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.

Crafted Travel

Travel agency on Ashley River Road, not a bar — Google's category tag is wrong.

Palmetto Carriage Works

Sightseers ride behind horses in old-fashioned carriages while receiving a narrated history lesson.

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.

Old South Carriage Company

Narrated sightseeing trips on historic carriages pulled by horse, plus city-center walking tours.

Palmetto Breeze

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

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.

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.

Charleston Culinary Tours

Guided walking tours through downtown Charleston that pair neighborhood history with stops at local restaurants and food producers.

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.

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.

Golfbreaks

Golf trip planning agency in a Mount Pleasant office park, booking tee times and packages at courses across the Lowcountry and beyond.

Folly Beach County Park

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

Tour Charleston

Walking and carriage tour operator out of King Street covering Charleston history, architecture, and neighborhoods.

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.

Bulldog Tours

Ghost, history, and pub crawl tours departing nightly from Anson Street since 1998.

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.

Tour Charleston With Adam - History, Bar & Ghost Tours

Adam leads walking tours covering Charleston history, haunts, and bars from the heart of the historic district.

Charleston Yacht Tours

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

Blue Life Charters

Private fishing and dolphin charters departing from Lockwood Marina on the Ashley River.

Charleston Yacht Tours

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

Carolina Marine Group

Charter fishing and eco-tour outfit on the Ashley River, running inshore trips for families and serious anglers alike.

Charleston Harbor Tours

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

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

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

Charleston History Walk

Guided walking tour of the peninsula's colonial streets, church yards, and antebellum architecture led by local historians.

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.

Frankly Charleston Black History Tours

Walking tours focused on the African American history of Charleston, led by guides who center Black narratives over Lost Cause mythology.

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.

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.

Charleston Walking Tours by Charleston Footprints

Guided walking tours of the historic district led by local guides out of the Meeting and Chalmers Street corner.

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.

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.

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.

Charleston Pirate Tours

Lantern-lit walking tours through the French Quarter covering Charleston's actual pirate history, including Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet.

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 Sole Walking Tours

Guided walking tours of the peninsula led by local historians, departing from East Bay Street.

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.

Stories in the Cemetery

Lantern-lit guided tours of historic Charleston churchyards, blending documented history with local ghost lore.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carolina Polo and Carriage Co.

Horse-drawn carriage tours through the historic district, departing from Pinckney Street since the 1980s.

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.

Two Sisters Tours

Walking and private tour company operating out of the South of Broad neighborhood, led by longtime Charlestonians.

Charleston Historic Tours LLC

Walking tour company based in Mount Pleasant running history-focused guided tours through Charleston's streets.

Om Sailing Charters

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

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 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.

Fort Sumter Ferry

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

Ghost City Tours

Nightly walking tours through Charleston's darker history, covering cemeteries, haunted buildings, and the city's long catalog of documented tragedies.

The Original Ghostwalk of Charleston

Lantern-lit walking tours through the historic district covering Charleston's documented hauntings, graveyards, and colonial-era tragedies since 1999.

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.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

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

Old South Tours

Horse-drawn carriage tour company running licensed routes through the historic district since 1983.

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.

Tommy Dew's Walking Tour

Local guide Tommy Dew leads walking tours through the historic district on foot, departing from Meeting Street.

Ackerman Park

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

Charleston Old Walled City Tours , Charleston Tours, Charleston Garden and Architecture Tours

Walking tours of the walled city's colonial streets, gardens, and architecture, departing from the corner of Meeting and Chalmers.

Theodora Park

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

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.

Tour Pass | Tour Stress-Free & Save

Ticket-bundling tour agency in a Mount Pleasant strip mall handling logistics for Charleston-area attractions.

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.

Charleston Carriage Works

Horse-drawn carriage tours departing from Anson Street, covering the French Quarter and historic district with licensed guides.

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.

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.

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

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.

Charlestown Charters

Fishing and sightseeing charter operation running out of Mt. Pleasant, working the Lowcountry waterways off Coleman Boulevard.

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.

Gullah Geechee Black History Tours

Walking tours rooted in Gullah Geechee culture and Black history, led by guides with direct ties to the Lowcountry community.

Ghosts of the South Candlelight

Candlelit walking tour threading through the French Quarter's churchyards and antebellum streets after dark.

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

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

Gray Line of Charleston

Narrated bus tours of the peninsula, departing from Meeting Street, with routes covering historic districts and landmarks.

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.

The Original Pub & Brewery Tours of Charleston

Guided walking tours hitting Charleston's bars and breweries, departing from the Market Street area.

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