Location: Charlestowne
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Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina (SC): The Best Sights & Landmarks
Historic Charleston is bursting with Southern charm and hospitality. The city feels a bit like it’s suspended in time, thanks to its antebellum architecture and surrounding plantation landscapes. Take in incredible views of the Battery and the French Quarter as you stroll the Waterfront Park, then become inspired by the cultivated beauty of the gardens at Middleton Place. At night, try a ghost tour for an introduction to the spooky side of the city.
Restaurants in Charleston
1. George Gilbert
2. South Carolina Society Hall
3. Nathaniel Russell House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,952 reviews
A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was completed in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel and the elegant interiors with elaborate plasterwork, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic. Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained this property are an integral part of its history. Archaeological artifacts, educational panels and ongoing restoration of the enslaved quarters are vital to learning more about the enslaved and telling their important stories.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy shipping merchant, built this magnificent three-story, Federal-style, 9,600-square-foot rectangular townhouse in 1808. Today, it is recognized as one of America's most important Neoclassical houses. It was designated a National Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Located at 51 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, the prestigious house was built to display Russell's prominence as one of the wealthiest citizens of the community. Constructed of Carolina gray brick, the three-bay entrance front emphasizes height rather than width with the main living areas on the second and third levels. The first-story entrance front is dominated by the residence's grand entrance door. The house features three main rooms per floor, each of different geometric designs: a front rectangular room, a center oval room and a square room in the rear. The most important architectural feature of the house is the elliptical spiral staircase, which ascends three floors and is showcased by a golden walled stair hall. The second floor oval drawing room is the most highly decorated room in the house and is where the women of the house retired to after dinner. Papered in apricot, it features elaborate plaster moldings covered with 24-karat gold leaf. The Adamesque ornamentation of the fireplaces' mantles and cornices are among the most detailed in the city. Though most of the art and furniture displayed in the house are not original to the Nathaniel Russell House, they are of the correct period when the Russell family inhabited the house and many are of Charleston origin. The house and grounds are separated from the street by a brick and wrought iron fence with the entrance gate flanked by tall brick columns. To the south of the house is the garden that was originally laid out in a geometric arrangement with patterned beds of flowers, ornamental shrubs and large orange and grapefruit trees. Today, a formal English garden can be found with gravel paths, boxwood hedges and plants favored in the 19th century. In the rear of the house is the two-story slave quarters that housed many of the 18 slaves that lived and worked at the Nathaniel Russell House.
4. Heyward-Washington House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Historic mansion open to the public.
Reviewed By BilB126357 - Boston, United States
I absolutely loved this beautiful house! The tour guide was very informative and thorough. The house was perfectly decorated with wonderful antique furniture and is in a beautiful neighborhood.
5. St. Michael's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 789 reviews
Charleston's oldest church has been tolling its bells on the hour since 1764. Dynamic Downtown Worship in the Anglican Tradition
Reviewed By yellowstone1 - Williamsburg, United States
We went from our hotel, French Quarter Inn (great hotel and I would most recommend this place but it is expensive but you get a lot for the price) actually we were on a private tour and Linda stopped to let us see this holy place and we were able to enter the sanctuary and see the Tiffany glass windows and the pulpit and the pew where George Washington attended services.
6. The Governor's House Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Now a Bed and Breakfast, as well as a National Landmark, South Carolina Governor Edward Rutledge,youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived in this house built circa 1760.
Reviewed By stevengO7618YJ - Chagrin Falls, United States
Innkeepers/owners met us on arrival. Took us on a guided tour. They were very knowledgeable about Charleston's history and history of the Inn. 3 POTUS of the dined/stayed here. Such a charming place, we can't wait to visit again.
7. First (Scots) Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By daearz77 - Charleston, United States
This is worth a stop if you’re conducting a walking tour. The church is a really pretty sight and doesn’t take long to see from the outside.
8. The Williams Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,538 reviews
The Williams Mansion was renamed the Calhoun Mansion but recently returned to its original and historical name. One of Charleston's few intact architectural treasures, and its largest residence, boasting 24,000 sf of Gilded Age splendor ... including spectacular woodwork, moldings and craftsmanship. Completed in 1878 (after more than 5 years of construction by charleston’s most talented craftsmen), the Williams Mansion, a marvel of Italianate Revival architectural splendor, was declared by the press as the “handsomest house in the south.” It remains so today, filled with an extraordinary collection of period furniture and decorative and fine art rivaling any Gilded Age historic museum in the country. Carefully preserved and restored, and having won national and international acclaim, you are invited to tour the Mansion( and it’s spectacular gardens) located at the southern foot of Meeting Street, in the very heart of Charleston’s most important and grand historic, residential areas.
Reviewed By D351RDmikec
A great tour by Jennifer highlighted and incredible house and its art collection. A must when citing the city!
9. Rainbow Row
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,451 reviews
Reviewed By 119TomB119 - Lancaster, United States
This was one of the places my wife requested to visit on our walking tour .Beautiful restored houses, and with the waterfront on the other side of the street , it is an enjoyable place to walk through.
