
The dependency buildings of the magnificent Aiken-Rhett House in Wraggsborough are the most intact of the urban villas. Conservation efforts have ensured that it has been virtually unaltered since 1858. Many objects can still be found in the rooms for which they were purchased. Read More →
Showcases hundreds of military uniforms, artifacts and miniatures from all branches of the armed forces and all periods of history. Active military free. Read More →
The site of the Avery Normal Institute (c. 1865), once one of the most prestigious African-American private schools in the country. The building now houses permanent and visiting exhibits and archives relating to the history of the Sea Islands and the “Gullah” culture. Reading room, archives and walk-in tours available to the public. Read More →
Tara, Scarlett O’hara’s childhood home was reportedly modeled after this plantation which is the closest to downtown Charleston, and the only one of the four most frequently visited plantations that is located in Mt. Pleasant. The house is a 1935 reconstuction but there are nine original slave cabins on the premises. Read More →
Pre- Revolutionary Dungeon and haunted Old City Jail and graveyard tours. Call these guys for a ghost tour. Read More →
654 St. Andrews Blvd. 571-3899 or Mt. Pleasant Town Centre. The staff at this angler’s shop can tell you all you need to know about fishing or chartering fishing trips on the arrea. Drop by either location advice on chartering a boat or fishing in the area and they can set you up with whatever you need. website Read More →
194 East Bay St. 722-1212 A wide variety of cooking classes and demonstrations by chefs and private instructors usually take place 1–3 times a day at this test kitchen. Their signature class, Taste of the Lowcountry, is given by staff instructor, is geared to visitors and includes samplings. Classes are 1 1/2 to 3hrs cost $25–$70. The schedule changes daily, call or check website Read More →
Departs from Maritime Center (one blck s. of the Aquarium) 843-722-1112. A non-stop, 90-minute history tour of Charleston Harbor aboard the 300-passenger yacht, Carolina Belle. The Belle offers seating on an open deck as well as in an enclosed, temperature regulated area. Adults $14.50; seniors $13.50; children 4–11 $9.50. website Read More →
Concord Street. We highly recommend a visit to this lovely public park on the waterfront where you can sit in the grass, on a quiet bench or on the porch-style swings on the pier and enjoy the breeze from the harbor and fresh ocean air. Open to the public from 6 am–midnight. Read More →
1500 Old Towne Road (approx. 3 miles NW of downtown Charleston, off highway 171) 852-4200. This newly restored park is located on the spot on which the original settlers landed and lived (1670–1680). There is an extensive animal forest habitat, historic re-creations of a British Settlers’ homesteads, a full scale replica of a 17th-century trading vessel, and other attractions to help you envision what it must have been like for the early settlers. Open daily 9am–6pm. 16 + $5; 6–15 & sen $3; under 6 free website Read More →
25 Ann St. 853-8962. Offers hands-on exhibits for children (aged 3 months to 12 years) and their families including an interactive shrimp boat, racing golf balls, a play castle with costumes for dress-up, an art room, a grocery store and a live garden. Tu–Sat 10–5 pm, Su 1–5pm. $7; – 1 free. website Read More →
884-7684. This respected group of naturalists offer kayak and ferry tours that allow visitor’s to experience the area’s natural magnificence. Kayak tours are 3 or 6 hours and are given by highly knowledgeable guides. As for ferry tours the company has the exclusive contract to provide service to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Half or full day visits are possible. Convenient arrangements for both can be made through the office. Ferry departs about 20 miles from Charleston. Ferry tours: $30 adults; $15 children. Kayak tours depart from various locations. $58 – $88. website Read More →
40 North Market St. 727-1100. The History of South Carolina looked at through the area’s cuisine. Behind the scene visits with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers and chocalatiers. call for tour hours. $25–$45. Read More →
9 miles NW of Charleston on Highway 61 769-2600. Built between 1738 and 1742, this home is considered one of the the finest examples of Georgian Palladian architecture in America and is the oldest preserved (rather than restored) plantation house in the country; no electricity or plumbing has ever been added, the the the guides are known for their exceptional knowledge. Open daily. tours 9am–4:30pm (3pm Nov.–Feb, closed 2/1–7). 18+ $14, 12–17 $8, 6–10 $6. website Read More →
21 East Battery 722-7171. Built in 1825, this is one of the first dwellings built on Charleston’s High Battery and affords visitors a glimpse of early 19th century elegance, style and comfort. Its incredible views of the harbor are lovely and important to the home’s historical significance—General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter and Robert E. Lee took refuge here. Tu–Sat 10am–4:30pm, Su & M 1:30–4:30pm. Adults $10; 7–18 $8. website Read More →
462-2150. 15000 acres or Black water Cypress-Tupelo Forest about a 50-minute drive from downtown Charleston. This is one of the least impacted wetlands in the state and has remained a natural habitat for 10,000 years. 5 miles of trails and a natural guided canoe trip (additional charge) Tues.–Su 9 am–5pm. 18+ $7, 6–18 $3.50 website Read More →
135 Meeting Street 722-2706. Highlights of the permanent collection include the miniature portrait collection, a selection of Japanese woodblock prints, and southern and regional art, The Charleston Story. A new ongoing exhibit highlighting people, places and periods of Charleston’s history. Exhibits: thru Nov. 30: Grass Roots: African Origins of American Art. 121/9–3/22Painters of American Life: The Eight. Tu-Sat 10am–5pm, Su 1–5pm. adults $9; stu, mil, senior $7; 6–12 $5, under 6 free. website Read More →
departs from the African American Art Gallery, 43 John St. 763-7551. Explores the history and stories of black Charlestonians and tells the “untold story,” strange graveyards and a meeting with famous 90+ year old local blacksmith Philip Simmons. call for hours. Adults $18, 11–18 $15, 6–10 $12. website Read More →
87 Church St. 722-0354. Built in 1772 for Thomas Heyward Jr. one of the sig ers of the Declaration of Independence. During George Washington’s 1791 visit, the house was rented for his use. The home is furnished with an extraordinary collection of Charleston-made furniture including several pieces considered to be some of the finest pieces made in the city. A period formal garden and restored kitchen building are also open to the public. M–Sa 10–5pm; Su 1–5pm (last tour 4:30 pm). 12+ $10; 3–12 $5. website Read More →
6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw 559-6867. We recommend a visit to the area’s only winery. It is a great excuse to get out of town and see some beautiful rural areas; when you arrive, a treat awaits. The owners of the lovely muscadine winery, offer tastings and a small talk in a truly lovely and hospitable setting. The wines range from dry to sweet and are quite interesting. If the tasting does not satiate, you are more than welcome to purchase a bottle and drink it on the grounds. Open Thurs. thru Sat. 10–5pm, free tour every Sat. @ 2pm. Closed the month of January. website Read More →
58 George Street 953-5810. A little museum whose exhibits tell the history of broadcasting, radio, tv, cinematography with some hands on exhibits. M-F 12–4pm. free website Read More →
350 Meeting Street 722-2996. Built between 1803 and 1807 as a summer home for the wealthy rice planter and his family, by 1920 this impressive Federal-style home had become a tenement house. Today, restored to perfection, its luxurious accents including the hand-carved molding, sweeping staircase, and elegant period furnishings capture the lifestyle of the wealthy at that time. M–Sat 10am–5pm; Su 1–5pm (last tour 4:30 pm). Adults $10; 3–12 $5. website Read More →
10 miles NW of Charleston on Highway 61 571-1266. This plantation contains the oldest major garden in America and has one of the country’s largest collections of azaleas and camellias; the gardens display color year round. The plantation offers a variety of options including the magnificent Audubon Swamp which affords guests the opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat, a biblical garden, a petting zoo and a horticultural maze. Guided train and boat tours and house tour tickets can also be purchased. Open daily 8am–dusk; tkts sold to 5:30pm; 9am–4:30pm after daylights savings. Basic admission 18+, $15; 6–12 $10. website Read More →
14 miles NW of Charleston on Highway 61 556-6020. Perhaps the grandest of the plantations, this 18th-century rice plantation is comprised of America’s oldest landscaped gardens, house museum and plantation stable yards. Guests can also take an African American focus tour, a nature walk, a carriage tour or a horseback ride. Lowcountry fare is served for lunch and dinner at the Middleton Place restaurant on the premises. Open daily 9am–dusk. tkts sold to 5:00pm. 16 + $25 + $10 for house & stable tour; 6–15 $5; + $10 for house & staple tour. website Read More →
122 East Bay St. 727-2165. Built in 1771 as the Customs House and Exchange, this is the last public building built by the British and is packed with historically significant highlights: patriot soldiers were held in the dungeons, George Washington was entertained here, South Carolina ratified the US Constitution here, and a portion of the original fortification of the walled city, the oldest surviving structure in Charleston, was excavated from thedungeon below in 1965. The building sits on the site where pirates were once held. Guided tours of the dungeon every 30 minutes by costumed guides and a self-guided tour of the top two floors are included. Adults $7; 7–12 $3.50. website Read More →
830-0448. Native Charlestonian Peter Brown has been fishing these waters since childhood. An inshore and nearshore guide, he specializes in trout, flounder, red drum, jack cravelle, and tarpon. website Read More →
Departing from the Charleston Maritime Center 843-849-8687 www.sandlappertours.com. This locally-owned company gives a variety of tours aboard its 45-ft., 49 person catamareran including history tours, nature tours, haunted harbor ghost tours, and a sunset cruise with bar service available. Call for schedule and prices. website Read More →
100 Aquarium Wharf 577-fish. Views of the harbor plus moray eels, loggerhead turtles, sharkes, river otters and more make this a great place for people of all ages to spend the afternoon. Opened this spring, a major new exhibit, Camp Carolina. M–Sa 9am–5pm, Su 12–5pm. (tickets sold until 4pm), Adults $16, seniors $14, 2–11 $8 website Read More →
100 Meeting Street 723-3225. Maintains a reserach library and archives in the historic Robert Mills Fireproof Building. M-F 8am–4pm, Sa 9am–2pm. non-members $5 website Read More →
departs from the Charleston Visitor Center 795-8199. Allen Hartley’s tours include views of the Battery, market, and hundreds of historic landmarks. Two-hour tours include a 35-minute guided tour of either the Nathaniel Russell House or the Edmondston-Alston House. call for hours. 12+ $17; under 12 $10. 2-hr tour: 12+ $26; under 12 $16. website Read More →
280 Meeting St. 768-9122 Offering beach cruiser bicycle rentals with free delivery to Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah and Seabrook. Call ahead and they will drop them off. website Read More →
360 Meeting St. 722-2996. This charming city museum is America’s first museum. Permanent exhibits include plantation life, wildlife, natural history, and an interactive exhibit for kids. Exhibits: 3/1/08–4/18/08 Historic footwear and walking canes. M–Sat 9am–5pm, Su 1–5pm. Adults $10; children 3–12 $5; under 3 free. website Read More →
The Simons Center, College of Charleston, at George and St. Phillips St. 953-5680. Curator Mark Sloane’s shows always breathe a little fresh air into the Charleston art scene. M-Sa 11am–4pm. free website Read More →
853-TOUR (8687). If you are interested in a history tour we recommend this popular tour which gives a nice introduction to Charleston with a heavy historic emphasis. Be sure to bring your camera, and provides plenty of photo ops. Walks leave daily at 11am from the city market and finish at the battery. Reservations are required as the group size is limited. website Read More →







