Located along the coast of South Carolina, Charleston is a quaint city filled with history, culture, and fun things to do. From award-winning seafood to 170-acre botanical garden, you are sure to have a fun vacation in Charleston.
The Old Village is a charming neighborhood across the bridge from downtown Charleston. It is known for its oak-covered streets and lush plots. This area is also home to some of the best restaurants in the Southeast. The town is a great place to take a stroll and watch the ships come in and out of the harbor.
The Charleston Museum is the oldest in the US, and it’s a great place to see some of the nation’s most important artifacts. It’s also a good place to check out the many fun events and programs for children.
The Old City Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Charleston. The markets is packed with vendors, and it’s a fun place to buy souvenirs. The market is also home to the Rainbow, the longest street of Georgian-style homes in the U.S. It’s a colorful and aesthetically pleasing street of pastel coloured houses.
The Spectator Hotel is a boutique hotel that combines modern amenities with a personalized butler service. Its Prohibition-era cocktails are served in a speakeasy. Its free breakfast is a nice touch. The hotel has a fitness center, and the hotel has a saltwater pool.
The Charleston Mansion is an immaculate example of a Neoclassical home. It was built in 1808 and has a cantilevered staircase that catches the eye. It is also home to a fun self-guided audio tour. You can also combine the tour with the Aiken-Rhett House, another famous landmark.
Charleston City Market
City Market in Charleston is a historic market complex that stretches across four blocks. This architecturally significant building is home to over one hundred vendors. It also houses the Confederate Museum.
With a history that goes back more than 200 years, this market is considered to be a must see in the city. Visitors flock to the market to buy souvenirs, clothing, and art. There are hundreds of artisans that make products for sale at the market. It’s the perfect place to browse and people watch.
There are many places to stay in the area. The Grand Bohemian and Market Pavilion Hotel are two options. Other places to stay include the Spectator Hotel and Belmond Charleston Place.
If you’re looking for a good steak, you’ll want to check out Burwell’s. It’s considered to have the best burger in the city.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Gibbes Museum of Art. It’s one of the oldest arts organizations in the United States and is dedicated to blending art with the history of Charleston. It’s also a popular place for locals to shop.
There are also some very nice restaurants here. You’ll find Kaminsky’s for dessert, and George C. Birlant & Co. has been selling upscale antiques since 1922.
For a more relaxing afternoon, you can stop in at the Cru Cafe. This fine dining establishment is owned by John Zucker, a former caterer. The cafe features a wide wine menu, as well as comfort food.
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
The Joe Riley Waterfront Park is a scenic spot to enjoy the view of the Cooper River. This eight-acre park includes a splash fountain, pier, and swinging benches. It is dog friendly and can accommodate a family picnic.
The park also has a 50-foot observation tower that offers sweeping views of the city and the water. Other features include two large playgrounds, an observation deck, a golf course, and two youth softball fields.
The Waterfront Park received the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There is also a pedestrian path along the bridge.
Another landmark is the Pineapple Fountain, which became a symbol of Charleston’s revitalization after a devastating hurricane in 1990. Visitors are encouraged to wade in the fountain. The park is also a great place to see a lot of interesting species of flora and fauna.
The Waterfront Park is located on a half-mile stretch of the Cooper River. The park was designed to take advantage of the scenic views of the river. There is a 50-foot observation tower, a splash pad, and a picnic area. There are several restaurants along the creek as well. It is also home to several golf courses and a minor league baseball team, the Charleston Battery.
The Waterfront Park also features the largest tree-shaped splash fountain in the city. The site has on-site parking and offers well-equipped restrooms.
South Carolina Aquarium
Located on historic Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium offers over 5,000 animals from the sea and land. The 93,000-square-foot facility houses more than 60 exhibits.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits, including the Touch Tank, which allows them to touch a python or albino alligator. They can also choose from a variety of scavenger hunt activities, which will give them an opportunity to learn about the animals. If you are interested in taking a guided tour, they are available.
The South Carolina Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which requires the facility to undergo annual animal welfare inspections. They also accept donations, but not live animals. There is a trading post, which will take up to two items per person. The Trading Post does not accept endangered species, but it will accept items such as sea turtle bones.
There are also several fun family attractions in South Carolina, such as the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is found at Riverbanks State Park. The zoo and garden features a climbing wall, a three-acre play area, and ziplines. There are also many nature programs.
The Riverbanks State Park also has geocaches, which are hidden treasures. Kayak tours are available, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the tidal marshes and wildlife. A professional instructor guides paddlers to the most suitable wildlife locations. The zoo and garden also has a vertical rope course.
The South Carolina Aquarium is a must-visit attraction if you are a fan of marine life. It features otters, bald eagles, and many more marine animals.
Fort Sumter National Monument
The Fort Sumter National Monument is one of the most important historic sites in the state. Originally built in 1776, this fort was a major player in the American Civil War. The fort was attacked by Confederate forces on April 12, 1861. Today, visitors can explore the fort’s history through guided tours and self-guided tours.
The Fort Sumter National Monument is a great place to visit for all audiences. It includes the fort itself as well as a visitor center, bookstore, and bookstore. You can also take a 90-minute boat tour to see the fort and the surrounding areas.
The South Carolina Museum of History is a fascinating museum that displays four exhibit floors with many different artifacts. It is a museum that focuses on coastal South Carolina and the Civil War. It also has pop culture and science and technology exhibits. It’s an excellent addition to any Charleston trip.
The South Carolina State Museum is one of the largest museums in the southeast. It’s located on the same site as Saluda Mill and features replicas and authentic artifacts. It’s also home to the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. It has copies of the Ordnance of Secession. It is open daily.
You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Charleston’s Historic District. You can also go on a Civil War tour of the city. You can also see the sights by foot. The city’s walking streets are very easy to navigate and make sightseeing a breeze.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a plantation and nature center open to the public 365 days a year. This historic property is home to many unique plants and animals. It is one of the oldest plantations in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can take a tour of the historic house and explore the grounds. There are also guided tours and boat tours available. These tours will show visitors the wildlife that is found on the property.
The Nature Tram is a 45-minute tram tour that allows visitors to see the wildlife. The guides describe the wildlife and estate history. They also drive around the lakes and marshes. There is a chance to see alligators and other wildlife.
The Wildlife Observation Tower is also a mile walk from the ticket booth. The tower has three stories and offers breathtaking views of the Ashley River.
The Peacock Cafe offers snacks and beverages. Pets are welcome, but leashed. No pets are allowed in the petting zoo.
The Waterfront Park has picnic areas, a walking/jogging path, and a Pineapple Fountain. There are bike lanes and stunning views of the water.
The Magnolia Plantation offers educational programs about the local wildlife. There are also self-guided garden tours that are available. These tours are only available for a small number of people and are limited in size. They are not refundable. During November of 2020, tickets will cost $20 for an adult.
The Battery
Located in the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula, the Battery is a historic defensive seawall. It was used as a coastal defense artillery battery during the Civil War. After the war, it became a public park for local residents.
Battery Park is a beautiful place to walk and run. It has several historic mansions, cannons, oak trees, and impressive views of the coastline. It is also home to a bird sanctuary and picnic areas. The park is a popular wedding venue and is perfect for a day of family fun.
Another great attraction at the Battery is the Old Slave Mart Museum. The museum pays tribute to the many slaves who were auctioned off in the city of Charleston. It is one of the most haunted buildings in the city. There are many ghost tour companies that feature this building on their tours.
Rainbow Row, a collection of colorful houses, is also a must-see. These buildings date back to the 1700s and have been restored to their original beauty. You can see them at sunrise and sunset.
The Old Slave Mart Museum is a fascinating history site. The staff is able to trace their roots back to the slaves who were sold in the city. It is a moving experience to hear stories about their lives.
The city of Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets and its architecture. It is a lovely place to spend a week or two.
The Charleston Museum
Founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the country. Its mission is to preserve the cultural history of the region. Its collection includes items spanning from prehistoric times to modern times. The museum also has a Natural History Gallery.
There are many museums in Charleston. The most famous is the Charleston Museum. It features a Natural History Gallery, a Lowcountry History Hall, and an Armory. It is one of the most visited places in South Carolina.
There is also a Postal Museum in the Historic Post Office on Broad Street. This is an important part of the city’s history. The Postal Museum has historical items and documents on display. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Another of the museums in Charleston is the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. This is a National Historic Landmark. The property has a wildlife area and a nature train. The plantation also offers a petting zoo and marsh boat tours. The gardens are beautiful and there are several shops.
There is a lot of history in Charleston. The Civil War has been a big part of the city’s past. The city was a major reselling and collecting center. It was also a major site for hanging pirates. The city has also decorated its history with the dark days of slavery.
Drayton Hall is one of the most popular attractions in Charleston. It was built in the early 18th century by plantation owner John Drayton. The mansion is now a National Historic Landmark. The house survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The house is in good condition. The entrance fee is $32 for adults.
Nathaniel Russell House
Located in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the Nathaniel Russell House is a beautiful neoclassical mansion that was built in 1808. Built by the famous merchant, Nathaniel Russell, the house is now a museum.
The interior of the house is full of historic pieces, including period furniture. Visitors can enjoy an art gallery, the original kitchen, and a coffee shop. There is also a formal garden to explore.
This historic home is one of the oldest in South Carolina. It was originally a school for girls after the Civil War. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists.
The exterior of the house resembles Adamesque architecture, while the interior is decorated in a Neo-classical style. The home is a masterpiece of design, with rooms arranged in square and rectangular shapes. Some features of the house include an oval dining room, cantilevered staircase, and crown molding on the second floor.
The house is one of the most beautiful neoclassical homes in the United States. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Its most famous feature is its “free-flying” spiral staircase, which spirals up three floors to the roof without any structural support.
The house is also known for its elaborate plasterwork. It is a trompe l’oeil, which means that the plasterwork is set in a way that the eye tricked into thinking it is real. The oval rooms are embellished in blue to give the impression of lapis lazuli inserts in stone.
