Historic Charleston

Spoleto Festival & Piccolo Spoleto

When Spoleto Festival USA was launched as a counterpart to its famous Italian namesake, Charleston was chosen as the host for this prestigious event. Every year, from late May through mid-June, more than 125 performances in music, dance and theatre transform the city into a cultural mecca. Piccolo Spoleto highlights local and regional artists ranging from avant-garde to classical.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Each February, thousands of wildlife enthusiasts converge upon Charleston for the largest, most-comprehensive wildlife art expo of its kind. Exhibits are staged throughout the city, showcasing over $20 million in wildlife art.

Historic Carriage Tours

Charleston, SC
(843) 723-8145
What the cable car is to San Francisco, the carriage is to Charleston. You'll ride by block after block of buildings that were here during the Civil War, as informative and entertaining guides tell the story of Charleston. Carriage tours operate seven days a week, and parking is free. This is a great way to start your day in America's most-historic city. Tours leave from 40 N. Market Street.

Bulldog Tours

(843) 722-8687
With exclusive access to many of Charleston's most famous and haunted sites, Bulldog Tours entertain, intrigue, delight and frighten those who choose to stroll into Charleston's dark and ghostly past. Explore the Old City Jail, a pre-revolutionary dungeon, the city's oldest graveyard and more.

Aiken-Rhett House Tours

(843) 723-1623
The Aiken-Rhett House is a nearly pristine example of an antebellum urban plantation. Built by a wealthy merchant in 1818 and later expanded by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken in the 1830s, the lavish estate has remained largely unchanged since its heyday. Tours provide glimpses of the classical art and sculpture that adorn its interior, as well as its servants' quarters, kitchens and numerous outbuildings.

Drayton Hall

(843) 769-2600
After seven generations, two great wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes, Drayton Hall is the only plantation house on the Ashley River to have survived the Revolutionary and Civil Wars intact. Completed in 1742, the main house on this National Trust Historic Site is in nearly original condition. Professionally guided tours give a rare glimpse back in time.

Irvin House Vineyards

(843) 559-6867
Charleston's only domestic vineyard and winery features five varieties of muscadine wine. Tour the grounds, enjoy a wine tasting or bring your own picnic for a relaxing afternoon.

Middleton Place

(843) 556-6020 or (800) 782-3608
Visitors experience life much as it was in 1741, when these magnificent landscaped gardens (America's oldest) were laid. Based on European style, the gardens include lush, grassy ramps, ornamental canals, camellias, azaleas and live ancient oaks. The Plantation stable yards feature costumed craftspeople demonstrating skills performed by slaves in the 18th century. A guided tour of the house interprets the Middleton family's role in American history.

Charleston Museum

(803) 722-2996
America's oldest museum, the Charleston Museum is a must-see for history buffs. Founded in 1773, the museum offers thoroughly modern, state-of-the-art interactive exhibits detailing the city's colorful history. Highlights include a full-size replica of a confederate submarine and a hands-on children's room. The museum also offers guided walking tours of the city's historic districts.

Dock Street Theater & Charleston Stage

(843) 577-7183
The historic Dock Street Theater was built on the site of the country's very first large-scale performance venue. Today, the theater stages performances by many community groups and professional repertory companies. The theater is home to the Charleston Stage theater company, which produces a full calendar of musicals, dramas and revues.

North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center

(843) 529-5000
The North Charleston Coliseum's stage has been graced by the likes of Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Elton John and Jimmy Buffet. The 13,000-seat venue also stages a variety of sporting events and exhibitions, including hockey matches starring the Charleston Stingrays. The adjoining Performing Arts Center features classical performances and Broadway shows.

South Carolina Aquarium & Aquarium Wharf

(843) 720-1990
At a whopping 93,000 square feet, the South Carolina Aquarium is home to 800-plus animals. Exhibit highlights include a re-created backcountry swamp and an Amazon River display featuring a giant anaconda, piranhas and other terrifying species. The aquarium is adjacent to the IMAX Theatre and Fountain Walk, making it an extremely popular attraction for families.

Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens

(843) 723-1623
Get a rare glimpse into the interiors and gardens of more than 150 of Charleston's private residences, dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian years of architecture, to the early 20th century. Sponsored by the Histric Charleston Foundation, the festival takes place annually in March and April.

Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes & Gardens

(800) 968-8175
Choose from a series of evening tours of treasured historic homes' interiors. These are self-paced, self-guided walking tours with volunteer guides stationed in each house or garden. On average, eight to ten sites are included in each tour, which vary in architectural styles and periods. All tours are in historic districts. Well-supervised children over the age of eight are welcome. Strollers or children carried by parents are not allowed inside historic homes. Tours are sponsored by the Preservation Society and run annually in September and October.

Sandlapper Tours

849-TOUR (8687)
Sandlapper Tours lets you experience Charleston by boat. The licensed Sandlapper tour guides offer Charleston's only narrated history water tour, nature tours departing from downtown, daily sunset cruises and charters.

Fort Moultrie

Part of the Fort Sumter National Monument. The interior has been restored to tell the story of our seacoast defense. Located on Sullivan's Island.

Fort Sumter

The site where the Civil War began, this fort was built on a man-made island near the mouth of the harbor. Construction began in 1829 but was not completed until 1860. Tour departs from the City Marina on Lockwood Avenue.

Calhoun Mansion

Located at 16 Meeting Street, George Walton Williams built this Victorian Baronial Manor house following the Civil War, circe 1876.

Edmondston-Alston House

Built by wealthy merchant Charles Edmondston circa 1825 then sold to Col. Charles Alston in 1838. A witness to many dramatic events in Charleston's history, the Edmondston-Alston House is a classic example of the city's hanging and sophisticated taste in architecture and decorative arts. Located at 21 East Battery. Tickets are $10 per visitor.

Joseph Manigault House

This centuries-old home at 350 Meeting Street was designed by architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother, a wealthy rice planter, circa 1803.

Nathaniel Russell House

Nathaniel Russell, sone of the Chief Justice of Rhode Island, built this neoclassical home at 51 Meeting Street, circa 1808.

Charles Town Landing

Located on Highway 171, this was the site of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina. Explore the forest, a settlement and boat landing.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

History comes to life at this historic building from circa 1771. Featuring over 300 years of pirates, patriots, presidents and preservation, the it stands at 122 East Bay Street at Broad Street.

Gibbes Museum of Art

One of the finest collections of American art in the Southeastern United States includes paintings prints and drawings from the 18th century to the present. Located at 135 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston.

Patriots Point Maritime Museum

Home of the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the submarine Clamagore, the destroyer Laffey and the Coast Guard cutter Ingham. Located on Patriots Road Mt. Pleasant.

Angel Oak Tree

This amazing tree is considered the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi. It's believed to be over 1400 years old. Access off of Bohicket Road and Maybank Highway near their intersection.

Audubon Swamp Gardens

While at Magnolia Plantation visit this 60-acre blackwater cypress swamp. Enjoy bird watching, alligators and other water-loving wildlife. Located on Highway 61 at 3550 Ashley River Road.

Boone Hall Plantation

Established circa 1743, this 738-acre estate features an avenue of oaks planted in 1743 by Captain Thomas Boone. Located on US Highway 17.

Cypress Gardens

The 3,000-acre estate, located off Highway 52, features flower gardens, a swamp garden and more. Rent flat bottom boats to explore the cypress swamp.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

This 17th-century estate was acquired in 1676 by the Drayton family. It features the year-round bloom of America's oldest gardens, guided tours including the pre-Revolutionary War Plantation House, and "Nature Train" rides through the plantation and wildlife refuge outskirts. Located on Highway 61 at 3550 Ashley River Road.

Beachwalker County Park

Beachwalker Park, located on Kiawah Island, offers a wide, sandy-front beach with a 450-foot designated swimming area. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally. There are dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, a picnic area with grill and a seasonal snack bar. Note that motor vehicle admission is $5, and the park is closed November through February.

James Island County Park

Beat the heat at Splash Zone Water Park* or reach new heights on an incredible Climbing Wall*. Bicycles, pedal boats and kayaks are available to rent for $3.25 to $4.00 per hour. Park admission is $1.00.

The 50-ft Climbing Wall features over 4,500 square feet of climbing space and accommodates 12-16 climbers at once. Price is $10 per person.

The Bouldering Wall is a new, 10-foot tall structure that offers 1000 square feet of space to work on technique and increase skills. Equipment rentals and belay classes available.

* Additional admission fee charged.

Splash Zone

A wonderfully wet way to cool off, Splash Zone is located inside the James Island County Park. Play all day on the 200-foot open slide, a 500-foot lazy river, and a Caribbean play structure with slides, wheels and sprays. Recreational lifeguards are on duty, and concessions are available. Restrooms, showers, lockers and changing facilities are provided.

Proper swimming attire is required, and little ones ages 2 and under must wear swim pants. No outside food or beverages are permitted in water park area.

Admission Rates:

• Adults: $9.99
• Children less than 42": $6.99
• Children 2 and under: Free
• Seniors 60 and over: $3.99
• Admission after 3pm, Monday - Friday: $4.99

* In addition to $1 admission to James Island County Park

Hours of Operation: 10am - 6pm

• Open weekends April 30 - May 22
• Open daily May 26 - August 21
• Open weekends August 22 - Labor Day

Charleston Tea Plantation

(843) 559-8383
Tour America’s only working tea farm, on picturesque Wadmalaw Island. Learn about the growing and manufacturing process in an informative factory tour, and take a narrated bus tour through the fields. The Gift Shoppe is the perfect place to purchase American Classic Tea, tea pots and other related items.