Top 7 Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the cutest little town brimming with Southern Charm and is absolutely worth a visit. Here are our top 7 things we recommend doing while you’re in town. 

1) Visit Boone Hall Plantation

Entering the grounds under the 400 giant oak trees is reason enough to visit this Boone Hall Plantation. It’s one of America’s oldest working farms and is best known for producing cotton and pecans. Tour the old slave quarters and the plantation home to get an in-depth look at what it was like to live here in the 1800s.  

2) Go Camping at Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is about 2 hours outside of Charleston and is one of the most unique parks we’ve ever visited. It’s a massive floodplain that boasts the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. There are a couple of campgrounds that offer peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

3) Take a stroll through Waterfront Park

On a beautiful day, waterfront park is the perfect place to take a leisurely walk along the water. There are a few fountains that are great for a photo-op, including the famous pineapple fountain. Plus, a couple blocks away you can find Rainbow Row, a grouping of pastel-colored row houses that are iconic to the city. 

4) Have brunch at Gnome Cafe

Brunch is a long-standing Southern tradition, which is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We highly recommend checking out Gnome Cafe, it’s a quaint little vegan restaurant with a phenomenal menu and full coffee bar. If you’re really getting into the Southern spirit, try the cheesy grits, they’re delicious!

5) Take a ghost tour of the Old Charleston Jail

The Old Charleston Jail is one of the spookiest looking buildings we’ve ever experienced. Over 14,000 people died there, mainly during the Civil War, and the spirits definitely still walk the halls. The ghost tour takes you inside the jail where you learn about all the previous residents (and current ghosts) who were imprisoned there. You’ll definitely need to sage yourself after a visit to this haunted spot. 

6) Watch a concert at the Charleston Music Hall

For a fun night out, check out a concert at the Charleston Music Hall. They have a wide variety of genres and we were lucky enough to catch the Charleston Jazz Orchestra play a tribute to Stan Getz, a legendary jazz musician. Plus, right around the corner is the cutest alleyway full of restaurants if you want a bite to eat before the show. 

7) Visit Fort Sumter 

Take a boat ride out to the fort where the Civil War began back in 1861. Chock-full of interesting history, a guided tour will provide you with many interesting stories about the people who changed America during it’s most trying years.