Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC: Best Attractions in Charleston, SC, for Homebuyers

With so much to do, it’s hard to narrow down the best things to do in Charleston, SC. From beaches to historical sites, delicious restaurants to lively rooftop bars, and plentiful family-friendly activities, there is no shortage of things to do in and around Charleston. Get ready for fun with our list of attractions, activities, and experiences that potential homebuyers must see and do in Charleston, SC.

Summary:

• Best Overall Things to Do in Charleston, SC
• Indoor Things to Do in Charleston, SC
• Outdoor Activities in Charleston, SC
• Downtown Activities in Charleston, SC
• Historical Attractions in Charleston, SC
• Romantic Things to Do in Charleston, SC
• Family Things to Do in Charleston, SC
• Free Things to Do in Charleston, SC
• Things to Do Near Charleston New Construction

Best Overall Things to Do in Charleston, SC

While it’s hard to narrow down the options, these three activities are a must when you’re looking for the most popular things to do in Charleston, SC:

• Stroll and shop: Part of the charm of Charleston is simply the atmosphere. Take your time walking around town and popping into the cute boutiques that dot the streets.

• See the Charleston landmarks: While you explore, be sure to check out Charleston classics like Rainbow Row, Church Street, Angel Oak, the waterfront, and the Pineapple Fountain. Charleston landmarks are a classic, making them one of the best things to do in Charleston, SC.

• Go on a food tour: Though you can certainly make your own list of Charleston restaurants to try, you could also book a tour through one of several companies, such as Charleston Culinary Tours. As of October 2023, they have over 1,000 five-star reviews on Google and offer a variety of tours, including a 2.5-hour tour through downtown Charleston and one that mixes ghost stories with sweet treats.

Indoor Things to Do in Charleston, SC

South Carolina is an East Coast state, meaning hot summer months and a rainy hurricane season (June 1 through November 30). When the weather isn’t inviting, there are plenty of indoor things to do in Charleston, air-conditioning included:

• Charleston Museum: Did you know the Charleston Museum is America’s first? This indoor Charleston attraction has been educating the public and preserving historical artifacts since 1773. In addition to current and rotating exhibits, the museum owns two historic houses (the Joseph Manigault House and the Heyward-Washington House, filled with period pieces) and a 580-acre wildlife refuge called the Dill Sanctuary. The museum also hosts special programs throughout the year.

• Charleston haunted jail tour: Charleston is an old city, which means it’s filled with ghost stories. If you enjoy spooky tales, try a tour through Old City Jail with Bulldog Tours. You’ll wander the same corridors that pirates and Civil War prisoners walked and peek inside jail cells. Perfect for when you’re looking for indoor things to do in Charleston.

• Dock Street Theatre: Though you’re far from Broadway plays, Charleston has its own version of live theater at the Dock Street Theatre, run by the nonprofit Charleston Stage.

Outdoor Activities in Charleston, SC

Charleston welcomes you with excellent temperatures year-round, making outdoor activities among the top things to do in Charleston:

• Hit the beach: As a coastal city, Charleston provides visitors and locals access to numerous beaches, including Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Kiawah Island.

• Go kayaking: Charleston has several kayak rental companies. As of October 2023, Charleston Outdoor Adventures has 7,600 five-star reviews on Google. Take a kayak through the creeks, flats, and estuaries that surround Charleston.

• Hop on a boat tour: Charleston Outdoor Adventures also offers numerous boat tour options, including a dolphin tour.

• Explore Middleton Place: History and the outdoors converge at Middleton Place, which dates back to 1675. This National Historic Landmark sits along the Ashley River. Learn about plantation life and walk (a portion of) the 65 acres of gardens.

• Golf: What list of best things to do in Charleston would be complete without mentioning golf? Golfers are never bored on the putting green in Charleston because the city has a selection of 19 courses nearby.

Downtown Activities in Charleston, SC

If you’re looking for the best Charleston attractions downtown, try any one (or all) of these experiences:

• Farmers Market: The Charleston Farmers Market has been a weekly occurrence in Marion Square since 1989. Stock up on locally grown food or treat yourself to handmade crafts from April through November. Don’t miss the holiday market in December, too.

• Walking tour: Whether you want history, ghosts, or a simple, guided stroll around town, several companies offer walking tours, giving you a unique city perspective when you’re looking for things to do in Charleston.

• Gibbes Museum of Art: Charleston’s only visual arts museum is downtown and only 25 miles from Summerville, where Centex’s new construction communities are.

Historical Attractions in Charleston, SC

Founded in 1670, this city has a rich history. These beautiful architecture spots and historical adventure attractions make up some of the must-see things in Charleston, SC:

• Charleston City Market: Exploring the Charleston City Market has been a popular draw since 1807, when the market began. Artisans, jewelers, artists, and merchants sell their products along this over three-block-long area. The market is also open on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Historic homes: Charleston has no shortage of gorgeous historic homes to tour. If you enjoy history and love seeing period pieces and how people lived centuries ago, schedule a tour at a historic home, such as the Nathaniel Russell House or the Aiken-Rhett House.

• Drayton Hall: Step back in time when you tour Drayton Hall. The site’s stewards are dedicated to preserving its history, so the decorations, period pieces, and architecture all resemble what life was like in 1738. The grounds also include a gallery of items from the Drayton family, a cemetery, a garden, the caretaker’s house from 1870, and the preservation lab, where history is kept alive.

• McLeod Plantation Historic Site: Learn more about Charleston’s Gullah and Geechee heritage by touring the McLeod Plantation. Visitors are encouraged to understand the essential role these groups played in the foundation and history of Charleston. The site is also known for the McLeod oak tree, believed to be over 600 years old and a beauty to behold.

• Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: This activity is best for thrill-seekers and adventures. Kids will get a kick out of exploring an old dungeon and spinning tales of pirates. This historic site, built in 1771, was once the customs house and remains a top attraction in Charleston.

Romantic Things to Do in Charleston, SC

Towering oak trees, the sound of the ocean in the distance, and beautiful streets make Charleston a romantic getaway for two (even if that getaway is a date night 30 miles from your Centex community). Check out these romantic things to do in Charleston:

• Date night dinner: Charleston’s restaurant scene is a delicious mix of coastal cuisine, Lowcountry fare, and a melting pot of other flavors, a perfect spot for a candlelit dinner.

• Grab a drink: One of the more popular things to do in Charleston for those 18 and older is to have a cocktail at one of Charleston’s rooftop bars. Even if you prefer to abstain, you can sip a mocktail or soda and drink in the gorgeous nighttime view. Check out the wine bars and breweries, too.

• Take an evening carriage ride: Pretend you’re in a real-life fairytale by booking a carriage ride.

Family Things to Do in Charleston, SC

There are lots of attractions for families in the city. Here are a few of the best family things to do in Charleston, SC, sure to amaze and delight kids (and kids at heart) of any age:

• South Carolina Aquarium: Nothing says “a day well-spent” quite like watching fish, sea turtles, and other underwater creatures swim, play, and explore at the South Carolina Aquarium, which is about 25 miles from Centex’s Charleston communities.

• Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: The mission of this children’s museum is to inspire creative problem solvers. The site has exhibits, special programs, and camps for kids.

• Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie: History buffs of all ages enjoy wandering the two forts that guard the entrance to Charleston’s harbor. Fort Sumter, in the middle of the harbor (and only accessible by ferry), was where the Civil War began. Fort Moultrie sits on Sullivan’s Island, just ten miles from the heart of downtown Charleston.

Free Things to Do in Charleston, SC

You don’t have to spend money to see some of the top attractions in Charleston, SC. Here are a few free things to do in Charleston, SC:

• The Battery: Sitting at the water’s edge is a fortified seawall, one of Charleston’s best attractions called The Battery. Take in a gorgeous view of the water while strolling the promenade.

• Hampton Park: This public park has a bountiful botanical display, with a rose collection and seasonal foliage.

• White Point Garden: This public park spans almost six acres and sits at the tip of the Charleston peninsula.

• Charleston Tea Plantation: The Charleston Tea Plantation offers complimentary factory and tea garden tours.

Things to Do Near Charleston New Construction

Homeowners will find plenty of things to do near Charleston’s new construction homes. Summerville, South Carolina, is a suburb of the greater Charleston area and home to two of Centex’s new construction communities: Bradford Pointe and Sanctuary Cove at Cane Bay. Here are some of the best things to do near these new construction areas in Charleston.

Summerville, SC

• Azalea Park: Enjoy the beauty and serenity of the outdoors at this park with walking trails, gardens, tennis courts, and bronze sculptures.

• Summerville Farmers Market: Rain or shine, the Summerville Farmers Market happens every Saturday, from April through November, with almost 100 vendors.

• Antique stores: If you like to shop and thrift, check out the handful of antique stores in the Summerville area, like Summerville Antique Gallery and Antiques & Artisans Village.

• Ashley River Park: Just 16 miles from Sanctuary Cove is Ashley River Park, which has playgrounds, picnic areas, a splash pad, a walking trail along the river, dog parks, and more.

Conclusion

There are so many fun things to do in Charleston! From historical attractions to unique outdoor activities, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for romance or family time, thrilling escapades or peaceful free activities – it’s easy to find the perfect thing. And when you’re planning things to do in and around your potential Charleston new home, the list of attractions in Charleston runs just as deep as the city’s rich history.

Explore Charleston’s new home communities today or browse more Centex blogs.

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, a Georgia-based freelance journalist.