They’ve been called “America’s most beautiful gardens” and botanical fanatics have been coming here for a tour since 1870. The grounds of this 17th-century plantation include a petting zoo, conservatory, peacock café (where there are also mini horses), plantation house and a nature train.
Long before the tropical fruit became fodder for iPhone cases, jewelry and even gold tumblers, it served as a spouting monument in Charleston Waterfront Park. The fountain was built in 1990, so you could say the city was well ahead of its time. Pay this tourist attraction a visit for an epic Instagram shot and a view of the waterfront.
Visit Boone Hall Plantation As you in enter the plantation your eyes will be dazzling as you drive along the path under a canopy moss draped oak trees. Explore the history of the grounds by vsit the formal gardens, the smokehouse and some of the 18th century slave dwellings. Learn about the early economic history of South Carolina plantations through hands-on activities. Emphasis on indigo, rice and cotton and so much more!
Beautiful and expansive, Rainbow Row in Charleston SC is the ideal place to visit if you are a first time visitor to Charleston, South Carolina. As you step foot into the area, you will initially know right away why it holds this name. In short, the buildings here have beautiful coloring to them. Located on East Bay Street, just to the south of Elliot Street, to the north of Tradd Street, a row of homes all painted in unique pastel colors stands out. These historic homes have become a must-see destination for anyone who is visiting the area and is interested in its history as well as its architecture.
The City Market is a historic market complex in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Established in the 1790s, the market stretches for four city blocks from the architecturally-significant Market Hall, which faces Meeting Street, through a continuous series of one-story market sheds, the last of which terminates at East Bay Street. The market should not be confused with the Old Slave Mart (now a museum) where slaves were sold, as slaves were never sold in the City Market (this is a common misconception). The City Market Hall has been described as a building of the "highest architectural design quality. (be sure to try a slice of the famous 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake from Peninsula Grill)
With COA, you can expect an unforgettable Lowcountry experience. Operating out of Folly Creek, our trips take place in natural, scenic areas not impacted by industrial tourism or development. Kayak, Paddleboard, Hunt for Fossils or experience our Dolphin Eco Tour or Morris Lighthouse Tour. Want Fish? Inshore and nearshore fishing charters are great options for both avid and novice anglers. Escape the city and enjoy the chance to catch saltwater fish species year-round, including red drum/redfish/spot tail bass, black drum, spotted sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, and shark. Our captains are experienced local anglers who work hard to put you on fish. Let them show you a memorable time whether via kayak or charter boat. Fishing excursions are all private.
As seen on Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and The Travel Channel. Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old City Jail, which housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, 19th-century pirates, and Civil War prisoners. Located on Magazine Street downtown, the Old City Jail operated from 1802 until 1939, and most of the building’s original structures — like the cells and warden’s quarters — remain intact. Explore the cells, hallways, and into the places where Charleston’s worst criminals lived and died. Brace yourself as you hear stories like the legend of Lavinia and John Fisher, hotel owners from the 1800s who supposedly poisoned their guests. Featured on such shows as Ghost Adventures, the story goes that Lavinia’s ghost still, very audibly, haunts the premises.
Stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park ranger. Explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. Your tour vessel will cruise to Fort Sumter from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston or from Patriot’s Point in Mount Pleasant. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge provides the backdrop for all Fort Sumter cruises, with Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes clearly seen from onboard. Those departing from Mt. Pleasant will enjoy views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close, while tours embarking from downtown will see Aquarium Wharf as they depart and return. Approaching Fort Sumter, graceful sailboats and playful dolphins add to the photogenic scene.
Get an up-close-and-personal look at Charleston Harbor on Charleston’s only 3-mast, tall ship. People of all walks of life can enjoy two-hour public sails! There are no set courses; she sails with the winds and tides, so every cruise is unique. You will always be in the sheltered harbor area and see all the sites—just closer to some than others.
The Gibbes Museum of Art is home to the premier collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. The Gibbes tells the story of the South’s complex history and symbolism through past and present works that speak to modern-day themes, as well as Charleston’s pre–Civil War heritage. From first visit through the remainder of stay, experiencing the museum gives visitors a sense of Charleston’s rich cultural heritage and history through a vibrant artistic lens. Located in the heart of Downtown Charleston, the Gibbes is truly a one-stop-shop for quintessential Charleston art, culture, history, food, shopping and artist experiences.
Explore the USS Yorktown, USS Laffey, the 3-acre Vietnam Experience, the Medal of Honor museum, and engage with the Screaming Eagles squadron flight simulation. A scavenger hunt is included for kids ages 6-11 to discover The Fighting Lady's history, too. Capture the history and explore Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in a unique and engaging way. This experience is like none other. You'll discover the wonder of history, the magic of a moment, and learn how one person can make a difference.
A National Historic Landmark and an enduring, vibrant, and essential part of the Charleston and American experience. Nestled along the Ashley River, Middleton Place’s 110 acres include 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens, a House Museum, Plantation Stable yards, Restaurant, Inn and Organic Farm. Enjoy lunch, garden strolls and wine tastings. Or stay the night at this modern escape and historic treasure.
Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor. Constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838, the house was ideally situated to provide a vantage point from which General P.G.T. Beauregard could observe the fierce bombardment of Ft. Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. And on December 11 of the same year, the house gave refuge to General Robert E. Lee the night a wide-spreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel.
Take a walk or run along The Battery and enjoy the views of the harbor and the beautiful historic mansions. An landmark defensive seawall and promenade in Charleston, South Carolina. Named for a civil-war coastal defense artillery battery at the site, it stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, which meet here to form Charleston harbor.