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10 Top Rated Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Riley Waterfront Park
Photograph by JonathanLamb, via Wikimedia Commons

Riley Waterfront Park

#1 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Riley Waterfront Park located along Cooper River is the most visited park of Charleston. The 8 acre park is favorite among locals and visitors. The Waterfront Park offers spectacular views of the Charleston harbor. Pineapple Fountain shaped like a pineapple is the main attraction of the park. Park activities include walking, biking, and picnicking.


Middleton Place
Photograph by Brian Stansberry, via Wikimedia Commons

Middleton Place

#2 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Middleton Place is a national historic landmark and plantation. Located on the southwest bank of the Ashley River, Middleton Place was established during colonial period. The 100 acres Middleton Place include 65 acres of ardens, a House Museum, Plantation Stableyards, Restaurant, Inn and Organic Farm. General Admission currently includes access to landscaped Gardens, a look at 18th and 19th century plantation life with exhibits, displays, artisans and historic animal breeds in the Plantation Stableyards.

Hours & Admission

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Photograph by Bubba73, via Wikimedia Commons

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

#3 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Fort Sumter is known as the site where the first battle of the American Civil War was waged between Union and Confederate forces. Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park protects Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and Liberty Square. Fort Sumter is a historic site and recreational activities are limited to scenic viewing and birding. The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center has museum and offers self guiding brochure. Picnicking and casual recreational activities are permitted at Liberty Square.


Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Photograph by Kellie Thorne of NSBO, via Wikimedia Commons

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

#4 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Located on the Ashley River, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a historic house and gardens. Founded in 1676, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the oldest plantations in South. The plantation house tour last about 45 minutes and offers viewpoint of historic Plantation Life. The gardens include sections more than 325 years old with varieties of flowers such as camellias, daffodils, and azaleas. Other attractions include Nature Tram, Nature Boat, Slavery to Freedom, and Audubon Swamp.

Hours & Admission

Historic Charleston City Market
Photograph by Brian Stansberry, via Wikimedia Commons

Historic Charleston City Market

#5 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Phone: (843) 937-0920

Website: https://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com/


South Carolina Aquarium
Photograph by JonathanLamb, via Wikimedia Commons

South Carolina Aquarium

#6 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401

Phone: (843) 577-3474

Website: https://scaquarium.org/


Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Photograph by Jan Kronsell, via Wikimedia Commons

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

#7 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: (843) 884-4371

Website: https://www.boonehallplantation.com/


The Charleston Museum
Photograph by ProfReader, via Wikimedia Commons

The Charleston Museum

#8 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

The Charleston Museum founded in 1773 is one of the oldest museums in the United States. The museum preserve natural and cultural history of the South Carolina. Permanent exhibit of the museum include Becoming Americans: Charleston in the Revolution, Bunting Natural History Gallery, Lowcountry History Hall, The Armory, City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War, Early Days, Kidstory, Historic Textiles, and Charleston Silver.

Hours & Admission

Battery and White Point Gardens
Photograph by Brian Stansberry, via Wikimedia Commons

Battery and White Point Gardens

#9 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401

Website: https://www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/park/white-point-garden


Rainbow Row
Photograph Flickr by liz west, via Wikimedia Commons

Rainbow Row

#10 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 83-107 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Phone: (803) 528-8317

Website: http://rainbowrowcharlestonsc.com/


Charleston Museums

  1. The Charleston Museum

Charleston Parks

  1. Riley Waterfront Park