Things to Do in Charleston
48 curated spots from Charleston itineraries
Activities & Attractions
28 curated experiences
Charleston City Market
Spend early afternoon browsing local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, souvenirs, and small art stalls in this historic market complex; it’s partially covered, making it a comfortable shopping and people-watching break.
1h 30m · Free to browse
Folly Beach
Head out mid-afternoon for a relaxed beach break on this laid-back barrier island; walk the pier, sit on the sand, and catch late-day light for photos before returning to town for dinner.
2h 30m · Free (parking $10-20 per car)
Gibbes Museum of Art
Explore Southern paintings and sculptures in elegant galleries.
1h 30m · $15
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
Tour one of the city’s most evocative historic homes and get a deeper look at Charleston’s layered past.
1h 30m · $15-25
Battery & Rainbow Row Walk
Walk along the Battery seawall and pass Rainbow Row’s pastel houses, admiring historic mansions and harbor panoramas.
1h 15m · Free
Battery & Waterfront Park Walk
Stroll from White Point Garden along the Battery to see antebellum mansions, then curve up to Joe Riley Waterfront Park to enjoy the pier, fountains, and harbor views.
1h 30m · Free
City Market & Rainbow Row
Shop sweetgrass baskets, admire pastel row houses, and photograph alleys.
1h 30m · Free
Evening King Street Window-Shopping
Take a gentle evening walk along King Street, enjoying lit-up storefronts and grabbing dessert if you like.
45m · Free (shopping extra)
Folly Beach Pier & Town Stroll
Walk the pier for views and photos, then wander the small town’s surf shops and ice cream spots.
1h · Free (shops extra)
Folly Beach Relaxed Beach Time
Spend late morning and early afternoon on the sand, swimming, building sandcastles, and walking the pier.
2h 30m · Parking fee only
French Quarter Free-Explore Time
Wander cobblestone streets, peek into art galleries, and visit historic churches like St. Philip’s at your own pace.
1h · Free
Guided Historic Walking Tour
Join a family-friendly guided tour to learn stories behind churches, alleys, and historic houses in downtown Charleston.
2h · $25-40 per person
Historic Charleston City Market
Browse the long market sheds for local crafts, souvenirs, snacks, and sweetgrass baskets, taking breaks when needed.
1h · Free (shopping extra)Historic Charleston City Market & King Street Stroll
Begin with a gentle walk along King Street to browse boutiques and galleries, then wander through the City Market’s long halls for local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, and souvenirs.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Pineapple fountain photos, pier walks, and sports events like free concerts.
1h · Free
King Street Shopping
Browse antiques at George C. Birlant, local goods, and boutiques.
2h · Varies
King Street Shopping & Stroll
Walk King Street’s stretch of boutiques and shops, ducking into bookstores, sweet shops, and clothing stores at your own pace.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
King Street Shopping Stroll
Browse boutiques, design shops, and a few affordable finds, with plenty of room to stop for coffee or window-shop at your own pace.
2h · Free
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Guided tour of main house, slave cabins, and Gullah history (12-min rideshare).
2h · $30
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Tour the historic building and underground dungeon, learning about colonial and Revolutionary War-era Charleston.
1h 30m · $15-20 per person
Ravenel Bridge / Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park
Stop on the way back for playgrounds, pier views, and dramatic photos of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
1h · Free
Spa at The Dewberry
Couples massage or facial in luxurious, mid-century modern space.
1h 30m · $200/couple
Sullivan’s Island Beach at Sunset
Head to the wide, quiet beach for a gentle walk, photos, and time to unwind; stay for golden-hour light over the water.
1h 30m · Free
The Battery & White Point Garden
Stroll oak-shaded paths with antebellum views and harbor photography.
1h · Free
The Battery and White Point Garden
Walk the waterfront promenade, enjoy the harbor views, and take in the historic houses and old defenses in one of the prettiest parts of town.
1h 30m · Free
Waterfront Park
Take a calm morning stroll along the harbor, pause at the Pineapple Fountain, and enjoy river views before the day gets busy.
1h 15m · FreeWaterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain
Stroll the park, let kids play near the fountains, and enjoy shaded benches with harbor views and iconic photo spots.
1h · Free
Wine Tasting at Graft Wine Shop & Bar
Settle into this intimate wine bar for a shared flight and a couple of small plates; staff are happy to guide you to new favorites.
1h 15m · $20-30 per personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Waterfront restaurant in a converted maritime building with harbor views—try the fried oysters, she-crab soup, or the catch of the day.
1h 30m · $28-45 per person
Husk
Modern Southern restaurant focusing on locally sourced ingredients; try the seasonal fish and inventive sides.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Millers All Day
Shrimp and grits or banana sorghum waffles in historic setting.
1h · $20-35 per person
Poogan's Porch
Have a classic Lowcountry dinner and order shrimp and grits or fried chicken if you want a quintessential Charleston meal.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Toast! All Day
Casual spot with big portions; try the shrimp and grits or stuffed French toast for a filling start.
1h · $15-20 per person
167 Raw
Fresh oysters and seafood in a cozy oyster bar.
1h · $25-40 per person
167 Raw Oyster Bar
Order oysters, a chilled seafood plate, or a lobster roll for a polished but still good-value lunch.
1h 15m · $25-50 per person
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
Sit-down seafood restaurant featuring oysters, fish tacos, and other Lowcountry staples in a relaxed setting.
1h 15m · $20-40 per person
Bertha’s Kitchen
Fried chicken, mac and cheese, red rice takeout.
45m · $15-25 per person
Brown Dog Deli
Go for a casual sandwich or salad lunch with reliable, filling comfort food that keeps the day affordable.
1h · $12-20 per person
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
Start with a biscuit breakfast and coffee, then keep it moving with a quick, satisfying morning meal.
45m · $8-15 per person
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Grab fresh, buttery biscuits with fillings and coffee for a quick, satisfying start.
45m · $10-18 per person
Lewis Barbecue
End with Texas-style barbecue and share brisket, ribs, or a sandwich plate for a casual final-night meal.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Lost Dog Cafe
Finish the beach day with a casual dinner in flip-flop-friendly surroundings; seafood baskets and burgers are easy bets.
1h 15m · $15-28 per person
Lost Dog Café
Beachy, laid-back café with generous breakfasts; order the breakfast burrito or pancakes before heading to the sand.
1h · $15-25 per person
Poogan’s Porch
Classic Lowcountry restaurant in a historic house; don’t miss the shrimp & grits and buttermilk biscuits.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Queen Street Grocery
Savory or sweet crepes with outdoor seating to watch carriages.
45m · $15-25 per person
Taco Boy Folly Beach
Colorful, casual taqueria near the beach; go for fish tacos, nachos, and shareable plates.
1h · $15-25 per person
The Obstinate Daughter
Cozy coastal restaurant near the beach; order wood-fired pizzas, local seafood, and pair with a glass of wine or craft cocktail.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
The Palmetto Cafe
Buffet with Lowcountry dishes and harbor views.
1h · $25-40 per person