A visit to historic Charleston would not be complete without doing some touring to see the city’s most iconic sites with a certified guide. With so much to see and do, planning your visit can be overwhelming. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated a list of top 10 must-see attractions, which are all included with a Charleston TourPass.
Shop & Dine on King Street
Shopping on King Street is a must for visitors looking to explore boutiques, national retailers, and local artisans . The street is divided into three main districts:
- Lower King Street (Antique District) – A destination for antique lovers, featuring historic shops with rare collectibles and estate jewelry.
- Middle King Street (Fashion District) – The center of Charleston’s shopping scene , home to designer boutiques and local shops .
- Upper King Street (Design & Dining District) – A mix of home decor stores, art galleries, and restaurants , perfect for shopping and dining. Whether you’re looking for fashion, handmade goods, or souvenirs , King Street offers a great shopping experience in the heart of Charleston!
A Boat Ride to Fort Sumter
Step aboard a scenic boat ride to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. A must-see for history lovers, this tour provides incredible harbor views and insights into Charleston’s role in American history.
See the Harbor from Riley Waterfront Park
(Free to Visit)
An iconic site, Riley Waterfront Park is home to the iconic Pineapple Fountain, symbolizing Southern hospitality. Take a relaxing walk along the harbor, sit on the swings, or enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
Visit a Historic Plantation
(Included with TourPass)
Visiting Charleston’s plantations offers a journey through both breathtaking beauty and a complex, often painful history. These estates showcase stunning oak-lined avenues, lush gardens, and preserved antebellum mansions, but they also hold the stories of the enslaved people who built and maintained them. Sites like Boone Hall, Magnolia Plantation, and Drayton Hall provide visitors with a balanced perspective, offering both scenic landscapes and educational exhibits on slavery’s impact. Exploring these plantations is a chance to reflect on the past while appreciating the resilience and contributions of those who shaped Charleston’s history.
Relax at White Point Gardens & the Battery
(Free to Visit)
White Point Gardens and The Battery are two of Charleston’s most scenic and historic landmarks. Located at the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula, The Battery offers stunning views of the harbor and historic mansions, once home to the city’s elite. White Point Gardens, a peaceful park with ancient oaks, statues, and cannons, sits nearby and invites visitors to relax while soaking in the city’s rich history. Together, they offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and Civil War-era significance.
Get Historic on a Carriage Tour
(Included with TourPass)
A carriage tours offer a charming and fun way to explore the city’s historic streets. Led by expert guides, these horse-drawn tours take visitors through centuries-old neighborhoods, past grand mansions, churches, and cobblestone alleys, while sharing fascinating stories about Charleston’s rich history.
Explore The Charleston Museum
(Included with TourPass)
The Charleston Museum, known as “America’s First Museum,” offers a fascinating look into the city’s rich history, culture, and natural heritage. Established in 1773, it features exhibits on colonial life, the Civil War, historic artifacts, and Lowcountry wildlife.
Walk or Bike the Ravenel Bridge for Stunning Views
(Free to Visit)
Connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an architectural marvel. Walk or bike across its pedestrian path for panoramic views of the city, harbor, and coastline—especially at sunrise or sunset!
Learn About Architecture & History with House Museum Tours
(Included with TourPass)
Charleston’s historic house museums offer a glimpse into the city’s elegant past, rich culture, and complex history. These beautifully preserved homes showcase stunning architecture, period furnishings, and stories of the families and enslaved people who lived there. Must-visit house museums include:
- Heyward-Washington House – A Revolutionary War-era home once visited by George Washington. Joseph Manigault House – A fine example of Federal-style architecture with elegant interiors.
- Nathaniel Russell House – Famous for its spiral staircase and lavish decor from the early 1800s.
- Aiken-Rhett House – A preserved rather than restored home that offers an unfiltered look at antebellum life, including original slave quarters. Each home tells a unique story, making them must-see stops for history lovers exploring Charleston!
- Joseph Manigault House – A masterpiece of Federal-style architecture, this home showcases elegant interiors, a spiral staircase, and insights into Charleston’s planter elite.
Get Colorful at Rainbow Row
(Free to Visit)
Charleston’s historic house museums offer a glimpse into the city’s elegant past, rich culture, and complex history. These beautifully preserved homes showcase stunning architecture, period furnishings, and stories of the families and enslaved people who lived there. Must-visit house museums include:
- Heyward-Washington House – A Revolutionary War-era home once visited by George Washington. Joseph Manigault House – A fine example of Federal-style architecture with elegant interiors.
- Nathaniel Russell House – Famous for its spiral staircase and lavish decor from the early 1800s.
- Aiken-Rhett House – A preserved rather than restored home that offers an unfiltered look at antebellum life, including original slave quarters. Each home tells a unique story, making them must-see stops for history lovers exploring Charleston!
- Joseph Manigault House – A masterpiece of Federal-style architecture, this home showcases elegant interiors, a spiral staircase, and insights into Charleston’s planter elite.
Go on a Haunted Walking Tour
(Included with TourPass)
Charleston ghost walking tours take you beyond the city’s charming facade and into its haunted past. Led by expert storytellers, these evening tours weave through historic cemeteries, eerie alleyways, and centuries-old buildings where ghostly legends and supernatural tales come to life. From Revolutionary War spirits to restless Civil War soldiers and haunted mansions, Charleston’s dark history is filled with chilling encounters. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a spine-tingling yet fascinating way to experience the city after dark! 👻
Be Amazed with the Angel Oak Tree
(Free to Visit)
On Johns Island stands the majestic Angel Oak. Estimated to be between 300-400 years old; the tree towers 65 feet high and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. Its area of shade is 17,000 square feet and its largest limb has a circumference of 11.5 feet, and a length of 89 feet. Live oaks are not particularly tall trees, but have wide-spreading canopies. Only in the very old specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as you do the limbs of the Angel Oak. The City of Charleston acquired the Angel Oak Park in 1991.
Learn Colonial & Revolutionary History at the Old Exchange
(Included with TourPass)
Completed in 1771, the Old Exchange Building is a Charleston landmark and the site of some of the most important events in South Carolina history. Over the last two and a half centuries, the building has been a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters, and museum. Previously the property of the British, United States, Confederate, and Charleston city governments, the Old Exchange Building is today owned by the South Carolina State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and operated by the City of Charleston.
Get Beachy in Charleston
(Free to Visit)
Charleston is home to several beautiful public beaches , each offering its own unique vibe and coastal charm. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, great surf, or a peaceful retreat , there’s a beach for everyone:
- Folly Beach – Known as the “Edge of America,” Folly Beach is perfect for surfing, fishing, and a laid-back atmosphere , with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
- Isle of Palms – A more upscale beach with soft sands and gentle waves , ideal for families and those looking to relax. The Isle of Palms County Park offers convenient beach access and amenities.
- Sullivan’s Island – A quieter, more natural beach with pristine shoreline and rich history , located near Fort Moultrie . Great for long walks and stunning sunsets. Kiawah Island (Beachwalker Park) – A bit farther from downtown, this beach is perfect for nature lovers , with unspoiled scenery, wildlife, and calm waters.
See the First Settlement in the Carolinas at Charles Towne Landing
(Included with TourPass)
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site sits on a marshy point, located off of the Ashley River, where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony. Charles Towne Landing introduces visitors to the earliest colonial history of Charleston. Interact with hands-on exhibits in the Visitor Center, talk to knowledgeable staff members, and take an audio tour on the self-guided history trail. Great for family fun adventures!
Relax on a Guided Bus Tour
(Included with TourPass)
Charleston mini-bus tours offer a comfortable and informative way to explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. These air-conditioned tours are perfect for visitors who want to see top landmarks like Rainbow Row, The Battery, and historic churches without the heat or long walks. Led by expert guides, you’ll hear fascinating stories about Charleston’s colonial past, Civil War history, and local legends while enjoying a smooth ride through the city’s picturesque streets. It’s a great option for first-time visitors looking for a relaxing yet immersive sightseeing experience!
Sip & Stroll at Deep Water Vineyards
(Free wine Tasting Included with TourPass)
You’ll go on a “choose your own adventure” tour, weaving your way through their current wine list choosing 6 samples to try. And, since they value their employees being able to be spontaneous, you may receive some surprise tastes as well (especially if you come during the week when they’re not so busy). At the end you will receive a complimentary wine glass to remember your time at the vineyard. Guests are welcome to stroll through the 7 miles of vines on the vineyard as a self-guided tour.
Front Porch Sitting & Trolley Riding at Charleston Tea Garden
(Trolley Tour Included with TourPass)
The only tea production facility in North America where you can see hundreds of thousands of tea bushes stretching out acre after acre for almost as far as the eye can see. Located on picturesque Wadmalaw Island in the heart of the Lowcountry just 20 miles south of the historic city of Charleston.
In addition to their many acres of tea plants, they offer a very educational tour of our tea factory. Included with Tour Pass is a 45 minute trolley ride, which makes a stop at their state of the art greenhouse.
