Waterfront Park
Charleston, South Carolina, a city steeped in history and culture, offers one of the most unique travel experiences in the United States. From its world-famous food to the stunning landscapes that dot the area, it’s easy to see why so many people want to visit this quaint coastal town. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Charleston yet, here are 10 things you simply must do before you go back home.
Stroll around Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Joe Riley Waterfront Park is located on 8 acres on Charleston Harbor, and while some may not consider it a tourist attraction, it’s an idyllic spot for a pleasant stroll. From stunning views of Charleston harbor to historic ships docked along its shores, you can find something new with each visit. This waterfront park attracts joggers, cyclists, and more. Locals are likely to be found here too, flying kites or playing soccer among other popular activities. The two large fountains offer a play area for kids and families and are even lit at night. This seaside park also offers a large rectangular lawn that provides an ideal space for picnics, photography, and more. But what really sets Joe Riley apart from others nearby is that it’s also pet-friendly! Your four-legged friend will enjoy strolling down the sidewalks alongside you as the boats pass and birds flock above. Don’t miss out on visiting this amazing place; grab your family or friends and make sure to check out Joe Riley Waterfront Park when planning your next trip to Charleston SC.
Bike Along the Battery in Charleston
Whether it’s your first trip or you’re a returning visitor, biking along Charleston’s Battery shouldn’t be missed. Locals and tourists can ride their bikes along the picturesque seaside streets past historical landmarks like Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the USS Yorktown. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it while watching spectacular sunsets over Charleston Harbor! It’s also easy to rent bikes at a low cost from several locations downtown. Some of the locals’ favorite services for bike rentals in Charleston are Holy Spokes, Carolina Bike, and Isle of Palms Bike Rentals. These services allow you to see the city without having to worry about parking or transporting your bicycle back and forth between your destination. There is nothing quite like pedaling through historic neighborhoods while exploring Charleston’s historic charm. Riding is one of those quintessential things that make traveling memorable, exploring new places and connecting with nature is a great way to see any city!
Attend the Charleston Spring Antiques Show
Held at various locations around Charleston, South Carolina, is a well-known Charleston Antique Show. This year the Spring Antiques Show 2022, is held at the Charleston Gaillard Center on Calhoun Street. The event starts on Thursday evening, March 31st with the Preview Party. During this time vendors can begin to set up their booths and attendees get the first glimpse of exhibitors’ items. On Friday and Saturday, 32 exhibitors from all over the United States and Europe will be showcasing their best period to mid-century items such as collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and more! This popular event compliments the charm of Charleston’s Historic District with a weekend filled with shopping for every taste and budget. Whether you are a collector of antique and vintage items or just interested in learning more about items from these periods, there is something for everyone at Charleston Spring Antiques Show. This event is sure to be a hit with collectors of all ages! Stop by and see for yourself why so many people make plans each year for their visit.
Have Dinner at Husk
Located in a restored Victorian-era house. The Husk is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that was started by Sean Brock. This establishment brings elements of southern cuisine and history together into an innovative and exciting menu. Husk gives visitors a true taste of some of the finest food in all of Charleston. Some of the must-try items on the menu are the Carolina Gold Crab Rice, Benton’s Bacon, Tomato Jam and Crab Roe, and more. When you have finished your meal make sure to leave room for some of the mouth-watering desserts like the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie or the Turtle Cake. The flavors at Husk will take your experience to another level leaving you wanting to come back time and time again. If you’re looking to experience great food with a charming local flair then look no further than Husk. Make sure to add it to your list of places to visit when visiting Charleston SC.
Shop Local Artisans at City Market
Originally established in the 1790s, this historic 3 block market is home to hundreds of vendors selling everything from soaps, oysters, and charcuterie to a large selection of locally made goods. Tote your bags around as you stroll through handcrafted jewelry, picture frames, sweetgrass baskets, and more. The Market is well known for the open-air sheds which are used by the artisanal vendors to showcase their goods; it’s fun to get lost among these merchants. Plan on spending an entire day here exploring all there is to offer within these stalls. If you happen to get hungry after all the shopping there are plenty of restaurants at which to enjoy fresh seafood, microbrews, and fried pies. Stop by Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit if you are looking for a sweet and savory treat or enjoy an award-winning seafood feast at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant. With so many things to see and do it’s well worth taking a few hours or even days out of your vacation time to enjoy every bit of what City Market in Charleston has to offer.
Explore the Charleston Museum
Located at 360 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, The Charleston Museum is an absolute must-see for visitors and locals alike. As one of the oldest museums in the United States (founded in 1773), it holds a huge collection of art, artifacts, objects, and documents related to Charleston’s history. The museum features aspects of natural history, local history, and decorative arts. You can explore galleries that are filled with Civil War artifacts, relics from shipwrecks off the coast of Charleston, historic garden designs featuring plants brought to America by European colonists during colonial times, and so much more. The museum also offers programs for kids, like their preschool scavenger hunt and their history matchmaker game for school-aged kids. If you’re looking for things to do in Charleston SC then take a visit to The Charleston Museum and discover the reality of life in Charleston during colonial times.
Walk along Folly Beach
This pristine beach will remind you of why you left behind life on a crowded city street. Folly Beach, or Folly as it’s affectionately called by locals, is located just south of Charleston and is one of two public beaches in South Carolina. This historic barrier island has long been a popular vacation spot for residents of North America and Europe alike; both summer homes and full-time residences dot Folly’s sand. Some of the watersports you can enjoy here are jet skis, parasailing, and more! Bring your swimsuit along with a camera and make sure to get some shots that capture all of Folly’s charm. Even if you don’t choose to stay in one of their historic accommodations, plan to stop at Rita’s Seaside Grille on your way out; they have some amazing seafood dishes you won’t want to miss. There are many activities available on Folly Beach, so by the time you get done exploring its coastal views, dining choices, and outdoor activities you will fall in love with this charming beachside getaway.
Enjoy A Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
A long tradition of horse-drawn carriages runs through Charleston’s history, giving you an up-close view of downtown. These tours are perfect for families with small children; they offer a unique opportunity to experience historic Charleston at its leisurely pace. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, providing fun factoids along your journey (and usually pointing out their favorite spots for picture taking). It’s also a great way to see large parts of downtown without having to walk; on a hot day, that is priceless! If you time it right, there will be local artisans demonstrating their crafts as well as street performers putting on shows – both of which add even more charm to your carriage ride. Take pictures, ask questions and enjoy one of Charleston’s oldest traditions. We recommend booking online for reservations, as these tours do book up quickly.
No matter how you like to spend your free time, there’s no denying that Charleston has it all when it comes to things to do in this charming city. Whether you like art, history, culture, or the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of fun activities in this historic southern city. From the historic downtown area to the nearby beaches and plantations, there is something everyone can enjoy.
Check out the Avelo Route Map for more information on Flights to Charleston, SC.