Step onto the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina, and you'll feel as if you've been whisked away to a different era. This charming and vibrant city, rich with history and Southern elegance, offers an abundance of sights that capture the heart. From the enchanting waterfronts to the lush gardens and historic mansions, Charleston is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks that promise unforgettable experiences at every turn. As a Charleston local, I've curated a list of 17 iconic must-sees that you simply can't miss. So grab a cup of joe, put on your walking shoes, and let's explore the soulful allure of Charleston together—each spot telling a story, each story painting a picture of a city that's as resilient as it is beautiful.
1. Charleston Charm
This one you won’t have to look for—it’ll greet you the moment you arrive. Charleston’s slower pace, friendly greetings, and genuine hospitality create an atmosphere that feels both inviting and unique. The charm here is in every detail: colorful window boxes, Spanish moss-draped live oaks along cobblestone streets, lush gardens, secret alleyways, historic homes, and waterways. All of these elements combine into a distinct, tangible charm that you’ll feel from south of Market Street to the Battery.
Pause Point: Wander south of Market Street and let the ambiance guide you. Sit on a shaded bench, soak up the sounds of the city, and watch Charleston’s charm unfold around you.
2. Pineapple Fountain
Though it only joined Charleston’s landscape in 1990, the Pineapple Fountain has quickly become an iconic symbol of Southern hospitality. Nestled in Waterfront Park, the fountain draws tourists and locals alike to its tranquil setting.
Tip: You’ll find Charleston’s unique character everywhere south of Market Street, so enjoy the slower pace and let the city’s natural warmth guide your exploration.
Pause Point: Sit on a bench by a lush garden or simply take your time strolling South of Market Street to feel Charleston’s unique, unhurried rhythm.
3. Waterfront Park
This stunning redevelopment transformed Charleston’s historic wharfs that had fallen into disrepair and had remained unsued since the 1950s into an eight-acre park along the Cooper River. The park offers two paths: a sunlit route by the water and a shaded, tree-lined pathway with benches perfect for people-watching.
Tip: Sunrise, when the park is its most beautiful, covers the park in a golden glow, making it an ideal spot to start your day. Take in views of the harbor, Ravenel Bridge, and quiet morning waters. You'll find the hours after sunrise and through the day bustling and sometimes crowded.
Pause Point: Choose a bench along the shaded path, close your eyes, and listen to the soft rustle of the trees and gentle sounds of Charleston Harbor. It is also a cooling spot for a shaded lunch, reading a book or catching up with friends on hot Charleston days.
4. Charleston City Market
Dating back to the 1790s, the Charleston City Market is a historic marketplace spanning four city blocks. Originally a bustling hub for the sale of meat, seafood, and produce, it now features 20+ permanent vendors in the air-conditioned “great hall” and over 300 vendors in the open-air section. Although, it can be a bit touristy, it’s a place to find everything from sweetgrass baskets to Lowcountry souvenirs.
Tip: Visit during the Night Market (spring to fall) for a lively scene with local artisans whereby all 100 vendors are said to be local with locally-made items for sale. Stroll through the bustling market, chat with the sweetgrass weavers, and take home a piece of Charleston’s heritage.
Pause Point: Browse leisurely through each vendor’s wares, taking time to chat with the local artisans.
5. The Battery
Lined with antebellum mansions and graced with sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, The Battery is a place where history and natural beauty meet. This 1.2-mile promenade once served as a military protection and sea wall and today invites visitors to stroll, take in the sights, and enjoy Charleston’s cool coastal breeze.
Tip: Visit at sunrise for fewer crowds and soft morning light. Spot dolphins, myriad sea birds and sailboats passing by for a peaceful, iconic Charleston view. You can also spot Forts Sumter and Moultrie as well as Castle Pickney and the USS Yorktown from this location.
Pause Point: Stand by the water’s edge, close your eyes, and listen to the lapping waves—a moment of stillness that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
6. White Point Garden
At the southern tip of the Battery sits White Point Garden, a lush 5.7-acre park shaded by towering live oaks and scattered with benches, monuments, and relics. A serene spot, it’s perfect for a picnic, a shady rest with a book or simple lounging.
Tip: The longer path, from King Street through the garden to East Battery Street is a favorite stroll. Be sure to look up, you may just catch the Night Herons roosting.
Pause Point: While still a visitor to Charleston, The Battery was always my first and last stop. As a local, I walk along The Battery nearly every day. Stepping inside the park itself, underneath the live oaks is other-worldly. As you walk the path, let yourself be enveloped by the sights and sounds of nature. Listen to the birdsong and imagine the centuries of history held in each tree.
NOTE: The promeande around The Battery is tempoarily closed as the sea wall is undergoing repair and rebuilding to a new height. The area is expected to be closed until September 2025. Battery Park and the promenade on either side remains open.
7. Holy City
Charleston’s nickname, the “Holy City,” reflects its rich spiritual history and over 400 historic churches, many dating back to the 1700s. Look for the city’s famous steeples rising above the skyline, a reminder of Charleston’s religious tolerance since its founding in 1670.
Tip: Many churches welcome visitors, so take a peek inside to admire the architecture. If you’re interested in a deeper look, consider a tour focused on Charleston’s historic churches.
Pause Point: Find a quiet moment in one of these churches, admiring their stately designs and the sense of calm within. Let the serenity invite you to pause and appreciate Charleston’s reverence for history.
8. Low Country, Southern, and Coastal Food
Known for its Southern meets coastal cuisine, Charleston has a burgeoning food scene. Many area restaurants build their menus around the flavors of Charleston and the local availability of the freshest seafood, produce and farm offerings. Expect to dine in historic homes or buildings with staples like Shrimp and Grits, She Crab Soup, fresh Oysters, Shrimp, Fish and Crabs, fried Chicken, Collards, Fried Green Tomatoes, Okra, Boiled Peanuts, BBQ, Pimento Cheese, Hoppin John, or a Low Country Boil. Charleston also has no shortage of international fare with new American influences readily available.
Charleston’s burgeoning food scene combines Southern and coastal influences with a focus on fresh, local ingredients including seafood, produce and farm offerings. With historic buildings as settings, you’ll find menus brimming with Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, oysters, fish, fired chicken, collards, okra, fried green tomatoes, BBQ, hoppin john, pimento cheese and a Lowcountry Boil .
Tip: Dining in a historic home or building adds to the atmosphere. For a true taste of Charleston, try small plates with pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, oysters, or deviled eggs before savoring the main course.
Pause Point: Settle in, take a bite, and let the flavors of Charleston carry you to the heart of the Lowcountry.
Here are the 20 Best Restaurants in Downtown Charleston and 10 Places Where Locals Eat Lunch in Charleston
9. Historic Homes and Architecture
Charleston’s preservation efforts are evident in its stunning collection of historic homes and buildings. With over 2,500 historic structures—73 pre-Revolutionary War buildings, 136 more from the late 1700s and 600 additional predating the 1840s—every street offers architectural marvels.
Tip: “Behind the Doors” tours provide an in-depth look at Charleston’s iconic homes, while walking tours offer insights into the city’s preservation history and architectural details.
Pause Point: Admire each intricate gate, ironwork, and colorful facade, knowing that each detail carries a story of Charleston’s past.
Also, don't miss the Best Museums and House Tours in Charleston
10. Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row, perhaps Charleston’s most Instagrammed area, comprises 14 pastel-colored homes that date back to the 1740s. Originally merchant homes, located directly across from the wharf, they were owned and occupied by merchants who used the bottom floors as retail space and lived above. After falling into disrepair after the Civil War, Judge Lionel Legge and Dorothy Porcher Legge bought a portion of these and began restoration in 1931. It was at this time the first house was painted a pastel pink. Other owners followed suit in the 1930s and 40s as restorations were made and varying pastel colors were added to each home. Today, it is a city ordinance that the pastel colors must be maintained.
Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds. As you walk along East Bay Street, admire the unique architectural features that make each home distinctive. It is easy to pass right by them, so look for # 83 - 107 along the west side of East Bay Street between Tradd St and Elliott Street.
Pause Point: Stand beneath the vibrant facades, enjoying the blend of history and whimsy that makes Rainbow Row so beloved and appreciate the efforts of preservation.
11. Plantations
On the outskirts of town are a handful of gardens open to the public that were once plantations. Charleston area plantations and the enslaved who worked them were responsible for the wealth the city saw from Colonial days up to the Civil War. Charleston was the wealthiest city in the nation at one time due to its exports of rice, indigo and sea island cotton. Today, these vast lands offer visitors an opportunity to walk the restored gardens with towering live oaks, formal and romantic gardens with plants and trees predating the 1600s, and to tour the remaining historic homes and structures. You will learn about life of the wealthy owners as well as the enslaved.
Tip: Middleton Place, Magnolia Gardens and Drayton Hall sit in succession to each other along the Ashley River about 20 minutes outside of downtown. They are well worth the trip. Expect an hour at minimum in each location (one could easily spend an entire afternoon at each).
Pause Point: Walk along a garden path, letting the sights and sounds of history transport you to Charleston’s storied past.
Don't miss these Best Plantations & Gardens in Charleston
12. Live Oak Trees & Hidden Gardens
Charleston’s live oaks and hidden gardens offer beauty in every season. Spanish moss hangs like lace from tree branches, and private gardens tucked behind gates add a sense of mystery to the city streets.
Tip: Peek beyond iron gates as you wander; Charleston’s private gardens are lovingly tended and give a glimpse into local life. (Just remember, these are people’s homes so please be respectful)
Pause Point: Stand beneath the live oaks, imagining the generations that have passed through
Charleston’s lush streets.
Make note of these top streets to explore in Charleston
13. Sweetgrass Baskets
Sweetgrass baskets, first crafted by enslaved Africans brought to the Colonies in the 17th century, were once essential tools in the rice fields. Today, this time-honored craft lives on through the Gullah descendants, who weave these baskets from native Lowcountry grasses, preserving a tradition deeply rooted in their heritage. No longer just utilitarian, these intricate creations have evolved into cherished works of art, celebrated for their beauty and cultural significance.
Tip: You will see artisans on the street oand inside City Market. Stop to talk with a sweetgrass artisan. Each basket is unique, and hearing their story will add meaning to any keepsake you take home.
Pause Point: Admire the care in each weave, knowing that each basket is a piece of Charleston’s heritage.
14. Ravenel Bridge
A relative newcomer to Charleston’s skyline, the Ravenel Bridge has quickly earned its place as an iconic landmark. Opened in 2005, this architectural marvel stretches 1,546 feet across the Cooper River, linking downtown Charleston to Mt. Pleasant and onward to the beaches of Sullivan's Island. As the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere, it offers an experience as impressive as its dimensions. Walkers and cyclists enjoy an entire lane dedicated to taking in sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor, while the bridge itself can be admired from many vantage points across the city, perfect for capturing a breathtaking sunrise or sunset.
Tip: For stunning harbor views, take a sunset stroll along the bridge’s pathway—keep an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife along the way.
Pause Point: Midway across, pause to soak in the panorama as Charleston’s lights begin to twinkle against the evening horizon.
15. Revolutionary & Civil War Sites
Charleston stands as a cornerstone of American history, with its streets, monuments, and landmarks echoing pivotal moments from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Throughout the city, historic buildings, statues, and homes hold stories of a bygone era. White Point Garden at The Battery is especially rich with monuments, and many sites are marked by placards sharing their significance. A guided tour—whether on foot or by carriage—unveils key landmarks, while dedicated visits to places like the Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the USS Yorktown offer deeper immersion. The Charleston Museum adds to the experience with extensive exhibits covering the city’s history from its colonial roots through the Civil War and beyond.
For a thorough exploration, consider planning visits to key sites outside the peninsula, such as Fort Moultrie and the USS Yorktown. Depending on your interest and time, Charleston’s historic offerings could easily fill a day or even an entire trip.
Tip: A guided tour is a great way to cover the essentials, with Fort Sumter providing a powerful glimpse into Civil War history.
Pause Point: Take a moment to stand still on these historic grounds, letting Charleston’s profound role in the nation’s story resonate around you.
16. Beaches
Charleston is graced with an array of beautiful beaches, each offering a unique vibe and experience. The most popular spots, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island Beach, are all within easy reach from the city. Folly Beach, with its classic beach-town atmosphere, invites visitors to enjoy surf shops, beach bars, and its iconic pier that stretches 1,049 feet over the Atlantic, perfect for fishing or simply soaking in the view. Isle of Palms combines family-friendly amenities with lively beachgoers, offering an active, social scene along with pristine sands.
For those seeking a quieter escape, Sullivan’s Island Beach is a serene retreat. Less crowded than the others, it allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature, with stretches of soft sand and peaceful shoreline views. It’s a place where time slows, offering moments of solitude and reflection amid the gentle sounds of the sea.
Tip: For a laid-back, quieter beach day, head to Sullivan’s Island for a serene experience. For a more vibrant, beach-town feel, Folly Beach is the perfect choice.
Pause Point: Stand at the edge of the shore, feeling the salt breeze, and take in the expanse of the Atlantic. Let the rhythm of the waves ground you, a reminder of Charleston’s timeless coastal charm.
17. Rivers and Marshland
Shem Creek, just across the Ravenel Bridge, is a vibrant hub known as the heart of Charleston’s fishing and shrimping industry. Its picturesque 3,000-foot boardwalks offer scenic strolls along the water, flanked by restaurants and local vendors offering the day’s catch. As the starting point for an array of water adventures, from creek and marsh explorations to island tours, Shem Creek is a perfect choice for those eager to dive into Charleston’s natural beauty. This charming waterfront is also one of the city’s top spots to catch the sunset, with expansive views over the harbor and marshlands that often include sightings of dolphins and herons gracefully navigating the water.
Tip: If time allows, consider adding a water excursion to your itinerary; even a simple sunset walk along the boardwalk or a relaxed dinner by the water can be an unforgettable way to experience Shem Creek’s charm.
Pause Point: Pause along the boardwalk, watching the sun dip below the horizon and casting golden hues over the creek and Ravenel bridge in the distance. Let the quiet beauty of the harbor and the gentle sounds of nature bring a moment of calm and connection.
Bonus:
Did you know Charleston Boasts Several Firsts for the US: first public college, museum, playhouse and golf club.
Must-Sees in Charleston SC: Wrapping Up Your Adventure
As the sun dips below the palmetto-lined horizon, it’s clear that the must-sees in Charleston SC have etched vibrant memories sure to last a lifetime. Whether you've wandered the cobblestone streets, indulged in the culinary delights, or felt the sea spray from a walk along The Battery, the spirit of Charleston isn't just found in its landmarks—it's woven through the experiences that pulse with life. As you pack your bags, tuck away those snapshots of serene beach walks, bustling market scenes, and the echo of history that dances through the air. Charleston isn't simply a destination; it's a feeling, an adventure, and a history lesson all rolled into one—and it beckons you to take a piece with you.
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