Top Things To Do In Charleston

The Holy City earned its name from the high churches that adorn the skyline. Centuries-old mansions, cobblestone walkways, and lamp-lit streets make Charleston feel like a city lost in time. Its rich heritage influences everything from the smallest establishments to the most culturally significant points of interest in Charleston.

The best of Charleston walking tour
The best of Charleston walking tour
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$236.38
The best of Charleston walking tour
Carriage Tour for One, Two, or Four on a Group Carriage from Carolina Polo and Carriage Company (Up to 10% Off)
Up to 10% Off Tour at Carolina Polo and Carriage Company
45 Pinckney Street, Charleston0.4 mi
4.7
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3,083 ratings
$45 $40.50
10% discount_off
One-Hour Historic Carriage Tour of Charleston for One
One Range Package for One or Two at Quick Shot Shooting Range (40% Off)
Up to 40% Off Range Package at Quick Shot Shooting Range
1869 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston5.4 mi
4.8
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433 ratings
$44 $39$31.20
 Sale Ends 6/10
One Range Package for One; Valid Any Day
Admission to Pirates of Charleston Cruise for One at Pirates of Charleston
Admission to Pirates of Charleston Cruise at Pirates of Charleston
11 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston1.8 mi
5.0
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702 ratings
$38 $38$30.40
 Sale Ends 6/10
Admission for One onto Pirates of Charleston Cruise
Up to 44% Off on Indoor Play Area at The Break Room
Up to 44% Off on Indoor Play Area at The Break Room
1947 Belgrade Avenue, Charleston5.6 mi
4.8
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106 ratings
$94.99 $66$52.80
 Sale Ends 6/10
30-Minute Bottle Service Smash Package for Up to Four; Valid for Aged 12+
Up to 42% Off on Haunted Tour at Ghost Tour Charleston
Up to 42% Off on Haunted Tour at Ghost Tour Charleston
34 Prioleau Street, Charleston0.3 mi
4.7
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29 ratings
$29 $21.60$16.87
 Sale Ends 6/10
Ghost Tour Charleston
Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour
Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour
Concord Street, Charleston0.3 mi
4.8
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233 ratings
$34
Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour
Up to 71% Off on Dance Class at International Ballroom Dance Studios
Up to 71% Off on Dance Class at International Ballroom Dance Studios
2 Locations5.8 mi
4.6
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99 ratings
$140 $50$40
 Sale Ends 6/10
One Four-Class Introductory Program for One
Up to 75% Off on Ghost Hunting (Tour / Activity) - Adult Only at Ghost Tour Charleston
Up to 75% Off on Ghost Hunting (Tour / Activity) - Adult Only at Ghost Tour Charleston
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4.7
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29 ratings
$19 $4.75
75% discount_off
Audio Ghost Tour in Charleston, SC - Cinematic, Self-guided

This southern port city booms with more than just The Battery. Restaurants, boutiques, bars, distilleries, and local barbecue add modern charms to the historic city of Charleston. The best things to do near Charleston include:

  • City Market, a landmark 4-block city market
  • Waterfront Park, which is filled with walkways fountains
  • The Ravenel Bridge, to feel on top of the world
  • The Charleston City Marina will give you chills
  • Folly Beach, which boasts loads of surfing options

Events in CharlestonView All

The Doobie Brothers at September 9 at 8 p.m.
The Doobie Brothers - Up to 52% Off Concert
161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston
$49.50 $24
52% discount_off
The Doobie Brothers
10+ bought
The Brewery Comedy Tour at Indigo Reef - Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 / 7:30pm
The Brewery Comedy Tour at Indigo Reef - Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 / 7...
2079 Wambaw Creek, Charleston8.8 mi
$14 $10
29% discount_off
Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 / 7:30pm - General Admission
Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise
Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise
10 Wharfside St, Charleston0.9 mi
3.5
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44 ratings
$63
Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Charleston Maritime Center, Charleston0.9 mi
4.9
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630 ratings
$56
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
the BREWERY COMEDY TOUR at INDIGO REEF on April 15, May 20 & Jun 17
Up to 41% Off on Comedy - Stand-up at Herron Entertainment LLC
2079 Wambaw Creek, Charleston8.8 mi
$17 $10
41% discount_off
One Ticket - General Admission on Apr 15 at 7:00 PM
1 bought
Credit Toward Book Purchase at Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art (Up to 50% Off)
Up to 50% Off Books at Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
161 Calhoun St, Charleston0.7 mi
$10 $5
50% discount_off
$10 Towards Book Purchase
10+ bought
One-, Two-, or Three-Day Ticket to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA (Up to 50% Off)
Up to 50% Off Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2 Locations
4.8
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4,391 ratings
$104.99 $72.99
30% discount_off
Single-Day Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Ages 3+): Valid Through 11/05/2023
SeaWorld Orlando Admission with Dining Option, or 2, 3 or Unlimited SeaWorld Park Visits (Up to 45% Off)
Up to 45% Off Admission to SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
4.7
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1,509 ratings
$134.99 $94.99
30% discount_off
SeaWorld Orlando Single Weekday Admission Ticket: Valid 365 days from purchase
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York
4.7
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7,474 ratings
$48 $33
31% discount_off
Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)

If you find yourself this side of the Mason-Dixon line, swing into Charleston to experience some of the best the South has to offer. Put on your Sunday best, arm yourself with a mint julep and strut down the cobblestone streets. Charleston has several popular attractions:

  • Book a walking tour through centuries-old mansions and cobblestone streets
  • Start a tour of the city from The Battery overlooking the Charleston Harbor
  • Sign up for a boat tour for a view of Charleston Harbor from the water
  • Visit The Charleston City Market’s many boutiques for local goods  
  • Swing dance through the crowd at King Street’s Prohibition bar

Charleston and its surrounding area has a variety of adventure for the whole family. Whether your kids have a green thumb or they if they are interested by an interactive history lesson, Charleston has a lot to offer. Here’s a sample of family-friendly things to do near Charleston:

  • Young thrill-seekers will get a kick out of Charleston Zip Line Adventures
  • Tom’s Toys has lots of room for kids to play
  • Treat yourself to the menu at Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe
  • Cool off with gelato from Paolo’s
  • Visit Republic Ice cream for a homemade cone  

There’s plenty of things to do in Charleston on a rainy day or gloomy night – explore historic buildings or grab a cozy cup of coffee. Here are more ideas on things to do indoors:

  • Marvel at antique furnishings at Aiken-Rhett House Museum, originally built in the 19th century
  • Explore the historic home of Nathaniel Russell, now immortalized as a museum
  • Give Edmund’s Oasts many beer selections a try
  • Try the evolving sandwich menu at Butcher & Bee

Charleston’s foodie culture creates a better-than-average craft burger scene. Round out your trip with gamete pretzels and laidback local hangouts. Here’s a few must-see places near Charleston:

  • Enjoy a lavender latte at Black Tap
  • Stop by The Mezz on King Street, a hidden-to-the-naked-eye second-floor jazz club and lounge
  • Try the okonomiaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake found at Xiao Bar Biscuit
  • Visit Cypress Gardens, a swan-filled park located just outside of Charleston city limits
  • Hit up the beach then grab a meal at The Obstinate Daughter

Charleston is defined by its waterways — it bridges the Ashley River, Cooper River, and the Atlantic Ocean. South Carolina’s Colonial port city boasts gorgeous views and scrumptious seafood. From historic tours to fun on the water, there’s many things to do in Charleston. Here are a few ideas for exciting activities :

  • Get your hands dirty and shuck oysters at Charleston Oyster Roasts
  • Reserve a table at Sean Brock’s flagship restaurant, Husk
  • Sample a meat plate at Spring Street’s Artisan Meat Share
  • Keep it low-key at Closed for Business, a Charleston beer haven
  • Relax at King Street Grille with 36 flat-screen TVs and gametime menu options

 

Charleston and its surrounding area has a variety of adventure for the whole family. Whether your kids have a green thumb or they if they are interested by an interactive history lesson, Charleston has a lot to offer. Here’s a sample of family-friendly things to do near Charleston:

  • Young thrill-seekers will get a kick out of Charleston Zip Line Adventures
  • Tom’s Toys has lots of room for kids to play
  • Treat yourself to the menu at Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe
  • Cool off with gelato from Paolo’s
  • Visit Republic Ice cream for a homemade cone