Things To Do In Charleston, SC | US Travel
Charleston SC is full of fun and unique things to do. There is so much history to discover and learn while in this east coast city. Walking downtown you will see many historic plaques that tell of a city that was under attack and persevered. There are also plantations to visit, to learn about the tragic past of the town.
Charleston is also known for its southern barbecue and other local eateries. The locals call this area of South Carolina the “low country” because of the swampy landscape.
There are many things to do in Charleston, SC. We love to take in the best of both worlds: cityscape and country views. Below are a few places we really focused on when we were in Charleston that we felt gave a good taste of the city.
Downtown Charleston
Anytime I look up Charleston, one of the first photos that the search will present, is that of Rainbow Row! These beautiful historic homes are on E Bay St and have been painted pastel colors of the rainbow, giving it its nickname.
These houses on Rainbow Row are Georgian style homes built in the 1680s. They are the last surviving buildings from fires over the years and artillery bombardment from the Union during the Civil War. They were left desolate and neglected and became slums.
In the 1920s they were restored and preserved. That is when they were painted the famous colors we know and love today.
Southern barbecue is a staple in Charleston SC. There are plenty of places to choose from, almost on every street. The best in town, in our opinion, is Lewis Barbecue! This is a must visit restaurant that is worth the wait. They serve up the most delicious meats by weight and you eat off of a brown piece of paper. They have phenomenal barbecue sauces and the best southern sides. If you have never experienced southern barbecue, then this place will rock your world!
As you walk down to the waterfront you will read all about how Charleston used to be protected by a wall. This wall endured cannon fire in 1739 and was buried under the ground until the 1920s. Today lots of excavation work is being done to discover more of the wall and put together a picture of what the town used to look like.
James Island County Park
To see what Charleston looked like before settlers, this is the place to go. James Island County Park has 3 different trails (all paved) that you can walk or bike on. They are all loops and they connect with each other. Each trail is about 1.5 miles long, but you can walk as long or as short as you would like.
As you pass the ponds in the park, you will read signs about how there may be alligators living there. On hot sunny days you will see the ‘gators sunbathing, free and in the wild. It is quite the experience!
James Island County Park is also a great place to watch many other types of wildlife. Bring binoculars, find a swing bench, and watch the birds near the marsh area! There is also fishing and crabbing on the dock at the marsh area.
The park also has a seasonal waterpark, an Adventure Zone with climbing walls, and paddle boat rentals. Inside of James Island County Park there is a great campground. Click here for more information about what the park has to offer and my review of the campground.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is also a popular place to visit. This is a quaint beach town with beautiful light sand beaches. If you look hard enough you can find shark’s teeth in the sand. Shuttles provide a ride to this beach town, if you do not want to have to find a place to park amongst the beach houses. There was a shuttle to Folly Beach at the James Island County Park campground’s office.
Foodies will feel like they are heaven diving into the southern cuisine that is unlike any other place on earth. Downtown Charleston is rich with historical architecture and history that any history lover will adore.
James Island County Park will realign you with the natural order of the area as you watch wildlife living free and in the wild. Overall, Charleston is an eclectic city with lots of different things to do. Whether you enjoy the speed of city life or the slower pace of the low country, there is something for everybody in Charleston SC.
We hope these Charleston activities help you make the most of your stay in this amazing place. You’ve probably heard a lot about Charleston’s rich history, but there are plenty of other things to do in the area as well. We love being outdoors and seeing the different landscape of a particular area. There’s always something to discover and explore and new findings await visitors all year round. Explore everything you can while you’re there!
More Resources:
