South Carolina Things to Do

Adventure Sightseeing Tours features city tours and plantation tours, as well as all-day tours that combine popular attractions.

The Charleston city tour takes in historic sites - Rainbow Row*, Catfish Row*, the waterfront and The Battery* (park) with views of Fort Sumter*, City Market*, the Old Slave Mart*, Citadel Military College, homes, gardens and churches, plus other points of interest.... More

Adventure Sightseeing Tours features city tours and plantation tours, as well as all-day tours that combine popular attractions.

The Charleston city tour takes in historic sites - Rainbow Row*, Catfish Row*, the waterfront and The Battery* (park) with views of Fort Sumter*, City Market*, the Old Slave Mart*, Citadel Military College, homes, gardens and churches, plus other points of interest.

The Joseph Manigault* home represents the lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family and features fine antiques and decorative arts.

The Palmer House is the picturesque pink house overlooking Charleston Harbor.

Magnolia Plantation*, one of the oldest in the area, features a house tour and a tram ride through the Audubon swamp and past former rice fields. Walk through the garden to see uniquely southern plants.

Fort Sumter* is the site of the first battle that began the Civil War and is accessible only by boat. (*see separate listings)

Operated by the Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF), the home was built in 1818 by Governor William Aiken Jr. and his wife. The home, located in the middle of the east side of the peninsula, is noted by the HCF as being the “most intact townhouse complex showcasing urban life in antebellum Charleston.” Furnishings and decorative arts collected by the family are showcased. More

Operated by the Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF), the home was built in 1818 by Governor William Aiken Jr. and his wife. The home, located in the middle of the east side of the peninsula, is noted by the HCF as being the “most intact townhouse complex showcasing urban life in antebellum Charleston.” Furnishings and decorative arts collected by the family are showcased.

One of the youngest museums in town, it showcases authentic artifacts from U.S. military conflicts from the American Revolution to the Civil War to present.

The expansive and extensive collection of uniforms and memorabilia takes visitors back in time. All branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard are recognized. With each passing day, items are added. More

One of the youngest museums in town, it showcases authentic artifacts from U.S. military conflicts from the American Revolution to the Civil War to present.

The expansive and extensive collection of uniforms and memorabilia takes visitors back in time. All branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard are recognized. With each passing day, items are added.

Part of Charleston College, the research center collects, preserves and displays the unique historical and cultural heritage of African-Americans in Charleston and South Carolina’s Lowcountry. More

Part of Charleston College, the research center collects, preserves and displays the unique historical and cultural heritage of African-Americans in Charleston and South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

While all kayak tours are offered during the summer, others can be arranged throughout the year.

Capers Island Wildlife Exploration showcases one of the few undeveloped barrier islands in the state.

Kayaking Adventures incorporate various aspects of this registered heritage preserve - wildlife viewing, bird watching - migratory and others, a peek at what... More

While all kayak tours are offered during the summer, others can be arranged throughout the year.

Capers Island Wildlife Exploration showcases one of the few undeveloped barrier islands in the state.

Kayaking Adventures incorporate various aspects of this registered heritage preserve - wildlife viewing, bird watching - migratory and others, a peek at what lives below the surface and time on the island for exploring.

The Blue Crabbing Excursion to Capers Island is a hands-on family outing. This educational trip includes information on crabs, catching and cleaning them, before a traditional crab boil on the beach.

Led by an experienced captain, the Creek Fishing Trip takes guests into a quiet spot in the salt marsh, a site with a ready source of native fish. Bait, tackle and license are provided.

Dolphin Discovery Sunset tours highlight two favorite acts of nature - sunset watching and dolphin sightings. Learn about this popular species, along with loggerhead sea turtles that come to shore during summertime to deposit eggs. There’s time on Capers Island to do a little exploring too.

Two Charleston authors, one a descendant of early settlers and the other a paranormal investigator, lead adults-only tours of the area. The matter-of-fact tour covers a range of topics that some may consider objectionable - including prostitutes and related subjects.

The Haunted Charleston Walking Tour entwines Charleston ghost stories with an insightful discussion on paranormal activity and why and how it occurs.... More

Two Charleston authors, one a descendant of early settlers and the other a paranormal investigator, lead adults-only tours of the area. The matter-of-fact tour covers a range of topics that some may consider objectionable - including prostitutes and related subjects.

The Haunted Charleston Walking Tour entwines Charleston ghost stories with an insightful discussion on paranormal activity and why and how it occurs.

Wicked Charleston Walking Tour is a tabloid-type experience that covers the dirty little secrets of Charleston. Discover the who’s who of the dark side of town from elected officials to prostitutes to ministers (yes, ministers) to oddities.

If you thought the “Haunted” or “Wicked” tours were over the top, the Saturday Night Special will make them look tame in comparison. Fortunately it’s dark, so if you blush, no one will be able to tell.

The free walking tour covers some of the off-the-beaten path locations in the historic district - churches, mansions, homes, brothels and taverns.

Dating back to the late 1600s, Boone Hall is reputed to be one of the oldest working plantations. Crops during earlier days included cotton and pecans and currently are peaches, strawberries, tomatoes and pumpkins.

The home is situated at the end of a majestic tree-lined allée, while the grounds include formal gardens with antique roses and a butterfly pavilion, open when the weather in warm.... More

Dating back to the late 1600s, Boone Hall is reputed to be one of the oldest working plantations. Crops during earlier days included cotton and pecans and currently are peaches, strawberries, tomatoes and pumpkins.

The home is situated at the end of a majestic tree-lined allée, while the grounds include formal gardens with antique roses and a butterfly pavilion, open when the weather in warm.

A number of tours are offered - house, garden, plantation tram and slave street and history, plus a production that highlights the Gullah and southern cultures.

From the dark side to the cemetery and points in between, Bulldog Tour guides the way.

During the Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour hear eerie and chilling stories about the city - ghosts, haunted houses and a touch of voodoo, visit cemeteries and churches, as well as the dungeon.

The Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour presents the unsavory side of... More

From the dark side to the cemetery and points in between, Bulldog Tour guides the way.

During the Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour hear eerie and chilling stories about the city - ghosts, haunted houses and a touch of voodoo, visit cemeteries and churches, as well as the dungeon.

The Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour presents the unsavory side of life in the port city - the things that most communities would prefer be swept under the rug. Listen closely as this tour covers all the juicy gossip about scandal, corruption, scoundrels, affairs of the heart and evildoers, plus painted ladies. Recommended for adults only.

The Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Walking Tour spotlights dearly departed souls who are now buried, some resting peacefully, at local cemeteries. See firsthand the graves and learn about former members of the community.

The Haunted Jail Tour features the jail used from the 1800s to the 1930s. It housed pirates, prisoners of war and criminals. Don’t be surprised to hear chains rattling near those who died here, but never moved on.

For daytime tours, consider Charleston Strolls*, historic walking tours. (*see separate listing)

Known as Catfish Row in Charleston’s DuBose Heyward’s novel “Porgy” and later the opera “Porgy and Bess.” This area was situated not far from DuBose Heyward’s home at 76 Church Street and where namesake vegetables were placed on the windowsills and sold by African Americans.

Not to be confused with Rainbow Row* located at 79-107 E. Bay St. (*see separate listing) More

Known as Catfish Row in Charleston’s DuBose Heyward’s novel “Porgy” and later the opera “Porgy and Bess.” This area was situated not far from DuBose Heyward’s home at 76 Church Street and where namesake vegetables were placed on the windowsills and sold by African Americans.

Not to be confused with Rainbow Row* located at 79-107 E. Bay St. (*see separate listing)

At 24,000-square feet, the 1876 home with 35 rooms is the largest single residence in Charleston. It was built by a wealthy businessman hoping to do his part in reviving the city following the Civil War.

A regular tour of the home is offered, as well as a grand tour that includes the cupola. The home is filled with an outstanding collection of decorative arts objects. Before or after the tour, guests are invited to explore the garden. More

At 24,000-square feet, the 1876 home with 35 rooms is the largest single residence in Charleston. It was built by a wealthy businessman hoping to do his part in reviving the city following the Civil War.

A regular tour of the home is offered, as well as a grand tour that includes the cupola. The home is filled with an outstanding collection of decorative arts objects. Before or after the tour, guests are invited to explore the garden.