Charleston Area Visitors Bureau
Historical Sites
National Park Service Historic Buildings and Places Site
Old City Market ***Kristen's Pick***
Open M-Su. Built in 1841, it features small shops, restaurants and a flea market with everything from produce to antiques. Hear the lilting dialect of Gullah ladies as they weave and sell handmade sweetgrass baskets.
Open M-Su. Built in 1841, it features small shops, restaurants and a flea market with everything from produce to antiques. Hear the lilting dialect of Gullah ladies as they weave and sell handmade sweetgrass baskets.
Fort Sumter ***Joss's Pick***
This is where the civil war began. Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Union forces would try for nearly four years to take it back.
Nathaniel Russell House
M-Sa 10am-5pm; Su 2-5pm. Visit the grand Federal townhouse of Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell, completed in 1808. The graceful interior boasts elaborate ornamentation and a magnificent free-flying staircase. Set amid spacious gardens and furnished with period antiques, the house evokes the gracious lifestyle of the city's elite.
M-Sa 10am-5pm; Su 2-5pm. Visit the grand Federal townhouse of Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell, completed in 1808. The graceful interior boasts elaborate ornamentation and a magnificent free-flying staircase. Set amid spacious gardens and furnished with period antiques, the house evokes the gracious lifestyle of the city's elite.
Heyward-Washington House
M-Sa 10am-5pm; Su 1-5pm (last tour 4:30pm). Built in 1772, “Charleston’s Revolutionary War House” was the town-home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Located in the original walled portion of the city, the house features magnificent Charleston-made furniture and a formal 18th century garden. Adults $10; children $5.
M-Sa 10am-5pm; Su 1-5pm (last tour 4:30pm). Built in 1772, “Charleston’s Revolutionary War House” was the town-home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Located in the original walled portion of the city, the house features magnificent Charleston-made furniture and a formal 18th century garden. Adults $10; children $5.
Aiken-Rhett House
M-Sa 10am-5pm; Su 2-5pm. The expansive Aiken-Rhett House (c. 1818) stands as the city’s most intact urban villa. A conservation approach has been adopted for this important site, which has survived virtually unaltered since 1858. Many objects can still be found in the rooms for which they were purchased.
M-Sa 10am-5pm; Su 2-5pm. The expansive Aiken-Rhett House (c. 1818) stands as the city’s most intact urban villa. A conservation approach has been adopted for this important site, which has survived virtually unaltered since 1858. Many objects can still be found in the rooms for which they were purchased.
Edmondston-Alston House
This beautiful home on Charleston’s High Battery affords a glimpse of early 19th century elegance, style and comfort. Built in 1825, the house contains Alston family furniture, silver, books and paintings. Three piazzas offer incredible views of Charleston Harbor. In 1861, General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter here.
This beautiful home on Charleston’s High Battery affords a glimpse of early 19th century elegance, style and comfort. Built in 1825, the house contains Alston family furniture, silver, books and paintings. Three piazzas offer incredible views of Charleston Harbor. In 1861, General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter here.
Drayton Hall
Daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day. A National Trust historic site, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. After seven generations, two great wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes, the main house of this National Historic Landmark, c. 1738, remains in nearly original condition.
Daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day. A National Trust historic site, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. After seven generations, two great wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes, the main house of this National Historic Landmark, c. 1738, remains in nearly original condition.
Middleton Place House Museum
Surrounded by America’s oldest landscaped Gardens and the Plantation Stableyards, the House Museum displays 18th and 19th century Middleton family china, silver, furniture and portraits. Guided tours introduce visitors to the Middleton family and their very important role in American history.
Surrounded by America’s oldest landscaped Gardens and the Plantation Stableyards, the House Museum displays 18th and 19th century Middleton family china, silver, furniture and portraits. Guided tours introduce visitors to the Middleton family and their very important role in American history.
Morris Island Lighthouse
Morris Island is located off of Folly Beach and is an ecologically and historically sensitive barrier island. One of Charleston's best known and most beloved landmarks is recognized as one of the top 100 cultural sites in the state of South Carolina by the Heritage Trust Program Board. www.savethelight.org.
Morris Island is located off of Folly Beach and is an ecologically and historically sensitive barrier island. One of Charleston's best known and most beloved landmarks is recognized as one of the top 100 cultural sites in the state of South Carolina by the Heritage Trust Program Board. www.savethelight.org.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Built by the British as the Exchange and Customs House in 1771, American Patriots were held prisoner here during the Revolutionary War, playing a huge role in American history; and is one of the three most historically significant buildings of colonial America.
Built by the British as the Exchange and Customs House in 1771, American Patriots were held prisoner here during the Revolutionary War, playing a huge role in American history; and is one of the three most historically significant buildings of colonial America.
The Powder Magazine
The oldest public building in the Carolinas. The Powder Magazine stored the powder crucial for defending Charleston. Although replaced by a newer magazine in 1748, it served effectively until the American Revolution. Today it is restored to its mid-nineteenth century appearance and open as a National Historic Landmark.
The oldest public building in the Carolinas. The Powder Magazine stored the powder crucial for defending Charleston. Although replaced by a newer magazine in 1748, it served effectively until the American Revolution. Today it is restored to its mid-nineteenth century appearance and open as a National Historic Landmark.
Places to Eat
Jim 'n' Nicks Barbeque ***Joss's Pick***
Amazing pulled pork and brisket. Out of this world good cheesy biscuits. This is the kind of barbeque that will make you wish you were from Charleston just so you could eat like this every day.
Hominy Grill ***Kristen's Pick***
THE PLACE for shrimp and grits! They also cook-up a mean chicken-fried steak and perfect banana bread. When you go be sure to pick up a copy of their cookbook. It's written by their James Beard Award winning chef.
New to Charleston, Husk's kitchen is run by Sean Brock, 2010 James Beard best chef Southeast. Brock was recently dubbed, "The Grand Lama of Lardcore" by Time. So if you dig the pig definitely make a stop at Husk.
Routinely voted best 'que in the Lowcountry. The traditional food is great and they also have some fun twists like bbq tacos. Yum!
The secret is their hickory smoker. And...you can buy in bulk. Oink-oink.
People literally fly in from all over the country just to eat here.
Their Houston Northcutt Blvd. 1/3 lb. cheeseburger was voted best burger in America. Go find out why.
Known for their Memphis-style ribs and super tasty sauces
Modern and upscale Soul/Lowcountry food with a focus on local ingredients.
Southern food with a french twist. Great place for wine as well. The manager couldn't be nicer!
If you feel like sub pub grub with a literary flair head here.
Inventive Lowcountry bistro food using local ingredients.
Bars
A seafood restaurant by day and cocktail mixing dance club by night.
Foodie bar bites with prohibition style cocktails.
Trio Lounge
For the laid back times and for when you're ready to get your dance on.
No website. Address is 139 Calhoun Street, Charleston
Light
Offers the city's only illuminated dance floor. Awesome.
No website. Address is 213-C East Bay St.
Tavern that focuses on gravity casks and micro brews. Oh, and they have homemade pork rinds.
The gastro-pub uses local ingredients on their Southern with a Southwest twist menu.
Golf
An overview of golfing in the Charleston area
Earned Golf Digest's top 5 star ranking. The film "The Legend of Bagger Vance" was filmed here.
Designed by Pete Dye.
Earned Golf Digest's 4.5 star ranking. Tom Fazio's first course.
Earned Golf Digest's 4.5 star ranking and was recently rated the "Golf Course of The Year", by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.
Redesigned by Gary Player.
Also earned 4.5 stars from Golf Digest and was ranked 10th in the Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf for Women Magazine.
Designed by Tom Fazio.
Turtle Point at Kiawah Island Resort
Earned 4 stars in Golf Digest's review
The Harbor Course at Wild Dunes Resort
Earned 4 stars in Golf Digest's review
Crowfield Plantation
Earned 4 stars in Golf Digest's review
Pine Forest Country Club
Earned 4 stars in Golf Digest's review
Seabrook Island Resort’s Ocean Winds and Crooked Oaks
Earned 4 stars in Golf Digest's review
Nearby Beaches
Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms offers every activity imaginable. Isle of Palms County Park offers beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area. There is also a beautiful family-oriented park located directly on the beach! The Isle of Palms is conveniently located just 12 miles from historic Charleston.
The Isle of Palms offers every activity imaginable. Isle of Palms County Park offers beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area. There is also a beautiful family-oriented park located directly on the beach! The Isle of Palms is conveniently located just 12 miles from historic Charleston.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach, also known as "The Edge of America", is a beautiful barrier island only 15 minutes from downtown historic Charleston. The Folly Beach County Park is located at the east end of the island and includes outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas and more. Folly Beach is the home of sea, sand and surfing, historical and cultural sites; a maritime forest; Morris Island Lighthouse; gourmet food and southern hospitality.
Folly Beach, also known as "The Edge of America", is a beautiful barrier island only 15 minutes from downtown historic Charleston. The Folly Beach County Park is located at the east end of the island and includes outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas and more. Folly Beach is the home of sea, sand and surfing, historical and cultural sites; a maritime forest; Morris Island Lighthouse; gourmet food and southern hospitality.
Beachwalker County Park
Walking along this 10-mile stretch of undisturbed Atlantic beach, guests find it hard to believe that the City of Charleston is a mere 21 miles away. Kiawah Island is an idyllic, private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agencies. Public access to the beach is available at Beachwalker County Park, located on the west end of the island. The island abounds in natural beauty, from endless acres of marsh to thick forests of pines, magnolias and massive live oaks. Travel Channel called Kiawah's beach one of the nation's "Top Ten."
Walking along this 10-mile stretch of undisturbed Atlantic beach, guests find it hard to believe that the City of Charleston is a mere 21 miles away. Kiawah Island is an idyllic, private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agencies. Public access to the beach is available at Beachwalker County Park, located on the west end of the island. The island abounds in natural beauty, from endless acres of marsh to thick forests of pines, magnolias and massive live oaks. Travel Channel called Kiawah's beach one of the nation's "Top Ten."
Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island, located on the Atlantic shore just 22 miles south of historic Charleston, is a private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agencies. A visit to Seabrook Island will be an experience you will recall with fond memories. It may even bring you back for permanent enjoyment of a quality of life that is rare and special.
Seabrook Island, located on the Atlantic shore just 22 miles south of historic Charleston, is a private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agencies. A visit to Seabrook Island will be an experience you will recall with fond memories. It may even bring you back for permanent enjoyment of a quality of life that is rare and special.
Sullivan's Island
Casual, unhurried Sullivan's Island is one of the most relaxing and family-friendly beaches on South Carolina's coast. Year-round, visitors enjoy the island's inviting beaches, charming seaside neighborhoods and laid-back dining venues. Sullivan's Island is treasured by visitors and residents alike for its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and simple beauty.
Casual, unhurried Sullivan's Island is one of the most relaxing and family-friendly beaches on South Carolina's coast. Year-round, visitors enjoy the island's inviting beaches, charming seaside neighborhoods and laid-back dining venues. Sullivan's Island is treasured by visitors and residents alike for its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and simple beauty.
