Whether you’re chasing history or Deep South sunshine, Charleston is a coastal town with a lively soul. Known as the birthplace of the 1920s Charleston dance, this swinging city oozes class and picturesque surprises.
Historic Charleston
This hot, coastal city is the oldest in the state, with a wealth of history dating back to colonial times. This makes Charleston a fascinating place to see forts, markets and architecture dating back centuries.
Rainbow Row on East Bay Street is one of the more iconic sights in central Charleston, showcasing colourful architecture from the early 18th century. In fact, the city is packed with artistic buildings, from the early Colonial-style design of the Old Exchange Building to the Federal look of Aiken-Rhett House.
Stroll into the French Quarter to find the oldest church in South Carolina – the Gothic Revival-style Huguenot Church. You can also visit the Historic Charleston Market, an indoor centre that’s been trading its vibrant treasures since 1807.
During the day, this venerable retail centre houses the famous sweetgrass baskets, while the evening brings art and craft exhibits.
For a more traditional look at local history, drop into one of the top museums. The Old Slave Mart Museum is a sobering visit, where you can learn about the horrors of slavery. The Charleston Museum, meanwhile, has exhibits on natural history, the native histories of Lowcountry and historic weaponry.
Visiting Fort Sumter is an adventurous way to hone your historical knowledge. Here you can explore military history from an island fort. Tours leave from Liberty Square and the island also boasts a bookstore and impressive nature and science displays.
Picturesque Plantations
Some of the top sites from Charleston’s colonial past have been transformed into beautiful parks packed with luscious plants and nature centers. The Magnolia Plantation is the most popular within Charleston, and is skirted with rolling lawns landscaped into steps around shimmering waters.
Another top destination is Boone Hall – a great place to chase action in the vibrant gardens. Here you can stroll down a beautiful avenue of oaks, take in the fresh air and learn about nature and the vivid butterflies of the parks.
Boone Hill is still an operational farm, so you can pick fresh strawberries or pumpkins in the fields. This is America’s most-photographed plantation and the beauty speaks for itself.
If you prefer to combine stately views with American history, Drayton Manor is the ideal location. This museum set in an 18th-century estate – step inside to see rotating exhibits and an ornamental garden.
Escape to the Barrier Islands
From the shores of Kaiweh to the Isle of Palms, the islands around Charleston are packed with treasures.
Use Folly Road to reach the southern barriers, or wind through an unearthly, aquatic landscape on Isle of Palms Con to reach secluded beaches, county parks and perfect surfing seas.
Taste some authentic Southern cuisine in one of the many of the rustic roadside shacks in this beautiful part of the country. Low country boil is a local speciality – shrimp, corn, sausage and potatoes are blanketed in delicious Old Bay seasoning for delicious mouthwatering results.
Angel Oak
This celestial oak is more than just a tree in the United States – the ancient sculpture is older than the country itself. Standing at a colossal 20 meters tall, the winding natural sculpture covers 1,500 square metres with its canopy.
This iconic location is a great place for a family day trip and, best of all, viewing the supercentenarian oak is free. In spring and summer, the twisting life form is a magnet for social and cultural events.
Start planning your dream itinerary when you arrange a Charleston car rental.
