Charleston: mossy oaks sprawling next to flooded rice fields; cobblestone streets lined with colorful row houses; the waves of Charleston Harbor splashing against the Battery; and that irresistible feeling that time has stopped around you.
Only a few places in the U.S. have the roots and character to replicate Charleston’s powerful nostalgic vibes. And with so much charm and beauty, it’s no wonder that this historic city frequently tops the lists of best places to visit in America.
I firmly believe everyone should make a point to visit this gorgeous place at least once in their life. Personally, I hope to be back again soon to discover even more of the historical gems hidden in the city! So it’s back on my bucket list, and I hope it’ll be on yours as well!
For now, I have a list of essential activities that no trip to Charleston is complete without! Be sure to save this somewhere to reference when you start planning your adventure here!
No Trip to Charleston is Complete Without…
Gawking at the Angel Oak
Of all the beautiful oak trees in the South, the Angel Oak is the most iconic. This 500-year-old beauty is one of the largest live oaks in existence, with a trunk 28 feet around and branches reaching over 180 feet long!
Even if you didn’t know the Angel Oak by name, you’ve probably seen it in pictures because it is truly is a symbol of Charleston and the South. It has survived time, hurricanes, and its own sheer size to become this mesmerizing natural giant.
Be sure to stop by the Angel Oak yourself at the Angel Oak Park on Johns Island, just a few miles outside of Charleston.
Snapping a Photo at Rainbow Row
Another of Charleston’s most well-known attractions is the colorful street known as Rainbow Row. Formally known as E. Bay Street, this long line of brightly painted row houses has created a fun and visually pleasing backdrop for many Charleston snapshots.
However, this adorable street was not always so nice–in fact, it used to be a slummy part of town! Thankfully, in the early 1900s, several people started to buy up the houses on this street, fixing them up and painting them in the popular colonial Caribbean style. Voila–Rainbow Row was born!
Exploring Charleston’s French Quarter
Charleston’s French Quarter will take you straight back to the roots of the city. Located in the area that was originally the walled city of Charles Town, the French Quarter has buildings that date back to the late 1600s and early 1700s!
It’s not surprising then that this area holds the most potent examples of old-world charm: cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, ornate wrought-iron decorations, and row houses in all shapes and sizes.
Some of my personal favorite stops include The Pink House, the Charleston City Market, and the Dock Street Theatre. If you want to download a free walking tour guide, be sure to check out this one I made after we visited with all the best stops!
Splashing in the Pineapple Fountain
Another of Charleston’s popular icons is the Pineapple Fountain, located in the Joe Wiley Waterfront Park. I highly recommend setting aside time to stroll through this peaceful setting entirely. However, if you only have a little time, be sure to check out this fun and unique fountain.
The pineapple is often used as a symbol of Charleston, but it also represents hospitality. And there are few things more welcoming than a giant quirky pineapple where everyone (adults included) is invited to cool off from the hot southern sun! That’s right–the Pineapple Fountain is legally open for splashing and wading, so why not try it out?
Strolling Along the Battery
Charleston’s waterfront Battery is another well-loved location that you won’t want to miss. This military seawall runs right along the Charleston waterfront and past some of Charleston’s most beautiful historic homes. The wide wall creates a perfect sidewalk where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the harbor’s peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views.
The Battery loops around the lovely White Point Garden, which has great views of Fort Sumter, a gazebo, and several Civil War cannons. It also passes right by the Roper House, an impressive historic home that offers tours in non-COVID times.
If you have the time and energy, try to visit during sunrise or sunset to see some colorful skies over the harbor’s choppy waters.
Visiting Middleton Place
If you really want to embrace Charleston’s historic culture and beauty, you have to spend a day at Middleton Place.
Located about 20 minutes outside of town, the Middleton Place plantation is a wonderland of giant oaks, curated French gardens, wildlife, and history.
The house museum, stables, and other outbuildings are full of fascinating information about the Middleton family, many of whom were prominent political figures in American society. The plantation also does an incredible job sharing the story and struggles of the estate’s enslaved population, which, sadly, was a significant problem across all of Charleston in the early days.
However, outside, the plantation is a place of pure beauty, and you’ll want to set aside several hours to explore. The gardens here are the oldest landscaped gardens in America and are styled after the ones at Versailles. The Middleton Oak in the Sundial Garden is another colossal oak that’s several hundred years old. There are also several lovely lakes and a flooded rice paddy, where you should be sure to keep an eye out for ibises, herons, crocodiles, and more!
Trying Some Local Delicacies
You can find plenty of chain restaurants within the city limits, but why would you want to when Charleston is full of unique local restaurants? A quick Google search will bring up dozens of yummy possibilities, and I highly encourage you to try them out!
After our visit, I definitely recommend stopping by Indaco for some polpette and wood-fired pizza (or many other delicious Italian choices) in a rustic yet refined atmosphere.
For dessert, the adorable Belgian Gelato café right by the Joe Wiley Waterfront Park has a wide selection of tasty gelato flavors you’ll want to enjoy multiple times!
Are you ready to visit Charleston yet? One of my favorite parts about this fascinating city was how much of it reminded me of Europe. With so many old-world elements, it’s effortless to forget that you’re still in America while you’re exploring places like Middleton Plantation and the French Quarter. So if you’re getting a little antsy without international travel, Charleston, South Carolina, might be the perfect place to curb some of that wanderlust!
Oh, and did I mention that most of these activities are 100% free? Except for admission to Middleton Place and buying food, you can do all of these iconic activities without paying a cent! Yay for budget-friendly adventures!
As always, thanks for stopping by the Mandala Traveler and exploring the world through my eyes! I do hope you’ll get to visit Charleston soon and experience its wonderful atmosphere for yourself.
In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to the blog and follow me on social media to learn about more amazing adventures around the world!
Sign Up for Updates from Carried Away Travels
Feel free to drop questions and/or comments below before you leave, and I hope you’ll be back next week!
Happy travels!
Ready for More? Check Out These Recent Posts!
- Discover the Magic of Virginia’s Luray Caverns!
- Everything You Need To Pack For A Week In Iceland
- How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin & Northern Ireland
- 11 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Iceland
- My Top 12 Travel Tools For Saving Time & Money
- Dublin Exploration Hack: Big Bus Tours
Make Vacation Planning Easier
Download my Vacation Planner or Travel Blogger’s Planner today!
Charleston is one of my all-time favorite cities, so I had to check out this post. I’ve been there several times but somehow hadn’t heard of Middleton Place. I will be sure to visit on my next trip. Fabulous photos, by the way.
It’s one of my favorites, too! I’m glad I could share something new, and I hope you get to visit again, soon! Thanks so much!
Charleston has been on my list for a while. It looks so charming. I will definitely reference your article when I make the trip!
I hope you get to visit soon! It’s unforgettable!
I am obsessed with oak trees! I need to visit Charleston!
You will definitely see plenty! There are several ancient oaks in the area that are worth visiting!
This city looks amazing! I have never been, but have always wanted to visit. Maybe I will talk my husband into treating me to a birthday trip here. Thanks for all the great ideas!
It’s incredible and makes perfect for a couples’ trip, too! Thanks for reading!
I haven’t been to Charleston but it’s been on my list, as I have friends who live nearby. What a beautiful city, I can’t wait to visit.
Hopefully you get the chance to soon! It’s incredible!
Charleston is one of my favorite places to visit. The only problem is that I’m never there long enough. I need to remedy that before too long! These are all great Charleston landmarks that people should definitely see!
Charleston is a beautiful town! Thanks for this great guide to the city!