Today, that history breathes through lowcountry charm, creating an atmosphere of unhurried grace where porch swings creak under Spanish moss and sweet tea is poured with genuine warmth. It feels less like a museum and more like a living room, inviting you to linger over slow breakfasts and sunset strolls along the Battery. This is not just a destination but a mood, blending Southern hospitality with coastal serenity in every cobblestone alley and historic mansion gate.
Do Charleston the way locals do: start slow at Isle of Palms County Park, eat where the regulars do at Hyman's Seafood, let the evening run long at The Rooftop at the Vendue.
Top things to do in Charleston
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Charleston City Market
4-block city market over 200 years old, with vendors of food, art & crafts like sweetgrass baskets.
Check tours & tickets2
Waterfront Park
Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.
Check tours & tickets3
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Visitors can explore a retired Naval aircraft carrier, destroyer & submarine docked here year-round.
Check tours & tickets4
Pineapple Fountain
Multi-layered, pineapple-shaped fountain facing the waterfront, popular for photos.
Check tours & tickets5
Adventure Sightseeing
Check tours & tickets6
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Lush garden dating to pre-Revolutionary War times, with train & boat tours, plus a petting zoo.
Check tours & tickets7
Rainbow Row
Historic District cluster of 13 pastel-painted Georgian-style rowhouses dating from 1748 to 1845.
Check tours & tickets8
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
1681 working plantation known for its moss-draped Avenue of Oaks & original slave cabins.
Check tours & tickets9
South Carolina Aquarium
Massive aquarium with interactive exhibits & hundreds of creatures, including many native species.
Check tours & tickets10
Cypress Gardens
Swamp garden with giant cypress trees offering boat tours plus a butterfly house attraction.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Hyman's Seafood
Vast seafood spot & deli spread over most of a city block in buildings that date back to the 1890s.
Website12
Lewis Barbecue Charleston
Texas-style house-smoked meats served in an industrial-hip space with a bar & outdoor tables.
Website13
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar
Southern seafood staples like crab soup, oysters, and more served in a sleek spot, with a waterfront patio.
Website14
Magnolias
A refined take on traditional Southern cooking, served in a warm, sophisticated environment.
Website15
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Stylish rooftop bar offering imaginative craft cocktails, sandwiches & light bites with city views.
Website16
Charleston Crab House
Casual eatery with a convivial atmosphere, serving a crab-heavy menu of classic seafood.
Website17
Husk
An ever-changing menu of locally sourced Southern dishes served in a restored Victorian-era home.
Website18
Iron Rose
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Charleston
Advertisement
Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Old South Carriage Company
Narrated sightseeing trips on historic carriages pulled by horse, plus city-center walking tours.
Check tours & tickets20
Palmetto Carriage Works
Sightseers ride behind horses in old-fashioned carriages while receiving a narrated history lesson.
Check tours & tickets21
Bulldog Tours
Check tours & tickets22
Charleston Outdoor Adventures
Check tours & tickets23
Charleston Party Cat, LLC
Check tours & tickets24
Adventure Sightseeing
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Isle of Palms County Park
Beachfront park offering a playground & umbrella rentals, plus grills & a sand volleyball court.
Website26
James Island County Park
This serene park with tidal creeks & trails is a popular spot for biking, crabbing & camping.
Website27
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Sprawling expanse of woodlands & wetlands with grills & picnic spots, plus a fee-based water park.
Website28
Edisto Beach State Park
Serene park with beach access offers trails for hiking & biking plus campsites & furnished cabins.
Website29
Shem Creek Park
Boardwalks, trails & fishing boats highlight this tranquil town park with creek & wetlands views.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Stylish rooftop bar offering imaginative craft cocktails, sandwiches & light bites with city views.
Website31
Iron Rose
Website32
The Griffon
Intimate English pub for fish 'n' chips, burgers & craft beer, with walls covered in signed dollars.
Website33
Prohibition
Rustic-chic Modern American restaurant with creative cocktails & a Jazz Age theme.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
SightsFoodToursOutdoorsAfter dark
Tips from travelers
No tips yet. Been to Charleston? Yours goes first.
Roam planner Turn this into your personalized Charleston itinerary Build my Charleston dayMore guides
Some links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.