Charleston is one of the top travel destinations in the U.S. and we invite you to take full advantage of your time in the Lowcountry and experience all of the unique flavors and sights Charleston has to offer.
Historical Sights

Patriots Point, on the Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, SC, is the home of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, including the World War II aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN, which is the centerpiece of the museum. Today, the Naval and Maritime Museum strives to preserve the living history of our nation's bravest men and women while telling their stories in honorable, educational and engaging ways.
https://www.patriotspoint.org

Fort Sumter National Monument incorporates several sites around Charleston Harbor, which tell the unique stories of the people and places that shaped the United States of America. Confederate forces fired the first shots of the Civil War upon Federal troops at Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. on April 12, 1861. The roots of that conflict are buried deep within the stories of the development of the United States. Fort Sumter would continue to serve as the focal point in Charleston throughout the Civil War. From self-guiding to ranger-led tours, opportunities to learn about Fort Sumter are available for visitors of all ages!
fortsumtertours.com/

Completed in 1771 by South Carolina's provincial government, The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is South Carolina's most historic building and is regarded as one of the three most historically significant buildings of colonial America. In 1913, the building was granted to the Daughters of the American Revolution, who have preserved it ever since. Today, there is documentation of at least 120 prisoners that were held in the Exchange, but there were many more whose identities could not be discovered. 

www.oldexchange.org

Shopping and Recreation

As one of the nation's oldest public markets, the historic Charleston City Market plays a leading role in the preservation time-treasured customs and vibrant American history. Being the cultural heart of the Holy City, it's surrounding neighborhood is filled with fabulous hotels, restaurants, walking and carriage tours, and specialty shops.
www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com

Located in Marion Square in the heart of Historic District in Downtown Charleston, the Charleston Farmers Market is open each Saturday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Charleston Farmers Market is dedicated to the support and advocacy of Lowcountry farmers, growers, prepared/packaged food, artisans, crafters, live performers and community groups of all kinds. They offer a variety of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and an assortment of arts and crafts from local artisans.  
www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com

If you have some extra time make sure to swing by Lindsay's favorite candle shop, Candlefish, which is conveniently located on King Street. With their signature Library and Workshops, Candlefish is a great place for scent exploration, finding inspiration, and learning the art of candle-making. Lindsay's personal favorite is scent #60.

www.candlefish.com

At the South Carolina Aquarium, you'll explore exhibits such as the Touch Tank, the expansive Saltmarsh, the Blackwater Swamp and the 385,000 gallon Great Ocean Tank. You'll feel as if you're thousands of miles away when you visit the Madagascar Journey experience. Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look in the Sea Turtle Hospital, and be sure to check out the daily educational programs with animal feedings and dive shows.
www.scaquarium.org

Coastal South Carolina has been a golf lover’s destination for decades. Extend the weekend and you just might be able to take advantage of one of the many local courses - Patriot's Point, Wild Dunes, and Kiawah Island Golf Resort are some of the most distinct ones.
https://www.charlestongolfguide.com/courses/

Palmetto Carriage Works is the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston with some of the most experienced personnel in the Charleston carriage industry. Family owned and operated company since 1972, PCW has fine-tuned every aspect of a carriage ride experience while providing authentic and historically rich carriage tours. The animals are specifically trained and well equipped to handle carriage tours in the city and PCW prides themselves on the quality of care given to working animals. With over 40 horses and mules at the barn downtown and at their farm on John’s Island, Palmetto Carriage Works has an excellent animal care record and takes pride in the services provided to the animals. https://palmettocarriage.com/
Eat and Drink!

The crown jewel in a city known for its steepled skyline and sea-skimming views, The Dewberry’s 8th floor terrace features the highest rooftop in Charleston. Home to this top-rated hotel’s whimsical rooftop lounge, Citrus Club features citrus-inspired cocktails and fresh lite bites.

The Pavilion Bar is a sophisticated and stylish rooftop oasis with views of historic Charleston, a cascading pool, signature cocktails, eclectic cuisine offerings. Perched on top of the Market Pavilion Hotel, this swanky rooftop bar overlooks the Historic City Market and all the humdrum of East Bay Street.

Husk, centrally located in historic downtown Charleston, transforms the essence of Southern food by reinterpreting the bounty of the surrounding area and redefining what it means to cook and eat in Charleston . Led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock, Husk's number one rule is "If it doesn't come from the South, it's not coming through the door". Be sure to book your table well in advance!

Laid-back, eclectic and unpretentious, FIG is one part retro diner, one part neighborhood café, and one part elegant bistro.With two James Beard Award winning Chefs, FIG has been consistently voted "Best Restaurant in Charleston" by Charleston City Paper. It's food, philosophy, and contributions to the Charleston community have earned recognition on both the local and national platforms.

Located in the heart of Charleston's upper King Street district, Republic Garden & Lounge is a modern venue setting the Gold Standard in hospitality through great drinks, luxurious surroundings and exceptional personalized service. With sophisticated cocktails, weekend live music, and a refined and spacious outdoor patio, this is a great spot whether you’re stopping in for pre- dinner drinks or hitting up the late night scene.

Cru Cafe, located in a charming, old yellow house with a patio, is ranked as one of Charleston's top eateries, has been offering up a delicious gourmet twist to comfort food for more than two decades. Alongside it's older sister, the award-winning catering division Cru Catering, Cru Cafe is one of Charleston's most delicious hidden gems and receives accolades and write-ups yearly. With an intimate dining room, Cru books up fast, so make your reservations in advance. Ask to be seated at the Chef's Table for some added to fun!

Magnolias ignited a culinary renaissance when it opened in 1990 and paved the way for countless other restaurants across the South. Today Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with modern flair for artful presentations. The soul of the South meets the spark of innovation!

Tucked back off of East Bay Street, you’ll find no shortage of booze here. The Gin Joint offers balanced cocktails alongside defiant bar food. Pick from their seasonal drink menu or if you’re feeling lucky, take a gamble on the Bartender’s Choice.    

Founded in 2005 with the goal of making the tender, buttery, made-by-hand biscuits of her mother accessible across the country, Carrie Morey and her small team of bakers are keeping the tradition of Southern biscuit making alive. Touted by Saveur, Food & Wine, Southern Living, The New York Times and Oprah, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is the perfect way to start your day
Parks and Gardens

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, selected as one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family. Having survived centuries of history, Magnolia is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America. Cooperating with nature to create a tranquil and harmonious landscape, the plantation opened its doors in 1870 to allow visitors to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.

Centrally located near The City Market, Riley Waterfront Park is one of the peninsula's most visited parks. With old-fashioned park benches dotting the park, walkways ideal for leisurely strolling, family-sized swings, numerous spots for picnics and sunning, and spectacular views of the Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park is a fun way to spend a relaxing afternoon together. Did we mention that this park is also home to the infamous “Pineapple Fountain"

Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens. The Garden Club of America has called the 65 acres “the most important and most interesting garden in America”. Centuries-old camellias bloom in the winter months and accent the magnificent landscape. The Gardens have been planned so that there is something blooming year-round. Get lost in the maze of secret gardens, visit the goats, hogs and buffalo, explore the House Museum, or take a guided tour through the allées, pools, canals, and gardens.

Boone Hall is one of America's oldest plantations. Founded in 1681 the plantation changed ownership in 1955 and has since been continuously growing and producing crops as well as making improvements to the house and grounds so that visitors can experience what plantation life was like.  Once known for cotton and pecans, Boone Hall still actively produces strawberries, tomatoes, and pumpkins, as well as many other fruits and vegetables for visitors to enjoy. 

Visitors to the historic landmark of White Point Gardens, also known as Battery Park, will find an impressive display of mortars and cannons from the Civil War. And be sure to check out the beautiful gazebo in the middle of the park where countless I Do's have been said. If you don't have time to walk, we highly recommend a leisurely drive to view the impressive mansions, architecture, and glorious live oak trees.