Best Places to Visit in Charleston, SC
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Charleston, SC with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Charleston, SC sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Charleston, SC that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Charleston, SC whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach, SC
As far as Myrtle Beach campgrounds go, the parks’ is among the most popular, providing guests with Myrtle Beach pier and shoreline access as well as cozy sites tucked away under the towering trees. If the Myrtle Beach campgrounds aren’t for you, overnight guests may also stay in one of six rental cabins, built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Middleton Place
Charleston, SC
Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens. The Garden Club of America has called the 65 acres “the most important and most interesting garden in America”. Centuries-old camellias bloom in the winter months and azaleas blaze on the hillside above the Rice Mill Pond in the spring. In summer, kalmia, magnolias, crepe myrtles and roses accent a landscape magnificent throughout the year. The Gardens have been planned so that there is something blooming at Middleton Place year-round.
The Powder Magazine
Charleston, SC
The Powder Magazine, originally a military storage area for loose gun powder, is located on Cumberland Street in Charleston, SC. It is a small brick building with walls three feet thick and four groin arches that were designed to implode in case of an explosion. This was necessary so the surrounding property would not be subject to a spreading fire in case of an explosion of any kind- an accidental one or from an enemy invasion. The Powder Magazine is owned and operated by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of South Carolina.
Charleston Museum
Charleston, SC
Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum, America’s First Museum, has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. Their collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation, about the South Carolina Lowcountry, and the stories that make them who they are.
Patriot’s Point
Mount Pleasant, SC
Patriots Point Development Authority was established in the mid 1970’s to develop a naval and maritime museum on Charleston Harbor with the center piece of the museum being the World War II aircraft carrier, the USS YORKTOWN. Patriots Point has become one the state’s major tourist attractions with more than 270,000 visitors each year. The YORKTOWN boasts one of the largest education and overnight camping programs in the nation, with more than 40,000 school age children attending these programs each year.
Charleston Stage
Charleston, SC
Charleston Stage, founded by Playwright Julian Wiles in 1978, is South Carolina’s largest professional theatre company. Bringing great drama, literature and history to over 20,000 young people in the Lowcountry each year, arts education has always been a cornerstone of Charleston Stage’s mission. Charleston Stage has premiered more than 30 new plays and musicals. Since 1978, Charleston Stage has always had a commitment to new works, especially shows that celebrate the rich culture and history of Charleston and South Carolina.
Boone Hall Plantation
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Boone Hall Plantation has been open to the public since 1956. The McRae Family purchased the plantation in 1955 and it was Mrs. McRae who furnished the house with antiques and began giving tours. Today, the McRae Family still owns the property, and they continue to make improvements to the plantation so that their visitors can experience what plantation life was like.
South Carolina Aquarium
Charleston, SC
Waterfront Park
Charleston, SC
One of the peninsula’s most visited parks, Waterfront Park opened in 1990 and offers fantastic views of the Charleston Harbor. Gardens, fountains, walking paths and plenty of park benches are available on the property.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Charleston, SC
Magnolia has been selected as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” (Travel + Leisure Magazine), and is the only garden honored with this distinction in the State of South Carolina. Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of the nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.
Not find what your looking for? Try one of these other cities. Columbia, North Charleston.