Destination guideSouth Carolina · United States
38 Things to Do in Charleston (2026)
Established in 1670 as Charles Town, Charleston is located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers in South Carolina.
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The city contains over 1,400 buildings constructed before 1840, making it a primary center for architectural preservation in the United States. In 1931, it became the first American city to establish a historic zoning ordinance and a Board of Architectural Review to maintain its structural heritage. The city’s architecture includes Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles.
- 38 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Charleston8 dishes
She-Crab Soup Where to order it in Charleston
Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew) Where to order it in Charleston
Benne Wafers Where to order it in Charleston
Fried Green Tomatoes Where to order it in Charleston
Roasted Lowcountry Oysters Where to order it in Charleston
Beef Wellington Where to order it in Charleston
Brisket & Bao Where to order it in Charleston
Okra Soup Where to order it in Charleston
The short answer
- The top things to do in Charleston, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Old Slave Mart Museum (French Quarter)
- International African American Museum (Ansonborough)
- Nathaniel Russell House Museum (South of Broad)
- Waterfront Park (French Quarter)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
38 places worth your time in Charleston
Things to see and do
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Why it’s on the map
This massive cable-stayed bridge is a landmark of modern engineering, featuring two 573-foot diamond-shaped towers that support a 1,546-foot main span over the Cooper River.
Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Old Slave Mart Museum
Why it’s on the map
Housed in the last surviving slave auction gallery in South Carolina, this museum provides a visceral and sobering look at Charleston's role in the domestic slave trade.
6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
International African American Museum
Why it’s on the map
Constructed on the historic Gadsden’s Wharf, this $120 million structure is architecturally significant for being elevated on eighteen one-story-tall pillars.
14 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
Why it’s on the map
Recognized as one of the premier examples of Federal-style Neoclassical architecture in the United States.
51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Waterfront Park
Why it’s on the map
This eight-acre riverside park features the iconic Pineapple Fountain, family-sized shaded swings, and a wide wooden pier extending into the Cooper River.
Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Park · Mount Pleasant
Park · Ravenel
Art Museum
Hotel · Ansonborough
Place to see
Non Profit Organization · North Charleston
Place to see · French Quarter
Museum · Wraggborough
Art Museum · Harleston Village
Where to eat
See the full Charleston food guide: where to eat and what to order.
French Restaurant · Harleston Village
Italian Restaurant · Hanahan
Restaurant · French Quarter
Barbecue Restaurant · North Charleston
Bakery · Westside
Restaurant · West Ashley
Bakery · Cannonborough Elliotborough
Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant · Ansonborough
Bakery · Mount Pleasant
Brunch Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant
Restaurant · North Charleston
Restaurant
Restaurant · North-Central
Restaurant
Restaurant · Cannonborough Elliotborough
Seafood Restaurant
American Restaurant · Cannonborough Elliotborough
Market · French Quarter
Breakfast Restaurant
Oyster Bar Restaurant · Westside
American Restaurant · Ansonborough
33 more places on the map
24 to eat · 9 to see and do · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
- The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May or September to November, when mild temperatures and blooming gardens offer ideal conditions for walking tours. Summer months are often oppressively hot and humid with a higher risk of hurricanes, while winter provides cooler, quieter days for those on a budget. Spring is the peak tourist season with the highest hotel rates, so consider visiting in late fall or early winter for fewer crowds and better value.
How do I get around Charleston?
- Air and Airport Shuttles Fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), located 12 miles from downtown. Use the CARTA Express Bus (Route 4) for a budget-friendly $3.50 ride to the city center, or opt for rideshares like Uber and Lyft which typically cost between $25 and $40.
- CARTA DASH Trolley Navigate the historic peninsula for free using the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH). Three distinct routes (210, 211, and 213) connect major tourist landmarks including the SC Aquarium, the City Market, and Waterfront Park without the need for a personal vehicle.
- Walking and Biking Charleston's historic district is exceptionally compact and pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances or a scenic trip across the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant, rent a bicycle from local shops or use the Holy Spokes bike-share program to avoid heavy downtown traffic and parking fees.
What should I know before visiting Charleston?
- Make dinner reservations several weeks in advance, as popular restaurants in the historic district book up quickly.
- Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces to manage the intense coastal humidity and heat.
- Walk on the interior of sidewalks away from the curb to avoid uneven cobblestones and heavy carriage tour traffic.
- Always check the tide and weather forecast before parking, as many downtown streets are prone to rapid flash flooding during high tide or heavy rain.
What’s new in Charleston in October 2026?
- The Cooper Hotel & Union Pier: Charleston's first major luxury waterfront hotel recently opened on the peninsula, featuring the viral 'Current Burger' and anchoring the massive new Union Pier development project.
- Preservation Society Fall Tours: Running through October 31, 2026, these exclusive tours grant rare public access to the private gardens and interiors of the city's most iconic historic mansions.
Research receipt
How this Charleston guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Charleston replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Charleston?
Start with Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Old Slave Mart Museum, International African American Museum, Nathaniel Russell House Museum, and Waterfront Park: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 38 places are pinned on the Charleston map.