What to do in Charleston, SC

Activities, attractions and tours

A large suspension bridge with tall towers and cables, spanning a body of water with a grassy shoreline in the foreground.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a stop sign, and a tree.
A tree-lined path in a park with moss-covered trees and a paved walkway.
A Confederate statue in a park with trees and a circular stone base.
A pathway under a large tree with moss-covered branches and a sign pointing to Legare/Warring House.

Places to Visit in Charleston

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Charleston, South Carolina while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Charleston attractions from NZ$4, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Charleston tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 302 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Charleston. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

NZ$64
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Downtown Charleston Food Tour

Downtown Charleston Food Tour

NZ$194
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

NZ$76
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

NZ$88
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

NZ$53
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise

NZ$115
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

NZ$76
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry
See all activities in Charleston
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. College of Charleston

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.
Learn more
A historic building with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by lush trees and a paved sidewalk.

2. Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market consists of three blocks of open-air sheds and a 19th-century hall with stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs and many other items. The historic complex has a Greek-revival design with an imposing yellow-and-red façade. The rest of the vast market is spread out in numerous shops. Chat with local vendors about the spices, works of art and handicrafts on display along these blocks.
Learn more
An indoor market with tables displaying various items, a large decorative light sculpture, and people browsing.

3. Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park reflects the character and history of the city’s architecture and gardens. At the southernmost point of the eight-acre (three-hectare) park, a wooden pier juts out over the Charleston Harbor.
Learn more
A wooden boardwalk with a covered pavilion and a lighthouse in the background.

4. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. Tour historic buildings or take a boat ride through the wetlands. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center.
Learn more
A calm lake surrounded by trees with Spanish moss, reflecting the sky and trees.

5. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium houses some 6,000 plants and animals. The 60 exhibits cover five major geographical areas in South Carolina. See ocean-dwelling marine life and water-based creatures that live in the mountains. There’s also the Madagascar Journey, where you’ll learn about this island’s species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Learn more
A sea turtle swimming among a school of fish in an aquarium.

6. Fort Sumter

Arrival at Fort Sumter, site of the first battle of the Civil War between Union and Confederate forces is a sobering moment. Named for American Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, the fort sits on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Visit Fort Sumter as part of a national monument complex that includes Fort Moultrie National Monument and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.
Learn more
A historic cannon in a brick archway.

Recommended things to do in Charleston

Number of things to do
302
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover Charleston: Historic District, Plantations and Beaches: NZ$4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Charleston

Stay near popular Charleston attractions

An indoor market with tables displaying various items, a large decorative light sculpture, and people browsing.

Charleston City Market

8.8/10 (11,111 reviews)
Dating back to the 1700s, the Charleston City Market showcases local culture through artisan crafts and famous sweetgrass baskets. Browse vendors in historic open-air sheds while savouring Lowcountry cuisine aromas.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Charleston

Find the best Charleston areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Charleston
Learn more about Charleston
A pier with a lighthouse and a flagpole.

Downtown Charleston

Travellers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Charleston City Market and Charleston Music Hall.

A large, historic building with classical architecture, featuring tall columns and a prominent clock tower.

French Quarter

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Dock Street Theater – discover French Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A beachfront with a row of historic buildings and palm trees.

South of Broad

If you're spending some time in South of Broad, Rainbow Row and Nathaniel Russell House are top sights worth seeing.

A lush green rice paddy field with a tree in the foreground.

West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

A horse-drawn carriage crossing a street at a city intersection.

Charleston Historic District

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Charleston

A pier extending into the ocean with a sunset in the background.

Folly Beach

A calm lake with several trees standing in the water.

Goose Creek

A coastal wetland with grassy areas, dense shrubs, and a clear blue sky.

Huger

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is visit South Carolina Aquarium. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's golfing and culture.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
Begin your day with a visit to Patriots Point and South Carolina Aquarium. Then, explore other areas of Charleston for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
You can't go home without exploring South Carolina Aquarium, ranked the top tourist attraction in Charleston.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
Three days in Charleston is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. South Carolina Aquarium, International African American Museum and Charleston Museum are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as North Charleston.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to do and see in Charleston. Several top sights, like South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Charleston's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Charleston is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Charleston with kids.

What to do in Charleston for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Charleston, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Firefly Distillery or Credit One Stadium.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Charleston. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Sunrise Park Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia