if you're a fan of History look no further than Charleston's South Carolina welcome back to wanderfully lost your home for all things travel today we're going to be talking about this small city which has a lot going on for its size from buzzing restaurants and its popping art scene to its overall Southern Charm you're going to have a good time if you know just the right things to do and we're going to help you with that number 11. Gibbs Museum of Art for all you art and history enthusiasts this is going to knock your socks off the Gibbs Museum of Art is located right in the heart of Charleston and it houses an extremely impressive art collection we're talking art that spanned four centuries start off by going through the museum shop on the ground floor for free then you'll have to pay to head upstairs but it's totally worth it upstairs past and present Collide Under One Roof in the form of Charleston's art this place is rich in Charleston's art and history not all the pieces there are centered around Charleston but as a whole they do tell a story about the place you'll walk past a pastel portrait made by America's first known female artist dating back to 1711 watercolors from Charleston's artistic Revival in the 1920s and 1930 and Vivid paintings of Jonathan Green a celebrated local artist number 10. brunch at high cotton you might want to make a reservation for this one that or you could try and beat the church crowd and Rush there early high cotton is divided into four dining areas there's a warm and cozy area where the Bluegrass players set up a French Quarter in the back which opens up to a patio the less informal East Bay room and finally the big Sunny dining room which is surrounded by Windows facing the streets the food is great and it captures the southern Vibe really well you could try the crispy fried oyster oh yum or maybe some buttermilk fried chicken over Belgian waffles oh double yum and bring along your family too the little ones can enjoy cinnamon rolls while you snack down on burgers with sunny side up eggs watch your mood lift as you tap your feet to the beat of the base and get lost in the taste of Charleston number 9. self-guided walking tour Charleston is meant to be explored and there's no better way to go about it than on foot this walking tour rounds up to just under two miles in length and is a must do put on your favorite shoes and start off at Waterfront Park from there make your way to East Bay where you might just stumble on a Regatta take a good look around at the Live Oaks in white Point Gardens and then walk North if you want a spectacular view of the prettiest homes in Charleston don't forget to take your camera with you to take some snaps at the pineapple Gates house end your journey with a nice picnic spread from goat sheep cow and take it to Washington Square which is nearby there's no better way to enjoy your meal than under the shade of a live oak tree number eight Center for Birds of Prey this extraordinary Sanctuary for birds of prey takes in injured birds and treats them and then releases them the staff and volunteers are genuinely some of the warmest people you'll ever meet and it's not surprising given the good work they're doing the sanctuary is located 18 miles Northeast of Charleston here you get to learn about all kinds of threats to different species of birds worldwide line You'll also be educated on breeding and reintroduction programs and who doesn't love bird trivia some birds have built-in sauna bet that's something new you've learned today and you could learn a lot more at the sanctuary for birds of prey so head over there and check it out for yourself number seven drinks at hotel Bennett this one's grand you've got multiple concepts for restaurants laid down all across it La Patisserie is a really pretty place for some morning coffee and croissants then there's rooftop Lounge Fiat Lux which houses amazing cocktails and duck fat fries but the grandest experiences Hotel Bennett's afternoon tea on the weekends it's an amazing ritual in the ground floor Camellias bar the name reflects the place pretty accurately because you are literally surrounded by wall-papered accents of giant Camellias at the bar a server pause sparkling rose and then walks across the soft pink marble to deliver deliver the drinks at the tables this is followed by another delivery sweets this time and all of this is washed down by your choice of leaf teas number six a walk in Cypress Gardens remember the Romantic growing scene from The Notebook well then you might have already seen this place Cypress Gardens is scouted for its picturesque Blackwater swamp and also its accessibility for just five dollars you can let a local guide paddle for you as he tells you about the wildlife and history of the place and while boating is a great experience don't forget to walk some part of the 3.5 miles of trail that circle around the water the entire place is gorgeous all year round and different months signal different Fascinations so make sure this is on your bucket list number 5. the Charleston museum after celebrating its 250th year since being made you'd expect it to give off some old school Vibe but that's not the case this modern structure has in stores some of the earliest relics of Charleston and weaves a beautiful story from the 18th century to present day visitors can be seen wandering in the building lost in the history and listening to recordings by locals it's a great place to get away from all the noise and just have a breather and talking about breathers the Museum's inner Courtyard is the best place to relax and take in all of the rich history number four a visit to the IBU movement you're going to want to believe in magic after you hear about this one this Boutique was founded by Susan Hull Walker who has a passion for craftsmanship and travel a small doorway and a single staircase that leads to 50 different countries yes well it's actually textiles from 50 different countries but it's almost like a getting transported don't believe us go and check it out for yourself this 2 600 square foot space is a riot of color and pattern some pieces are sold almost as soon as they are arrive while the others are later sewn into different things like coats and pillows number three Sullivan's Island beach the beach is located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor Have Been Loved for Generations as can be seen by some gingerbread Cottages in the more historic parts of the town but why is this one special the wide expanse of sand calm waves and the neutral paths through vegetation make you feel like you're falling back in time the pads Also Serve to protect the shoreline from storms and if you're into water sports this one's a no-brainer this inviting mix of wide sandy beaches and restaurants that are short or wet your appetite is just minutes away from Charleston so grab your kiteboards and get ready to relax put your feet up with a view of the lighthouse and prepare yourself for a time you'll never forget number two a ride on the Charleston bike taxi close your Uber app and put down your phone the bike taxi is an open air way of traveling from one point to another with great views of the city it's also just less pollution because of the reduced noise this wasn't a big thing in Charleston 10 years ago but now there's three companies offering the service the Peddlers are familiar with the city and they might even help you decide your next stop your Rider will take you from store to store and if you're on one of your shopping sprees your bags will be taken care of too and parking is no worry of course so next time you want to get a quick ride call a bike taxi and enjoy a relaxing trip through the city number one overnight at Kiowa Island Golf Resort if you've got trash to burn this is the place to go a 21-mile ride which takes about 45 minutes from historic Charleston is the Kiowa Island Golf Resort you drive through a tunnel of Oaks and it takes you on an island which fills worlds away and you've got your hands full once you reach it some fine dining at the resort tennis a spa day and obviously a good game of world-class golf if that sounds like your thing then Kiowa is well worth the Excursion and actually the sanctuary is the only AAA 5 diamond and Forbes ranked five-star hotel in the state thanks for wandering with us if you enjoyed the 11 best things to do in Charleston South Carolina check out our ultimate Nashville Tennessee guide linked here
Check out the best things to do in Charleston, South Carolina, is a charming city with a rich history, buzzing restaurants, and a popping art scene.
In this article, we will explore the 11 best things to do in Charleston. From exploring historical sites and architectural wonders to savoring delicious Southern cuisine and enjoying beautiful beaches, Charleston has something for everyone.
So, let’s dive in and discover the top attractions to make the most of your visit to this Southern gem.
Be sure to check out our Charleston travel planning resources at the end, and if your time on our site is as WANDERFUL as we hope, we’d be super thrilled to have you share this post with your fellow wanderers.
11. Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art, located in the heart of the city boasts an impressive art collection spanning four centuries, featuring a mix of Charleston’s past and present. Start off by browsing the museum shop on the ground floor for free, then head upstairs to see the real magic.
The pieces on display richly showcase Charleston’s art and history, telling a story about the place and its people. You’ll see works by America’s first known female artist from 1711, as well as watercolors from the city’s artistic revival in the 1920s and 1930s.
Don’t miss the vivid paintings of Jonathan Green, a celebrated local artist. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art and history of Charleston.
10. Brunch At High Cotton
Looking for a cozy restaurant with delicious Southern cuisine and a great atmosphere? Look no further than High Cotton in Charleston! To avoid the crowds, be sure to make a reservation or arrive early. The restaurant is divided into four dining areas, each with its own unique charm.
Whether you opt for the warm and cozy area with live bluegrass music or the big sunny dining room with street views, you’re in for a treat. High Cotton’s menu captures the essence of Southern cooking with dishes like crispy fried oysters and buttermilk fried chicken over Belgian waffles.
And don’t forget to bring the family – kids can enjoy cinnamon rolls while you indulge in burgers topped with sunny-side-up eggs. So come on down and tap your feet to the beat while savoring the taste of Charleston at High Cotton.
9. Self-Guided Walking Tour
Charleston is a city that deserves to be explored, but the way to do it is by yourself. And this self-guided walking tour, covering just under 2 miles, is an absolute must-do! Lace up your favorite shoes and begin your journey at Waterfront Park. From there, make your way to East Bay, where you might catch a glimpse of a regatta. Other guided tours are available, too.
Take in the beauty of the live oaks at White Point Gardens before heading north for a stunning view of Charleston’s prettiest homes. Don’t forget to snap some photos at the Pineapple Gates House. End your adventure with a picnic spread from Goat.Sheep.Cow and enjoy it under the shade of a live oak tree at nearby Washington Square. Trust us, there’s no better way to savor the sights and tastes of Charleston.
8. Center for Birds of Prey
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon in Charleston, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the Avian Conservation Center. This incredible sanctuary for birds of prey is a haven for injured birds, providing them with expert care and rehabilitation before releasing them back into the wild.
But the center is more than just a place for injured birds. It’s also an educational hub where visitors can learn about threats to bird species around the world, breeding and reintroduction programs, and even some fascinating bird trivia.
So why not head over to the Avian Conservation Center and learn something new about our feathered friends?
7. Drinks At Hotel Bennett
To sip the Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Bennett is an indulgent experience that you cannot afford to miss. But the Hotel itself offers much more! It is a foodie’s paradise, with multiple restaurants serving up a variety of delicious dishes.
Start your day off right at La Patisserie with a cup of coffee and some croissants, or head up to the Rooftop Lounge Fiat Lux for some amazing cocktails and duck-fat fries. However, the real star of the show is the Afternoon Tea ritual at the Camellias Bar.
Surrounded by giant camellias, you’ll be treated to sparkling roses, sweets, and a selection of leaf teas. It’s a truly unforgettable experience!
6. A Walk in Cypress Gardens
If you were awestruck by The Notebook, you’ll definitely recognize this charming spot. Cypress Gardens, known for its breathtaking blackwater swamp, is the perfect destination for a romantic escape. For just five dollars, you can relax while a local guide paddles you around and shares fascinating stories about the area’s wildlife and history.
But don’t stop there! Be sure to take a stroll along the 3.5 miles of trails that meander around the water, taking in the stunning scenery and fresh air. And the best part? Cypress Gardens is beautiful all year round, with each season offering its unique allure. So add it to your must-visit list, and don’t forget your camera!
5. The Charleston Museum
As a history buff visiting Charleston, you won’t want to miss the Charleston Museum. This unique attraction seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern architecture, creating an unforgettable experience.
This modern structure may surprise you with its extensive collection of relics dating back to the 18th century. Inside the building, you can get lost listening to the recordings and looking at the intricate designs.
You can also take a breather and relax in the serene inner courtyard.
4. A Visit to the Ibu Movement
Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of textiles at this Charleston boutique. Founder Susan Hull Walker has a deep passion for travel and craftsmanship, which is evident in the eclectic range of textiles from 50 different countries that adorn the space. It’s like stepping through a small doorway and being transported across the globe.
As soon as you step inside, your senses will be ignited with a riot of colors and patterns. Most of the pieces are so beautifully made they sell out almost immediately. The rest are transformed into unique creations like coats and pillows. This 2,600-square-foot space is a true hidden gem in Charleston and a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for art and culture.
But don’t take our word for it, see it for yourself!
3. Sullivan’s Island Beach | Best Things To Do In Charleston
Sullivan’s Island is a charming beach, beloved for generations, that will be like a trip back in time. Its history can be seen in the adorable gingerbread cottages dotted throughout the town, but it’s not just the quaint architecture that makes this beach special.
With its wide expanse of sand, calm waves, and natural paths through lush vegetation, Sullivan’s Island offers a serene and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And if you are a fan of watersports, this beach is the ultimate attraction.
Along with sandy beaches and quaint getaways, there are also delicious restaurants that are just minutes away. The delicacies will quench your thirst for a foodie, as you take the much-needed break, proving that Sullivan’s Island has something for everyone.
2. A Ride on the Charleston Bike Taxi | Best Things To Do In Charleston
Why bother with an Uber when you can enjoy a bike taxi ride around Charleston? Open-air and with amazing city views, this eco-friendly mode of transportation is becoming increasingly popular, with three different companies offering the service.
The experienced pedalers will take you from one point to another, helping you navigate the city and even recommending some must-see sights. Plus, if you’re out shopping, they’ll happily carry your bags for you.
And the best part? No need to worry about parking! So why not switch things up and hop on a bike taxi for a unique and relaxing journey through Charleston.
1. Overnight at Kiawah Island Golf Resort | Best Things To Do In Charleston
Escape from the hustle and bustle of historic Charleston and head to the luxurious Kiawah Island Golf Resort. It’s a scenic 21-mile ride that takes you through an enchanting tunnel of oaks, transporting you to a whole new world.
Once you arrive, the possibilities are endless – indulge in some fine dining, play tennis, pamper yourself with a spa day, or show off your golf skills on a world-class course. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the perfect place to splurge and indulge in the finer things in life. Consider a private transfer from the Charleston Airport to Kiawah Island.
And to top it off, The Sanctuary is the only AAA 5-Diamond and Forbes 5-star hotel in the entire state, making your stay a truly unforgettable experience.
From exploring the depths of rich history and culture to cute little cottages and relaxing on the beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone in Charleston. You can indulge yourself in any or every activity you like catering to all interests and preferences. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Charleston is the perfect destination. Plan your trip today and discover all the wonders this charming city has to offer.
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