Known as the "Holy City", for its long tolerance for religions of all types, Charleston is the state's most beautiful and historic treasure. Charleston has had a starring role in South Carolina history since its founding more than 300 years ago.The English established the first permanent European settlement on the Ashley River in 1670. War, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes have threatened this resilient city over the years but it still stands strong and beautiful.
Things to do in Charleston
Battery & White Point Gardens
White Point Gardens, also known as the Battery, sits at the southernmost point of the Charleston peninsula, where the Cooper and Ashley Rivers let out into the Atlantic Ocean. Originally opened in 1837 as a public park, the Battery was fortified during the Civil War to protect the city against Union troops. Kids will love climbing on the disabled Civil War-era cannons that still stand along the edges of the park.
East Battery and Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC
Charleston Museum
America's First Museum, founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Low country. We invite you to explore this rich, varied history at the Museum and its two National Historic Landmark houses. All are located downtown, in America's Most Historic City. Call (843) 722-2996 for more information.
360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
Gibbes Museum of Art
The Carolina Art Association is dedicated to the cultivation of arts and art education in the greater Charleston metropolitan area. The association adheres to this purpose through the Gibbes Museum of Art. Through acquisition, conservation and interpretation of fine art emphasizing American art with a Charleston perspective, the Association enriches the lives of residents, regional communities and visitors. Call (843) 722-2706 for more information.
135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is home to over 10,000 plants and animals including river otters, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, Venus flytraps, great blue herons, hawks, owls, sea horses, jellyfish, puffer fish, moray eels, horseshoe crabs, starfish, pythons, sea dragons and sharks. The Aquarium also features over 60 exhibits that focus on five major regions of the Appalachian Watershed: the Mountains, the Piedmont, the Coastal Plain, the Coast and the Ocean. The largest exhibit in the Aquarium is The Great Ocean Tank, which extends from the first to the third floor of the Aquarium; it holds over 385,000 gallons of water and contains over 300 animals. The Aquarium also features a Discovery Lab, where patrons are able to touch horseshoe crabs, starfish, and other marine animals. Call (843) 720-1990 for more information.
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC
The Old City Market
One of the most festive places in Charleston every day of the year is the Old City Market, located between North and South Market Street in Historic Downtown Charleston. The market has well over two centuries of history in the city, and now is favorite spot for tourists and visitors to peruse the goods of more than 100 merchants in four open-air buildings. Call (843) 723-1541 for more information.
Market Street, Charleston, SC