From Kiawah Island to Historic Charleston, You Don’t Want to Miss These Incredible Attractions
History, architecture, cultural charm, and outdoor recreation (Link to Activities Page) are just some of the reasons people come to the South Carolina Lowcountry. Then, of course, there are the incredible restaurants (Link to Dining Page). One of the hardest things about having all of these options is deciding where to begin! Let us help you with our curated list of the best Charleston area attractions. Our premium Kiawah Island vacation rentals are convenient to all of the activities on the island, and we’re just a 30-minute ride from downtown Charleston.
Art Galleries & Museums
- Anglin Smith Fine Art
- Charleston Gallery Association
- City Gallery at Waterfront Park
- Corrigan Gallery
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- Grand Bohemian Art Gallery
- Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at The College of Charleston
- Jim Booth Gallery (Johns Island)
- Lowcountry Artists
- Marty Whaley Adams Fine Art
- Redux Contemporary Art Center
- Robert Lange Studios
- Spencer Art Gallery
- The Charleston Museum
- Wells Gallery (Kiawah Island)
Boat Tours
- Adventure Harbor Tours
- Captain Jack’s Kiawah Sailing and Dolphin Watching (Kiawah Island)
- Charleston Harbor Tours
- Fort Sumter Tours
- Sandlapper Tours
- Schooner Pride
- Spiritline Cruises
- Tidal Trails (Kiawah Island)
Carriage Tours
Dining
View our Dining page for recommendations in Charleston, Kiawah, and more!
Food and Drink Tours
- Charleston Food Tours
- Charleston Culinary Tours
- Chow Down Charleston Food Tours
- Crafted Charleston Winery & Distillery Tours
- Deep Water Vineyard (Johns Island)
Museums
- Charleston Museum
- Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
- Confederate Museum
- Edmondston-Alston House
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- Joseph Manigault House
- Museum Mile for more information about area museums
- Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- Powder Magazine
- South Carolina Historical Society
Parks
- Angel Oak (Johns Island)
- Beachwalker County Park (Kiawah Island)
- Heron Park Nature Center (Kiawah Island)
- Night Heron Park (Kiawah Island)
- Johns Island County Park (Johns Island)
- Downtown Charleston Waterfront Park
- James Island County Park
Plantations
- Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
- Charleston Tea Plantation (Johns Island)
- Drayton Hall
- McLeod Plantation Historic Site
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Middleton Place
Shopping
Whether you want to window shop or are on a mission to buy, King Street in downtown Charleston is a sought-after destination. Explore the King Street Fashion District as well as the King Street Antiques District. Be sure to stop for a bite to eat to refuel along the way. You can also visit a few of the city’s top shops.
- Ben Silver
- Berlins for Women
- Croghan’s Jewel Box
- Hampden Clothing
- Market Shop of Historic Charleston Foundation
- Dumas & Sons
- Shops at Belmond Place
- Spartina 449
- Worthwhile
Shopping on Kiawah Island is an experience, too! Whether you left home without a few essentials from your wardrobe, or you’re just in the mood for a little retail therapy, Freshfields Village has everything you need. Options range from fine jewelry and clothing to toys and unique finds. Browse the Freshfields Village Shopping Directory for a full list of shops.
Walking Tours
- Charleston Strolls
- Haunted Jail Tour
- Bulldog Tours
- Guided Nature Tours (Kiawah Island)
- Old South Walking Tours
- Charleston Pirate Tours
- Candlelight Ghost Tours
- Charleston Tea Party Walking Tour
Charleston Area Events & Entertainment
Ongoing Events
January/February
- Charleston Restaurant Week
- Lowcountry Oyster Festival
- Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
- Charleston Wine + Food Festival
March/April
- Charleston Fashion Week
- Cooper River Bridge Run
- Festival of Houses and Gardens
- Volvo Car Open Tennis Tournament
May
July/August
July 4th Celebrations
Rockville Regatta at Bohicket Marina
September
November/December
- Charleston International Film Festival
- James Island County Park Festival of Lights
- Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon
Kiawah Island Events & Entertainment
In addition to the following events and festivals, there are a number of performances that come to local venues on and off the island. See comedians, concerts, musicals, ballets and more throughout the year. Visit the Town of Kiawah Island’s website for up-to-date information. You can also check the Freshfields Village Events Calendar for seasonal entertainment.
Spring
- Blues by the Sea
- Easter Festival at Night Heron Park
- Kiawah Kids Triathlon
- Spring Festival at Freshfields Village
Summer
- Piccolo & Spoleto Performances on Kiawah
- Farmers Market at Freshfields Village
- Kick It at Bohicket Marina
- Music on the Green
- Starlight Cinema
Fall
Fall Festival at Freshfields Village
Holiday Festival at Freshfields Village
Winter
Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon