Charleston, SC Attractions:
Things To Do In The Lowcountry
From Kiawah Island to Historic Charleston, the South Carolina Lowcountry is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling cobblestone streets, exploring gardens, or cruising the harbor, Charleston SC attractions offer something for every traveler. With Charleston just about a 45-minute drive from Kiawah, it’s easy to pair a beach getaway with a day in the city. Below is a curated guide to some of the best attractions in Charleston and surrounding areas.
ART GALLERIES
Charleston is home to a thriving art scene, featuring regional collections and historic pieces:
Anglin Smith Fine Art
Regional paintings and fine art for collectors.
Charleston Artist Guild
Showcases works from local artists in multiple mediums.
City Gallery at Waterfront Park
Rotating exhibits featuring Charleston-based creatives.
Gibbes Museum of Art
Southern-inspired collections, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Innovative contemporary art programs at the College of Charleston.
Redux Contemporary Art Center
Cutting-edge exhibits showcasing local and regional artists.
Robert Lange Studios
Original artwork and custom pieces by renowned local artists.
BEACHES
Pair your Charleston sightseeing with relaxing Lowcountry beach days:
Kiawah Island
Upscale, private, resort-style island with pristine shoreline.
Seabrook Island
Quiet, gated community offering peaceful beaches and plenty of amenities.
Folly Beach
A classic surf town with a laid-back, energetic vibe.
Sullivan’s Island
Uncrowded, residential charm with historic landmarks and scenic views.
Isle of Palms
Family-friendly beaches with soft sands, calm waters, and a popular pier.
Wild Dunes
Private gated community featuring resort-style amenities.
Pro tip: Book a vacation rental with us on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island or Isle of Palms to enjoy easy access to both beaches and Charleston SC attractions!
BOAT TOURS & HARBOR CRUISES
Seeing Charleston from the water is a must. Cruises offer history, wildlife, and scenic views:
Captain Jack’s Kiawah Sailing & Dolphin Watching
Fun sailing excursions with dolphin sightings.
Charleston Harbor Tours
Guided sightseeing cruises with views of Fort Sumter and the waterfront.
Fort Sumter Tours
Visit the historic fort where the Civil War began.
Sandlapper Tours
Private charters for sightseeing or fishing adventures.
Spiritline Cruises
Relaxing sunset and lunch cruises along Charleston Harbor.
CARRIAGE TOURS
Charleston’s historic streets are perfect for guided carriage explorations:
Charleston Carriage Works
Traditional tours featuring Charleston’s iconic architecture.
Old South Carriage Company
Horse-drawn tours through the historic district.
Palmetto Carriage Works
Private and group carriage tours.
DINING & RESTAURANTS
The Lowcountry is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from upscale seafood to casual coastal bites. Whether you’re on the islands or in Charleston, there’s a flavor for every palate.
Kiawah Island
Explore oceanfront dining and casual eateries while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic.
Seabrook Island
Savor fresh seafood, Southern-inspired cuisine, and relaxed island dining.
Charleston
From historic downtown eateries to trendy hotspots, Charleston’s culinary scene is unmatched.
FOOD & DRINKING EXPERIENCES
Food is a central part of the Charleston experience, from seafood shacks to upscale restaurants:
Charleston Culinary Tours
Food tastings, history, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Charleston Food Tours
Taste your way through historic districts.
Crafted Charleston Winery & Distillery Tours
Local wines and spirits with tasting experiences.
Deep Water Vineyard
Family-owned winery on Johns Island.
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
Step back in time at Charleston’s diverse museums and historic homes:
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
Interactive exhibits for young explorers.
Edmondston-Alston House
Waterfront historic home with guided tours at Middleton Place.
Joseph Manigault House
Federal-style mansion highlighting Charleston’s elite lifestyle.
Museum Mile
Map with more information about area museums.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Learn about Charleston’s colonial and Revolutionary War history.
Old Slave Mart Museum
Insightful exhibits on the city’s complex history.
Powder Magazine
One of the oldest surviving public buildings in Charleston.
South Carolina Historical Society Museum
Interactive exhibits on the people, places, and movements.
The Charleston Museum
America’s first museum, showcasing regional history and culture.
PARKS, GARDENS & MORE
Enjoy Charleston’s lush outdoor spaces, from iconic trees to historic gardens:
Angel Oak
A 400+ year-old live oak tree on Johns Island.
Beachwalker County Park
Public access to Kiawah Island’s pristine beach.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Lush gardens with historic insight.
Charleston Tea Garden
Learn about tea production and enjoy tastings.
Drayton Hall
Preserved plantation house offering tours and history.
Downtown Charleston Waterfront Park
Fountains, shaded walkways, and harbor views.
James Island County Park
Recreation, trails, and family-friendly activities.
Johns Island County Park
Walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Historic gardens and romantic landscapes.
Middleton Place
America’s oldest landscaped plantation.
SHOPPING
Charleston offers unique shopping experiences for souvenirs, antiques, and fashion.
Ben Silver
Classic menswear and accessories.
Croghan’s Jewel Box
Fine jewelry and custom designs.
Freshfields Village
Shops, boutiques, and restaurants on Kiawah Island.
Hampden Clothing
Stylish apparel for men and women.
Market Shop of Historic Charleston Foundation
Souvenirs, crafts, and unique gifts in the historic city market.
Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Shopping, dining, and entertainment in Mount Pleasant.
Shops at Charleston Place
Upscale boutiques and specialty stores near downtown.
WALKING TOURS
Experience the Lowcountry with themed and historic tours.
Bulldog Tours
Small-group walking tours exploring hidden gems.
Ghost Tours
Evening strolls sharing stories of Charleston’s haunted past.
Charleston Pirate Tours
Fun, family-friendly walking adventures with a swashbuckling twist.
Haunted Jail Tour
Discover Charleston’s historic jails and ghost stories.
Ready To Experience Charleston?
Staying at the beach doesn’t mean leaving Charleston’s history, culture, or incredible dining behind. Just a short drive from Kiawah, Seabrook, or Isle of Palms, Charleston offers the perfect balance of coastal relaxation and city adventure. After a morning on the sand or a round of golf along the Lowcountry’s finest courses, spend your afternoons wandering historic streets, sampling local cuisine, or discovering galleries and boutiques tucked into charming neighborhoods.
The city invites guests to embrace the richer tempo of life, where every corner holds a story and every meal is a celebration of place. From the majesty of antebellum architecture to the playful sounds of downtown, from the aroma of fresh Lowcountry cuisine to the vibrant pulse of festivals and music, Charleston embraces exploration and always leaves a lasting impression.
No matter if you’re planning a day trip from the islands or an extended stay, Charleston is ready to elevate your next Lowcountry getaway with experiences that linger long after you leave. Its blend of heritage, culture, and coastal leisure makes it the ultimate destination for anyone dreaming of an authentic taste of the South’s charm.