• Categories
    • Food
    • Hot Tips
    • Inspiration
    • Itineraries
    • Must-Haves
    • News
    • Planning
    • Travel Guides
    • Unique Stays
    • Van Life
  • VLOGS
  • Resources
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Support Our Work!
Travel Matters
  • Planning

What To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

August 3, 2021

If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Charleston, South Carolina, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve recently visited for the first time ourselves, and would like to share our experience with you. 

Charleston is a beautiful and historic city, with cobblestone streets, incredible Georgian and neo-Classical architecture, and the beautiful coastline. There is so much to do and see when you visit this Southern city. 

It also happens to be a paradise for foodies! Be sure to watch our food tour of Charleston’s French Quarter to see where and what Lowcountry cuisine to eat when you visit.

sitting outside of the Customs House in Charleston, SC

So without further adieu, here are 6 things to do in Charleston. All of them are conveniently located in or near the French Quarter (see what we did there?). 

1. Support Local Vendors At Historic Charleston City Market 

Established in the 1790s, the City Market is one of the most visited attractions in Charleston. Located downtown in the heart of the city, it is one of the oldest public markets in the country. Spanning four city blocks, from Market Hall to East Bay Street, it is home to over 300 vendors. You’ll find everything from food, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and plenty more, all with an emphasis on “locally made.” Keep an eye out for the “Certified Authentic Handmade in Charleston” seal! A point of note: do not confuse City Market with the Old Slave Mart (where slaves were sold). These are completely separate entities, and slaves were never sold at the market. A visit to the City Market is a wonderful way to meet locals and learn about the culture first hand. 

2. Stroll Down Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is a stretch of historic, pastel-colored Georgian Homes located on East Bay Street (between Elliot Street and Tradd Street). This is the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States. “Rainbow Row” was coined after the restoration in the 1930s and ‘40s, when the homes were painted in their now-famous pastel colors. It is one of the most photographed areas in Charleston and is a very popular tourist attraction. 

3. Take A Selfie At The Pineapple Fountain In Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park consists of eight acres and stretches approximately one-half mile, overlooking the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. It’s a perfectly romantic and relaxing way to slow down and take in the Chalreston scenery. The park has an ample amount of walkways, trees, grassy areas, benches, and flora to unwind with, but the Pineapple Fountain is a focal point. Pineapple motifs are common in Charleston and represent hospitality. The fountain draws many selfie-seekers, so just be sure to be patient and return the sentiment to others. Chances are, you’ll even find someone to take your photo for you! 

4. Learn The History Of Charleston At The Old Slave Mart Museum

The Old Slave Mart Museum is the first African-American slave museum, and it is often staffed by individuals that can trace their history to Charleston slaves. Little known fact: at one point, up to 40% of slaves entered the United States through Charleston. While somber in tone, this building is extremely significant in Charleston’s history. There is much to read and many lessons to be learned here, and it is well worth the couple of hours we recommend you spend visiting. 

along the Battery; what to do in Charleston, South Carolina

5. Enjoy A Walk Down To The Battery

The Battery was originally built as a coastal defense artillery battery, and with its scenic promenade and historic parks, it is one of downtown Charleston’s top tourist attractions. It is lined with historic homes and has incredible views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pickney, and Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Stretching along the Charleston peninsula, it is bordered by the Ashley and Cooper rivers and this confluence forms the Charleston harbor. Even if you’re not so easily impressed with “Antebellum this” and “Civil War that,” a walk along the Battery is still a very enjoyable thing to do while visiting Charleston.

6. Designer Shopping On King Street

With all of the historic architecture, small town vibes, and old-timey charm around every corner, Charleston is not lacking in modern, high-end designer shops along its famous King Street.  L’Occitane, Kate Spade, and Louis Vuitton – they’re all there. But there’s also plenty of local shops mixed in as well, like the cozy and intimate Blue Bicycle Books. Many of the other establishments have been in business for decades, if not a century or more, and are no less high end than their modern-day counterparts. 

In conclusion, Charleston personifies the romantic notion of “the old South.” To some it is trapped in that history, and to others it has transformed into one of the most popular travel destinations in the states despite it. With its constant flow of horse drawn carriages, waterfront views, well-preserved historic homes, churches, and landmarks, there’s more than enough to explore help you form your own opinion. We hope we’ve given you some fun ideas of what to do in Charleston, South Carolina!

And if you’re looking for more itineraries, we’ve got you covered:

  • Asheville
  • Los Angeles
  • Chattanooga

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
No comments
Tags:citiesNorth AmericaSouth CarolinaUnited States
Share:
Previous Post National Parks Too Crowded? Try These Other National Lands Instead
Next PostBirthplace Of The Blues: The Mississippi Delta

You Might Also Like

woman and two dogs on large rock overlooking forest

Traveling With Dogs To National Parks Vs. National Forests

February 6, 2021
Woman sitting on a boat with her head in her hand, suffering from motion sickness.

The Best Tips To Avoid Motion Sickness

March 26, 2023
a woman looks out over a river from a bridge with another bridge in the background

13 Of The Best Things To Do In Chattanooga, Tennessee

March 29, 2021

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Get Our Road Trip Planner

NEW: Get our Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Guide, just for subscribing to our newsletter updates!

We're all about sharing the love and knowledge when it comes to travel, but we respect your privacy and we'll never share your info.

Our Latest Vlog:
#Vanlife day 48. “Can’t Stop.”

•

•

•

#Wisconsin #GreenBay #Milwaukee #WI #cheesecurds #sprinter #roadtrip #roadtripusa #campervan #travel #travelmatters #dayinthelife
#Vanlife day 48. “Can’t Stop.” #shorts #Wisconsin
Subscribe
Find Us On Instagram

stephenandandie

Making videos and road tripping to ALL 50 STATES! in our Sprinter campervan, “Ace!” 🚐
#travelmatters

Stephen & Andie | Travel Stuff
All of our September park-ups in 30 seconds! • All of our September park-ups in 30 seconds! 

•

•

•

#vanlife #roadtrip #travelcouple #ustravel #roadtripusa #sprinter #campervan #travelmatters
#Vanlife day number 79-81. “Ice Ice Baby.” Tw #Vanlife day number 79-81. “Ice Ice Baby.”

Two of our favorite things: new places and our people!

Andie’s sister and brother in law drove their new tent all the way from Seattle to hang with us at Glacier National Park.

We camped, ate lots of great food, had some amazing views and wildlife sightings, hiked, met an angry bird, and cold plunged in an Alpine lake.

Sharing travel with others is the best, especially when we can do it in person.
🦬 Wyoming did NOT disappoint! 🦬 If it’s no 🦬 Wyoming did NOT disappoint! 🦬
If it’s not on your travel list, add it now and put it at the top!

•

•

•

#bison #wyoming #lamarvalley #bisonjam #vanlife
#Vanlife day 66. “Birdhouse In Your Soul.”

•

•

•

#colorado #coloradosprings #campervan #roadtripusa #travel #hotellife
If you’re in Denver, Colorado, you gotta go chec If you’re in Denver, Colorado, you gotta go check out Red Rocks.

Not only is it a great concert venue but it’s a crazy-popular spot for fitness, too!

But what you really go here for are the ROCKS!

It’s free to visit and open most days, just check the schedule online. 

•

•

•

#denver #colorado #redrocks
Our first official boondocking spot. Thank you, So Our first official boondocking spot. Thank you, South Dakota, for the gorgeous parkup!
#Vanlife day 48. “Can’t Stop.”

•

•

•

#Wisconsin #GreenBay #Milwaukee #WI #cheesecurds #sprinter #roadtrip #roadtripusa #campervan #travel #travelmatters #dayinthelife
#Vanlife day 40. “Road to Nowhere.” • • #Vanlife day 40. “Road to Nowhere.”

•

•

•

#michigan #puremichigan #lakemichigan #fishtown #leland #sprinter #roadtrip #roadtripusa #campervan #travel #travelmatters #diy #dayinthelife
#Vanlife day 38 . “Bust a Move.”

•

•

•

#sprinter #roadtrip #roadtripusa #campervan #travel #travelmatters #diy #dayinthelife #tennessee #kentucky #lexington #friedbananapepperrings #michigan
Follow on Instagram
Popular Posts
  • 15 Van Build Must-Haves for Living Your Best #Vanlife
  • We’re on a MISSION to see ALL 50 STATES (+ DC and Puerto Rico)!
  • 5 Best Places To Travel To Beat The Heat This Summer
  • Why You Need Apple AirTags Before Your Next Trip
  • Santa Cruz Galapagos Travel Guide: What You Need to Know

©2023 Travel Matters by Stephen & Andie