up to freestyle with a DJ. This place is unlike anywhere else in Charleston — the locals really know what they’re doing and it’s SO fun to watch. You can also expect the bartenders to dance on the bar in their cowboy boots.
35. Music Festival At Riverfront Park
The last unique thing to do in Charleston at night (that isn’t just bar hopping on King Street!), is to keep an eye on the festival schedule in the city. Riverfront Park is an outdoor event / festival space located in North Charleston and is beautiful. I went here for some Charleston Wine + Food events (more on this below), and my friends went for a beer festival.
Each October, Charleston hosts Riverfront Revival, which is Darius Rucker’s music festival. Darius is a Charleston local and headlines here every year, along with other country stars like Niko Moon, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson. I attended this day + night festival for 2 days last October and loved it!
Romantic Things To Do In Charleston
The next portion of this list is going to focus on romantic things to do in Charleston, and my best ideas for couples / dates! I did some of these activities with friends and family as well, but here were some of my favorite dates during my time living in Charleston.
36. Wander Through Magnolia Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the three historic places located on Ashley River Road in West Ashley outside of downtown Charleston. It was my goal to tour all 3 properties during my time in Charleston (Middleton Place and Drayton Hall are the other two mentioned below!), and this one is my favorite.
The Magnolia House located here is beautiful, but the grounds are the main attraction. The gardens are one of the Lowcountry’s oldest public attractions. You can explore the grounds on a guided garden tour, by riding the nature train, or just by strolling through the gardens yourself. I recommend the last option if you want to stop and take lots of photos!
37. Date Night At The Grocery Restaurant
I recently dined at The Grocery and it quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston! Located right off Upper King Street on Cannon, this farm-to-table restaurant has been a staple in Charleston for years. They offer a rotating, seasonal menu featuring local ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and artisans. Plus, they have a fantastic cocktail menu and rustic, elevated decor. The Grocery is open for dinner Tuesday – Sunday after 5 pm and they do accept reservations. Head here for date night during your next trip to Charleston!
Pro-tip: Looking for more recommendations for brunch, lunch, and dinner? Check out this complete guide of the best places to eat in Charleston!
38. Stroll Pitt Street Bridge
Pitt Street Bridge is located within the historic Old Village of Mount Pleasant. It once connected Sullivan’s Island with Mount Pleasant and is now a public park and pier. The old trolley bridge is lined with palmetto trees. It’s only about 0.5 miles in length, making it an enjoyable walk, and also the perfect place to picnic!
39. Row At Cypress Gardens
This was a MUST on my list of things to do in Charleston while I lived there, and is something you NEED to add to your list as well. I actually did this with 3 of my closest college friends on a girls weekend getaway, but it would be so romantic to do on a date as well.
Cypress Gardens is located in Moncks Corner, about 45 minutes outside of downtown Charleston. They offer guided swamp boat tours or self-guided tours. Definitely do the self-guided so you can row yourself! They fit up to 4 people. Entrance is only $10 a person and you can row among cypress trees, lily pads, turtles, and under a few bridges. They are open 7 days a week from 9-5 pm.
This is where the rowing scene was filmed in The Notebook! Rowing here is one of the most unique things to do in Charleston!
40. A Day At Deep Water Vineyard
Also located about 45 minutes outside of downtown Charleston, on Wadmalaw Island — just past John’s Island, is Charleston’s one and only winery — Deep Water Vineyard! Despite being a winery, this place is actually quite family friendly and is perfect for a southeast girls trip or bachelorette party. They are closed on Sundays, so try to visit on Saturday. Also, keep an eye on the event schedule here!
I also think it’s one of the more romantic things to do in Charleston! When I visited, I did a wine and chocolate tasting. A local baker brought in truffles to pair with various wines. Plus, there was a live guitarist. Talk about the perfect day date!
Oh, and there’s a cow named Ida who roams freely in the vineyard… What a dream.
41. Candle Making Class At Candlefish
I did this with my mom when she visited me, but I also think Candlefish’s candle making class would be a cute date! Candlefish is one of my favorite little shops on King Street in Charleston. Aside from their goodies and the “candle library”, you can also take a class in the workshop!
The candle making classes are BYOB, so you can sip wine as you create two candles in the scents of your choosing. The classes are about 1.5 hours in length and cost $60 per person. You’ll have to return the next morning to pick up your creations.
42. Farmers Market In Marion Square
Every Saturday from April through the fall, there’s a farmers and artisans market in Marion Square from about 8 am – 2 pm. This market sells local produce and goods, like artisan-made jewelry and paintings. If you happen to be strolling downtown on a Saturday, visiting the farmers market is one of the best things to do in Charleston.
Pro-tip: Marion Square’s address is 329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
43. Coffee Or Aperitivo At Babas
Babas is one of my favorite coffee shops and cafes in Charleston! There are two locations in the city — one on Canon and a second on Meeting Street. I loved both, but lived very close to the Meeting Street location during my third & final year in Charleston, so this became a staple for me and remote work!
Babas has the world’s best lattes and banana bread. They also have delicious offerings for lunch, including a yummy shrimp salad. On Fridays from about 4-6 pm, they offer an aperitivo. If you buy a drink (get a spritz!), you can help yourself to an array of complimentary appetizers and light bites. Everything is made in-house and is literally to die for. Plus, they have outdoor seating, so this whole experience feels very European and romantic!
Free Things To Do In Charleston
44. Bop Around Park Circle
Park Circle is an up-and-coming neighborhood located in North Charleston, near the airport in Charleston. The main road here is called East Montague Ave, which has several lively dining options, a nightlife scene, and some shops.
The actual giant park circle is also home to the brand-new, most inclusive playground in the world! Not only is this park free, it is one of the best things to do in Charleston with kids.
Pro-tip: If you’re open to spending a little $$$ during your “free” visit to Park Circle, I recommend eating at EVO pizzeria! There’s a few fun bars in this area as well. This area is also famous for its St. Patty’s Day block party!
45. Second Sunday On King Street
This is another MUST during your time in Charleston. Second Sunday occurs (you guessed it!) on the second Sunday of each month on King Street in downtown Charleston. During the afternoon hours, part of the road from Calhoun to Queen Street will be shut down to pedestrians. There are vendors here selling local goods and gifts, AND it’s dog friendly!
Of course if you buy things, this is not a free activity, but it can be if you just stroll!
46. Botany Bay At Edisto Beach
Botany Bay is a nature lover’s paradise! This beach and nature preserve is located on Edisto Island, about one hour outside of downtown Charleston. It is quite isolated here so don’t expect a snack shack or even bathrooms. However, you can expect to get incredible photos at the stunning Driftwood Beach, along with seeing the best shells in the Lowcountry! Visiting this beach is one of the most unique things to do in Charleston.
Pro-tip: Remember to always pack in and pack out when visiting remote areas like this.
47. Stroll The I’on Neighborhood In Mt. Pleasant
The I’on neighborhood in Mt. Pleasant is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the entire US! It is a fairly new neighborhood located in Mount Pleasant, across the Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston. However, the entire neighborhood was designed to resemble the historic houses downtown! Therefore, you’ll see plenty of blue painted porches, columns, and privacy doors.
There are also canals connecting a few lakes in this neighborhood with lots of little turtles! This is one of my favorite places to go for walks in Charleston. You can also drive around if you’re in the area.
48. Pickers Hullabaloo Flea Market
Pickers Hullabaloo or “the Hullabaloo” is another one of my favorite free events in Charleston! It is a vintage flea market located at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston. The flea market has free parking across the street and free entry, although you can pay $10 in advance for an early access ticket to get the first “pickings”.
Pickers is a quarterly flea market that takes place from 12 – 4 pm on Saturdays during the winter, spring, summer and fall. You can follow @pickershullabaloo on Instagram for updates about upcoming markets.
49. Angel Oak Tree
Angel Oak Tree is located on John’s Island and is one of the Lowcountry’s most famous public parks. It is considered to be the largest Live Oak Tree east of the Mississippi, estimated to be 300 to 400 years old. The tree is MASSIVE, it’s more than 25.5 feet in circumference. It’s free to visit this park.
Pro-tip: This top-rated tour includes a visit to the Angel Oak Tree, Charleston Tea Planation, and Deep Water Vineyard all in the John’s Island area in ONE day!
50. Walk Around Colonial Lake
Colonial Lake is a man-made, shallow lake located on the west side of the peninsula in downtown Charleston. The entire loop around the lake is exactly 0.5 miles in circumference, making this the perfect place to track your steps.
Pro-tip: The path around the lake is fully paved so you can walk, run, bike, skate, use a stroller, etc.
Unique Things To Do In Charleston For History Lovers
Although all of Greater Charleston is extremely historic, these are my unique recommendations for things to do in Charleston if you LOVE history.
51. Drayton Hall
As mentioned above in the Magnolia Plantation section, Drayton Hall is one of the three historic properties located on Ashley River Road in West Ashley outside of downtown Charleston. It was my goal to tour all 3 throughout my time living in Charleston, and I did! Drayton was the last tour I did.
Drayton Hall has a main hall, gardens, and art galleries to tour. The home dates back to the late 1700s and has been beautifully restored. Drayton Hall is Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Place to See in South Carolina! I definitely recommend spending a few hours here during your time in Charleston.
52. Tour The USS Yorktown
Located within Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, the USS Yorktown is a must-see thing to do in Charleston if you’re a history lover! This ship was one of the aircraft carriers built during WWII for the US Navy. It was used during the Battle of Midway and was restored and brought to Charleston harbor for tourists.
Today, you can tour various levels of the ship, including the planes on the top level, take a ghost tour, or even enjoy an event onboard! Adult tickets are $28 per person. A ghost tour here is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Charleston!
53. Tour The Aiken Rhett House
There are numerous historic homes to tour in downtown Charleston! I toured a lot of them throughout my time in Charleston, especially with visitors on rainy days. Of all the homes in Charleston, I think the Aiken Rhett House should be at the top of your list!
The Aiken Rhett House is located at 48 Elizabeth Street in downtown Charleston and is open 7 days a week from 10 am – 5 pm. It was built in 1820 and was owned by the Aiken family for 142 years before being sold to the Charleston Museum and opened as a museum in 1975. The home features a back lot with a carriage block, detached kitchen, and enslaved quarters.
54. Charleston Tea Garden
The perfect activity if you enjoy nature and history! The Charleston Tea Garden was started by the Bigelow Family, and is the only tea garden in North America where you can see hundreds of thousands of tea bushes.
Located out on Wadmalaw Island, you can visit from 10 am – 4 pm to enjoy the signature trolley and factory tour. Don’t forget to buy some tea in the gift shop before you leave!
55. CHS Wine + Food Festival
Charleston Wine + Food festival occurs in early March each year. This is probably the most famous event in Charleston, and draws people from all around the world. The highlight of the festival is the Culinary Village — a food booth festival where you can sample global and local flavors. Additionally, there are shows, media events, cooking classes, and tastings scattered all around the city during this time.
This event is a foodie’s DREAM, although I’m including this recommendation under the history category since a lot of the events take place in beautiful, historic properties around the city. The opening night, for example, is hosted in the Cistern Yard at College of Charleston each spring.
Pro-tip: Are you a blogger or content creator? Try applying for a Media Pass! I applied in fall 2022 to attend these events in March 2023 and was able to go to a lot of them for FREE! Plus, it was a fantastic way to network with other creatives.
56. Tour A Historic Home
As mentioned above, there are several historic homes to visit in Charleston! Aside from the Aiken Rhett House, I also love the Nathaniel Russel House in downtown Charleston. Touring a historic home is one of the top things to do in Charleston!
Located at 51 Meeting Street, this early 19th-century house was built in 1808 and owned by a wealthy merchant. It’s recognized as one of the US’s most important neoclassical houses.
57. Charles Towne Landing Site
If you are a history lover, head over to the Charles Towne Landing Site in West Ashley. For $12 you can tour what is known as the “birthplace of South Carolina”, aka where a group of English settlers first landed in 1670.
The historic site features a 12-room exhibit hall with interactive exhibits, restrooms, a gift shop, replica ship, beautiful oak trees, and an animal forest — the only zoo in Greater Charleston.
Pro-tip: There are also tons of walking trails in this area. I ran several miles through here while training for my half marathon last year!
58. International African American Museum
This museum covers African-American history in Charleston. It’s located at a former shipping wharf, where approximately 40% of the nation’s enslaved disembarked. The museum is brand new — it opened in June of 2023, and is a must see. It’s open every day from 10-5 pm except for Mondays.
Things To Do In Charleston With Kids
I don’t personally have kids, but since Charleston is SO family-friendly, I felt like I should include a section of recommendations for things to do in Charleston with kids int his round-up. Here are my ideas!
59. Tour Middleton Place
Middleton Place is the third historic property located in West Ashley on Ashley River Road. It’s an old rice plantation dating back to the 1730s, with beautiful gardens and restored buildings. Visiting this place is the perfect thing to do with kids in Charleston because there’s so much to do! You can tour the house, tour the stables, ride horses around the property, and see historic reenactments in the stable yard. There’s tons of farm animals and beautiful gardens!
60. Visit Boone Hall
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the US and is one of the oldest still in use plantations in the US. A “plantation” is another word for farm, and Boone Hall still produces crops year-round. It’s a popular place to visit with kids in Charleston for strawberry picking and for their pumpkin patch during the fall. You can also enjoy a house tour here (fun fact: the house was used as Allie’s home in The Notebook!).
61. Attend A RiverDogs Game
The RiverDogs are Charleston’s very own minor league baseball team. Attending a RiverDogs game downtown is a MUST on this list of things to do in Charleston! Tickets are super affordable and there’s fun themed nights, such as Fireworks Night on some Fridays.
62. South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is located downtown on a historic wharf and is open daily from 9-5 pm. It’s home to thousands of animals and one of the southeast’s only Sea Turtle Care Centers. Tickets range from roughly $30-$40 per person depending on the date and time of entry.
63. The Charleston Museum
The Charleston Museum is my favorite museum in the city. It only has 2 full floors, but it covers EVERYTHING about the city from historic artifacts to extinct wildlife in the area to art history. It’s the oldest museum in the United States and is the perfect place to visit with kids in Charleston (especially on a rainy day!).
64. Birds Of Prey Show
The Avian Conservation Center is located in Awendaw, just past Mount Pleasant. They are known for their famous Birds of Prey flight demonstrations, which are offered each week in the Center for Birds of Prey outdoor amphitheater (this program usually lasts about one hour).
The show is followed by a virtually guided walking tour through the outdoor campus. The Center currently offers these programs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings at 10:30 am.
65. Old Exchange And Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, also known as the Custom House and the Exchange, is a historic building at East Bay and Broad Streets in Charleston, South Carolina. Families will enjoy touring the cells in the dungeon, and hearing the spooky stories of the merchants and pirates who stayed there.
Weekend Trips From Charleston
I’m going to keep this list very brief since this guide is so long, but here are a few destinations you can drive to from Charleston for weekend trips or day trips. Click on the links to read my destination guides.
- Kiawah + Seabrook Islands, SC (1 hr)
- Beaufort, SC (1.5 hrs)
- Columbia, SC + Congaree NPS (1.5 hrs)
- Murrell’s Inlet, SC (1.5 hrs)
- Hilton Head Island, SC (2 hrs)
- Myrtle Beach, SC (2 hrs)
- Greenville, SC (3 hrs)
- Charlotte, NC (3 hrs)
- Wilmington, NC (3.5 hrs)
- Asheville, NC (4 hrs)
- Raleigh, NC (4 hrs)
- Savannah, GA (2 hrs)
- Atlanta, GA (4.5 hrs)
- St. Augustine, FL (4.5 hrs)
- Knoxville, TN + Smokey NPS (6 hrs)
- Nashville, TN (8 hrs)
7,000 words later and that’s it! We’re at the end of my complete guide to the best, most unique things to do in Charleston, South Carolina. I am so grateful I was able to call Charleston my home for 3 years. I moved there at age 23, after a few years of having the city on my radar (fun fact: I really wanted to go to the College of Charleston when I was younger!). My experience living in the Holy City was everything I would have wished for and more. I am so excited to visit for the rest of my life, and hope this ultimate Charleston bucket list encourages you to visit as well! As for what’s next? You’ll have to stay tuned for my next adventure!
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