7 Best Things to Do in Charleston SC: What to See & Do in 2025

Well, Charleston SC is more than just an eye candy of a town. It has a colorful character with something in the box for everyone. 

Whether you enjoy indulging in sports activities or identify as a laid-back person, there are fun things to do in Charleston, SC, for everyone. The good news is that here we’ve discussed things that will ensure a fun time for kids as well.

Make a fun cocktail of the best things to do in Charleston SC, and get to come up with the best itinerary of your travel history!

What is the Best Thing to Do in Charleston SC?

Trying out the adventure activities in the Charleston Adventure Forest is the best thing to do in Charleston SC. The activities available here ensure an endless supply of fun with ziplining, rock climbing, and a blacksmith course. 

That is not all, due to the location of the forest, you can find several local tour guides who provide kayaking opportunities, dolphin watching, and fishing as well! Miss this, and you will miss the core activity of Charleston. 

A list of 7 Best Things to Do in Charleston SC 

Listed below are the best things to do in Charleston SC, that interest all types of people to ensure a good time in the city: 

1. Adventure Activities– Charleston Adventure Forest, Folly Beach & Horseback Riding Tours. 
2. Calm Historical Walks– Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter National Monument & Magnolia Plantation Tour. 
3. Activities for Children– South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Adventure Forest & Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. 
4. The Shopaholic’s Corner– Charleston City Market and King Street. 
5. Sightseeing–The Angel Oak, Pineapple Fountain & Middleton Place.
6. Artistic Activities– Gibbes Museum of Art and the Charleston Museum. 
7. Explore Local Food 7 Delicacies– Lewis Barbecue, Fast and French & The Ordinary. 

In the further sections, I have talked at length about the activities mentioned above, their ticket prices, as well as the timings. 

1. Hotspot of Things to Do in Charleston SC for Adventure Seekers

Charleston, South Carolina, has fun activities like paddleboarding, hiking, ziplining, kayaking, and fishing in the box for the earth’s children, who are very outdoorsy and like to frolic around. 

It includes some of the activities that might make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. But let the intrusive thoughts win, because “curiosity kills the cat,” but satisfaction brings it back! 

Let’s look at a few of those action-packed things to do in Charleston SC:

1. Charleston Adventure Forest

A few exhilarating activities await the adventure seekers at Charleston Adventure Forest, which includes a zipline canopy tour, rock climbing on a 65 ft. wall, and a blacksmith course. The fun doesn’t end here; there are kayaking, dolphin tours, and fishing opportunities offered by local tour companies as well.

Ticket Price: Zipline Canopy Tour- $89 per person

                        Rock climbing- $25 per person

                        Blacksmith course- $115 per person 

Timings: Tuesday-Thursday: 3 pm-6 pm

                  Friday-Saturday: 10 am-6:30 pm

                  Sunday: 12:30 pm-5 pm

Operational Days: Remains closed only on Mondays and national holidays. 

2. Frolic at the Folly Beach

When at Folly Beach, follow the 4S method—Soak up the Sun and Surf the Sea waves. Well, there’s definitely paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and surfing among the things to do at Charleston SC. But for bonus activities, there’s an option to take a dolphin-spotting boat tour to Morris Island and even have a picnic at the Folly Beach County Park. 

3. Horseback Riding Tours

Spots for horseback riding are evenly sprinkled across Charleston. A few places where horse riding services are offered are Middleton Place Equestrian Center, Stono River Stable, Palmetto Carriage Works, Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, and other private horse owners.  

Information for the most prominent, Middleton Place Equestrian Center, is mentioned below: 

Ticket Prices: $85 per person.

Timings:  Everyday: 10 am and 12 pm.

                  Friday to Sunday 2 pm and 4 pm.

Duration: 1 hour.

While making your bookings, check the essential guidelines provided by the respective equestrian centers.

2. Calm Historical Walks

The reason behind the intricately woven history and culture of Charleston is its initial role as a port city. It was a crucial node in colonial trade, the American Revolution and the Civil War. It carries the remnants of its participation in various historical landmark events, which are now visited and awed upon by the onlookers. A few of them have been mentioned below. 

1. Stroll Down the Rainbow Row 

East Bay Street, dearly called the Rainbow Row, was a bustling hub of commerce in the 18th century when these houses were built. Having endured the curveballs thrown by the revolution as well as the Civil War, they stood as an important landmark in the history of Charleston and thus were restored in the 1930s. 

So if you’re looking for things to do in Charleston SC this weekend, a walk down this street might be perfect! 

2. Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie, often visited together, are the two forts that stand at the entrance of the Charleston Harbor. They are the symbol of patriotism and bravery since the patriots defeated the Royal Navy in 1776 from inside this fort. 

Check the information regarding fees and passes available below:

Ticket Price: Standard pass- $10

                        Annual pass- $25

                        America The Beautiful pass- $0-$80

Timings: Open every day from 9 am – 4:30 pm.

3. Magnolia Plantation Tour

Located by the Ashley River, a tour of the gardens at the Magnolia Plantation is one of the most relaxing things to do in Charleston SC. Various tours are available like the Nature Train Tour, Magnolia House Tour, Wildlife Boat Tour, and more. 

The yearly blooms are truly mesmerizing, which is the reason many like to host private events here. Community events are organized by the plantation owners as well, which have separate participation fees. Check the detailed price breakdown here:

Ticket Prices: Adults- $32

                         Senior citizen, military personnel, teachers- $29

                         Youth (12-17 years)- $18

                         Children (5-11)- $14

                         Age 4 and below- $0/free

Timings: 9 am-5 pm, 7 days a week.

3. Activities for Children in Charleston SC

Being a growth-centric city, various activities, lessons, camps, and workshops for modeling the youth are offered in Charleston. Watch your kids’ curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills unfold with the fun things to do in Charleston SC. 

Participating in these fun educational activities eliminates the performance pressure or the idea of being judged and reaffirms their confidence. 

1. South Carolina Aquarium

With the kids’ Coast, Mountain Forest, Trading Post, Kids’ Plain, Salt Marsh Aviary, and the Touch Tank, the South Carolina Aquarium offers a variety of creative exhibits. There are various educational on-site programs hosted by the aquarium, which include lessons like animal care, turtle talk, and diving into the Great Ocean Tank (GOT). 

Ticket Prices: Ticket prices for general admission vary according to the dates. Go to the website to find the prices for your estimated date of visit.

Timings: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is closed after 3:30 pm.

2. Charleston Adventure Forest

The 2025 Mom’s Choice winner, Charleston Adventure Forest isn’t just ideal for adults but has also incorporated special camps and workshops specially curated for kids. There is a spot for educational Animal Encounter where kids can feed and bond with the animals. It has the most popular and trusted things to do in Charleston SC for kids.  

Ticket Price: Kids Zip Koala Tour- $55 per person

                       Kids Zip, Climb, and Animal Encounter Camp- $150 per camper

Timings: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am-6:30 pm

                  Friday-Saturday 10:00 am-6:30 pm

                  Sunday 12:30 pm-5 pm

3. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

Offering some of the most enticing camps for kids, like Spring Break Camp, Summer Camp, Turkey Time Camp, and Winter Wonderland Camp. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry also offers equally engaging exhibits. 

Ticket Price: General admission- $15

                         Advance admission- $13

                         Members and children below 1 year- $0/ Free

Timings: Monday-Saturday – 10 am-5 pm
                Sunday – 12 pm-5 pm

4. The Shopaholic’s Corner

Skip that fear of missing out on the best stuff, and go boutique shopping confidently at these few markets, which are definitely the best in town. No need to wonder, “What are the best things to do in Charleston SC this weekend?” When shopping is an available option. 

1. Charleston City Market

Find the most authentic items made/produced in Charleston with care and love. When you find the ‘Certified Authentic Handmade in Charleston Seal,’ just know that it is a high-quality item that had to pass various checks. 

Spend the whole day at Charleston City Market, as it has both a day and a night market. Pick some unique souvenirs and gifts for all your loved ones from here!

Day Market Timings: Open daily 9:30 am-5:30 pm. 

Night Market Timings: Open on Friday and Saturday nights, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. 

Address: 188 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29401.

2. Experience Boutique Shopping at King Street

There’s an eclectic mix of fashion, food, art, clothes, home decor, and much more here at Charleston’s very own King Street Market. With an amazing blend of local, regional, and national shops, the shopping experience at King Street is a unique one.

This market is bustling every day since grabbing a coffee or a quick meal from here is among the top things to do in Charleston SC for both locals and tourists. Although the timing for different shops is varied, there’s always something available to do at every hour.

5. Top Sights in Town

Along with an intricate backstory, Charleston is also an eye candy, which is starting to look like the main character. Well, it has a neat, organized, and picturesque look. 

The buildings line up perfectly, and the streets are as lively as they get but never chaotic. With the topography and architecture carefully preserved, the city has maintained sights that the generations to come can marvel at. Here’s the mention of a few such spots.

1. The Angel Oak

The chimeric Angel Oak Tree looks like beautiful locks of hair bending in all directions. Curls and twists of the thick and thin trunks appear as if each lock is carved into a beautiful African braid.

Hundreds and thousands have sat and walked across the shade of its vast canopy. So, in case you’re in the mood for a lazy day and are wondering, “What are the best things to do in Charleston SC on a weekend?” A picnic in its sitting area might be perfect. 

2. Get Charmed by the Pineapple Fountain

Pineapple has a historical value since in the olden days it was rare and thus considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The pineapple fountain stands as a beautiful man-made relief feature with significance. 

Located at the Waterfront Park, across the Cooper River, the river trail is ideal for a walk and enjoying the beautiful sunset. The serenity of this park makes coming here one of the most calming things to do in Charleston SC. 

3. Nature Walks at Middleton Place 

At first glance, one may not be able to fathom what Middleton Place is, but that’s alright. Because it cannot be restricted to one thing. Alongside being a research center and a plantation, it also underscores its importance as a historical place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. 

The nature walk and guided tours offered by Middleton Place are among the best things to do in Charleston SC.

Ticket Prices: Adults (14 and over)- $29 ($32 upon booking in-person)

                         Students (14 and over with ID)- $15

                         Children (6-13 years)- $10

                         Kids (5 and below)- $0/free

Timings: Open daily 9 am-5 pm.

                  Christmas Eve- 9 am-1 pm.

6. Engage the Artistic Mind

Art to date remains the most impactful way of communicating a generation’s socio-political conflicts and pleasures. It makes up a big part of the culture, inspired by thought processes, history and perspectives, and maintains a directory of emotions. 

Experience the art and culture of Charleston, South Carolina and get drowned by the dozen emotions that the artists intended to convey. 

1. Gibbes Museum of Art

Entice yourself with decorative art in the Kim and Jim Pallotta Main Gallery at Gibbes Museum of Art. It features some of the most commendable paintings, sculptures, and the Rivers Collection of decorative art. Watching the periodic shift and perspective transformation unfold through the art is one of the best things to do in Charleston SC. 

Ticket Prices: Adult- $12

                         Senior citizens, military personnel, & students (with ID)- $10

                         Youth (4-17 years)- $6

                         Children (4 and below)- $0/free

Timings: Monday to Saturday- 10 am-5 pm

                  Wednesday- 10 am-8 pm

                  Sunday- 1 pm-5 pm 

2. The Charleston Museum 

The Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the United States. Some of the most important historical artifacts found shelter here, as it has been a master preserver since the very beginning. 

It showcases the oldest art pieces, furniture, and artillery beautifully. A glance at the artifacts preserved here feels like time stopped for these items the moment they were put inside the glass. 

Ticket Price: Adult- $15

                         Youth (13 to 17 years)- $12

                         Children (3 to 12 years)- $6

                         Kids (2 years and under)- $0/free

Timings: Monday-Saturday- 9 am-5 pm

                  Sunday- 12 pm to 5 pm

7. Best food in Town: Locals Insights

Every trip is incomplete without some satiating food, the mere thought of which might be enough to make you drool on a random Tuesday. Experience the culinary brilliance of Charleston, which will make a home in the core of your fondest memories. 

Here are a few best-picked restaurants from Charleston SC that promise the said experience: 

1. Lewis Barbecue

When at Lewis’, be sure to try any barbecue meal from their menu. The meals here are so filling and delicious that you’d go home with a happy face and a full belly.

Chef’s Special: An absolute must-try from Lewis is the Monday special, El Sancho Loco. Find the specials’ menu here for other weekdays.  

Timings: Sunday and Monday – 11 am to 9 pm

                  Tuesday to Saturday – 11 am to 10 pm

                  Happy Hour: Monday to Friday- 4 pm to 6 pm

Operational Days: Everyday.

Address: 464 N Nassau St., Charleston, SC 29403, United States.

Contact
Phone	(843) 805-9500
Email	infoCHS@lewisbarbecue.com

No prior reservations are needed. 

2. Fast and French

It is impossible to eat a meal at Fast and French presented by Gualart and Maliclet and not have a bon appétit. They bring the oh so délicieux French dishes, wines, and beer to Charleston, SC in the most French way possible. 

Check out the menus and details here:

Chef’s Special: Although the daily specials are rotational, the bouillabaisse is the most recommended. Check it out in the specials menu. 

Timings: Sunday to Wednesday – 8 am to 8 pm

                  Thursday to Saturday – 8 am to 9 pm

Operational Days: Open on all days

Address: Fast & French Inc. 98 Broad St. Charleston, South Carolina 29401.

Contact
Phone	(843) 577-9797
Email	fastandfrench@gmail.com

No prior reservations are required, as it works on a first-come, first-served basis. 

3. The Ordinary

Striving to support regional fishermen, this French-themed brasserie specializes in the seafood category. Don’t be fooled by the name, as The Ordinary is anything but ordinary! 

Chef’s Special: Ask for the chef’s special Crispy Fish Schnitzel. Check out the main menu and find what suits your taste.

Timings: Wednesday to Monday- 5 pm to10 pm

Operational Days: Closed on Tuesdays.

Address: 544 King St., Charleston, SC 29403, United States.

Contact
Phone	(843) 414-7060
Email	mail@eattheordinary.com

Prior reservations are required. Reach out via email, give a call to the contact mentioned above, or make reservations online.

Places to Stay in Charleston SC

While finding a place to live in Charleston SC, the French Quarter makes for the best choice. Since the locality gives you a real taste of what it is like to live in the heart of Charleston. Here are a few suggestions, keeping the same in mind:

1. Francis Marion Hotel: With the advantage of being a part of the larger historic district, Francis Marion Hotel is one of the best accommodations in town. Its location makes it a perfect stay, keeping the accessibility to main markets and tourist places in mind. 

   

   Address: 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States.

   Contact: +1 843-722-0600

   Rating: 4.3 star rating on Google.

2. Planters Inn: Situated in the historic town, in proximity to the Waterfront Park, Planters Inn is a serene and calming space. A delight to return after a long, stimulating day. 

   

   Address: 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States.

   Contact:  +1 843-722-2345

   Rating: An impressive 4.5 star rating on Google. 

3. Holiday Inn: Located in downtown Charleston, Holiday Inn is an affordable and ideal accommodation. Relax and enjoy the charm and raw beauty of the low country, from where you can easily access top things to do in Charleston SC.

   

   Address: 250 Spring Street Charleston, South Carolina 29403 United States

   Contact: +1-843-7224000

   Rating: A 3.9 star rating on Google, reviewed by 2k+ people.

Now that you’re aware of every opportunity for fun available in Charleston SC, let’s move towards the ending notes.

Charleston SC in a Nutshell

An ideal place for a toned-down, relaxing vacation where you can experience a bit of everything is how we’d explain Charleston SC. It is a truly balanced place with a lot of character. 

Things to do in Charleston SC range from adventure activities to historical walks, shopping, and museum hopping. Furthermore, all of these experiences are sealed with good food and comfortable stays, making it a promising vacation spot.

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