Location: Charleston
Top Things to do in Charleston
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What to do and see in Charleston, South Carolina (SC): The Best Free Things to do
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. Robert Lange Studios
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By jerseygirlinsc - Charleston, United States
Amazing Art Gallery!! Every piece on display was Beautiful, Unique and Interesting to look at it!! By far one of the Best Galleries I have visited!!
2. City Gallery at Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By dgbluffton
We went to Charleston to see Mary Whyte watercolor exhibit honoring veterans. We had an extra treat that Mary Whyte was at the Gallery answering questions. The paintings are amazing. Mary Whyte is a talented artist. Happy we made the trip and will be back to visit the Gallery in the future.
3. 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.
4. College of Charleston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. The College offers a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities and cutting-edge programs.
Reviewed By robinbeam - Oklahoma City, United States
This is a gorgeous college campus that is the oldest municipal college in the US. It is well incorporated into the surrounding community. The architecture is beautiful.
5. Charleston Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,246 reviews
Top quality black car services for executives, luxury resorts and hotels, select weddings and events. Group transportation, trip planning and airport transfers.
Reviewed By Nomad757901 - Winston Salem, United States
Whether you're visiting Charleston for the first time or 100th time the Visitors Center is a great place to start. There's so much to read about and great history shared. There's brochures for many of the places to visit as well as coupons for discounts in the area. I love taking first time visitors here
6. The Citadel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 737 reviews
A historic military college best known for its Moorish-inspired architecture.
Reviewed By DayTrip593509
My grandson is a 3rd classman (sophomore} at The Citadel so I have visited the campus several times over the past couple of years. Apart from the barracks (which are open to non-cadets only a few times a year) outsiders are welcome to explore the campus. The campus is pretty impressive. Must-sees are the chapel, the bookstore, and a small museum. There is also a parade of the entire regiment MOST Friday afternoons while school is in session, complete with band, bagpipes and cannon. (Be sure to check the on-line calendar for times and dates.) Apart from those engaged in PT, cadets will be wearing uniforms. Cadets are uniformly polite and helpful to visitors and should be able to answer questions. Remember that they are probably on the way to class or some other obligatory event, so keep it brief. You will probably observe some cadets moving around campus at double-time. These are "knobs" (4th classmen / freshmen). Bottom line, if you're in Charleston while school is in session (Aug - May), you should add a Citadel visit to the list of things to do
7. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
A beautiful Catholic church built in 1839.
Reviewed By LiketoeatCincinnati - Cincinnati, United States
This is a very beautiful Catholic Church in downtown Charleston. One is allowed to visit. Though the statues were covered, the stained glass was wonderful.
8. French Huguenot Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
This beautiful church dates back to 1844 and is the only French Hugenot church in the country that still gives the liturgy in French.
Reviewed By WC-Travelers-75
This is the Must-See Church in Charleston. Interesting exterior architecture and a simple but beautiful interior. Its history is literally written on its walls.Only one that invited people to enter. Docent was helpful in providing a brief history. Particularly note the plaque of the number of Presidents of Huguenot descent Don't forget to leave donations!!!
9. Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,516 reviews
Bright green public space overlooking the coast: great for picnics and lounging.
Reviewed By Global_Coug - Houston, United States
Charleston is quite a charming city. The older part of town towards the battery is sort of like the best of Philadelphia's Independence neighborhood and the French Quarter in New Orleans, except clean and safe. This is a great place to walk and see beautiful antebellum houses as well as Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.
10. Magnolia Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 524 reviews
Magnolia cemetery, a non-profit trust, is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Founded on the site of a rice plantation in 1850 during the "rural cemetery movement". It is the resting place of 6 Civil War Generals, soldiers and sailors, governors, signers of the ordinance of secession, mayors of Charleston, Lawyers, doctors and the list is endless. Open to the public seven days a week however the office is only open Monday through Friday. Open and closing times are posted as are rules and regulations at the entrance to the cemetery.
Reviewed By LondonTourman - London, United Kingdom
A short drive from Charleston a tranquil and well cared for cemetery The sailors of the submarine Hunley, are buried here. The lake and spanish moss give a feeling of peace, away form this troubled world.
