Charleston is an education in history. To visit without touring some of the houses and museums would be missing what makes Charleston such a popular tourist destination. If your time is limited, here is what we believe are some of the must-see items.
For an overview of Historic Charleston, a carriage ride or bus tour your best bet. Drivers tell interesting stories of houses and people, giving a good background of the area. After the tour, they can also be a good source of information for directions and other places to go or see.
- The Charleston Museum is the first and oldest museum in the U.S., it covers Charleston history from the beginning. Good for context.
- There are a number of fine houses. The Nathaniel Russell House is an outstanding example of Adam architecture, built shortly before 1809. There are period furnishings and a wonderful flying staircase which spirals unsupported. A combination ticket is available to the Edmondston-Alston House, which is also on our list.
- Edmondston-Alston House was built by Charles Edmondston and later bought by Colonel Charles Alston, a rice planter who redecorated the home in the Greek Revival style. The house holds family furnishings, portraits, engravings, library, silver and china.
- Charleston is one of the few cities which can be comfortably walked. Stroll along the famous Battery and the adjacent park and see some of the most photographed and painted houses in South Carolina.
- Fort Sumter dominates the harbor and is accessible only by boat. Tours leave from the waterfront and Patriots Point. To gain a full appreciation of Charleston and its history, this is a must do.
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is home to the fabled WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, a diesel submarine, a destroyer and a Coast Guard Cutter. Vintage military aircraft and weapons populate the flight and hangar deck. This is a great way to spend a half day, especially if you have children or an interest in the military.
Boat & Plantation Tours- One of the areas up and coming must do attractions is Cap'n Richard's Ace Basin Nature Tour. The tour combines a boat tour of Ace Basin, one of the largest undeveloped marine estuaries on the east coast. And a guided tour of one of Charelstons' famous plantations, all this with a catered picnic lunch.
Shopping runs second only to the sights and history as an event. Shops are spread all over Historic Charleston, but King St.and Market is where you'll find the greatest concentration. Antiques and the ubiquitous hand woven baskets are the favorite souvenirs.
Dining is the most pleasant way to spend the evening. Turn it into an event, there's little nightlife. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, from moderately priced to expensive fine dining.
Daytrips
Leave Charleston for a day to explore the outlying attractions. First on the list should be Drayton Hall, a grand, unfurnished plantation on the Ashley River. The finest example of Palladian architecture in America and a fabulous setting. Next door is Middleton Plantation, site of one of the most famous gardens in the country.
If you want to get completely away from Charleston for a day, Myrtle Beach, with all of the shows and bright lights, is only 2 hours north on 17. On the way, stop off at historic Georgetown, a quaint little town that was once at the center of the rice culture. Also along the way is Hampton Plantation, which once hosted George Washington, and St. James Parish Church, a perfectly preserved early Georgian church. Follow the signs from 17, and don't be put off by the 2 miles of dirt road, it's a nice setting the type of which is rapidly disappearing.
