Things to do in Charleston

Top Things to Do in Charleston

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Things to Do in Charleston

On the itinerary: Historic sightseeing and shopping at Charleston Market by day, haunted tours by night. If you’ve got more time: Day trips to Fort Sumter and Folly Beach.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Charleston.


Top Attractions in Charleston

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • lithlith
    Michigan885 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Waterfront park is a must see/stroll while in Charleston. It's right on the water with lots of trees, benches, and fountains. You'll get some great photos here. If the Carnival Sunshine is in dock, then you'll see that from here as well as crew members hanging out in the park enjoying a break from the ship.
    Written 21 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan L
    Durham, NC460 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Simply beautiful! We went in mid-March and the camilias were still in bloom and the azaleas had just started to come out. Gorgeous! We didn't get the 'combo' tickets for the gardens and house because the "house" was destroyed and so the building you go into is a small outer building that survived.

    We spent about 2 hours at the site and we did take advantage of the garden overview tour which was free and lasted about 30 mins.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Debbie20092012
    Knoxville, TN8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed touring the Fort. The ferry ride to and from the fort is very nice and educational. A must see! So much history and you will not be disappointed.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandra Jones
    Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent a great day at Charleson.
    We had a chance to go to Aquarium and we also visited Fort. Huge boat took us there, we learnt a lot of history and made such a kool pictures. Great experience
    Written 11 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Odyssey19260498771
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This might be the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I did not see tour the big house or the cabins. I was actually looking for a petting zoo for a toddler, this is NOT the place for that, although the wildlife center is kinda cool. The grounds/gardens/paths/bridges/pods are just breathtaking. Flowers of every kind , everywhere, beautiful serene little spots with benches and parks that never end . It's worth the ticket, and you can come back another time in the calendar year.
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lynne M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous way to spend an evening. So entertaining. So much fun. Anyone going to Charleston must put this on their list of things to do. Lots of laughes!
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kristie B
    Healdsburg, CA248 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing! So glad it was open. The staircase is magnificent. Self guided audio tour. Gardens are pretty even in March! Staff is super helpful. Plus there is an app for a walking tour of the city.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LightPacker536870
    Amarillo, TX8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The greens and gardens around this house are simply stunning! The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed getting to see a house that had not been decorated and was in its natural state. The gift shop is also very nice and has some beautiful things. This is a must see!
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gwen L
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A town full of history, many old churches and cemeteries, sites and good place to eat. Using the free on and off bus was a great find.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kristie B
    Healdsburg, CA248 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you have done markets in other countries or cities it is the same. Local art and crafts along with some food vendors. Don’t miss the stores on the street side. There are some great ones.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hollyvan
    Erving51 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everyone should take this tour. Our tour guide was wonderful. The tour focuses on the experiences of the enslaved rather than the plantation owners. Each area of the tour was interesting and informative. Ne highlight was looking at the bricks in one of the buildings and seeing fingerprints left by children who worked at turning the bricks as part of the brick production, Yes, these were enslaved children working.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Richard C
    Virginia781 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walking White Point Gardens is certainly worth your time when in Charleston. You'll be treated to see the harbor adjacent to the historic architecture that the city is famous for. There are benches to sit on, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the city.
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston