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South Carolina (SC)
Coastal South Carolina
Charleston
Things to do in Charleston

Top Things to Do in Charleston, SC - Charleston Attractions

Things to Do in Charleston

Ways to tour Charleston

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Top Attractions in Charleston

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Pat P
    Ohio205 contributions
    Review of: Middleton Place
    We Enjoyed it all.
    Not only are the grounds beautiful, but also the live demonstrations and tours were enlightening. (note: we did not take the slavery tour as we had just come from McLeod where they did an excellent job). We did the house tour, the livestock tour and saw a cooking demonstration and an amazing monologue called Mama Hattie's Memories that was so real, so emotional, so beautifully delivered that it made me cry. Rose Atterberry was the actress and she was phenomenal in giving a poignant overview of what her life there would have been as a slave. I'm glad we spent the afternoon at Middleton Place.
    Written 28 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Gerryp84
    Chester, VA655 contributions
    Review of: Joe Riley Waterfront Park
    Pretty area
    This is a pretty area with several fountains and nice things to see. There was live music playing. It’s not a place I would make a special trip for, but if you’re in the area, it’s a nice place to walk around.
    Written 1 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Andy-S60
    London, UK1,959 contributions
    Review of: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
    A Bridge Not Quite Too Far
    OK so it’s a bridge, but as bridges go, this must be one of the coolest in the USA! We’ve got the Millau bridge in the South of France, which is fantastic in its engineering, but this one is almost equally so, but not quite as long or tall. So top marks for an American bridge, but not up to European standards quite yet 🤣🤣
    Written 24 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • NSouth
    Gretna, LA400 contributions
    Review of: Fort Sumter National Monument
    Another part of history
    Awesome!!! This is a great part of history. The 30 minutes boat ride is very relaxing. The tour guide is very knowledgeable about the Fort Sumter.
    Written 27 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • CarrieShaw
    92 contributions
    Review of: McLeod Plantation Historic Site
    Fantastic tour guide!
    The plantation is small but the tour guide had so much information to share! He answered all of our questions and had such a wealth of knowledge! If your looking for a touristy, kid centered plantation this is not the place. If you want to dive into history this is the place for you!
    Written 2 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Derek C
    Fayetteville, NC93 contributions
    Review of: Battery & White Point Gardens
    Lots of History!
    If you are a big history buff or just want a nice park to walk around in, go here. Beautiful views, lots of monuments, and just a cool spot in the city.
    Written 3 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • CBDurf
    Bethlehem, PA89 contributions
    Review of: Nathaniel Russell House
    Restored Beauty
    Great tour of this historic house with a beautiful free-standing staircase. Interesting to learn of the original owners
    Written 27 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Silver996c
    Moraga, CA165 contributions
    Review of: Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
    Layers of History
    This was a pleasant surprise on our recent visit to Charleston. A tour of the Old Exchange provides insight into pre-Revolutionary America, the Revolutionary period, pre-Civil War, and post-Civil War. This old property has been many things in its life and provided a nice vehicle for understanding a little about these different periods. Both the guided part of the tour and the self-guided were interesting. I wouldn't think about it as a "dungeon" tour, rather, it's a tour through a building that has been important to the history of the American south.
    Written 28 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Rand Hah
    Gainesville, United States16 contributions
    Review of: South Carolina Aquarium
    Better than we expected
    Stingray petting was huge favorite. Actually a lot more to see (tanks) than some reviewers implied. We almost passed on this site because of some mediocre reviews. Yes it is a little pricey, but it had more to see (fish, otters, reptiles, birds...) then we expected. There is also a petting area for horseshoe crabs, baby sharks, and starfish, so that was different. It is right next to Fort Sumpter ferry, so we just ended the day there. Glad we listened to the kids idea and took the chance.
    Written 10 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • B G
    Wantagh, NY9 contributions
    Review of: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
    History's mysteries
    Beautiful flora, manicured grounds, visually very appealing. Lots of picture taking, etc. This is a great place to visit for contemplation, and for self-evaluation. It leaves you wondering how cruel and insensitive human being can be towards one another in the name of power and greed.
    Written 29 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Gerryp84
    Chester, VA655 contributions
    Review of: Pineapple Fountain
    Unique fountain
    This is a nice and unique fountain in a pretty area. It’s not something I would make a special trip for, but it’s nice to look at. There were lots of kids playing in the fountain. I don’t know if that’s allowed or not but they were crazy.
    Written 1 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Kathryn
    Chapin, SC7 contributions
    Review of: Charleston City Market
    Evening visits are ideal imo
    Delightful in Evening! I’ve went to the market in daytime in September and it’s a total different experience. During the summer at night we had exceptionally higher end merchants vs when we went in September. I don’t know if the summer months draw better vendors or it was just the luck of the draw on the day we went. I’d of given my first visit three stars and this one four. I can’t say it’s a five star adventure due to difficulty parking, that alone gets very frustrating. I’d recommend if you are in town to hit this place in the evening when it’s cool.
    Written 28 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Silver996c
    Moraga, CA165 contributions
    Review of: Old Slave Mart Museum
    Well curated museum
    I was impressed with the information they chose to include in this small museum. In about an hour you can gain insight into fundamental facts related to the African slave trade generally, and the U.S. South specifically. The museum designers made really good choices on what to include and how to describe it.
    Written 28 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • CBDurf
    Bethlehem, PA89 contributions
    Review of: Aiken-Rhett House
    A Walk in Time
    This house is frozen in time and you feel as if you are walking back through history. It was so interesting to walk through the slave quarters and each room with original furniture and wall coverings.
    Written 27 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • PUMBRIDGE
    London, UK1,997 contributions
    Review of: Charleston Visitor Center
    Inspiring staff provide a springboard to explore this great city
    What a marvellous first stop on a visit to Charleston.
    The visitor center staff are so helpful and enthusiastic, happy to share their personal knowledge, eager to mark on the (free) street map the points of interest that you inquire about, and also keen to share their preferences for restaurants, strolling routes etc.
    But the best way to see Charleston, and get a feel for what you'd like to spend more time doing, is to take the free shuttle buses. There are different routes, but all are driven by chatty drivers who are considerate and proud of their city.
    We loved Charleston. It's hard not to. So much variety, so much history, a great place to just get lost in, then find yourself again. Wonderful architecture, nice people, excellent restaurant variety (choose outside peak hours and even the popular, busy places will accommodate you) and an all-round good vibe.
    But it all starts at the visitor center in the heart of town.
    Written 1 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston