101 Charleston South Carolina Things to Do (Secret Gems)

Looking for the very best Charleston South Carolina Things to Do? You’ve just hit the jackpot!

Then… plan even more vacation fun with these Myrtle Beach Travel Tips and popular Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do!

Charleston South Carolina Things to Do

So what are the very best Charleston South Carolina Things To Do?

Charleston is such a stunning city filled with historic cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, and outrageous food and cuisine. Plus, it’s just oozing with that sweet Southern charm… I mean what’s not to love?

But it’s even more fun when you know where to eat, stay and play… on a budget! I absolutely loved my visit to Charleston and know you will, too!

Before you map out your road trip or purchase those plane tickets, here’s everything you need to know BEFORE you go…

Related: How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Budget Travel Hacks)

(thanks to Kristi for sharing the beautiful photo above of Rainbow Row)

Where to Stay in Charleston SC

Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation?  It’s so much easier than you think!  

Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…

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In addition to hotels, I also recommend staying at a VRBO when visiting Charleston to save BIG on your trip.  They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner, and they can be such a great way to find nice lodging that is way less expensive than the hotels.  

I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO’s, and loved every one.  

Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and kitchens.  These amenities alone saved us SO much money!

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

Farrah writes: “I recommend AirBnB or VRBO to find accommodations”

Jana writes: “There is a nice Holiday Inn Express and suites off Johnnie Dodds Blvd, free breakfast, minutes to the beach, Whole Foods, Starbucks basically across the street, and some more restaurants. easy to cross the bridge and get in Downtown Charleston, where it’s basically endless places to eat.”

Brandy writes: “Love Charleston! The Harbor View Inn is spectacular, and in close proximity to Fleet Landing (our fave restaurant). Also close to the market and battery.”

Carey writes: “I’ve found the historic area is the best to stay in. Everything is within walking distance.”

Tracey writes: “I’d recommend staying at a hotel around exit 209 for cost savings versus downtown. Unless you don’t mind paying $$$.”

Farrah writes: “Fulton Lane Inn”

Allyssa writes: “Elliot House Inn”

Cheryl writes: “The Dewberry was phenomenal!”

Amy writes: “French Quarter Inn is amazing.”

Lisa writes: “Stay at Folly Beach. Best beach ever!!

JoBeth writes: “The Vendue is our go to place to stay.”

Donna writes: “I stayed at The Vendue. Loved it!”

(thanks to Dana for sharing this dreamy photo above of Isle of Palms)

William writes: “I’d stay in Isle of Palms.”

Beulah writes: “We stayed at Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms. The resort side is private beach.”

Julie writes: “Tennis is great at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms – and a great place to stay.”

Amy writes: “Stayed at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. It was husband’s business trip…. Gorgeous!! We drove in to Charleston. Fav trip”

Annette writes: “Stay in Daniels Island! Not as expensive! Cute place and restaurants!”

When to Visit Charleston SC

I personally think the Spring and Fall are some of the best times to visit Charleston, specifically March – May or September – October. You’ll avoid the most intense heat while also missing the majority of hurricane season.

Erma writes: “The Summer heat is suffocating, especially if you are not from the area. Plan accordingly.”

Elisha writes: “If you go in the Summer, hot can’t describe it.” 🙂

What to Do in Charleston SC

Wondering just what are the best Charleston South Carolina things to do?

Erma writes: “Charleston must be one of the most fascinating cities on the planet! Just beautiful. You’ll never be able to do it all. Historic downtown can be pricey, but it’s the setting u want for an adult/couples getaway. If you’re going in beach season, drive in to do the downtown stuff, as there’s plenty of public pay parking.

Research restaurants; there are too many to mention. It’s a culinary hot spot. I’d recommend a carriage ride if budget allows. Research your interests well, as there won’t be enough time to do it all. My favorite thing is just to dress comfortably & wander the historic area on foot.”

Alexa writes: “We love Charleston…I used to live there & still have family there, and we visit often! The Market, carriage ride downtown, walking ghost tour at night, Fort Sumter tour, Harbor boat tour, SC Aquarium, and if you’re up for an adventure, Charleston Fossil Adventures, LLC is great!

Of course any of the plantations (each have their own unique offerings depending on what you’re looking for), White Point Garden, Ravenel Waterfront Park, The Battery, & Rainbow Row are all favorites, too. Enjoy, it’s a beautiful city with rich history!”

(thanks to Louisa for sharing the fun picture above of Rainbow Row)

Cindy writes: “I have been many times. I like to take a long walk or ride the trolley to see the sights.”

Tiffany writes: “Charleston SC is my hometown. I was a carriage driver/licensed city tour guide for about 4 years. Definitely catch a tour with Old South Carriage Company. The Provost Dungeon is great- even for kids, lots of Pirate history there.

You can walk or catch a bike taxi down to the Battery if your carriage your on doesn’t go down there. Go see the Southern Charm house (Patricia) if you’re a fan. Take a boat tour. Go see the Hunley. Aquarium, antebellum house tours, beaches.”

(thanks to Leana for sharing the beautiful photo above of a horse drawn carriage ride in front of the Mills House Hotel)

Patti writes: “Charleston is so fun and beautiful. Definitely “walking friendly” but my big secret is to hire the horse & buggy ride, see the town, then choose what you want to explore after the ride is over.”

Vicki writes: “Take the horse drawn carriage ride in downtown, takes you down the cobblestone streets and gives a history lesson! We’ve done this every visit and it never gets old. Also visit one of the Plantations. Shopping on King St is so fun too.”

Samantha writes: “Carriage rides are great for learning about the city!”

Billie Ray writes: “I’ve only been once but did enjoy the horse drawn wagon tour very much!”

(thanks to Lisa for sharing this stunning photo above of the Cooper River bridge)

Tracey writes: “Make sure you visit the market, waterfront and battery! I’d so move back if I could”

Shelly writes: “Just seeing the stately homes there is a treasure in itself! Loved the open air market too. …Rainbow Row”

Jill writes: “I honeymooned there! It’s fun to take a walking tour, especially if you’re interested in the history and architecture of the city.”

Melissa writes: “Two sisters walking tour. I LOVED it!!!”

(thanks to Connie for sharing this stunning photo above)

William writes: “There is the USS Yorktown, Ft Sumter, a really nice beach, Amazing Food at every turn. Downtown Charleston is really nice with the market, the waterfront, Pineapple Fountain and lots of attractions.”

Trish writes: “Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a must as well!”

Pamela writes: “Patriots point is so cool!! They have an aircraft carrier and a submarine. Also fort Moultrie has always been a favorite. Fort Sumter is eerie and cool.”

Carolyn writes: “Take a horse drawn carriage ride around… there are many food choices and walkable areas. Then visit Kiawah Island SC – it has family friendly beaches. Ride bikes, play tennis, and golf – it’s only 45 minutes to Charleston and won’t disappoint.”

(thanks to Louisa for sharing the pretty picture above of the Pineapple Fountain)

Laurie writes: “We did the horse drawn carriages when we were there and it was so much fun and informative! Charleston is a beautiful place.”

Heather writes: “We live down the road a bit in the Hilton Head area, but are in Chucktown often. The area in Mt Pleasant is growing and has lots of great restaurants and shops to check out. If you’ve never been, spend a day exploring Market Street and do a carriage ride to learn out this amazing city.”

Lisa writes: “Isle of Palms Community Park!”

(thanks to Courtney for sharing this pretty picture above of the Pineapple Fountain)

Nyhla writes: “The pineapple fountain, the market of course… if it rains to much they will close due to flooding. We go in early June. Rainbow Row, there are so many things I still want to do! Enjoy!”

Jennifer writes: “Visit Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant.”

Heather writes: “Carriage ride downtown, King Street for shopping, the Market, the battery…so much to do!”

Jana writes: “The market is fun to walk around, don’t have to spend any $, the Battery also nice and at least used to have a little splash pad, sometimes farmers markets type things popping up.

Shem Creek is fun for kayaking or paddle boarding with dolphins (Charleston Outdoors I think?) I did while pregnant, it’s not too intense or pricey. Folly beach is fun to walk up, get an ice cream, and has a nice pier out into the water where you can watch the surfers, but the parking patrol is no joke there.”

Jessica writes: “Love folly beach and biking through town”

Angie writes: “Definitely go to Folly Beach. It was gorgeous.”

Farrah writes: “There is so much to see, Rainbow Row walk that leads to the Battery on the water… The Market in the historical district, lots of restaurants there too. They have a farmers market on Saturdays with local vendors in a park near CoC. So much to see and do…. my fav place to go!”

Jo writes: “My favorite thing was the dueling piano place. Lots of fun.”

Danielle writes: “Do the Say Charleston Photo Walking Tour. Mix of guided tour and photo session. Highly recommend!”

(thanks to Leanna for sharing the photo above of the French Huguenot church)

Lorraine writes: “You have to go to Boone Hall plantation. Great history and beautiful.”

Sharon writes: “We did antique stores.”

Beulah writes: “We did Ft Sumter, the aquarium, Charleston Tea Plantation, Prevost Dungeon/Old Exchange, Old Charleston Jail, and lots of walking. There are so many great things to just walk and see downtown: great parks, The Circle Church and historic cemetery, historic City Market, etc. There are groups that offer walking tours.”

Jean writes: “Boat Tour in the harbor”

Noell writes: “The tea plantation on John’s Island.”

(thanks to the Millers for sharing this lovely photo above of the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens)

Andi writes: “Magnolia plantation is beautiful.”

Stefanie writes: “We go every year! We love the market, the pineapple fountain, battery park, the shopping on Kings street can’t be beat!”

Joy writes: “Charlestown Landing State Park is gorgeous and fun to explore.”

Michelle writes: “We took our 3 kids a couple years ago. We went to Fort Sumter, had a picnic at the Battery, went to the Angel Oak Tree, we visited a cemetery at a church downtown where 2 signers of the US Constitution are buried, and rode around just looking and taking photos.”

Cathy writes: “I love the open market place, Isle of Palms, Magnolia Park (also known as the Battery), horse and carriage rides, rainbow row. Most love to visit the angel tree.”

Trish writes: “Visit the The Angel Oak Tree. It’s free!”

(thanks to Jean for sharing this amazing photo above of Angel Oak)

Allison writes: “Low country has some of the best olive oil I have ever had. My favorite is the garlic infused oil. Cute little shops with olive oils and vinegars.”

Amanda writes: “We never go to Charleston without going to the Savannah Bee store. It’s my favorite. There’s a great Mexican restaurant down the street and just so much to see downtown.”

Suzanne writes: “I live in Charleston (James Island to be exact). Beachwalker County Park on Kiawah is my fave public beach. It is regularly ranked a top beach. You can stop by the Angel Oak on John’s Island on the way out there or back. McLeod Plantation on James Island is great. It is cheaper and smaller than other plantations, and it’s focus is on the people who were enslaved and their transition to freedom.

Hit Bowen’s Island for seafood and Folly Beach while out that way. Charles Towne Landing, the original site of the city is great, especially with kids. Downtown, I love the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon to learn history of the pre-Rev and Rev era. It is close to Waterfront Park, which is lovely.

Carriage rides are great ways to see parts of the city. They all start at the Market. For a house tour, I like the Edmonton-Alston house on the Battery. Skip Fort Sumter and go to Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. Skip the Aquarium.”

Kristina writes: “We live near by in Summerville, which is cute itself. Isle of palms beach, many many restaurants, Charleston market.”

Jessica writes: “I love Charleston! My husband was stationed there in the Air Force. I’d go back to live there in a heartbeat if I could.”

Jennifer writes: “You cannot go wrong with anything in my favorite city ever!!! Best of everything. Ocean, history and gorgeousness”

Susan writes: “Sullivan’s Island Beach”

Kelly writes: “Seabrook Island – 30 minutes from beautiful Charleston SC”

(thanks to Kelly for sharing this gorgeous photo above of Seabrook Island)

Laura writes: “We go every year and stay on Kiawah Island; about 25 minutes away. We’ll hit the market and go out on the pier if it’s not too crazy hot.”

Charleston South Carolina Things To Do – Where to Eat in Charleston SC!!

Farrah writes: “Kings St has a lot of great restaurants!!”

Candie writes: “Toast – best breakfast in town!”

Elisha writes: “Fleet Landing, on the water. I got shrimp and grits. Yummy. My hubby got grilled Mahi. Also The Early Bird Diner, Guy Ferrari featured it. I ate Chicken N Waffles.”

Priscilla writes: “Fleet Landing for sure. The best food with a view”

Insider Tip: If you visit Fleet Landing, order the shrimp. It was AMAZING!!

Amanda writes: “Best seafood is at Ellis Creek Fish Camp!!! Shrimp corndogs, shrimp and grits, tacos. Everything is amazing!!!”

Jennifer writes: “Love Charleston! 5 Church, Carmella’s and Hank’s were our favorite places to eat!”

Vanessa writes: “For the best dessert around go to Carmella’s Dessert Bar.”

Insider Tip: Carmella’s was our favorite spot for dessert – the Cannoli and Coconut Macaroons were the BEST!!

Amanda writes: “Bitty and Beau’s Coffee”

Zamira writes: “Lived there awhile, my favorite place was Magnolia’s!”

Beulah writes: “The food downtown is fantastic. RuRu’s was amazing. Poogan’s Porch was an A+ brunch. Magnolia’s was delicious for a more upscale dinner. We loved Acme seafood. Bake House paninis are a perfect light lunch/snack.”

Vanessa writes: “Poogan’s Porch is a great restaurant.”

Alexa writes: “Lost Dog Cafe on Folly is awesome”

Danyell writes: “Vickery’s Shem Creek so good. Beautiful outside eating.”

Nyhla writes: “We go every year and have to eat at California Dreaming! They have amazing croissants with their meals. Also like Red’s Ice House. Really LOVE Bitty and Beau’s and how they got started.”

Lisa writes: “Brown dog deli! So good and I love the atmosphere!”

Vanessa writes: “Lewis BBQ is amazing!”

Suzanne writes: “You really can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants. For BBQ, we really love Lewis.”

Insider Tip: Be prepared for LONG lines at Lewis BBQ, and be sure to order some mac & cheese as a side. It was DELICIOUS!

Laura writes: “Braised in the South food is good!!”

Stefanie writes: “We love Charleston Seafood House, Magnolias, and Halls Chophouse.”

Cecily writes: “We lived there for 2 years. Kaminsky’s is one of favorites! Also Dog and Duck in Mt. Pleasant.”

Angela writes: “Kaminsky’s for dessert”

Vanessa writes: “Magnolias is a do not miss. Best fried green tomatoes.”

Jessica writes: “East Bay Meeting House in the French quarter has a great brunch and outdoor seating bistro style, and Queen 82”

Lyndsay writes: “Hyman’s Seafood is a must!”

Courtney writes: “Best lunch spots: Vendue Inn Rooftop, and Gaulart & Maliclet (Fast & French)”

Heather writes: “Husk restaurant”

Annette writes: “The Wreck of Richard and Charlene seafood restaurant.”

Jean writes: “Poe’s tavern”

Julie writes: “Cru Cafe is one of my favorites”

Charlene writes: “My absolute favorite place! Hanks Seafood was our go-to!”

Melinda writes: “Had amazing dinner at Mason Jar by Fatboys, and breakfast at Vicious Biscuit.”

Joy writes: “Easy Bay Deli in Charleston and The Shelter Kitchen in Mt Pleasant. “

Dana writes: “We never miss meals at our favorite two Charleston spots: The Ordinary and Goat, Sheep, Cow.”

Syl writes: “We loved Husk for an upscale dinner and Toast for brunch.”

Kirsten writes: “Xiao Bao Biscuit”

Debbie writes: “Soooooo many great places to eat!! Churches, Magnolia’s, Poogan’s Porch, 52 Queen, Ordinaire, Pearlz, The Grocer….so so many more”

Traci writes: “I like Center Street coffee at Folly Beach.”

Annette writes: “Acme Lowcountry Kitchen Seafood in Isle of Palms”

Jana writes: “We basically jump around Shem creek to eat. Red’s for their grouper sandwich – it’s sort of hole in the wall-y but nice, lots of seafood in the same parking lot, different price points. Shelter is a popular place”

Susan writes: “Poe’s Tavern, Paige’s Okra Grill”

Lana writes: “Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) – great restaurant.”

Heather writes: “S.N.O.B. Is AMAZING!!! As well as Magnolia’s that is across the street.”

Laurie writes: “Bowen’s Island Seafood Restaurant”

Elaine writes: “Gotta have a shrimp po’boy sandwich there”

Tammy writes: “Flower’s Seafood on Edisto Island.”

Amy writes: “Hall’s Chophouse – but make a reservation months in advance. Magnolia’s for dinner, Carmella’s for dessert.. really just be ready to eat! We live here after vacationing for years. A few pounds heavier but we love it.”

How To Visit Charleston On A Budget

To visit Charleston on a budget, you’ll need to do a little planning.  My first tip is to start stashing extra cash away now for your ‘Charleston South Carolina Things To Do Trip Fund’.  

Need to increase your travel fund cash stash?  You can make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…

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Now that you’ve discovered the best Charleston South Carolina Things To Do, Keep dreaming of even more fun vacations all over America!

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So… have YOU ever been to Charleston before?

What are some of your favorite Charleston South Carolina Things To Do, places to see, etc?

Leave a comment & share!