If you are wondering about what to do in Charleston SC then read this epic guide for Things to do in Charleston SC, and learn about some amazing things to do in Charleston SC this weekend.
- Plan your Perfect 3 Days in Charleston Itinerary
- Or, if you have only 24 hours in Charleston, read Charleston in one day.
- Plan some amazing day trips from Charleston SC within 2 to 3 hours.
- Also, read about the historical tour to St Augustine, Florida.
Charleston – a charming historic town of Southern USA or Lowcountry ranks as the best city of USA too. The perfect romantic vibes, excellent weather, historic charm, stunning colorful houses, and blooming plantations of Charleston, South Carolina, will amaze you on your holiday to the southern USA.
Charleston has deep southern roots, so history buffs deeply admire it.
So let’s know about Best & Unique things to do in Charleston SC this weekend –
Charleston tour comprises Historic House Tours + Plantations tour + Shopping & Eating out + Museums + Cruises & Beaches.
Where To Stay In Charleston, SC – Book your hotels.
- Luxury Stay option – Book a magnificent luxury hotel in Historic District.
- Mid-range Stay Option – Book a fantastic hotel stay in Historic District next to Visitor’s center and Free Tourist Shuttle Bus.
- Affordable Stay Option – Book an affordable stay in Charleston on Spring Street.
Best & Unique Things To Do In Charleston SC This Weekend
Let’s read about what to do in Charleston this weekend and plan your Charleston itinerary with this perfect Charleston Travel guide.
Rainbow Row
It is the most Instagrammable location in Charleston and, in fact, in the whole of the USA. A Series of 13 uniquely pastel-colored houses are located north of Tadd Street.
After the Civil War, this region of Charleston converted into slum conditions. After that, house restoration began, so the Caribbean color scheme was adapted, and these houses were painted into colorful pastel shades. Now you know what things to do in Charleston SC this weekend
There are myths associated with Rainbow row. One of them is these houses were painted for intoxicated sailors as they used to remember their own homes by a color scheme when they returned late at night after drinking.
Some believe that merchants colored their houses to various schemes to signal uneducated enslaved people to remember the homes by color scheme.
Old Exchange And Provost Dungeon
This commercial exchange and the customs house were built in 1771 as Charleston was a significant seaport during those days. This building depicts Charleston’s wealth and wealth and how trading took place.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon have been a landmark of Charleston for nearly 250 years.
The underground section of this building was military prison during American Revolution.
Admission: You need to buy tickets to take a tour from inside. They have guided tours of building with all historical significance.
Adults (13+) $12, Child (7-12) $5, Children 6 and under Free
Heyward Washington House
This Georgian-styled double house was built in 1772 and was the town home of Thomas Heyward, Jr. . He was one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence.
From 1978 onwards, this house became the National Historic Landmark
George Washington visited this house frequently, and you can also spot a priceless bookcase here. This Holmes bookcase is considered one of the finest examples of American-made colonial furniture.
Admission: You need to buy tickets to take a tour from inside. They have guided tours of building with all historical significance.
Adults (13+) $12, Child (7-12) $5, Children 6 and under Free
Charleston Historic Downtown Walking Tour Video
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
The site of Charles Towne Landing is associated with the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina. In 1670, a group of English settlers landed here and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony.
Charles Towne gives a glimpse of earlier days and how their formation.
It is in the marshy region beside the Ashley river and has beautiful nature.
ADMISSION: $12/adult; $7.50/S.C. Senior; $7/youth age 6-15; Free for children five and younger
Boone Hall Plantations
Book Boone Hall Plantation All Access Admission Ticket.
When you are in Charleston, then do not miss the Plantations tour. Boone Hall has also been recognized as the #1 Plantation in the Charleston Area by USA TODAY 10BEST.
There are many tours, but doing a tractor tour is entertaining here.
PLANTATION TRACTOR TOUR
Take a 30 -40 minute guided tour around 738 acres of all plantation and farm regions. You will see and learn about the history of Boone Hall and experience how it remains a working farm today.
Admission: Regular Adult Admission $28, Seniors-Military-AAA $25, Children (6-12) $12, Children 5 and under admitted free with an adult.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
According to Travel + Leisure Magazine, Magnolia Plantations & Gardens are among the most beautiful gardens in America. Magnolia Plantations is America’s most visited plantation too.
It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and one of the oldest public gardens in America. It started public viewing in 1870 for viewing thousands of beautiful flowers, plants, and stunning garden landscapes.
Admission: Regular Adult Admission is $29, Children (6-12) $15, and Children 5 and under are admitted free with an adult.
Historic House, Nature Tram, Nature Boat, Audubon Swamp, and Historic Garden Walk tours cost an extra $10 each from 6 years onwards.
Edmondston – Alston House
It is an approximately 200 years old property that depicts Charleston’s early and complex life.
It has a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor and is one of the oldest houses in Battery Charleston. This house has survived earthquakes, the American Civil war, and hurricanes.
The Battery
The defensive seawall and a boulevard is a beautiful landmark of Charleston. Its name comes from coastal defense civil-war artillery “Battery.”
It stretches throughout the Charleston, SC, peninsula seashore. On its other side, you can find Georgian-styled beautiful, colorful homes and, therefore, the most visited spot of Charleston.
The walk across Battery tops the list of things to do in Charleston SC this weekend
Stroll across King’s Street
King Street is the most vibrant street in the Historic District as it has lots of boutique shopping, nightlife, cafes, restaurants, fashion, arts, and antique stores, and a perfect walking street with beautiful and colorful buildings on both sides.
The Charleston Museum
Know the history of South Carolina Lowcountry here. It is also America’s first museum.
It was founded in 1773.
Joseph Manigault House
This house was built in 1803 and had a beautiful, exceptional collection of American, English, and French period furnishings.
The “flying” staircase in the hall is the main attraction of this house
Nathaniel Russell House
Nathaniel Russell House is a National Historic Landmark built in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell.
It is known for its free-flying three-story staircase as an architectural marvel.
Old Slave Mart Museum
The Old Slave Mart Museum gives information on Charleston’s role in the domestic inter-state slave trade from 1856 to 1863.
When the International Slave trading Ban ended in 1808, Charleston became a significant hub for domestic slave selling and buying.
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is an island fortification at Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. It is known for the start of the Civil War (1861-65).
South Carolina Aquarium
Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is the finest example of Palladian architecture in the United States of America. It is an 18th-century plantation on the banks of river Ashley and about 15 miles away from Charleston.
It is National Historic Landmark too.
Opening Hours – Drayton Hall’s main house and landscape are open to the public weekly, Wednesday through Monday, from 9 am to 3:30 pm (gate closes at 2:30 pm). CLOSED on Tuesdays. Book your tickets online in advance
Admire Mural Art in Historic District
Charleston is beautifully painted with many interesting Murals in the Historic District region.
Find beautiful foliage-covered Houses all around.
Apart from Historic Homes, many beautiful homes in Historic District are covered with foliage and flora. Explore them.
Aiken Rhett House
It was built in 1820 by merchant John Robinson and then expanded by William Aiken in the 1830s.
It is a well-preserved townhouse in the USA with the furnishing, original paints, floors, slave quarters, and interiors from the historical era.
Admission Ticket : Adult: $15, Child 6-16: $7, Under Age 6: Free
What to do in Charleston SC
Free Shuttle Bus in Charleston –
Charleston tourism provides free bus – Carta buses ride across the historic downtown with many hop-on hop-off stops.
There are three Bus routes –
- Route no 210 – Orange Line covers – the Visitor Center, SC Aquarium & College of Charleston.
- Route no 213 – Purple Line covers Lockwood/Calhoun regions – Visitor Center, College of Charleston, Medical Complex – Ashley River Hotels – Citadel/Stadiums
- Route no 211 – Green Line Meeting St /King St. – Visitors Center – Historic King Street – Four Corners of Law – Broad Street Shopping District, Waterfront Park, City Market, Charleston Museum – Upper King/Design District
There are many paid trolley tours and carriage tours across the historic town of Charleston, SC.
How many days in Charleston?
- If you cover historic areas and Plantations, you need 2 to 3 days in Charleston.
- There is so much to see and things to do in and around Charleston, SC, that one week’s holiday is recommended. There are also many beaches and islands nearby Charleston.
Best Time to Visit Charleston
- Spring – March to May
- Autumn/Fall – October through November
- Summer – June to September are hot and humid
- Winter – Not freezing and so perfect cold weather if you are not going for beaches.
TIP – In peak season and on weekends, hotels are super pricey as Charleston is a favorite destination for romantic getaways and family getaways in Southern-East USA
Famous Festivals/Events in Charleston – What to do in Charleston SC
- 2nd Sunday on King
- Charleston Carifest
- Spoleto/Piccolo Spoleto Festival.
- MOJA Arts Festival.
- Charleston Fashion Week.
- Charleston International Film Festival.
- BB&T Charleston Wine Food Festival.
- Charleston International Antiques Show.
- Family Circle Cup.
Best Tours to book in Charleston
- Charleston Historic District Walking Tours.
- Charleston Old South Carriage Tours.
- Charleston Boat & Cruise Tours
- Charleston Ghost & Vampire Tours.
- Charleston Horses & Carriage tour.
- Charleston Whale & Dolphin watching tours
- Charleston Food & Culinary tours.
- Charleston Pirate Tours.
- Charleston Sunset Harbor Cruise tours.
Some Amazing Day Trips from Charleston – Best things to do in Charleston SC this weekend
Within 45 minutes to 2 hours drive
- Savannah
- Wadmalaw Island
- South Lowcountry Tour
- Myrtle Beach
- Georgetown
- Edisto Island
- Hilton Head
- Brookgreen Garden
- Beaufort
- Kiawah Island
- Walterboro
How to commute in Charleston, SC
- Charleston Historic District is entirely walkable and can also catch the free shuttle bus.
- You must drive or book guided tours for the plantations and islands.
Valuable Tips to know before you plan Charleston, SC – What to do in Charleston SC
- All attraction museums close at 5 PM and open at 9 AM, so plan your day accordingly.
- The historical region of Charleston is walkable.
- Coterie is one of the fine dining restaurants with a lovely leafy patio seating in the historic area. It is heaven for vegetarians and offers amazing Indian food.
- Plantations are located outside the city limit and so consider your timeframe accordingly.
- Many historic houses have guided tours of 1 hour and run after every 1 hour. Plan accordingly.
- Weekends and holidays are very crowded, and so hotels are expensive here.
- In many plantations, entrance tickets do not include a boat ride, train ride, or house inside tour.
- Charleston is a family and pet-friendly city.
- History buffs love this city as Charleston is linked to the expansion of English settlement in the late 1600s, the Civil Wars, and the American Revolutionary War of the 1780s.
- Charleston was a central slave trading post once upon a time.
- Carta Free shuttle bus is the best way to get a glimpse of this city, and you can also plan your trip.
- Charleston is a city of churches; therefore, you will find beautiful churches here with the sounds of Church bells. Therefore Charleston is known as “The Holy City.”
- The original name of Charleston was Charles Towne.
- It is one of the oldest cities in the U.S.
- It was the original capital of South Carolina till 1786, and then the capital of South Carolina moved to Columbia.
- Charleston should be included in the southern USA tour and tops any itinerary.
- Nearby many Historic homes people are residing in, so be quiet and do not disturb the surroundings.
I hope you loved reading about the best and most fun things to do in Charleston SC this weekend.
Now you know what to do in Charleston SC, after reading this Charleston travel guide. So enjoy your Charleston tour with your family, friends, and loved ones.
Note: I was hosted by the Charleston tourism board to feel Charleston city, but views and opinions are my own, not influenced by anyone.
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