If you are looking for the best things to do in Charleston, you will be happy to know that this city is one of the cleanest and most pristine cities in the United States. Charleston offers an amazing and historically-rich city that many locals refer to as the 'Holy City' for the abundance of churches - which number in the 100s and which steeples are obviously notable portions of the skyline. The popularity of this city as a vacationer's hotspot has seen the construction of thousands of luxurious hotels over the years, many that line the gorgeous beaches off the Pacific Ocean. While there is much to see when you are in this city, if you find yourself here, make sure that you find the time to visit these top Charleston tourist attractions.
Beaches: Perhaps one of the greatest attractions to this city is the numerous beaches that line the Pacific Ocean, making it a tourist Mecca of the South. The beaches in Charleston are without a doubt one the greatest staples of this city. When you are here, it's almost mandatory that you don some swimwear and hit the sand for a few hours. Just make sure you don't forget your sunscreen. Chances are that no matter where you end up staying in this city, the beach is only but a few miles drive from your hotel.
Classic Carriage Tours: The city's history dates back hundreds of years ago, and in some of the older parts of the city there are even restored cobblestone roads. One of the coolest things that you can do while in Charleston is take a classic carriage tour. There are several companies that offer these invigorating tours, using Percheron Draft Horses. If you find yourself staying here for a few days, a horse drawn carriage tour is definitely a must-do!
Gullah Tours: One of the coolest ways for history buffs to really take in all of the important sights in this city and get a rich dose of its important past. These medium-sized buses seat around twenty persons and offer two hour guided tours of the city. Get ready to learn about the Gullah past that is part of this city's heritage. When here, these tours are absolutely must-see if you really want to get a feeling for how amazing this destination city truly is.
Drayton Hall: This hallway was originally owned by the famous Drayton family for more than two hundred years. Sitting on a gorgeous plot of just over six hundred acres, this very old structure was actually constructed during the mid-1700s. Today it serves as a hot tourist destination for those who are fascinated by the history of the South. The Georgian-Palladian style of this building's architecture is truly a must-see when you travel to Charleston.
Civil War Walk: Perhaps one of the most notable historical parts of this city, made famous by the attack on Fort Sumter, which was what drew the state into the Civil War. As the Confederate units battled the Union in 1863, both sides struggling to gain control of this key port city, Charleston was nearly burned to the ground. Make sure that you don't miss this amazing recant of American history when you travel to Charleston - it is part of the South's very vibrant history. An hour long guided tour will take you on a journey where you can relive part of the Civil War; a sight not to be missed.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: One of the oldest historical sights in the entire state happens to be smack dab in the middle of Charleston, and is not to be missed when here! Established originally in 1676, you can really get a good idea of what Southern living was like in the old days. Perhaps the best way to see this sight is by taking a guided tour where you can walk through some of the original slave cabins in the rear. Notable parts of this plantation that you want to see include: Horticultural Maze, Biblical Garden and Barbados Tropical Garden.
South Carolina Aquarium: This very cool museum is awesome and definitely qualifies as one of the best things to do in Charleston. Make sure that you have your camera handy as the first thing you will want to photograph is the large stained glass wall at the entrance. Notable must-sees at this aquarium include: Carolina Seas Exhibit, the Great Hall, Piedmont region and Great Ocean Exhibit.
Citadel Archives & Museum: Situated on one of the most historically and best known military schools in the nation, The Citadel Military College, this museum offers a look into the history of these training grounds for some of the United State's most decorated soldiers. For those who are history buffs - and especially for those who are fond of the history of US wars - this sight is really worth taking the time to tour when here.
Aiken-Rhett House: This amazing Southern home sites on the pristine waterfront in the downtown district of Charleston. Made famous because it was owned at one point by the Governor of South Carolina, William Aiken, this home is just a great example of what Southern living was like during the olden days. They do offer fully guided tours of this home, which are ideal for those who really want to learn more about this city's history.
Charleston Waterfront Park: Every city has that certain park that is just a must-see when there. The same is true when you travel to Charleston - this waterfront park sits right on the harbor and offers some truly exceptional views of the bay and the beach. If you have the kids with you make sure that they have their swimsuits on so they can play in one of the two large fountains that sit in the center of this awesome park.
There is no shortage of things to do in Charleston. From the older and historically-rich downtown area that is packed with two-level town homes to the newer uptown district that features plenty of shopping centers, restaurants and boutique stores, indeed Charleston is major tourist destination in the United States.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Things to do in Charleston.
