Things to do in Charleston SC

Charleston boasts various year-round festivals. Visitors can choose from major arts festivals, holiday festivals, and food festivals, just to name a few. Thousands flock to Charleston each year to attend the Spoleto Festival, MOJA Arts Festival and Christmas in Charleston.

We’ve compiled a list of the best free things to do in Charleston, including taking a stroll on nearby Folly Beach, checking out the must-see 400 year old Angel Oak Tree, and visiting the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History.

Visit the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, tour amazing historic homes, snap some amazing photos on Rainbow Row, or see over 5,000 aquatic animals at the South Carolina Aquarium. 

Learn about the areas past and present by visiting one of the areas' local museums. Charleston has several, including The Gibbes Museum of Art, The Charleston Museum, and the Old Slave Mart Museum.

Southern plantations have a unique spot in American history, providing visitors with a glimpse into the South's dark past of using slave labor. Charleston is home to several plantations including Middleton Place, Boone Hall, and McLeod Plantation.

One of the favorite tourist spots during the warmer months is the area beaches. Charleston has 5 nearby beaches: Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. 

Take a relaxing one hour carriage tour, a 90-minute Charleston Harbor boat tour or a 90-minute mini bus tour. Visitors can also take one of the many guided walking tours, which include ghost walks, history tours, pirate tours, art tours, pub tours, architectural tours and culinary tours.

Charleston has some of the most beautiful parks in the state. Two of the most popular are White Point Gardens, which offers awesome views of Fort Sumter and large antebellum mansions, and Waterfront Park, which has family sized swings with beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor. 

There are many fun things to do in Charleston, including shopping at locally owned boutiques, visiting local art galleries, spending a relaxing afternoon at the spa or playing a round of golf on a world class course. 

The majestic steeples and spires of historic churches are visible throughout the “Holy City”. Regardless of religious affiliation or denomination, these beautiful houses of worship inspire millions of visitors every year.

One of the oldest cities in the United States, Charleston, looks as it did 150 years ago. A walk or carriage ride through the historic district feels like traveling back in time. We have compiled a list of the 10 best Charleston attractions and activities.

January is one of the quieter months in Charleston, when there are fewer visitors, but still lots to do. Enjoy great cuisine, popular events, and lots of fresh local oysters. 

February is a great month to visit Charleston. Cooler weather, smaller crowds, cheaper rates, and lots of fun events, including the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival.

March is a wonderful time in Charleston. The sun is shining, the flowers are in bloom, and there are plenty of events, including the Festival of Houses and Gardens, The Charleston Antiques Shoe and The Wine and Food Festival. 

The weather in April is perfect for outdoor activities, including festivals, fishing, or taking a stroll on one of the nearby beaches. The most popular events include the return of the Charleston Farmers Market and the Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival. 

May is one of the most popular months in Charleston. It is warm, sunny, and it’s time for one of the biggest festivals in Charleston. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists and emerging performers. 

Summer has arrived in Charleston. One of the best places to spend a warm June day is at one of the nearby beaches. There are also numerous events to kick off the summer season, including Charleston Pride Parade, Carifest, Dancing on the Cooper and Reggae Nights.