Things to Visit in Charleston

Rainbow Row is a stretch of 13 pastel-colored Georgian houses on East Bay Street, the most photographed spot in Charleston. The South of Broad neighborhood has the finest historic mansions, secret gardens, and cobblestone streets. Walk along Meeting Street and Church Street for the most impressive architecture. Free to walk and photograph at any time.

A 4-block open-air market operating since 1804, with artisan crafts, sweetgrass baskets (a Gullah-Geechee tradition), local food products, and artwork. The sweetgrass basket weavers at the market practice a West African art form passed down through generations. Open daily 9:30 AM to 6 PM (later on weekends). The Night Market on Friday and Saturday evenings has a festival atmosphere.

Charleston has over 20 historic house museums. The Nathaniel Russell House (USD 16, Federal-style with a famous flying staircase) and the Aiken-Rhett House (USD 16, preserved in its original condition with slave quarters) are the most compelling. Combination tickets save money. The Aiken-Rhett House is particularly powerful as it has not been restored, preserving the reality of its full history.

A seawall promenade at the southern tip of the peninsula with views of Fort Sumter, the harbor, and the Cooper River Bridge. The mansions along East Battery are among the grandest in the city. White Point Garden has live oaks, cannons from the Civil War, and a bandstand. One of the most pleasant walks in Charleston, especially at golden hour.

Opened in 2023 on the site of Gadsden's Wharf, where nearly half of all enslaved Africans arrived in North America. The museum tells the story of the African American journey through interactive exhibits, genealogy resources, and powerful personal narratives. The Center for Family History helps visitors trace their ancestry. Admission USD 28. An essential and moving experience.

The island fort where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. Accessible only by ferry from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square (USD 24 round trip, 2.5 hours total including fort time). Rangers give talks at the fort. Book in advance, especially in spring and summer. The ferry ride across the harbor is scenic.

McLeod Plantation (USD 15) focuses specifically on the enslaved people who lived and worked there, offering a more honest interpretation than many traditional plantation tours. Middleton Place (USD 29) has extensive gardens and a full history including slavery. Magnolia Plantation (USD 20) has gardens and slave cabin exhibits. These visits provide important context for understanding Charleston and the South.

Charleston's French Quarter has art galleries, the Dock Street Theatre (the oldest theater building in America, free to peek inside), and examples of Philip Simmons' renowned wrought iron gates throughout the neighborhood. Look for the decorative ironwork on churches, gates, and fences. The Gibbes Museum of Art (USD 15) anchors the quarter's cultural scene.

Lowcountry staples include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, Frogmore stew (shrimp boil), and Hoppin' John (black-eyed peas and rice). Husk (seasonal Southern from local ingredients), FIG (farm-to-table), and Hominy Grill (classic comfort food) are among the best. For a splurge, The Ordinary (oyster hall) and Edmund's Oast are outstanding. Reservations essential at popular restaurants.

Charleston's main commercial street runs the length of the peninsula, with restaurants, shops, antique stores, and bars concentrated between Calhoun and Broad Streets. The Lower King section (near Broad) has antique shops. Upper King is the restaurant and nightlife hub. Walking the full stretch takes about 30 minutes and gives a good overview of the city's style.

The Rooftop at Vendue (free entry, craft cocktails with harbor views), Stars Rooftop Bar (atop the Wentworth hotel), and Eleve (panoramic city views) are the top options. Charleston's cocktail culture has grown significantly, with Proof and The Gin Joint representing the craft cocktail movement. The combination of warm evenings and historic views makes rooftop bars especially enjoyable.

Charleston's closest beach town (20 minutes from downtown), with a laid-back surf vibe, beach bars, and the Morris Island Lighthouse visible in the distance. Center Street has restaurants and shops. The Folly Beach Pier (free to walk, USD 2 to fish) extends into the ocean. The Washout area is the local surf spot. Free street parking outside the main beach area.

A quieter, more upscale beach community north of downtown. Beautiful wide beach with fewer crowds than Folly. Fort Moultrie (USD 10) is where the British were repelled in 1776. Poe's Tavern (named for Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed here) serves excellent burgers. The island has a residential feel and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere.

The Charleston harbor and surrounding waterways are home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins. Several companies run 1.5-2 hour cruises (USD 35-50) that almost guarantee sightings, especially in the warmer months. Coastal Expeditions and Charleston Water Tours are reputable operators. Sunset cruises combine dolphin watching with harbor views.