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Charleston SC Attractions & Activities
Charleston SC attractions include the historic Fort Sumter, the beautiful Charleston Aquarium, grand southern gardens, and many other sites significant for their history and their beauty. Take advantage of the area’s natural beauty as well with a sunset sail or a fishing excursion, or enjoy any of Charleston’s other fun activities.
See the sights by horse drawn carriage, stroll along the palm-shaded streets and peer into lush, private gardens, sail through the harbor, or visit the local aquatic life up close at the aquarium.
Here are a few recommendations for how to get the most out of your Charleston vacation:
Charleston SC Activities
Carriage Rides: A carriage ride is my #1 recommendation for how to see Charleston! The tour operators are extremely  knowledgeable and entertaining! You'll see much more of the City than you could on foot, learning about its rich and exciting history all the way. The guides also point out details along the ride in architecture and landscapes that have interesting historical significance but that you might not otherwise even notice!
Here are all the major carriage tour providers:
Sail around the harbor taking in the city's sights from a new perscpective while you enjoy the wind and the water. You're very likely to spot a few dolphins while you're out too!
The Schooner Pride is an 84ft schooner that sets sail from behind the South Carolina Aquarium for 2 hour cruises around the harbor. The Palmetto Breeze is a large catamaran that departs from a waterfront bar in Mount Pleasant which is just over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge from downtown. The Captains have set up seats on the netting between the two hulls for guests and they serve drinks during the cruise.
Walking Tours: Take a walking tour through Charleston to explore the city's dramatic history, stately mansions, and lush private gardens. Ghost tours offer a glimpse into the city's mysterious past while kids and history buffs will get a thrill out of a tour focusing on the true history of pirates, dungeons, naval battles and sword-fights in Charleston. Check out these walking tours to see which exploration is for you!:
Shop in the upscale stores along King Street. Stroll along this brick, palm-lined avenue and stop in any number of high-end shops or cafes.
Charleston SC Attractions
Such a beautiful and historic city of course has many attractions to visit during your stay. Here are a few highlights:
The South Carolina Aquarium: Overlooking the harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium features sea life found in the local habitat and educates visitors on Charleston's natural environment including the oceans, the coastal areas, and marshlands surrounding the city. Guests view sharks, eels, sea turtles, and more while a touch tank offers the chance to feel starfish and other slimy sea creatures.  » TIP: The Aquarium has a "turtle hospital" where large sea turtles that have been injured are rehabilitated and eventually released. Tours are offered for an extra charge at 1pm on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturday. Reservations are recommended by calling Tel: 843-577-FISH.
Fort Sumter National Monument: On April 12, 1861, the Confederate artillery opened fire on this federal fort forcing its surrender only 34 hours later, thus beginning the Civil War. Experience history at this famed national landmark. Fort Sumter is accessible only by water. Cruises, departing daily from next to the Aquarium, offer passage to and tours of the Fort. Spirit Line Cruises offers the only commercial transportation to the Fort. Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum: As you look out into the Charleston Harbor, you can't help but notice the enormous aircraft carrier sitting across the way. This retired carrier, the USS Yorktown, the planes sitting atop it, and the other military ships that surround it, are all now a museum call Patriot's Point, a highlight for military history buffs. Patriot's Point is accessed from Mount Pleasant just across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Plantations: Just outside Charleston lie several historic plantations where visitors can explore stately mansions and endless gardens while learning about the history of these landmarks. Three of the most prominent plantations are:
Drayton Hall Plantation: This historic manor and its grounds have been carefully preserved in their original condition. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: This enormous estate holds many beautiful and varied gardens, including a serene lake with an Japanese-inspired bridge crossing over it. Middleton Place Plantation: This one's my favorite! Though the main house burned to the ground in the Civil War, the view of the Ashley River from the ruins atop the terraced gardens and over the butterfly lakes is stunning. The on-site restaurant offers excellent Lowcountry fare and the free ranging sheep are very friendly if you get close enough to pet them! I recommend going in late spring when the azaleas bloom if you can because they cover these gardens and are extraordinary when in bloom.
Gibbes Museum of Art: For art lovers, the Gibbes Museum features works from local artists, primarily portraying the nature, architecture and people of the Lowcountry.
Charleston attractions and activities immerse you in the history, beauty, art, and culture of this remarkable part of the world. You’ll have no shortage of things to do on and around the Peninsula so have fun exploring!
Return to the Charleston main page to discover where to stay and dine while you enjoy these Charleston SC attractions and activities.
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