Get in Touch with Nature in Charleston, SC
Due to its mild southern clime, Charleston is a great destination for outdoor vacations. Even in the dead of winter, Charleston enjoys average temperatures in the high 50s and mid 60s, making it a perfect destination for visitors looking to escape harsh winter temperatures. Charleston offers many activities that will connect you with the fascinating ecological aspects of the area that are excellent choices for entertainment any time of year.
The South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey serves a dual purpose in both informing visitors about area birds and entertaining them. This non-profit center contains exhibits on avian medicine, research, and conservation efforts. You will be able to see a glimpse of Charleston’s ecological system and how these birds of prey serve a vital function in it. The center also houses injured birds. While at the center, you will be able to see a variety of birds, including hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. You can also enjoy a walking tour while at the center.
Another interactive outdoor activity in Charleston is the Boardwalk at Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest. Here, you will be able to experience the wild beauty of the Francis Beidler Forest while learning more about the eco system of the area. You will have a guided tour with a naturalist as you walk along the boardwalk. Your naturalist will point out items of interest and teach you about the inhabitants of the forest. You may also be able to see rare birds, animals, and plants during your tour.
If you love nature but don’t enjoy being in the wild, the South Carolina Aquarium is perfect for you. This aquarium houses hundreds of sea creatures in multiple exhibits, including a 350,000 gallon ocean tank. Exhibits include the Ocean, Coastal Plain, Discovery Lab, and Penguin Planet. This aquarium also has many exhibits of local eco systems and wildlife. As a research institution, the South Carolina Aquarium offers both an education and fun experience.
Guided Tours Offer Visitors Varied Looks at Charleston
For those seeking many varied looks at the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina you’re in luck. There are so many tours in the area that specialize in different interpretation of this historic southern town. Whether you’re seeking a Sunday stroll or you want to see the seedy underbelly of a polite city, there is a tour for you.
Talk about traditional Southern charm! This tour guides you through the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston aboard a horse-drawn carriage. This enjoyable, slow-paced look at Charleston helps you to see the city the same way people have been seeing it for hundreds of years. The friendly “Confederate Soldier” guide will keep you informed and entertained as he guides you through the history of this beloved town.
Charleston Strolls Historic Walking Tour
This walking tour is a special peek into the history of South Carolina’s most historic city. During the tour you’ll get to see all of the most historic sites as your knowledgeable guide tells you facts and stories about the places you see. There will be plenty of time to explore Battery, Rainbow Row, and the Old Exchange Building. Take this tour and see Charleston the way the locals see it!
Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour
If you’ve ever wondered about the murky history of this beloved Southern town, then you need to experience the Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour. During this tour, you will be guided through this stately town and shown places where prostitution, crime, and scandal once ruled. Your guide will spin tales of high society’s unruly behavior and scandals as he or she leads you through the city.
Charleston Haunts Spook Halloween Visitors
Halloween is just around the corner and if you’re still wondering how to celebrate with your little ones, or your older ones, Charleston has just what you’re looking for. This beautiful South Carolina city offers plenty of ghosts and spooks to satisfy any celebrator this Halloween.
Welcome to the Old City Jail, once home to pirates, Civil War prisoners and some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals. Because most of the original structure is still intact, you will see where these captives lived and died. You will be guided through the original cells and the warden’s quarters. During this behind-the-scenes peek, you will experience a piece of Charleston’s sordid past.
Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tour
If the jail wasn’t enough to work up a fright, then take a chance at a graveyard. This tour guides you through the wrought-iron gates and around the tombstones. Your knowledgeable tour guide will share the stories of the names you see carved into the stones. You will hear stories of love, loss and tragic ends. Remain cautious, because those who departed under mysterious or suspicious circumstances are said to still linger in the area!
Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour
If tours in the sunlight aren’t spooky enough to get you, try this shadowy tour. This tour, featured on the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places, will guide you through back alleyways, the haunted Historic District and the famous pre-revolutionary dungeon. Only on this tour will you hear stories of pirates, criminals and patriots as you stumble through the dark dungeon. Your family will love this in-depth look at the city’s most haunted and spooky places!
West Family Corn Maze
If you are going to be in Charleston any time during October, you should take the family to the West Family Corn Maze. This 6-acre maze is fun for the whole family, with in-maze checkpoints, a petting zoo, apple slingshot, pumpkin patch and hayrides. The park is open on weekends until 10 PM and weekdays by appointment. The “maze in maize” will keep the whole family entertained for hours!
Visit Historic Homes and Gardens and Charleston
Charleston is home to a long history dating back all the way to the late 17th century. From its position as an important port in the slave trade to being the site of many Civil War events, Charleston offers visitors many things to see and do to learn about the area’s history. Plantation tours are popular activities for the area as they provide visitors a step back into the old South. The following plantations and gardens are well worth visiting and exploring due to their beautiful gardens, unique history, and classic architecture.
Middleton Place Plantation and Gardens
The Middleton Place Plantation features extensive gardens and a house museum. The only remaining building of the original three on the estate was built in 1755 by Henry Middleton as a gentlemen’s guest quarters. The plantation has over 65 acres of landscaped gardens, terraces, and lawns that feature seasonal plants and blooms. The plantation also has a stable yard that you can tour. The stables are home to a number of farm animals and demonstrations by coopers, weavers, carpenters, and more.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is located on the Ashley River in Charleston. This historic estate is one of the oldest man-made attractions in the United States, built in 1676. Magnolia Plantation opened its gardens to the public in 1870, and visitors have been coming to explore the beautifully landscaped gardens ever since. Attractions at the Magnolia Plantation include the acres of gardens, a petting zoo, and a Nature Train. Guests can also go inside and tour the plantation home.
The Calhoun Mansion is located in the heart of Charleston and was built in 1876 by wealthy banker George Walker Williams. The mansion was built in an Italian style and is known as one of the most beautiful and interesting private homes in Charleston’s history. The mansion is 24,000 square feet and features ornate designs, 14-foot ceilings, and a 75-foot domed ceiling. The Calhoun Mansion has over 35 rooms and contains an impressive art collection.
Spend the Last Days of Summer in Charleston, SC
Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, which means that the time to take advantage of warm summer days spend by Charleston Harbor is vanishing. Before the kids go back to school and the chilly temperatures of fall and winter begin, make plans to enjoy the end of summer in Charleston, South Carolina.
One exciting and unique activity for the long weekend is the Blue Crabbing Clinic. The Carolinas are famous for their fresh crabs, and you can fish like a local during this clinic. You will be taught by local guides how to catch the delicious blue crabs. This experience offers the total crabbing package. You will learn to catch them, clean them, and cook them. After the fishing trip is done, you and the group will enjoy a crab boil on the beach. In addition to catching crabs, you will also learn ecological information about the area.
If you are bringing the kids along for one last summer hurrah, be sure to stop by the South Carolina Aquarium. The aquarium features special exhibits like the Secrets of the Amazon and the Mountain Forest Gallery in addition to the year round attractions and animals found in the aquarium. One highlight of the aquarium is the Discovery Lab, which gives you and your family the opportunity to interact with different marine creatures in a hands-on experience. The newest exhibit is Penguin Planet, which features Magellanic penguins. The aquarium also features exhibits on local marine wildlife found along the Carolina coast and the salt marshes, including turtles, rattlesnakes, and alligators.
If you are looking for a relaxing activity to celebrate Labor Day, consider the Old South Carriage Tour. This tour lasts approximately one hour and provides a scenic and relaxing drive around Charleston in a horse-drawn carriage. Sights you will see on this tour include Civil War-era mansions, historic churches, and historic landmarks. Whether wanting a romantic evening for two or a fun event for your family, you will find that this tour provides a fascinating look at Charleston history.
Capture the Spirit of Charleston Through Cultural Museums
The cultural sides of Charleston and the entire state of South Carolina are prominently displayed through Charleston’s variety of museums. Great for an historically themed vacation or for just an afternoon activity to complete your day, a visit to one of Charleston’s museums can prove to be both insightful and entertaining.
The obvious choice for a distinguished museum is the Charleston Museum. Founded in 1773, this landmark has the claim of being America’s first museum. Inside the museums, guests will step into a world filled with South Carolina’s cultural and natural history. Exhibits at the museum include ones displaying local wildlife, old furniture, Civil War memorabilia, farming equipment, and much more. Also included at the museum is the Early Days exhibit, where you’ll see an Egyptian mummy and a plaster cast of Pharaoh Ramses II, among others. Place yourself in the history of this region at the Charleston Museum.
For a look at the military timeline as it relates to Charleston, the Citadel Museum provides just that. Located on The Citadel campus, the museum provides an in-depth look at military life since 1842. More than 300 artifacts are on display, including letters, diaries, and publications. An assortment of additional memorabilia is also exhibited, such as uniforms, weapons, photographs, and more – all of which combine to help fill the timeline between 1842 and the present.
Make it a trip the whole family can enjoy by bringing your kids to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. An imaginative afternoon complete with hands-on exhibits and events await you at this museum, which features displays for creative arts projects, science, medieval times, and more. And if you act quickly, you can enjoy Fam Jam at the museum, which takes place from July 26 through July 31 and features food, music, games, and other entertainment.
Celebrate the culture and history of Charleston on your next trip to this historic region by visiting one of these museums.
Plan Your July 4th Weekend in Charleston
Still looking for the perfect July 4th celebration for your Fourth of July weekend? Because the Fourth is on a Saturday this year, it is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway. Charleston, South Carolina boasts a beautiful city with many attractions that is great to visit any time of year, but the July 4th events found there make it a special time to visit the city.
The biggest event in Charleston for Independence Day in the Fourth of July Picnic on the Harbor at the South Carolina Aquarium. You will enjoy one of the best views in the city of the Charleston Harbor as you join other visitors in celebrating America. This event begins at 7:30 and includes dinner, and an assortment of beverages will be available on site. The picnic goes on until the dazzling fireworks display over the Charleston Harbor has completed. Live entertainment is also featured at this event. Watching the fireworks light up the night sky and reflect over the water will provide you with a memorable and touching July 4th experience.
Summerville, South Carolina is located just twenty minutes outside of Charleston and hosts a spectacular July 4th event: the Red, White, and Blue on the Green. This event features live entertainment, a parade, a variety of food vendors, and a festive fireworks show to complete the evening. The parade is a unique part of this event in that none of the floats are motorized. You can expect to see decorated wagons, strollers, bikes, and more. The event takes place in Summerville’s historic Town Square. Perfect for families, this celebration features an unforgettable night of fun and fireworks.
To complete your weekend of celebration, explore the history of Charleston with an informative city tour. The Historic Charleston Tour is a guided tour of the city. You will ride in a comfortable, air conditioned tour bus through the city and see the many important sights including Civil War sights, the Battery Sea Wall, the Harbor of History, the Patriots Point, and the USS Yorktown.
Enjoy the Historic Charleston, SC Harbor This Summer
Summer provides the perfect time to explore Charleston’s historic harbor. Whether taking a cruise or sightseeing sail, Charleston harbor activities are great additions to any vacation. In addition, the annual Charleston Maritime Festival is coming up June 26-29, which is a great family event.
This festival is an annual event that draws thousands of people to Charleston. Featuring a weekend full of special exhibits and beautiful boats on display, you will enjoy getting a taste of Charleston’s Maritime history. You may even get to see a pirate or two! You will have the opportunity to tour the tall ships, visit educational exhibits, and more. The festival takes place at the Maritime Center Complex in Charleston.
Charleston Harbor Day & Sunset Sailing Tours
You will be able to experience the beauty of Charleston harbor as you relax on this fun sailing cruise. You can choose a day cruise where you will be able to watch dolphins frolicking in the waters and see the 18th and 19th century architectural sights of Charleston. For a more romantic cruise, choose to take the sailing tour at sunset. You will be able to see the same sights, only you will see the cityscape of Charleston bathed in the soft light of a South Carolina Sunset. Whether traveling with your spouse or with your whole family, the Charleston Harbor Sailing Tours is a great way to experience the harbor.
Capers Island is one of the primitive barrier islands found just off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. We offer a variety of activities on the island, and you will be sure to find one able to please everyone in your group. The Capers Island Kayak Adventure is a three-hour kayaking experience. You will get to paddle around and explore the landscape and wildlife of the island. The Capers Island Sunset Dolphin Discovery Cruise is another option for your vacation. On this cruise, you will enjoy the beautiful sunset as you watch for dolphins playing in the water. This cruise also offers educational opportunities. The Capers Island Wildlife Exploration Cruiseis another option that provides you the experience to explore the wildlife and land of the area. You will learn about different area wildlife and have the chance to see bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, pelicans, and more. If all of these activities sound good to you, you can buy them all with the Capers Island All-Inclusive package.
Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Charleston, S.C.
Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take advantage of all that Charleston, South Carolina has to offer: historical tours, family-friendly activities, and beautiful scenery.
Take advantage of the historical side of Memorial Day with a three-day Historic Charleston Vacation. Featuring the Charleston Harbor History Cruise and the Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour, you will be able to experience the important history of Charleston. The Charleston Harbor History Cruise will show you historical landmarks like The Battery, Fort Johnson, and the Holy City from the open water on the Carolina Belle. After your cruise, the Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour will give you an alternate history of Charleston, showing you the seedy background of this beautiful city.
The Charleston, South Carolina Family Vacation has something to offer for everyone in the family. The South Carolina Aquarium features thousands of creatures sure to delight anyone. After the aquarium, pay a visit to Capers Island and see Charleston wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and possibly dolphins, in their natural environment. Continue your wildlife education with a tour at the Audubon Center in the Francis Beidler Forest. This three-day vacation is sure to entertain and educate, making the most of your Memorial Day weekend.
Experience the Haunts of Charleston, SC
While Charleston may be noted as The Holy City, that’s not to say that it doesn’t have its share of spooks, scares and things that go bump in the night. From pirates to the Civil War, Charleston’s usually pleasant history does have its pockets of turbulence, producing the perfect breeding grounds for ghost stories, and perhaps even ghosts! Read on for a glimpse into a few of the sightseeing tours offered that can provide a startling look into Charleston, SC.
Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour
The Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour is a 1.5 hour look into many of Charleston’s more notorious locales, including an actual dungeon! As featured on Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted Places, the Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour will take you past the city’s cemeteries, alleyways, and eventually onto its pre-revolutionary dungeon.
As the name implies, the 45-minute Haunted Jail Tour will take you through Charleston’s Old City Jail. The Old City Jail was in operation until 1939, and housed a variety of ruffian ranging from pirates to Civil War prisoners. What’s more, much of the original structure is still intact, leading credence to the fact that spirits may still linger throughout the jail’s abandoned halls.
Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour
Along the Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour you will be led through the streets of The Holy City after the sun has deserted town. During the 90-minute walking tour, you will learn of the many true and terrifying tales that haunt Charleston’s past, passing by the actual locations of some of the more dastardly deeds the city has seen. Certainly, the city of Charleston is an inviting, friendly atmosphere, but on the underbelly there is definitely a dark side to be explored!
