Best things to do in Charleston

Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Kayak, paddleboard, and fishing charter operation launching from Bowens Island Road into the ACE Basin and surrounding Lowcountry waterways.

Charleston Sailing Adventures

Skippered sailing charters departing Wharfside Street into Charleston Harbor and the surrounding Lowcountry waterways.

Charleston Party Cat, LLC

Pontoon boat party cruises on the Ashley River, available for private charters and group events.

Barrier Island Ecotours

Naturalist-guided kayak and paddleboard tours through the tidal creeks and barrier island ecosystems off Isle of Palms.

Charleston Tour Company

Walking and boat tours of the peninsula, run out of a storefront on East Bay Street since 2005.

Harbor Bar Boat Tours - Charleston Party Boat

Private and public boat tours and party charters departing from Ripley Light Marina on the Ashley River.

Charleston Sailing Adventures

Guided sailing charters out of Wharfside Street on the Charleston Harbor, running lessons and sunset cruises aboard a fleet of keelboats.

Saltwater Cycle Party Boat Tours

Pedal-powered party boat cruising Charleston's waterways, BYOB and wheelchair accessible, departing from Ashley Point.

RedFin Charters

Inshore fishing charter running redfish and trout trips through Charleston's tidal creeks and salt marshes.

Daniel Island Ferry | Daniel Island (The Waterfront on DI)

Passenger ferry connecting Daniel Island's Waterfront to downtown Charleston, running daily with free parking at the River Landing dock.

Charleston Sailing Charters LLC Yachts Fate, Serendipity, Kismet, Mystique and Southern Charm

Five-vessel sailing operation out of Lockwood Drive marina offering private charters on the harbor and surrounding waters.

USS Yorktown Ghost Tour

Nighttime ghost tour aboard the decommissioned WWII carrier docked across the harbor in Mount Pleasant.

Palmetto Breeze

Dolphin-watching and sunset cruises departing from Shem Creek on a 48-foot catamaran.

Pirates of Charleston

Family-run pirate adventure cruise departing Ashley Point, blending local maritime lore with hands-on activities for kids on the Charleston Harbor.

Shem Creek Kayak Tour

Paddle through Shem Creek's salt marsh. Dolphins are common; the dolphins are the point.

Charleston SUP Safaris

Stand-up paddleboard tours and rentals launching from Folly Beach, led by guides who know the local waterways.

Sandlapper Water Tours

Narrated boat tours of Charleston Harbor departing from Wharfside Street, covering the waterfront, Fort Sumter, and the historic Cooper River.

All In One Charters

Fishing and touring charter operation running inshore and offshore trips out of downtown Charleston.

Holy City Boat Tours

Narrated harbor and waterway boat tours departing from Ashley Marina on the Charleston peninsula.

Flipper Finders Boat Tours - Folly Beach

Small-boat dolphin tours departing from Folly Beach's Center Street, running the tidal creeks and nearshore waters year-round.

Tiki Tours of Charleston - Party Boat and Booze Cruises

BYOB pontoon boat tours departing from Lockwood Drive along the Charleston Harbor and Ashley River.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Visitors can explore a retired Naval aircraft carrier, destroyer & submarine docked here year-round.

Nature Adventures on Shem Creek

Recreational company featuring kayak, canoe, paddleboard & hiking tours, rentals & kids’ education.

Coastal Expeditions on Shem Creek

Outdoor adventure outlet offering kayak tours, kayak & paddleboard rentals, lessons & boat charters.

Folly Beach County Park

Swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards & pelican rookery featured in preserve with limited parking.

James Island County Park

This serene park with tidal creeks & trails is a popular spot for biking, crabbing & camping.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Oceanside preserve featuring a lighthouse, a beach, surf fishing, birdwatching & more.

Hampton Park

Featuring extensive floral displays, this park also offers a baseball diamond, playground & trail.

Shem Creek Park

Boardwalks, trails & fishing boats highlight this tranquil town park with creek & wetlands views.

LowCountry Coastal Excursions

Mount Pleasant charter operation running dolphin tours, fishing trips, and coastal excursions off the Lowcountry waterways.

Carolina Cabana Cruises

Private boat charters out of Ashley Marina for harbor tours, sunset cruises, and dolphin watches on the Charleston waterway.

Cypress Gardens

Swamp garden with giant cypress trees offering boat tours plus a butterfly house attraction.

Friends of the Hunley

Waterfront museum offering weekend tours of a 19th-century historic submarine, artifacts & exhibits.

Charleston Yacht Tours

Private and group boat tours departing from Ripley Point on the Ashley River.

Charleston Yacht Tours

Private and group sailing charters departing from Ripley Point on the Ashley River.

Charleston Harbor Tours

Narrated boat tours departing Wharfside Street, covering the harbor, Fort Sumter, and the Charleston peninsula from the water.

International African American Museum

Waterfront museum on Gadsden's Wharf, the precise site where enslaved Africans first arrived in America, documenting that history through galleries and genealogy resources.

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

A nautical-themed playground, 1,250-ft pier with bench swings, cafe/gift shop & scenic harbor views.

Sundog Sailing & Boating Tours Charleston

Small-boat sailing tours out of Patriots Point, running the harbor and nearby waterways with an emphasis on actual time on the water.

White Point Garden

This public garden beside the water offers paved paths, military statues, canons & picnic areas.

Chucktown Tours

Walking and boat tours of the peninsula led by local guides, departing from Waterfront Park.

Colonial Lake Park

Historic tidal pond & dog-friendly park with paved pathways, benches, fishing & open green space.

Captain Cocktail Cruises

Two-hour cocktail cruises departing Shem Creek, with open bar and views of the harbor and Ravenel Bridge.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park

The only public access to Kiawah Island's ten miles of hard-packed sand. Wide, flat, walkable.

Isle of Palms County Park

Beachfront park offering a playground & umbrella rentals, plus grills & a sand volleyball court.

Middleton Place

Sprawling Ashley River rice plantation dating to the 1730s, with gardens and refined lodging.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Self-guided tours offered in a historic building, formerly a Revolutionary prison & City Hall.

Charleston Sailboat Charters

Bareboat and crewed sailboat charters departing Lockwood Marina into Charleston Harbor and beyond.

Campground at James Island County Park

Campground with a store, bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, grills & activity center in a 643-acre natural park.

Adventure Sightseeing

Family-friendly bus and boat tour operator running sightseeing routes through the historic peninsula since 1967.

Palmetto Islands County Park

A 943-acre nature setting with paved trails, picnic sites & access for fishing, crabbing & kayaking.

Waterfront Park

Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.

North Charleston Wannamaker County Park

Sprawling expanse of woodlands & wetlands with grills & picnic spots, plus a fee-based water park.

Folly Beach Pier

This 1,045-ft. fishing pier with a tackle shop is a busy destination with scenic ocean views.

Shem Creek Boardwalk

Tidal boardwalk along a working shrimp boat dock in Mount Pleasant, where pelicans outnumber tourists on slow weekday mornings.

Cruisin Tikis Charleston

Electric tiki boats for rent on the Charleston Harbor, BYOB, captain included.

Melton Peter Demetre Park

Waterfront city park on James Island with marsh views, a fishing pier, and open green space for dogs and families.

Castaway Island Excursions

Folly Road outfitter running boat tours and water excursions to the barrier islands and marshes around Charleston.

Castaway Island Excursions

Folly Road outfitter running boat tours and island excursions along the coastal waterways south of Charleston.

Sail Folly--catamaran sail and power boat tours

Catamaran and powerboat tours out of the Folly River Boat Ramp, covering local waterways and barrier island coastline.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Portraits & landscapes dating back to the 1700s, housed in a century-old beaux arts-style building.

Ocean Walk at Pitt Street Bridge Park

Paved waterfront path along a converted rail bridge in Old Mt Pleasant, with marsh views, dog walkers, and open sky in every direction.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

A pair of historic military sites with roots dating from 1776 & featuring Charleston Harbor views.

Mt Pleasant Waterfront Park Playground

Waterfront playground beneath the Ravenel Bridge with harbor views, climbing structures, and wheelchair-accessible paths along the Mount Pleasant shoreline.

Stono River County Park

Tidal park on Johns Island with boat access, walking trails, and marsh views along the Stono River.

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Colonial-era settlement with many original buildings & ruins, archaeological digs & guided tours.

Charleston Water Taxi

Passenger ferry running between the Charleston peninsula and Patriots Point across the harbor, with open-air deck seating.

Fort Sumter Tours & Boat Cruises

Federal ferry service running daily trips from Liberty Square to the Civil War fort in Charleston Harbor.

Washington Square

Urban park with oak trees & flower displays centered on a 42-ft. model of the Washington Monument.

Everything Zen Sailing Charters

Sailboat charters departing Patriots Point for harbor and sunset cruises on Charleston's waterways.

The Battery

Seawall promenade at the tip of the peninsula where antebellum mansions face the harbor and cannons point toward Fort Sumter.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Tours of this historic home of an influential 1800s family include a back lot where slaves lived.

Charleston Fishing Trips

Saltwater charter operation running inshore and offshore trips out of Shrimp Boat Lane in Mount Pleasant.

Liberty Square

Grassy national park on Cooper River featuring a small museum, aquarium & ferry to Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter Tours & Boat Cruises

Ferry service running visitors out to the Civil War fort where the first shots of the conflict were fired.

Knot Stressed Inshore Charters

Inshore fishing charters out of Mt. Pleasant's Shrimp Boat Lane, targeting redfish and trout in the Lowcountry marshes.

Powder Magazine Museum

Colonial military history museum & gift shop in a 1713 gunpowder storage building.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

1681 working plantation known for its moss-draped Avenue of Oaks & original slave cabins.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Accessed by boat, this fort with ruins, gun emplacements & a museum saw the Civil War’s first shots.

Gadsdenboro Park

Small urban park on the edge of the upper peninsula, with a playground, open lawn, and direct views of the Cooper River.

Marion Square

Urban green space with historic significance, hosting regular events including a farmer's market.

The Charleston Museum

America's first museum, founded in 1773, exhibits relics from South Carolina & Confederate history.

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

Established in 1735, this historic plantation is an interpretive site about slavery & offers tours.

Dockside Yacht Charters

Private yacht charters departing from Lockwood Drive on the Ashley River, handling corporate events, sunset cruises, and custom trips.

Dockside Yacht Charters

Private and group sailing charters departing from the downtown marina on the Ashley River.

Night Heron Park

Wooded park on Kiawah Island with beach access, a nature center, and dog-friendly trails along the marsh edge.

Tideline Tours

Folly Beach-based dolphin and nature boat tours launching from Sunset Cay Marina on the tidal creeks and barrier islands.

Flatsbroke Fishing Charters

Half-day and full-day inshore fishing charters out of Mt. Pleasant's Wando River waterfront.

Charleston Kayak

Guided kayak tours through the tidal creeks and marshes off the Ashley River, with free parking on site.

Charleston Speed Boat Adventures | Charleston Boat Tours

Speedboat tours of Charleston Harbor and surrounding waterways, departing from Ashley Point on the James Island side of the Ashley River.

Mace Brown Museum of Natural History - College of Charleston

Free natural history museum inside College of Charleston's science building, with fossil collections, minerals, and regional specimens.

Nathaniel Russell House Museum

Ornate, circa-1808 home known for its "free-flying" 3-story spiral staircase, with guided tours.

Om Sailing Charters

Sailboat charters out of Patriots Point for half-day, sunset, and private cruises on Charleston Harbor.

Edmondston-Alston House

Historic Federal-style home, open for tours showcasing architecture, furnishings & family artifacts.

Edisto River Adventures

Canoe and kayak outfitter on the Edisto River, running guided tours and rentals through one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in the country.

Charleston Charters (Private Dolphin Cruise BYOB)

Private BYOB dolphin tours out of Stillwater Drive, running small groups through the tidal creeks off James Island.

Charleston, South Carolina

Historic walking city where centuries of architecture, cobblestone streets, and harbor views reward those who slow down enough to look up.

Charleston Water Taxi

Passenger ferry linking downtown Charleston to Patriots Point and Waterfront Park, running the Cooper River year-round.

Pirate Park

Small neighborhood park on Pierce Street with a pirate-themed playground, free parking, and room for dogs.

SoulShine Charters Charleston

Private fishing and sightseeing charters out of Lockwood Drive, running the harbor and surrounding lowcountry waterways.

Southern Wonder Yacht Charters

Private yacht charters out of Lockwood Drive marina for events, sightseeing, and harbor tours on Charleston's waterways.

Fort Sumter Ferry

National Park Service ferry from Patriots Point to the Civil War battery where the first shots of the war were fired.

Brittlebank Park

Scenic riverfront recreational area featuring a playground, walking paths & a fishing pier.

Schooner Pride

Tall ship sailing schooner departing from Aquarium Wharf for harbor tours on Charleston's working waterfront.

Chocolate Milk Charters

Fishing and sightseeing charter operation running trips out of Charleston Harbor, booked through a Meeting Street office suite.

Sip & Sea Boat Charters

Private boat charters out of Ashley Point for harbor cruises, dolphin watches, and sunset runs on the Charleston waterways.

Quarterman Park

Cozy public park known for its tended green spaces & central pond with a charming fountain.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Two Civil War forts bookending Charleston Harbor, reachable by ferry, where the first shots of the war were fired.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Tours & interactive exhibits at the birthplace of the Carolina colony, first settled in 1670.

Charleston Booze Cruise

Two-hour booze cruises departing Lockwood Drive marina, covering Charleston Harbor with drinks aboard.

West Ashley Park

Expansive landscaped park with soccer & softball fields, a disc golf course, fishing & playgrounds.

Smythe Park

Grassy waterfront park on Daniel Island with a playground, open lawn, and direct access to the Wando River.

Ackerman Park

Neighborhood park on Sycamore Ave with open lawns, dog access, and wheelchair-accessible paths in West Ashley.

Heyward-Washington House

18th-century Georgian-style home once belonging to a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Theodora Park

Compact neighborhood green space on Anson Street with benches, dog access, and a quiet break from the French Quarter foot traffic.

Childrens Museum of the Lowcountry

Hands-on exhibits for under-10 kids plus parties, programs, camps & classes such as yoga & dance.

Adventure Harbour Tours

Small-boat dolphin and nature tours launching from Mt. Pleasant's Ashley Point into the Lowcountry waterways.

Station 25 - Public Beach Access

Free public beach access point on Sullivan's Island with parking, a reliable entry for families skipping the Isle of Palms crowds.

Flamingo Charters LLC

Lockwood Drive charter operation running fishing and sightseeing trips on Charleston Harbor and the surrounding tidal waterways.

Governors Park

Shaded neighborhood park off Fairbanks Oak Alley with live oaks, open lawn, and room for dogs and kids.

The Museum at Market Hall

Greek Revival landmark built in 1841 offering Civil War history & tours by women's-group docents.

Drayton Hall

Storied, well-preserved antebellum plantation with tranquil grounds & an African-American cemetery.

Joseph Manigault House

Built in 1803, this antebellum structure is furnished with period American, French & British pieces.

High Tide Harbor Tours

Narrated harbor and waterway boat tours departing from Ripley Point, covering Charleston's coastline and historic maritime landmarks.

High Tide Harbor Tours

Small-boat harbor tours departing from Ripley Point, covering Charleston's waterfront history and working port up close.

Pickett Park

Park offering a jogging & biking trail with harbor & sunset views, plus fishing areas & boat launch.

Charleston Private Party Boat Charters Kismet, Serendipity, Fate, Mystique, Southern Charm

Private charter fleet of five boats docked at Lockwood Drive, running harbor cruises and event charters on the Ashley and Cooper rivers.

Carnival Cruise Port

Carnival's downtown embarkation terminal on the Charleston waterfront, sending ships out from the base of the peninsula since 2016.

Corrine Jones Park

Small neighborhood park on Marlow Drive with open lawn, a playground, and a walking path suited for kids and leashed dogs.

Station 23 - Public Beach Access

Narrow public beach access point on Sullivan's Island where locals park along Middle Street and walk straight to the Atlantic.

Magnolia Plantation Gardens

Romantic-style gardens dating to 1680. Azaleas peak in March; camellias bloom all winter.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Remnants of a 1700s plantation, with indoor & outdoor exhibits on Charles Pinckney's life & times.

Waterfront Swings

Free public swings overlooking the Cooper River at Waterfront Park, a reliable stop for kids and anyone who wants a harbor view.

Riverfront Park

This popular green space along the Cooper River features a large meadow & performance pavilion.

Charleston Naval Base Admiral's House

Restored 1905 Colonial Revival officer's residence on the old North Charleston naval base, now bookable for weddings and private events.

Water Dog Paddle Co.

Guided kayak and paddleboard outfitter operating out of Kiawah Island's Andell Bluff, with accessible launch options on the Kiawah River.

South Carolina Historical Society

Private library housing historical state photos & documents, with a Colonial & antebellum focus.

Old Slave Mart Museum

Displays in this former slave auction building tell the story of the slave trade in Charleston.

Avid Angling Fishing Charters

Half-day and full-day inshore fishing charters out of Charleston, running redfish and trout flats with a five-star track record.

Thomson Park

Ride-N-Slide Boat Charters

Private boat charters launching from Lockwood Marina, offering harbor and waterway excursions on Charleston's tidal rivers.

Station 28 1/2 - - Public Beach Access

Palmetto Party Boat

Private charter boat operation running harbor tours and group outings off the Ashley River at James Island.

Flipper Finders Party Boat Tours

Dolphin-spotting boat tours departing from the Charleston waterfront at Immigration Street, with free parking on-site.

Sea Kayak Carolina

Guided kayak tours and rentals launching from Mount Pleasant, with routes through local creeks and tidal marshes.

Childrens Park Daniel Island

Waterfront park on Daniel Island with climbing structures, open lawn, and river views for kids and dogs.

Chapel Street Fountain Park

Small neighborhood splash pad and green space on Chapel Street, open to dogs and strollers year-round.

Cannon Park

Shaded neighborhood green across from the Gibbes Museum, popular with dog walkers and families on Rutledge Avenue.

McMahon Playground

Neighborhood park on Cleveland Street with standard playground equipment, open lawn, and free parking in the upper peninsula.

Dock Street Park

Small neighborhood park on Sprague Street with grass, room for dogs, and a low-key place to let kids run.

General William Moultrie Playground

Wheelchair-accessible neighborhood playground on Ashley Avenue, named for the Revolutionary War general who defended Sullivan's Island in 1776.

Historic Charleston Foundation

Preservation nonprofit on East Bay running house museums, educational programs, and advocacy for Charleston's built environment since 1947.

Charleston Paddle Co.

Kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours launching from Folly Beach, with access to the surrounding salt marsh and tidal creeks.

The Climbing Wall at James Island County Park

County park climbing wall off Riverland Drive, open to beginners and experienced climbers, with instruction available.

Pinckney Park

Quiet James Island neighborhood park with a playground, open lawn, and marsh views off Fort Johnson Road.

Station 30 - Public Beach Access

Station 22 1/2 - Public Beach Access

Station 18 - Public Beach Access

Station 24 - Public Beach Access

Spirit Line Cruises

Narrated harbor cruises departing Patriots Point, with views of Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and the Charleston peninsula.

Wahoo Fishing Charters

Half-day and full-day offshore and inshore fishing charters departing from Ashley Point on the west side of the peninsula.

Station 28 - - Public Beach Access

Horse Lot Park

Compact public green on the Charleston Peninsula where Chisolm meets the waterfront, popular with dogs and strollers.

SpiritLine Cruises

Narrated sightseeing and dinner cruises departing from the downtown waterfront on the Cooper River.

Station 32 - Public Beach Access

Hazel Parker Playground

Accessible waterfront playground on East Bay, set between the harbor and the French Quarter.

Patriots Point Nature Trail

Two-mile loop through maritime forest and marsh at the base of Patriots Point, with views of the Ravenel Bridge and Cooper River.

Fort Sumter Ferry

Boat tour to the harbor fort where the Civil War started. National Park Service runs it.

Station 31 - Public Beach Access