Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Top Things to Do in Charleston, SC - Charleston Attractions
Things to Do in Charleston
Popular things to do
- Historical Tours
- City Tours
- Historic Sites
- Walking Tours
- 4WD Tours
- History Museums
- Cultural Tours
- Ghost Tours
- Points of Interest & Landmarks
- Plantation Tours
- Likely to Sell Out
- Parks
- Top Picks
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Theatres
- Day Trips & Excursions
- Transfers & Ground Transport
- Speciality Museums
- Ports of Call Tours
- Museum Tickets & Passes
- Churches & Cathedrals
- Special Offers
- Shopping Tours
- Architectural Buildings
- Weddings & Honeymoons
- Family Friendly
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Charleston.
Top Attractions in Charleston
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • History Museums
Charlestowne
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
French Quarter
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Admission tickets from A$38.80
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Historic Sites • Natural History Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Charlestowne
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Charlestowne
Historic Sites • History Museums
Charlestowne
Churches & Cathedrals
French Quarter
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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 POhio205 contributionsNot 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Gerryp84Chester, VA655 contributionsThis 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Andy-S60London, UK1,959 contributionsOK 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- NSouthGretna, LA400 contributionsAwesome!!! 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- CarrieShaw92 contributionsThe 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Derek CFayetteville, NC93 contributionsIf 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- CBDurfBethlehem, PA89 contributionsGreat tour of this historic house with a beautiful free-standing staircase. Interesting to learn of the original ownersWritten 27 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Silver996cMoraga, CA165 contributionsThis 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Rand HahGainesville, United States16 contributionsStingray 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- B GWantagh, NY9 contributionsBeautiful 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Gerryp84Chester, VA655 contributionsThis 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KathrynChapin, SC7 contributionsDelightful 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Silver996cMoraga, CA165 contributionsI 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- CBDurfBethlehem, PA89 contributionsThis 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PUMBRIDGELondon, UK1,997 contributionsWhat 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston
- The top attractions to visit in Charleston are:
- Middleton Place
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- McLeod Plantation Historic Site
- The best outdoor activities in Charleston according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Middleton Place
- Battery & White Point Gardens
- Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- The best day trips from Charleston according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Day Trips to Charleston Tour #7: See INSIDE Ft Sumter,Carriage Tour,Lunch & more
- Charleston Sightseeing Day Trip with Lunch from Myrtle Beach
- Day Trip to Charleston Tour #5: Bus Tour, Boone Plantation, Lunch and More
- Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting
- Private Chauffeur & Admission to Middleton & Magnolia Plantation + Box Lunch
- The most popular things to do in Charleston with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Charleston Sailing Charters
- Coastal Expeditions
- RedFin Charters
- Pirates of Charleston
- All In One Charters