Things to do in Charleston South Carolina

America's #1 city is a charmer! Charleston South Carolina is an excellent choice, whether you’re just visiting or searching for the friendliest Charleston neighborhoods. Enjoy the exquisite architecture, foodie scene and learn more during a walking tour. For beach lovers, don't miss exploring Folly Beach, Wild Dunes and Kiawah Island. Here's our top 10 favorite things to do in Charleston:

CHARLESTON CULINARY FOOD TOURS - 161 1/2 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: 843-259-2966

A foodie's delight, you will visit numerous restaurants and bars as well as the farmer's market on these tours - rain or shine. Meet the owners, chefs and mixologists while learning a bit of lowcountry history and taste some of the finest dishes, cocktails, and other concoctions that Charleston has to offer. There are six tours to choose from: Chefs' Kitchen, Distillery, Historic Downtown, Mixology, The Farmer's Market, and Upper King Street. Since they keep the group size small to maintain an intimate atmosphere you must reserve your space in advance: they do tend to sell out.

Hours of Operation: Monday 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m., Monday through Saturday 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m., Thursday through Saturday 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m., 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m.

CHARLESTON FOOTPRINT WALKING TOURS - 108 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: 843-478-4718

Led by Michael Trouche, a 7th-generation Charleston native, this tour's knowledgeable guide charms and educates guests while pointing out local flora, fauna, and places of interest along a 16-18 block journey. Enjoy two hours exploring unique architecture and tranquil gardens, historical sites including graveyards, and details such as cobblestone pavement and wrought-iron gates.

Hours of Operation: Office is open seven days a week from 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m., tours are at 10:30a.m. and 2:30p.m. daily.

CHARLESTON WATERFRONT PARK  - 1 Vendue, Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: 843-724-7327

This wi-fi connected park overlooks the harbor, where you can watch the boats come and go while you picnic, rest, or go fishing. There are refreshing fountains and colorful flowers to look at too, and this is a great bird-watching spot. Open after dark, the fountains are lit and provide a romantic backdrop for an evening out.

DINNER CRUISE ON CHARLESTON SPIRITLINE CRUISE TOURS - Corporate Office, 360 Concord St. #201 Charleston, SC 29401 Toll Free: 800-789-3678 Local: 843-722-2628

With a menu that emphasizes local ingredients for multiple-course dinners, these cruises truly showcase the best of Charleston. Only the best local musicians will entertain you as you glide past stunning views of the harbor. Musical styles vary, but all invite one to step away from the table for two and dance. Whether you prefer the open-air observation deck or the climate-controlled dining areas, your comfort and pleasure are always foremost.

Hours of Operation: 7:00p.m.-9:30p.m., boarding at 6:30p.m. from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant.

FOLLY BEACH 

There is no limit to the fun you can have on this island paradise. From bicycling, camping, fishing, golfing, and picnicking to paddleboarding & surfing, boating & kayaking, or even having a portrait of your group taken by professionals on the beach. There are even a couple of companies which provide made-to-order custom adventures for families or groups. Folly Beach is a great beach for beachcombing. 

Hours of Operation: Daylight hours, dawn to dusk

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART TOURS  - 135 Meeting St., Charleston, SC SC 29401 Phone: 843-722-2706

Take a tour through the Gibbes Museum of Art, which rotates exhibitions of historical collections for the public’s edification and enjoyment.  The museum also maintains a permanent collection, and provides numerous programs for education and cultural enrichment. These offerings range from those designed for children and families to their society and women’s council programs.

Hours of Operation: Sunday 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

KING STREET SHOPPING DISTRICT 

• Croghan's Jewel Box - 308 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Gallery Chuma (art) - 188 Meeting Street, Units N1-N3, Charleston, SC 29401
• George C Birlant & Co. (antiques) - 191 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Gullah Gourmet - 95 Tall Oak Ave., Charleston, SC 29407
• Kaminsky's Baking Co. - 78 N. Market St., Charleston, SC 29401

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDEN TOURS - 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414 Phone: 800-367-3517

This family-oriented attraction has a nesting rookery, petting zoo and nature center. Several daily tours are available, including the Audubon Swamp Self-Guided Tour, Nature Train Tour, Reconstruction Period Plantation Home Tour, Rice Field Boat Tour, and award-winning Slave Cabin Tour. Tour schedules and rates vary, so do be sure to call ahead and ensure that the one you’re interested in will be offered on the day of your visit.

Hours of Operation: Seven days a week from 8:00a.m.-5:30p.m.

OLD CITY MARKET  - Charleston, SC Phone: 843-937-0920

Established in 1804, this is one of the nation's oldest public markets. Here you'll find more than 300 talented artists and craftspeople in three open air sheds as well as the Great Hall, selling everything from farm fresh organic food and beverages to authentic Charleston souvenirs and collectibles include Sweetgrass baskets.

Hours of Operation: Open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 364 days a year, closed only on Christmas Day. From March through December, the Charleston City Night Market operates from 6:30–10:30p.m. on Friday & Saturday nights.

PATRIOTS POINT & USS YORKTOWN TOURS - 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

You and your family and friends or group can tour freely at your own pace. Rent an audio player for your tour, and hear exclusive stories about the ship and crew, including firsthand accounts from WWII veterans. The audio tour, which contains more than three hours of content and 100 points of interest puts you in control, playing only what you're interested in hearing and learning more about.

Hours of Operation: Ticket office is open from 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. daily, with the exception of certain holidays. On Thanksgiving, Christmas eve and New Year's eve Museum closes at 3:30p.m.

Charleston is fun with a big "C"! We suggest you bookmark this page and you’ll always have several local entertainment ideas handy.