Visiting Charleston for the First Time? Here’s What to See and Do

Charleston was the first city in the US to provide local protection to its historic district, which spans more than 1,400 historically significant buildings, so—naturally—there’s plenty to see. While you can wander around on your own, Charleston walking tours and carriage rides as well as other guided sightseeing tours offer commentary that can lead to a deeper understanding of the sites and their historical significance.

They can also help you to focus on the top Charleston historic district attractions, such as the colorfully photogenic Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart Museum, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and Charleston City Market.

There’s no shortage of ways to get out on the water in Charleston, a port city with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, creeks, and Lowland marshes. Charleston water tours cater to all kinds of interests, including nature cruises, fishing charters, party boats, haunted ghost cruises, and even a pirate boat adventure for those looking for family-friendly activities in Charleston.

Alternatively, hop aboard a Charleston Harbor water taxi to easily reach waterside attractions, enjoy a leisurely sightseeing boat or sunset harbor cruise, set sail on a schooner, zip around on a speedboat tour, or paddle around on an eco-kayaking tour to look for dolphins and other wildlife in the tidal marshes.

Charleston is home to several well-preserved historic homes worth visiting, either on your own or as part of a Charleston architecture tour. For example, the Heyward-Washington House was the home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and was once rented by George Washington—a must-visit for history buffs, surely.

You can also admire the gardens and 3-story flying staircase at the Nathaniel Russell House, or see relics from the Civil War and more at the Edmonston-Alston House, which also offers great harbor views. Additionally, the Joseph Manigault House is a great example of a restored antebellum home, while the Aiken-Rhett House is preserved “as found”—both offer a glimpse of life in the mid-19th century.

Insider tip: Combo tickets are available for both the Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House, and the Aiken-Rhett House and Nathaniel Russell House.

See where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, with a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument. Located in Charleston Harbor, it’s only accessible by boat. (However, Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter tours make it easy to visit, with a ferry also available from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston or across Ravenel Bridge at Patriots Point.) While there, visit the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, home to the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and destroyer, USS Laffey.

Fort Sumter admission also grants you access to Fort Moultrie—accessible via a drive to Sullivan’s Island—which played a role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Also worth visiting is the HL Hunley, the world’s first combat submarine, and the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel.

Take a break from a heavy dose of history and soak up the scenic views with a stroll through one of Charleston’s many scenic parks and gardens. The Battery and White Point Garden is a must-see; it combines open green spaces with historic monuments along a seaside promenade including views of the harbor and pretty antebellum homes.

Another scenic favorite is Charleston Waterfront Park, home to the Pineapple Fountain as well as a splash fountain popular with kids. Couples looking for romantic things to do in Charleston can rent a rowboat to go through the swamps at Cypress Gardens.

Did you know?: Cypress Gardens was the filming location of the romantic swan-filled rowboat scene from The Notebook.

With several beaches and barrier islands in close proximity, it’s easy to spend a day at the beach while visiting Charleston. Folly Beach, known as “The Edge of America,” is one of the closest to downtown—it has good surf and plenty of water activities, along with beach bars and restaurants, but it also tends to be the most crowded.

However, Sullivan’s Beach offers a more laid-back experience, while Isle of Palms appeals to families. But for an even less crowded nature escape (or golf), venture out a bit farther to Kiawah Island, Edisto Beach, or Capers Island.

Some of the best plantations to visit near Charleston are located outside the city center, which means that a plantation tour which offers transportation is a convenient way to visit these historic sites—and there are several to choose from.

You can explore the main house, slave quarters, gardens, and wildlife center at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, stroll along the Avenue of Oaks and learn about slave history and Gullah culture at Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, or learn about the lives and stories of both slave owners and enslaved people who lived at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site and Drayton Hall (which is also the oldest unrestored plantation house that’s open to the public in the country).

Did you know?: The McLeod Plantation Historic Site is a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

Related: How To Choose an Ethical Plantation Tour in the US—and Why It Matters

Charleston has long been known for its humble Lowcountry cuisine, including seaside staples such as shrimp and grits and she-crab soup. But the city is also developing a reputation for modern Southern cuisine, thanks to James Beard–winning chefs offering innovative flavors and modern takes on the classics, from seafood to barbecue.

A food-tasting tour is an easy way to find out where to eat in Charleston for the first time, whether you want to focus on classic Lowcountry fare, discover the latest in new Southern cuisine, take part in a farm-to-table culinary journey with a chef, or learn culinary techniques in a cooking class.

Related: Lowcountry Chef Amethyst Ganaway’s Guide to Charleston

Charleston is considered one of the most haunted cities in the US, so it’s no surprise that Charleston ghost tours are included in many-a Charleston weekend itinerary for beginners. Join a guided ghost walk after dark past some of the city’s most haunted locations—some tours include entry to the likes of the Provost Dungeon, Old City Jail, or the Unitarian Church Graveyard.

Adults can also combine spooky stories and sips on a haunted pub crawl, while you can even avoid walking altogether on a haunted horse and carriage tour or a haunted ghost cruise around Charleston Harbor.

Related: Haunted Charleston: A Spooky City Guide to Charleston

There are a number of theories as to the origin of Charleston’s moniker as the Holy City, but there’s no denying the sheer number of churches and how the steeples shape the city skyline. It's worth taking some time on your first visit to Charleston to explore them in all their glory.

Notable sites—many of which are included as part of a historical tour—include St. Michael’s Church at the “Four Corners of Law,” the oldest church edifice in the city; St. Philips Church and its graveyard, where notable revolutionary figures were laid to rest; and the Circular Congregational Church with its distinctive architecture and graveyard, said to be the oldest English burial ground in Charleston.