I’ve been living in Charleston, SC for over 15 years. When my folks come to visit the city, some tend to ask me what should they go see. Over the years I’ve said I was going to put a list together to share with people. It was one of my original ideas when I created the blog. Three years later and I’m just getting around to it.
Here are some places that I’ve taken people, visited frequently myself, and recommended to others.
1. The Battery
The Battery is near the wealthy residential area on the peninsula. When you see these homes, you’ll know what I mean. The seawall that was used for protection during the Civil War is what’s referred to when mentioning The Battery.
I like to walk along the sidewalk and look at the water. Oftentimes there are boats sailing and people fishing. In the same area is White Point Park. Here you’ll see cannons and monuments relevant to the Civil War. Also, there are park benches and plenty of trees to provide some rest.
2. Charleston City Market
There are so many vendors in the market. You’ll find snacks, Sweetgrass baskets, jewelry, and other Charleston souvenirs. If it is raining, this area tends to flood. Contrary to belief, enslaved people were NOT sold here. Learn more from this source.
3. Ravenel Bridge
Depending on where you are downtown, you can see the Ravenel Bridge. It’s shaped like double diamonds. The bridge is good for walking or running too. It’s about 6 miles. This is where the annual Cooper River Bridge Run is held. The event draws thousands of people. Learn about it here.
4. Waterfront Park
After you’ve visited the Market, take a short walk to Waterfront Park. At the park, you’ll encounter the water fountain first. You’re likely to see children playing in the water. Then walk toward the covered boardwalk. You can sit on the swings (there are at least three). After walking a few more steps, gaze at the sites near the river including the Ravenel Bridge. Waterfront Park also consists of an actual park with trees and benches. It’s another great place for photos. My photo on the blog’s about me page was taken there.
5. Pineapple Fountain
It’s still part of Waterfront Park, but it’s a popular area too. You may see kids wading in the water under their parent’s supervision. At the fountain, you can dip your feet in the water as I do on a hot summer day.
6. Old Slave Mart Museum
This building is where the enslaved were sold. The actual building’s proper term is barracoon. I learned that on a Black history tour in Savannah, GA. Take a self-guided tour of the museum and view the historical artifacts. There is a historical marker nearby to give more insight.
7. SC Aquarium
It’s located downtown on the waterfront. Children 13+ and adult admission tickets are $29.95. Children ages 3-12 admission tickets are $22.95. The aquarium has its own parking garage.
It’s a great outing for kids. And they have After Hour events for adults 21 and up. It’s a ticketed event that includes small plates, wine, beers, and entertainment. This Christmas season they have the Aquarium Aglow experience. Food and live entertainment will be provided on specific dates from 5:30-9:30 pm. The aquarium will be getting a $68.5 million makeover during the next 10 years. I’m excited to see it upon completion.
8. Mother Emanuel AME Church
The historical church is located Downtown on Calhoun Street. Denmark Vesey was one of its founders and ministers. The church is the oldest AME church in the South. It’s also where terrorist, racist, Dylan Roof shot 9 parishioners at the end of Bible study in June 2015.
9. Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is a National Historic Park. It’s where the Civil War began. You can see it from The Battery. There are several companies that offer tours of Fort Sumter. You have to get there by boat. If you attended school in Sumter County you may remember visiting this site.
10. Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is in the French Quarter District. Yes, like New Orleans, Charleston has a French Quarter. Along the streets are colorful buildings and homes. If you’ve heard of Porgy & Bess, the story has events that took place on Rainbow Row. Rainbow Row is another great spot for photos. The Battery and Waterfront Park are within walking distance.
11. The Angel Oak Tree
The tree is over 300 years old. Long tree limbs are everywhere! There are always people visiting the site. A gift shop is on site. It’s located on Johns Island, which is just outside of Charleston. There is no admission fee.
12. Hampton Park
The huge park has a lot of beautiful trees and flowers. In the lake and on the grounds there are waterfowl. There is plenty of space to enjoy outdoors, including biking or walking.
I bet you didn’t know this is the very place where Memorial Day was started by Black people. Well, it was. Speaking of Black people, there is a statue of Denmark Vesey. He was a co-founder of Mother Emanuel AME Church and a slain leader of the 1822 slave rebellion held in Charleston. It’s tucked away so you wouldn’t typically see it. I think that was strategic.
13. Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall hosts many events like the Strawberry Festival, Sunflower Field, Toast Under the Oaks. It’s rich in history. Unlike Magnolia Plantation, there isn’t an extra fee to view slave cabins. If you remember the TV movie Alex Haley’s Queen, it was filmed here. So were parts of The Notebook.
14. Folly Beach
I’ve been to Folly Beach a few times. Last year I went to Folly Beach Park. At Folly Beach you can find the Folly Beach Pier, eateries, and souvenir shops. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the white sandy beach.
15. Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is my beach of choice in Charleston. You have to cross a few bridges to get to it. Isle of Palms is rather small. It is 7 miles long. Besides going to the beach or walking on the pier, you can rent a moped and ride around the town. There’s a unique styled Flintstone (cartoon) shape home out there. Read more about Isle of Palms and Folly Beach in South Carolina beaches post here.