Charleston, SC First Time Visitor Guide + Itinerary

4) CHARLESTON PLANTATION TOUR

There are a number of great Charleston plantations that highlight the plight of African-Americans as well as the Plantation Owners. Visiting these picturesque grounds is a history lesson worth experiencing.

• Boone Hall Plantation (included with TourPass)
• Drayton Hall Plantation (included with Tourpass)
• McLeod Plantation (included with TourPass)
• Magnolia Plantation
• Middleton Place Plantation

5) GO TO FORT SUMTER

Easily visible in the center of the Charleston harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument is not only an interesting tourist attraction, but an important piece of American history. Confederate forces fired the first shots of the Civil War at Federal troops at Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. on April 12, 1861. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Throughout the war’s duration, Fort Sumter would play an important role as Union forces spent nearly four years trying to take it back. (Included with TourPass)

6) GO TO FORT MOULTRIE

Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island has undergone numerous changes over the years. The first fort was still incomplete when Commodore Sir Peter Parker and nine warships attacked it on June 28, 1776. After a nine-hour battle, the ships retired. Charleston was saved from British occupation, and the fort was named in honor of its commander, Col. William Moultrie. After several years of neglect, little of the fort remained by 1791. At the end of the 18th century, a second fort was built – one of 20 new forts along the Atlantic Coast. But, once again, the fort was neglected and eventually destroyed by a hurricane in 1804.

By 1809, a third brick fort was constructed on Sullivan’s Island. When South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860, the Federal garrison abandoned Fort Moultrie for the stronger Fort Sumter. By the 1880s, Fort Moultrie was modernized, but ultimately became a small part of the Fort Moultrie Military Reservation that covered much of the island.

7.) WALKING HISTORY TOUR

To fully immerse yourself in Charleston culture and history, walk the historic streets on a history tour. These on-the-ground tours offer a whole new perspective on the Holy City and afterward you’ll feel like a local with all your newfound Charleston knowledge.

TourPass has a number of amazing walking tours that are included. To view them, visit this page

8.) VISIT HOUSE MUSEUMS

Visiting Charleston’s historic house museums gives you a glimpse into the Servants and Slaves that lived there along with the property owners. The architecture and craftsmanship and preservation are a testiment to Charleston’s focus on preserving the pas and telling the story of all involved. 

House Tours Included on TourPass:

• Aiken-Rhett House Museum
• Nathaniel Russell House Museum
• Heyward Washington House Museum
• Joseph Manigault House Museum

13) CHARLESTON CITY MARKET

Explore Charleston City Market, one of the nation’s oldest public markets and the cultural heart of Charleston. It is home to more than 300 vibrant entrepreneurs, and we are open every day of the year except December 25th. No matter what time of day or season you plan to visit, there is something to see, do, taste, and take home as a souvenir from the Charleston City Market!

14) RAINBOW ROW

If you’re walking down Market or King streets, take a detour to Rainbow Row and Battery Park starting on East Bay Street. Rainbow Row includes a stretch of 13 brightly colored historic homes that you’ve probably seen in famous photographs. It’s definitely a sight to see for yourself. Rainbow Row also sits along the Battery, a Civil War-era defensive seawall and promenade along the Charleston harbor. Continue along the Battery to White Point Garden, a public park on the tip of the peninsula. Walk the park to see several statues and monuments. Watch this Rainbow Row video!