Attractions in Charleston, South Carolina

Amusements

Alley, The 843-818-4080
131 Columbus Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Located in the popular Upper King St. corridor of Charleston, SC, The Alley Charleston offers an entertainment experience unlike anything in the southeast. In addition... more info map
Chuck E. Cheese's 843-824-9761
7258 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406
Visit Chuck E. Cheese's for an assortment of games, rides, prizes and entertainment and freshly baked pizzas. more info map
Frankie's Fun Park of Charleston 843-767-1376
5000 Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston, SC 29420
Attractions include an arcade, bumper boats, go-kart tracks, a rock wall, batting cage, mini golf, and a golf range. more info
South Carolina Aquarium 843-720-1990
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Located on the Historic Charleston Harbor
Recognized as a world-class environmental institution, this aquarium showcases over 60 exhibits on the numerous animals, plants, and habitats of the five regions of the... more info map

Historic Homes & Buildings

Aiken-Rhett House 843-723-1159
48 Elizabeth Street, Charleston, SC 29403
On the Corner of Judith and Elizabeth Streets
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this magnificent historic house contains numerous decorative items and furnishings from Europe dating back to the... more info map
Calhoun Mansion 843-722-8205
16 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Featured in the movies "Scarlett" and "North and South", this 24,000 square foot Victorian Baronial Manor mansion has features including elaborate chandeliers, 14-foot... more info map
Dock Street Theatre 843-720-3968
135 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Located in Downtown Charleston
The first building in America designed for theatrical performances, Dock Street Theatre is a combination of an early Georgian playhouse and the preservation of a circa... more info map
Drayton Hall 843-769-2600
3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
A National Trust Historic Site, this mansion is the oldest preserved plantation house in the United States and is an outstanding example of Palladian architecture. The... more info map
Edmondston-Alston House 843-722-7171
21 East Battery, Charleston, SC 29401
Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor. 30-minute guided tours of the home's public... more info map
Heyward-Washington House 843-722-2996
87 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29403
This Georgian-style double house was the town home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. Property highlights... more info map
Huguenot Church 843-722-4385
136 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Corner of Queen and Church Streets
One of the last remaining Huguenot churches in the nation, this historic church is also the oldest continuously active Huguenot congregation in the United States. A... more info map
Joseph Manigault House 843-722-2996
350 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
One of Charleston's most exquisite antebellum structures "reflects the urban lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family and the enslaved African Americans who lived... more info map
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim 843-723-1090
90 Hassel Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Historic Downtown Charleston
A National Historic Landmark, this synagogue was the first Reform Jewish congregation in the nation and is the oldest surviving Reform synagogue in continuous use in the... more info map
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens 843-571-1266
3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
Open to the public since 1870, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public garden in the United States. ... more info map
Middleton Place 843-556-6020
4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
A National Historic Landmark, Middleton Place is a carefully preserved 18th century plantation that encompasses 65 acres of America's oldest landscaped gardens that... more info map
Nathaniel Russell House Museum 843-723-1623
51 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Located in Downtown Charleston
One of America's most important Neoclassical-style dwellings, this restored National Historic Landmark is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and... more info map
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon 843-727-2165
122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
"Considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States", this historic building was built by the British as the... more info map
St. John's Lutheran Church 843-723-2426
5 Clifford Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Noted for its majestic temple and known as the "Mother Church of Lutherans", this historic church was built by German immigrants and has a long and interesting history. more info map
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church 843-722-7696
89 Hassel Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Known as "the Mother Church of the Catholic Diocese of the Carolinas and Georgia", this historic church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in South Carolina and... more info map

Historic Sites & Monuments

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site 843-881-5516
1254 Long Point Road, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
Located 6 Miles North of Charleston off U.S. 17
"Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is the only site in the National Park System that was owned by a signer of the United States Constitution." "This remnant of... more info
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site 843-852-4200
1500 Old Town Road, Charleston, SC 29407
The first permanent English settlement was established at this historic site over 300 years ago. Highlights of this site include an original fortified town that... more info map

Libraries & Research Centers

Avery Research Center for African-American History 843-953-7609
125 Bull Street, Charleston, SC 29424
Located on the site of the former Avery Normal Institute that was founded in 1865, this research center collects manuscripts, documents, and other materials relating to... more info map
Charleston County Public Library 843-552-6466
6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, SC 29418
One of 16 branch locations throughout Charleston County, Charleston County Public Library - Dorchester Road Regional is normally open Monday through Thursday from 10:00... more info
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum 843-853-4651
68 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Historic St. James Methodist Church
The largest private collection of historically significant manuscripts in the world is housed at this museum with over one million manuscripts available in an array of... more info map

Museums & Galleries

American Military Museum 843-577-7000
360 Concord Street, Suite 9, Charleston, SC 29401
Dedicated to the men and women who have served or are serving in the armed forces, this unique military museum contains hundreds of artifacts and uniforms from all... more info map
Best Friend of Charleston 843-973-7369
31 Ann Street, Charleston, SC 29403
A full size antique replica of the first steam engine used on the first steam locomotive in the United States to provide regularly scheduled passenger service is on site... more info map
Charleston Museum, The 843-722-2996
360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Across from the Visitor's Center
The first museum in America that was founded in 1773, this museum contains exhibits that depict the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina... more info map
Citadel Museum, The 843-953-6846
Citadel Campus, Charleston, SC 29409
Third Floor of the Daniel Library
Depicting the history of this military school from its founding in 1842 to the present, this museum displays handsome exhibits on the military, academic, social, and... more info
Dog & Horse Fine Art & Portraiture 843-577-5500
102 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
"Dog & Horse Fine Art & Portraiture represent artists nationally and internationally recognized as leading talent in both canine and equine art." more info
E. S. Lawrence Gallery
229 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
A dealer of both national and international artwork, this premier art gallery showcases the works of over 20 talented artists and features an eclectic array of... more info map
George Gallery 843-579-7328
50 Bogard Street, Charleston, SC 29403
A contemporary art gallery that focuses on "American artists that are pushing the edge of conviction and creativity," especially with abstract paintings and work that... more info
Gibbes Museum of Art 843-722-2706
135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Located in Charleston's Historic District
Opened in 1905, Charleston's premier art museum offers a permanent collection of 18th and 19th century American paintings and sculpture, 20th century American... more info map
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art 843-953-4422
161 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29424
The College of Charleston School of the Arts
The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts includes 3,200 square feet of quality exhibition space, a dedicated media room,... more info
North Charleston & American LaFrance Fire Museum 843-740-5550
4975 Centre Pointe Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418
The 26,000 square foot North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum & Educational Center houses the largest collection of professionally restored American LaFrance... more info
Old Slave Mart Museum 843-958-6467
6 Chalmers Street, Charleston, SC 29401
The Old Slave Mart Museum "recounts the story of Charleston's role in this inter-state slave trade by focusing on the history of this particular building and site and... more info
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum 866-831-1720
40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Located on Charleston Harbor
Home to the world famous aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum shows visitors what it took to operate such carrier machines as the... more info map
Redux Contemporary Art Center 843-722-0697
1056 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
"A non-profit organization committed to fostering creativity and the cultivation of contemporary art through diverse exhibitions, subsidized studio space for visual... more info
Ship Shapes Maritime Gallery 843-324-8792
360 Concord Street, Suite 103, Charleston, SC 29401
Ship Shapes Maritime Gallery, founded in 2004, is a unique, charming and historic "little museum" filled with nautical treasures for all ages. It is decorated with... more info map
Slave Mart Museum 843-724-7395
6 Chalmers Street, Charleston, SC 29401
One of several locations in Charleston where slaves were sold, the last auctions at this market were held in 1863. Displays and exhibits in the museum narrate the... more info map

National Parks & Natural Wonders

South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey 843-971-7474
7130 North Highway 17, Charleston, SC 29429
Located Just North of Historic Charleston
Situated on a 152-acre campus adjacent to the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest, the Avian Conservation Center and the Center for Birds of... more info map

Parks, Gardens & Zoos

Caw Caw Interpretive Center 843-889-8898
5200 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29470
Located 25 Miles West in Ravenel
Filled with exhibits that showcase the natural, historical and cultural history of the site and the region, this breathtaking 654-acre park also features eight miles of... more info map
Folly Beach County Park 843-588-2426
1010 West Ashley, Charleston, SC 29439
Folly Beach
This beach access park features over 2,500 feet of ocean frontage, as well as 200 feet along the river and a 600 foot beach front swimming area. Other features of the... more info map
International Center for Birds of Prey 843-928-3494
4872 Seewee Road, Charleston, SC 29402
Located in Awendaw
Part of the Avian Conservation Center, the International Center for Birds of Prey is "dedicated to the study and welfare of birds and their habitats." The Center’s... more info map
Isle of Palms County Park 843-762-2172
1 Fourteenth Avenue, Charleston, SC 29451
Isle of Palms
Conveniently located at the foot of the Isle of Palms Connector, this lovely park offers 600 feet of ocean frontage, as well as a dune boardwalk, showers, vending... more info
James Island County Park 843-795-4386
871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412
Beautiful and scenic 643 acre park that features miles of paved trails for skating, biking, and walking, a children's playground, 16 acres of freshwater lakes,... more info map
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 843-572-7275 or 843-795-4386
8888 University Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29406
An over 1,015-acre nature-oriented park, North Charleston Wannamaker County Park features two playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, two miles of paved trails for walking,... more info map
White Point Garden
2 Murray Drive, Charleston, SC 29401
Located in Charleston's Historic District
6.54-acre waterfront park. more info map

Tours & Cruises

"Original" Pub & Brewery Tours of Charleston, The 843-577-5535
40 North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Located in the Rainbow Market
The Pub Tour normally begins daily, weather permitting, at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. more info
Adventure Sightseeing Tours 843-762-0088
1090 Fort Sumter Drive, Charleston, SC 29412
One of the most comprehensive tours of historic Charleston is provided by this company that offers live narration by licensed guides and chances to see all of the major... more info map
Barrier Island Eco-Tours 843-886-5000
50 41st Avenue, Charleston, SC 29451
Isle of Palms
Discover the unique beauty of South Carolina's barrier islands, back waters, and salt marshes with naturalist guided and narrated eco-tours of this rare and fragile... more info map
Bohicket Boat: Adventure & Tour Company 843-768-7294
1880 Andell Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29455
John's Island, Bohicket Marina
A wide variety of adventures and tours are available by this company that offers dolphin watching tours, river tours, sunset cruises, ACE Basin adventures, shelling... more info
Chai Y'all Tours 843-556-0664
316 Confederate Circle, Charleston, SC 29407
This tour company features knowledgeable guides sharing stories, facts, and sites relating to the Jewish heritage of Charleston from 1695 to the present during this... more info map
Charleston Harbor Tours 843-722-1112
10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Considered to be one the most enjoyable attraction in Charleston, this fascinating, 90-minite, non-stop cruise aboard the Carolina Belle covers 20 miles and 300 years... more info map
Charleston Journeys 843-814-6124
1589 Bryden Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
Discover the greatest tours in Charleston including: The Classic Charleston Tour, The Civil War Tour, The Pirate Tour, and the Ghost Tour. more info map
Charleston Pirate Tours 843-442-7299
79 Cumberland Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Tours Meet at the Powder Magazine
In authentic costume and accompanied by "Captain Bob," the blue and gold macaw, professional storyteller and licensed Charleston tour guide, Eric Lavender, brings to... more info
Charleston Strolls Walk With History 843-766-2080
115 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29402
"Charleston's First Walking Tour", this guided walking tour was featured in Southern Living and recommended by The New York Times. Stately mansions, hidden gardens,... more info map
Charleston Tea Plantation 843-559-0383 x 4206
6617 Maybank Highway, Charleston, SC 29487
Located on Historic Wadmalaw Island
The 127-acre Charleston Tea Plantation is "the only tea plantation in North America where you can see hundreds of thousands of tea bushes stretching out acre after acre... more info
Charleston Tours 843-571-0049
545 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407
The only tour company in Charleston offering "Old South" Plantation Tours every day, this professional tour company features licensed tour guides and a wide array of... more info map
Charlestonian Yacht 843-579-2101
40 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401
A luxuriously appointed 93-foot coastal touring yacht that specializes in custom cruises in the sheltered bays, basins, and waterways of the South Carolina Lowcountry. more info map
Culinary Tours of Charleston 843-722-8687
18 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401
"Culinary Tours of Charlestonâ€˜s mission is to promote South Carolina local artisan growers and producers, and to help preserve South Carolinaâ€™s rich... more info
Doin' the Charleston Tours 843-763-1233
382 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29417
Between Ann & John Streets
Enjoy humor, charm, drama, and history during this 90 minute, narrated minibus tour of historic Charleston. All of the major points in Charleston are covered, with a... more info map
Fort Sumter Tours 843-722-1691
360 Concord Street, Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29401
The only tour that stops at Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began, this tour company provides narrated two hour tours of this breathtaking island fort... more info map
Ghosts of Carolina Walking Tours 803-720-TOUR
Featured on CNN Travel Guide, The Learning Channel, and Home & Garden Television, one of their world famous walking tours will give you a chance to come and experience... more info map
Gray Line Tours 843-722-4444
219 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29402
Ride through the complete history of Charleston with this tour company that provides charter buses, shuttle buses, and guides for your bus or automobile. Numerous tour... more info map
Gullah Tours 843-763-7551
43 John Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Explore the places, history, and stories related to the varied contributions made by Black Charlestonians during this unique tour that also emphasizes the Gullah... more info map
Island Hopper Charters 843-906-4656
1555 Terns Nest Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Family owned and operated charter company that provides customized boat charters to suit anyone's needs. Excursions available include inshore fishing, dolphin watching,... more info map
Janice Kahn Tours 843-556-0664
316 Confederate Circle, Charleston, SC 29407
Here is a tour guide company who will accompany you by bus, by car, or even on foot, to provide you with a private, personalized, old-fashioned tour of Charleston by... more info map
Middleton Outdoor Center 843-556-0500 Ext. 100
4290 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29401
Soak up a breathtaking view of the famous grassy terrace of Middleton Place while paddling a kayak. Guided kayak tours explore the Ashley River and into winding tidal... more info map
Old South Carriage Company 843-723-9712
14 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Costumed guides in Confederate uniforms take visitors on a fully narrated horse-drawn carriage tour of the Historic District during this premier carriage tour that... more info map
Original Charleston Walks 843-577-3800
45 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Various comprehensive and entertaining guided walking tours of the city are provided by this premier walking tour company. Highlights of the tour include Charleston's... more info map
Original Pub Tour of Charleston 843-345-7827
40 North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Located in the Historic District
"Eat, drink and be merry" on this European style pub crawl and truly a one-of-a-kind tour, The Original Pub Tour of Charleston. Based upon similar pub tours in Europe,... more info
Palmetto Carriage Tours 843-723-8154
40 North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401
The oldest continually operating carriage company in Charleston, this company features experienced guides and one hour, fully narrated mule-drawn carriage tours through... more info map
Sandlapper Water Tours 843-849-8687 (Charters)
10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29413
Guided narrated water tours. more info
Schooner Pride, The 843-559-9686
Departs from the Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29455
360 Concord Street
Reminiscent of the romantic days of coastal sailing, you'll experience two hours of beauty around the historic Charleston Harbor aboard this tall, 84-foot, three masted... more info map
Spiritline Harbor Tour 843-722-BOAT
360 Concord Street, Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29401
Explore the Charleston Harbor aboard the finest passenger yacht with this tour company that offers one and a half hour, fully narrated cruises around the harbor, the... more info map
Sweet Grass Tours 843-556-0664
316 Confederate Circle, Charleston, SC 29407
This tour showcases the influence of African-Americans and their culture on Charleston's culture, architecture, churches, cuisine, music and history. more info map
Talk of the Towne 843-795-8199
2166 St. James Drive, Charleston, SC 29412
Providing fully narrated, motorized tours aboard a 21-passenger minibus, this tour company offers your choice of a seventy-five minute or two hour tour of Historic... more info map
Taylored Tours of Charleston 843-763-5747
1300 Lenevar Drive, Charleston, SC 29407
A wide variety of tours are available by this knowledgeable tour company with tours available including general history, plantation tours, special interest tours, and... more info map
Tour Charleston LLC 843-723-1670
184 East Bay Street, Suite 302, Charleston, SC 29401
This company offers several tours that highlight Charleston's ghosts, pirates, and history including "The Story of Charleston" tour that profiles Charleston's legendary... more info map
Tourrific Tours 843-853-2500
25 Eighth Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403
Enjoy a personalized guided tour of Charleston with this tour company and learn the untold history of Charleston, as well as the early contributions of African-Americans... more info map

Vineyards, Wineries & Breweries

Deep Water Vineyard 843-559-6867
6775 Bears Bluff Road, Charleston, SC 29487
Wadmalaw Island
"Charleston's only vineyard and winery" produces authentic muscadine wine, five different labels from four varieties of grapes. more info
High Wire Distilling Co. 843-755-4664
652 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, High Wire Distilling Company is dedicated to making premium, handcrafted, small batch spirits including gins, rums,... more info map

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