Cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, and a coastal breeze steeped in Southern charm—Charleston delivers a travel experience that feels both historic and effortlessly current. This lowcountry gem blends centuries-old traditions with a thriving culinary scene, waterfront adventures, and cultural landmarks that keep visitors coming back. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo escape, the city’s diverse offerings can fit any itinerary. From hidden gardens to harbor cruises, there’s more than meets the eye in this scenic South Carolina destination. This curated list highlights the absolute best things to do in Charleston for an unforgettable trip.
Experience the Spoleto Festival USA
Each spring, Charleston bursts into life with one of America’s most comprehensive performing arts festivals. Spoleto Festival USA transforms historic theaters, outdoor venues, and intimate performance spaces into stages for opera, theater, jazz, and dance. This internationally acclaimed event spans 17 days and offers over 150 performances, drawing world-renowned artists and emerging talents alike. Founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, it mirrors Italy’s Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, its sister city. Visitors experience an eclectic mix—avant-garde acts alongside classical masterworks—making it a must-attend for culture lovers. Charleston’s charm heightens the event’s appeal, where cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture frame every performance. Evening shows under live oaks or matinees in 19th-century playhouses create moments that linger long after the curtain falls. Attending the festival isn’t just about watching—it’s about immersing yourself in Charleston’s creative heartbeat. Whether you’re drawn to boundary-pushing contemporary performances or traditional symphonic pieces, this festival offers something for every aesthetic taste. Travel experts and cultural critics consistently rank Spoleto Festival USA among the top arts events in the U.S., highlighting Charleston’s enduring legacy as a Southern cultural powerhouse. Plan early, as many shows sell out quickly in this peak season.
Attend the Charleston Wine + Food Festival
Gastronomy takes center stage every March when Charleston hosts its celebrated Wine + Food Festival. For five flavorful days, this vibrant event gathers chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and food enthusiasts from around the globe. Set in the heart of the historic district, the festival celebrates Charleston’s culinary heritage while spotlighting innovation and sustainability. Events range from hands-on workshops and curated tastings to large-scale outdoor feasts beneath twinkling string lights. Local seafood, Lowcountry dishes, and farm-to-table fare are paired with fine wines and craft cocktails, offering a multisensory exploration of Southern cuisine. Celebrity chefs join regional legends, sharing recipes, techniques, and storytelling that tie food to Charleston’s cultural identity. The Culinary Village—an open-air, walkable experience—is a crowd favorite, where attendees sample small plates, sip exclusive beverages, and engage directly with culinary artisans. Beyond indulgence, the festival supports local growers, culinary students, and food equity initiatives, ensuring its impact goes far beyond the plate. With mild spring weather, scenic waterfront views, and top-tier hospitality, this event delivers an unforgettable experience rooted in flavor and community. For anyone passionate about food culture or simply looking to indulge in Charleston’s best bites, this festival is the perfect excuse to plan a spring getaway.
Explore the International African American Museum
Located on the historically significant site of Gadsden’s Wharf, where nearly half of all enslaved Africans entered the U.S., the International African American Museum offers a profound and immersive experience. This long-awaited institution opened in 2023 and tells the complex, vital stories of African Americans through dynamic exhibits, multimedia installations, and genealogical resources. Visitors journey through centuries of history—from African kingdoms to transatlantic slavery, and through civil rights struggles to modern cultural contributions. The museum highlights personal narratives, artifacts, and powerful visuals that invite reflection and understanding. One of its most compelling features is the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, a contemplative outdoor space that honors the lives impacted by slavery. Inside, the Center for Family History offers tools for tracing African American genealogy, a meaningful resource for descendants seeking their roots. Positioned along Charleston’s waterfront, the museum connects past and present in a city central to America’s racial history. Educators, historians, and civil rights advocates praise the museum’s nuanced storytelling and architectural symbolism. Whether you’re visiting for historical insight or cultural enrichment, this museum provides one of the most important educational experiences in Charleston. It’s more than a museum—it’s a national landmark of remembrance, resilience, and truth.
Visit the Charleston Jazz Festival
Every January, Charleston pulses to the rhythm of jazz as the Charleston Jazz Festival draws acclaimed musicians and eager audiences to its scenic venues. Organized by Charleston Jazz, the multi-day event celebrates America’s original art form while honoring the city’s rich musical roots. Performances range from intimate club shows to grand stage concerts featuring Grammy winners, local legends, and emerging talents. The lineup spans genres—classic swing, Afro-Cuban rhythms, bebop, soul jazz, and modern improvisations—making it an immersive celebration of sound. Concerts are held at iconic venues like the Charleston Music Hall and Dock Street Theatre, where acoustics elevate each note and every solo commands attention. Educational outreach is central to the festival’s mission, with masterclasses and youth showcases that inspire the next generation of jazz artists. Charleston’s jazz heritage traces back to the Jenkins Orphanage Band of the late 19th century, whose musicians influenced the development of jazz nationwide. The festival pays homage to that legacy while embracing contemporary creativity. For music lovers visiting in winter, it offers a warm and vibrant cultural escape. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or new to the genre, the Charleston Jazz Festival delivers unforgettable performances infused with Southern charm and artistic brilliance.
Stroll through the Charleston Historic District
Time seems to pause in Charleston’s Historic District, where cobblestone streets wind past pastel-colored homes, gas-lit lanterns flicker, and horse-drawn carriages echo through the lanes. This nationally recognized landmark is more than scenic—it’s the cultural and architectural heart of the city. Spanning over 800 acres, the district preserves buildings dating back to the 18th century, showcasing a variety of styles including Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate. Visitors can walk or bike through charming neighborhoods like South of Broad, admire the famed Rainbow Row, or take guided tours offering deep insights into Charleston’s colonial past, Civil War role, and Gullah heritage. The district is also home to many preserved churches, graveyards, and hidden gardens, offering a mix of solemn history and serene beauty. Shopping boutiques, art galleries, and locally owned cafes are tucked into historic storefronts, giving the area a lively, lived-in feel. For those seeking authenticity, this district embodies Charleston’s layered identity—from its opulent planter class roots to the cultural resilience of its African American communities. Whether you’re an architecture lover or a history enthusiast, the Historic District invites you to step back in time and experience the soul of Charleston through every façade and flagstone.
Discover the Charleston City Market
Lively and bustling year-round, the Charleston City Market stands as one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, this historic venue stretches for four city blocks in the heart of downtown and continues to serve as a vital center for local artisans, farmers, and small business owners. Inside its covered walkways, visitors browse hundreds of vendor stalls offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and Lowcountry spices to leather goods and original artwork. One of the market’s most treasured traditions is the art of sweetgrass basket weaving, an African heritage craft passed down through generations of Gullah families. You can often watch weavers at work, creating intricate patterns that embody centuries of history and culture. Beyond shopping, the market also serves as a lively social hub where street performers and musicians add to the ambiance. It’s not just a tourist stop—it’s a reflection of Charleston’s living heritage, economic vibrancy, and cultural diversity. The surrounding area offers restaurants, galleries, and historical landmarks, making it an easy addition to any walking itinerary. A visit to the Charleston City Market delivers more than souvenirs—it offers a sensory connection to the city’s past, present, and future.
Relax at Waterfront Park and see the Pineapple Fountain
Fronting the Cooper River, Waterfront Park is a serene retreat tucked between the historic district and the bustling harbor. This 12-acre green space draws both locals and travelers with its inviting tree-lined paths, classic wooden swings, and sweeping water views. Most iconic is the Pineapple Fountain—a symbol of Charleston’s hospitality—where families gather, children splash, and photographers find a favorite backdrop. The park’s layout seamlessly blends manicured gardens with open lawns and shady areas perfect for relaxing or picnicking. Benches placed along the seawall offer panoramic sights of passing sailboats and dolphins gliding through the waves. As the sun sets, the golden light over the Ravenel Bridge creates a magical glow that makes this spot particularly romantic and photogenic. The park is also a short stroll from other attractions like the Historic Market and Rainbow Row, making it an ideal mid-day resting point. Designed in the 1980s as part of a revitalization project, Waterfront Park has become one of Charleston’s most beloved public spaces. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee under a palm tree or ending your day with river breezes and pastel skies, this urban oasis offers a calm, beautiful pause in your exploration of Charleston.
Explore the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Southern charm thrives at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the oldest public gardens in America and a cherished piece of Charleston’s legacy. Originally established in 1676 by the Drayton family, this former rice plantation offers over three centuries of layered history, preserved beauty, and cultural storytelling. Unlike more formal European-style estates, Magnolia’s gardens follow a Romantic aesthetic, embracing nature’s wild elegance with winding paths, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and seasonal blooms that change throughout the year. Azaleas, camellias, and magnolias offer brilliant color displays, while white peacocks roam the grounds and alligators bask near the plantation’s scenic bridges. Beyond the gardens, visitors can tour the plantation home, explore a preserved slave cabin exhibit, or take a nature tram through swamps and wetlands. It’s a place that encourages contemplation while honoring the complex stories of those who lived and labored on the land. For families, couples, or solo travelers, Magnolia offers beauty with depth—each trail and exhibit invites deeper reflection on Charleston’s environmental and social past. Whether you’re interested in horticulture, wildlife, or history, this landmark balances natural splendor with educational enrichment in one of Charleston’s most photogenic and poignant destinations.
Attend the Charleston Literary Festival
Set within the atmospheric surroundings of downtown Charleston, the Charleston Literary Festival draws book lovers, authors, and thought leaders for a week of intellectually rich conversation and cultural exploration. Held every November, this boutique event features an impressive lineup of Pulitzer Prize winners, historians, novelists, journalists, and emerging voices from across the globe. Unlike larger festivals, the Charleston Literary Festival offers intimate venues and interactive sessions where audiences engage directly with authors through Q&As and book signings. Sessions delve into timely themes—social justice, politics, science, art, and identity—making each panel or reading feel impactful and thought-provoking. Events are often hosted in historic landmarks like the Charleston Library Society or the Dock Street Theatre, adding architectural charm to the cerebral experience. Readers can expect topics ranging from fiction and biography to global affairs and memoir, curated to foster meaningful dialogue in an accessible, welcoming setting. What makes the festival stand out is its commitment to intellectual rigor without pretension. It’s both scholarly and personal—a celebration of stories and the people who tell them. Whether you’re a casual reader or a dedicated bibliophile, this festival offers inspiration, insight, and community in one of America’s most literary-minded Southern cities.
Enjoy the Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Shucking over 45,000 pounds of oysters each year, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall Plantation claims the title of the world’s largest oyster roast. This highly anticipated event happens every January and combines fresh seafood, live music, family-friendly activities, and regional pride in one lively celebration. Food tents line the plantation grounds with oysters served steamed or raw, alongside classic Southern sides like hush puppies, chili, and barbecue. Competitive eaters flock to the oyster-shucking and eating contests, while kids enjoy pony rides, inflatables, and interactive exhibits. The festival also features a dedicated wine and craft beer tent for adults looking to sip while they savor. Boone Hall’s picturesque oak-lined avenue and antebellum backdrop offer a unique setting that enhances the festive atmosphere. While the event is rooted in fun, it also serves a greater cause—proceeds support local charities and environmental organizations that protect Charleston’s coastal waters. For both visitors and locals, it’s a seasonal highlight that encapsulates Lowcountry culture through cuisine and camaraderie. Whether you’re devouring your first oyster or your fiftieth, this event blends salt air, tradition, and good cheer in a way only Charleston can offer. It’s a perfect winter getaway steeped in flavor and festivity.
Walk along the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Spanning over 13,000 feet, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant with sweeping views of the Cooper River, harbor, and the Atlantic horizon beyond. Completed in 2005, this cable-stayed structure quickly became a defining feature of Charleston’s skyline and a favorite for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. The bridge features a dedicated pedestrian and bike lane known as Wonders’ Way, which stretches nearly 3 miles and offers panoramic views that make every step feel like a photo opportunity. Early mornings bring stunning sunrises over the water, while evenings often reveal shrimp boats sailing below or dolphins breaking the surface. The incline is gentle enough for casual walkers, but the long span provides a healthy challenge for fitness enthusiasts. Annual events like the Cooper River Bridge Run, one of the largest 10Ks in the country, add to its cultural significance. Structurally elegant and functionally vital, the bridge is more than a transportation link—it’s a community landmark and a scenic experience in itself. For travelers seeking free, open-air ways to appreciate Charleston’s beauty, this walkable bridge offers fresh air, unforgettable views, and a peaceful pause between bustling city sights and beachside escapes.
Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art
Art lovers find endless inspiration at the Gibbes Museum of Art, a cornerstone of Charleston’s creative scene since 1905. Located in the heart of the historic district, this beautifully restored Beaux-Arts building showcases over 10,000 works, emphasizing Southern art from the colonial era to today. Inside, visitors encounter rotating exhibitions that explore themes like identity, heritage, and visual storytelling, while permanent collections feature pieces by renowned American painters, Charleston Renaissance artists, and contemporary creatives. One standout is the Miniatures Gallery, home to hundreds of meticulously painted portrait miniatures that offer rare insight into Southern aristocracy and culture. The museum also hosts artist-in-residence programs, allowing guests to observe and interact with working artists on-site. Its light-filled rotunda, historic architecture, and educational programming create a warm, engaging environment suitable for art novices and aficionados alike. Beyond the galleries, the museum shop offers curated goods from local artisans, while the adjoining garden and sculpture spaces invite quiet contemplation. Whether you’re interested in fine art, historical context, or local innovation, the Gibbes provides a compelling window into Charleston’s visual and cultural narrative. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to understand the region through the lens of artistic expression.
Explore the Battery and White Point Garden
Positioned at Charleston’s southernmost tip, the Battery and White Point Garden offer a scenic blend of coastal beauty, historical depth, and architectural splendor. This picturesque promenade faces Charleston Harbor, where stately mansions line one side and cannons, monuments, and shady oak trees fill the garden space on the other. The area was once a defensive seawall and artillery battery during the Civil War, and remnants from that era remain on display—including antique mortars and military statues that tell the story of Charleston’s strategic maritime history. Walking along the waterfront promenade, visitors encounter panoramic views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and passing sailboats gliding over the water. Locals frequent the space for leisurely strolls, morning jogs, and wedding photos beneath the moss-draped oaks. Elegant 19th-century homes bordering the area, including the famed Edmondston-Alston House, contribute to the grandeur and historical ambiance. White Point Garden itself offers benches, winding paths, and quiet spots ideal for relaxation or reflection. Together, the Battery and Garden form one of the city’s most iconic and photographed locations. For travelers who appreciate open-air history lessons framed by natural beauty, this stretch of Charleston delivers a serene yet deeply meaningful experience along the city’s waterfront.
Take a harbor tour to Fort Sumter National Monument
Boarding a boat to Fort Sumter provides a powerful look into the start of the American Civil War, offering visitors a journey through Charleston’s harbor and back into national history. Located on an island at the mouth of the harbor, Fort Sumter is where Confederate troops fired the first shots of the war on April 12, 1861. The boat ride to the monument provides more than transport—it delivers context, with narrated tours explaining the events that led to the battle, the fort’s role in subsequent conflicts, and its preservation as a national site. Along the way, passengers are treated to views of Charleston’s skyline, the USS Yorktown, and sometimes playful dolphins cutting through the waves. Once on the island, guests can explore original brick fortifications, damaged walls from Union bombardments, museum exhibits, and panoramic overlooks of the Atlantic. The tour typically lasts about two hours, making it an efficient yet impactful excursion for visitors of all ages. Fort Sumter isn’t just a military site—it’s a symbol of divided histories, courage, and resilience. For anyone interested in understanding America’s past, this harbor tour combines natural scenery with historical depth in one of Charleston’s most significant coastal experiences.
Attend the Charleston Restaurant Week
Held biannually in January and September, Charleston Restaurant Week gives food lovers a perfect excuse to explore the city’s dynamic culinary scene without breaking the bank. During this special event, over 100 participating restaurants—ranging from upscale bistros to coastal eateries and Southern kitchens—offer prix-fixe menus at reduced prices. These multi-course meals provide a curated introduction to the city’s gastronomic creativity, highlighting seasonal ingredients and regional influences. Signature dishes often include shrimp and grits, Lowcountry boil, buttermilk fried chicken, and seafood fresh from nearby waters, prepared with both traditional and modern flair. This dining event allows locals and visitors alike to sample acclaimed spots that might otherwise be hard to reserve. The experience extends beyond dinner plates—ambiance, hospitality, and storytelling are core to Charleston’s restaurant culture. Menus are typically available online beforehand, making it easy to plan a personalized food tour across neighborhoods like King Street, East Bay, and the French Quarter. Whether you’re a casual diner or a culinary traveler seeking refined flavors, Charleston Restaurant Week offers exceptional value and variety. It’s more than a discount—it’s a celebration of taste, community, and the chefs who continue to put Charleston on the map as a top food destination.