Things to Do in Charleston
In a nutshell, the Charleston must-sees can be broken down into its stunning architecture, historical sites and the Charleston City Market. Stroll along the Battery, a landmark promenade that stretches along the city's southern tip where you'll find antebellum mansions overlooking Charleston Harbor. In the lower peninsula, architecture lovers admire centuries-old buildings such as Rainbow Row and the Nathaniel Russell House, one of the city's most popular house-museums. One of the most recognizable sites is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America.
Step back in time at Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began when Confederate artillery opened fire on this federal fort. Afterward, experience three remarkable vessels and 28 historic aircraft at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The Middleton Place is America's oldest landscaped gardens, featuring House Museum collection and an inside look at 18th century agriculture and African-American history. If you're visiting with kids, check out the South Carolina Aquarium, which has a new Madagascar Journey exhibit featuring ring-tailed lemurs.
The Charleston City Market is the city's No. 1 most-visited attraction. Shopaholics can search through locally crafted goods, which range from paintings to white grits to sweetgrass baskets.