South Carolina
Charleston
A historic port city: pastel houses on Rainbow Row, the Battery's seawall, the island fort where the Civil War began, a waterfront park with a pineapple fountain, and gardens and the huge Angel Oak nearby.
Photo: Rainbow Row in Charleston, Thomson200, CC0
Charleston's historic district is full of 18th- and 19th-century houses, best seen on a slow walk. Rainbow Row is a run of pastel-painted homes on East Bay Street.
The Civil War began here in 1861 with the bombardment of Fort Sumter, out in the harbour. The plantations and gardens along the Ashley River tell the story of the enslaved people who lived there as well as the planters. Come curious, and listen to all of it.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Free
The Battery and White Point Garden
A seawall promenade and park at the tip of the peninsula.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Paid
Fort Sumter National Monument
The island fort where the Civil War began, reached by ferry.
Paid
Nathaniel Russell House
An 1808 house with a free-flying staircase.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
Fort Sumter ferry
Ferries to Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston Harbor.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Part of our The Lowcountry guides.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- The historic district is best on foot, in the morning and evening.
- Fort Sumter takes half a day.
- Save an afternoon for Folly Beach.
Nearby and worth the drive
Savannahabout 2 h · Guide ↗
Squares and live oaks.
Outer Banksabout 7 h · Guide ↗Lighthouses and dunes.
Ready-made trips with Charleston
Good to know
- Tourism: Explore Charleston.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Rainbow Row in Charleston, Thomson200, CC0
Photo: The Pineapple Fountain in Charleston, South Carolina, JonathanLamb, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Angel Oak Johns Island SC horz, Galen Parks Smith, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fort Sumter, Bubba73 (talk), (Jud McCranie), CC BY-SA 3.0