Charleston Travel Planning Guide
Things to Do in Charleston: Best Attractions, Tickets, Tours, and Free Places to Visit
Charleston is most famous for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. The coastal town is very popular for its food, historical sights, and shopping. Also, it's known for beaches. Many people love the museums and attractions, nightlife, music, resorts, and christmas markets, too.
Here you'll find everything you need to plan a trip to Charleston. With tickets, tours, things to do, accommodation, transportation, and food ideas, we're here to help you plan the perfect trip.
What Should You Book in Advance in Charleston?
Nathaniel Russell House
Famous for its exceptional Federal-style architecture and the famous spiral staircase inside The price is around $20 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and students; children under a certain…
Do I Need to Book Ahead?
Many top attactions will sell out during high season, so booking ahead is a good idea. It can also save you money and time.
Best Things to Do in Charleston by Category
Must-See Attractions
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Most Popular
Cost: $30
Kid-friendly
Romantic
Middleton Place
Most Popular
Cost: $34
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Most Popular
Rating: 4.8
Charleston Harbor Live Narrated History Day or Sunset Boat Cruise
Rating: 4.4
Budget Friendly
Ghosts of Charleston Walking Tour + Unitarian Church Graveyard
Rating: 4.6
Budget Friendly
Best Free Things to Do
Charleston City Market
Known for its historic open-air market sheds and a wide range of local crafts, food, and souvenirs The cost is free.
Waterfront Park
Famous for its beautiful waterfront views, the iconic Pineapple Fountain, and relaxing public spaces The cost is free.
The Battery
Known for its scenic waterfront views, historic Civil War fortifications, and grand antebellum homes along the promenade The cost is free.
White Point Garden
Famous for its scenic waterfront views, historic military monuments, and peaceful green spaces The cost is free.
St. Michael’s Church
Famous for its colonial architecture, historic significance, and beautiful stained glass windows The cost is free.
Hampton Park
Visited for its large azalea gardens, walking trails, and serene natural setting in Charleston The cost is free.
Top Museums
Nathaniel Russell House
Tour Required
Cost: $20
1 hour
Highly Rated
Charleston Museum
Cost: $12
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Gibbes Museum of Art
Cost: $12
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Old Slave Mart Museum
Cost: $8
1 hour
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
On the Water
Charleston Harbor Live Narrated History Day or Sunset Boat Cruise
Rating: 4.4
Budget Friendly
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Most Popular
Rating: 4.9
Food & Wine
Best For Kids
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Most Popular
Cost: $30
Kid-friendly
Romantic
Middleton Place
Most Popular
Cost: $34
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Charleston City Market
Free
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Waterfront Park
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
1 hour
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
The Battery
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
White Point Garden
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Fort Sumter National Monument
Cost: $20.00
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
For Couples
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Most Popular
Cost: $30
Kid-friendly
Romantic
Middleton Place
Most Popular
Cost: $34
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Waterfront Park
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
1 hour
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
The Battery
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
White Point Garden
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Hampton Park
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Dock Street Theatre
Cost: $25
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Outdoors
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Most Popular
Cost: $30
Kid-friendly
Romantic
Middleton Place
Most Popular
Cost: $34
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Charleston City Market
Free
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Waterfront Park
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
1 hour
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
The Battery
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
White Point Garden
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Fort Sumter National Monument
Cost: $20.00
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Recommended Tours & Tickets
Transportation
Where to Stay in Charleston
More for Charleston
Travel Costs for CharlestonCheap Tours and Things To Do in Charleston, South CarolinaIs Charleston Worth Visting?Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Charleston?Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Charleston?Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Charleston?Is Charleston Expensive?How much does a trip to Charleston cost?
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