Charleston, South Carolina, is one of America’s most beautiful and oldest southern cities. Founded in 1670, this coastal city offers a variety of attractions for all sorts of people. Here are just a few:
1. Explore Historic Downtown: Wander through downtown Charleston to admire lovely architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming neighborhoods. You can stroll along the Battery, a seaside promenade that is lined with quaint homes. There’s also Rainbow Row, a stretch of townhouses painted in a kaleidoscope of colors.
2. Visit Plantations: Explore the city’s plantation history by visiting sites like Boone Hall Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, or Middleton Place. These plantations offer guided tours inside as well as beautiful gardens outside.
3. Take a Carriage Tour: Enjoy a carriage ride through the fascinating streets of Charleston. It’s a relaxing way to learn about the city and see its famous landmarks.
4. Charleston Waterfront Park: Spend some time relaxing at Waterfront Park, which offers beautiful views of Charleston Harbor, as well as fountains, gardens, and walking paths.
5. Folly Beach: Head to Folly Beach for some sun, sand, and surf. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
6. Fort Sumter National Monument: Take a ferry to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Explore the fort and learn about its role in American history.
7. Charleston City Market: Browse the stalls at the Charleston City Market, where you’ll find local artisans selling everything from handmade crafts to sweetgrass baskets. Some of the vendors here include Heaven Scent, which offers its own line of aromatic bath products, as well as Charleston Christmas Collectibles. If you get hungry here, the City Market Grocery offers an assortment of sandwiches and pastries.
8. Dine on Southern Cuisine: Speaking of food, it would be a shame to go to a Southern city without trying the local dishes. Charleston is known for tasty Southern cuisine. Some local favorites include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes.
9. Charleston Museum: Learn about the history of Charleston and the Lowcountry region at the Charleston Museum, which features exhibits on everything from colonial life to natural history.
10. Explore the Waterfront: Take a harbor cruise or rent a kayak to explore Charleston Harbor and its surrounding waterways. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and maybe even spot some dolphins.
There’s so much to do in Charleston that it would probably take several days to do it all. Fortunately, Charleston offers a wide variety of hotels near its numerous attractions. It’s also convenient to get to whether by air, rail, or road. Enjoy your trip!
