Courtney & Cody
Things To Do
King Street
King Street runs from Charleston Harbor to uptown, with three sections rightly known for shopping opportunities — the Design District on Upper King, the Fashion District on Middle King, and the Antique District on Lower King.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Public-access since 1870, this legendary site boasts a watercolor-worthy garden of year-round blooms, from daffodils and daisies to hydrangeas.
Rainbow Row
These 13 vibrant, supremely photogenic buildings make up the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the country.
Aquarium Wharf
Waterfront aquarium home to thousands of native animals and habitats.
Tour Fort Sumter
Today, this gone-era-stronghold-turned-official monument encompasses three sites: the original offshore fort, the Visitor Education Center (basecamp for island-bound ferries), and Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, a linchpin of coastal fortification from the Palmetto-log days of 1776 to WWII.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Discover 664 acres of archaeological digs, an indigenous animal zoo, and more on the grounds of the original 1670 Charleston settlement.
Middleton Place
Home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens, the historic site encompasses 110 acres including the Gardens, House Museum, Stableyards, and Eliza’s House.
French Quarter
Just north of Broad Street’s business district, this area features some of the city’s oldest churches, theaters, and libraries, along with pioneering art and history museums.
Drayton Hall
This architectural icon and living history site is the oldest unrestored plantation house in the U.S.
The Williams Mansion
With 24,000 square feet of living space, this Gilded Age stunner is Charleston’s largest private residence.
North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
From big-name concerts and hockey games to ballets and symphonies, there’s always something exciting on the marquee at this multi-purpose entertainment complex.
Sullivan's Island
The closest beach to downtown Charleston, this quiet Island town is the area’s most residential. A drive through the Historic District is worth a brief delay. Parking can be tricky so arrive early or come late. Head toward Station 18 to watch the bi-container ships come in and out of Charleston Harbor. Beyond the beach: Snag a table at Poe’s restaurant (named for Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote his famous short story The Gold-Bug while stationed here at Fort Moultrie) for one of the best burgers in town.
Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms Connector dead-ends pretty much at the entrance of the county park, or you can park along Palm Boulevard to access this six-mile family-friendly stretch of beach just north of downtown Charleston. IOP is also a popular surf spot, especially for beginners. Beyond the beach: The Windjammer is a front-beach music venue where you’ll find live tunes most nights.
Folly Beach
Surfers flock to the Wash Out on the Island’s east end. But you don’t have to hang ten to appreciate the Island’s laidback funky vibe. The county park offers beach chair and umbrella rentals as well as public restrooms; beyond, there is ample beach access up and down the barrier island. Beyond the beach: Before downing a Painkiller (a potent concoction of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and cream of coconut) at the Surf Bar or grabbing lunch at one of the Island’s local haunts — Taco Boy, Black Magic and Lost Dog are favorites — venture to the very end of East Ashely Avenue for views of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse.