The Battery and White Point Garden

The Battery is a great place to view 18th and 19th century homes. White Point Garden is a city park that features a beautiful gazebo and Civil War cannons. This park has amazing views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor.

Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens is a nature preserve with 80-acres of beautiful blackwater bald cypress/topelo swamp. Cypress Gardens is a 45 minute drive from Charleston and well worth the drive. The garden's swamp was featured in the row boat scene from The Notebook film. We highly recommend doing the self-guided row boat tour. This tour allows you to paddle a row boat through the swamp (~ 1 hour). The gardens are open 7-days a week from 9am-5pm (last admission at 4pm) and located at 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, SC.

Washington Square Park

This is a small, beautiful park tucked away in the heart of the Charleston Historic District. The park is bordered by wrought iron gates and palmetto trees. The grounds offer wood and stone benches under a canopy of mature oak trees covered in Spanish moss. In the center of the park stands a 42 foot tall granite memorial to the Washington Light Infantry. This is great place to take a take a rest while sightseeing.

Fort Sumter National Historical Park

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and accessible by ferry. Fort Sumter is the site where the American Civil War began on April 12, 1861. This is a great to place to visit for anyone interested in American Civil War history. The park is open from 8:30am-4:30pm.

Rainbow Row

This is a row of vibrant pastel painted townhouses that were built in the 1700s. The houses were designated a historic landmark in 1931. Rainbow Row is located at 79-107 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC.

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park runs along the Cooper River to Charleston Harbor. The Pineapple Fountain and Charleston Pier are located at this park. This is a great spot for photos, dolphin watching, and for viewing the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Charleston's Churches

Charleston is known as the Holy City. The city's skyline is dotted with more than 400 church steeples. Some notable churches to keep an eye out for while sightseeing include the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Circular Congregation Church, French Huguenot Church, Unitarian Church, and Saint Johannes Lutheran Church.

** For more information on walking, boat, and historic home tours we suggest visiting TripAdvisor for recommendations under "Things to do."

We highly recommend taking a carriage ride when visiting Charleston. This tour is a great introduction to city. The guides are excellent and knowledgable about the city's history. The beautiful horses are the best part of this tour. Tours are generally one hour in length. Book early as this is a popular tour and times fill up fast.

This is one of many companies that offer ghost tours in the Charleston Historic District. Ghost tours are a unique way to experience the city and hear some interesting stories from local guides. We recommend taking the latest evening tour time in order to experience the city after dark.

King Street

King Street is the main shopping area in the Charleston Historic District. On this street you will find everything from boutiques, cafes, bars, pharmacies, and even a Target.

Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market spans four city blocks and begins at the Charleston Area Visitors Center (375 Meeting Street). This open-air market is a bustling venue where you will find local vendors selling everything from art work, jewelry, ceramics, hand-made soaps, grits, candy, and many other artisan products. The market is also the epicenter of sweet grass basketry. Sweet grass baskets have been woven by Gullah artisans for over 300 years. Dining options at the market include Callie's Hot Little Biscuit and City Market Grocery. The Charleston City Market is open from 9:30am-5pm daily.

**Book reservations as early as you can. Reservations for most restaurants book months in advance. Most restaurants use the OpenTable or Resy app.

Check restaurant website for live music schedule.

You MUST get the famous coconut cake if you dine at this restaurant

This is Maria's favorite spot for an açaí bowl.

This is a rooftop bar with great views of the city.

This rooftop club is located above The Dewberry Hotel.

Folly Beach is located approximately 12 miles from the Charleston Historic District ( 25 min drive). Folly Beach is a beautiful public beach and has the second largest pier along the East Coast. The pier has public restrooms, a restaurant, fishing gear rental, and bait for those interested in fishing off the pier. Directly in front of the pier you will find public pay/day parking. There are many shops and restaurants near the beach. We recommend Taco Boy for food and margaritas.

Sullivan's Island is a fun, bustling beach community with many bars and restaurants. The 2.5 mile stretch of beach is located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. The beach is approximately 10 miles from the Charleston Historic District (25 min drive) across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. There is a city pay/day parking lot for those with rental cars.