If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful and historical destinations in the United States, look no further than Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is a coastal city perched along the Atlantic Ocean—and is located roughly halfway between Savannah, GA, and Myrtle Beach, SC, two other popular coastal destinations.
If you’ve never visited the area before, Charleston is riddled with beautiful locations, both indoor and outdoor. From Waterfront Park to Rainbow Row, Charleston, this city is a sight for sore eyes.
Charleston Harbor
You’d be remiss if you visited Charleston without checking out Charleston Harbor. It’s the heart and soul of the city and the starting point of the Civil War. For this reason, Charleston Harbor is, not surprisingly, very popular among history buffs and sight-seers.
During your visit, you can start by taking in the breathtaking views of the harbor from land and follow it up with a boat tour–which the city is quite famous for. You can take a tour during the day or wait until sunset to catch those glimmering city lights.
Whatever time of day you choose to take the boat tour, you’ll see (up close) the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and historic sites such as the Fort Sumter National Monument and Island.
When you’re finished with your tour of the harbor, be sure to check out The Battery, which is a historic park facing the Harbor. The Battery is packed with historic plantation-style homes that you can view from your car or while biking or jogging on nearby paths.
- Best time of year to visit – Late summer to early fall
- Where to park – Public parking is available in the area
- Attractions nearby – Fort Sumter National Historic Landmark, The Battery, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Rainbow Row
If you’re looking for something you can’t see anywhere except Charleston, be sure to check out Rainbow Row. This iconic and colorful landmark is a Charleston treasure, consisting of an entire street of homes painted in bright pastels.
Considered one of the most unique and picturesque sights in Charleston, Rainbow Row is an architectural phenomenon. Note that this attraction is located on East Bay Street. You can either walk or drive down this historic street.
- Best time of year to visit – Late summer to early fall
- Where to park – Street parking is available in the area
Waterfront Park
- Best time of year to visit – Late summer to early fall
- Where to park – Public parking is available in the area
- Attractions nearby – Charleston Harbor, Rainbow Row, Pineapple Fountain
Joe Riley Waterfront Park, or “Waterfront Park” for short, is another must-see location in Charleston. It’s home to the famous Pineapple Fountain and is located just north of Rainbow Row, making it a great place to check out before or after you visit the Row.
This park is situated in Charleston Harbor in the downtown area and is open to the public.
Here, you can view the harbor while taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling downtown stores and restaurants. There’s also a pier that stretches out into the harbor–which is perfect for a sunset walk or an evening of fishing.
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
If you’re a history buff or just appreciate Southern antebellum-style architecture, the Boone Hall Plantation is a must-see. Named after Major John Boone, it was established in 1681 and has grown into one of the most beautiful and famous locations in Charleston County.
In addition to touring the hall, you can walk around the surrounding grounds and gardens, taking in some of the most beautiful flowers and moss-covered oak trees in the state. While the Boone Plantation Hall is open to the public, it’s also available to rent for private events, such as weddings.
- Best time of year to visit – Late summer to early fall
- Where to park – Public parking is available on-site
- Attractions nearby – Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island Waterpark, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Magnolia Plantation
Another plantation you should stop by while in Charleston is the famous Magnolia Plantation. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is located along the serene Ashley River and is home to some of the best sights and landmarks in Charleston–including the Historic Rice Fields, the Wildlife Observation Tower, a Bamboo Garden, and a Zoo and Nature Center.
That’s not to mention the historic Magnolia Plantation itself, which is a massive structure complete with giant pillars and a watch tower.
- Best time of year to visit – Spring when the gardens are in full bloom
- Where to park – Public parking is available in the area
- Attractions nearby – Magnolia Rice Fields, a zoo, Wildlife Observation Tower
Angel Oak Tree
The Angel Oak Tree is one of the oldest and most visited sites in all of the Charleston Area. It’s located on Johns Island on the south side of Charleston and is definitely worth a visit. The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old and stands over 65 feet tall. However, it’s best known for its sprawling, massive branches that stretch for more than 160 feet and provide over 17,000 square feet of shade!
Visiting the tree only takes a few minutes and it’s well worth the trouble. Plus, there are plenty of other things to do on Johns Island, including visiting Charleston Aqua Park.
- Best time of year to visit – Late March or late October
- Where to park – Public parking is available in the area
- Attractions nearby – Charleston Aqua Park, Folly Beach, Downtown Johns Island
Charleston City Market
No trip to Charleston is complete without visiting Charleston City Market in the historic downtown district.
You’ll also be amazed at the architecture and design of the market itself, which is similar to the famous Boston Public Market. While you’re here, treat yourself to an afternoon of shopping during the day, then walk the cobblestone streets at night.
- Best time of year to visit – Late summer to early fall
- Where to park – Public parking is available in the area
Church Street
Church Street is located in the historic district of Charleston and is named after the dozens of churches, both old and new, that line the road. Church Street is also just across the way from Charleston Harbor–so be sure to pencil both into your travel itinerary.
Of all the massive steeples to view and tour, the French Huguenot Church takes the cake. It’s a Gothic Revival structure unlike any other in Charleston and is on the same block as the Corrigan Gallery and the Dock Street Theatre and Restaurant.
While you’re here, you should also check out St. Phillips Episcopal Church and Cemetary, which is a close second to the French Huguenot Church. There are also many shops and restaurants lining Church Stree in case you get hungry or want to do some shopping.
As an extra bonus, you can head around the corner on Chalmers Street to the Old Slave Mart Museum which explores the darker side of Charleston’s history as a major slave-trading hub.
- Best time of year to visit – Late summer to early fall
- Where to park – Public parking is available on the street and in the area
- Attractions nearby – French Huguenot Church, Old Slave Mart Museum, Corrigan Gallery
Folly Beach Pier
Our last recommendation is Folly Beach Pier, located on Folly Beach in southeastern Charleston. It’s one of the longest piers on the Atlantic Coast and stretches over 1,000 feet into the ocean.
While it’s extremely popular for fishing, Folly Beach Pier is also a great place for a walk or to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset. You can also enjoy the day on the adjoining Folly Beach or at Folly Beach County Park.
- Best time of year to visit – Any time of year
- Where to park – Public parking is available in the area
- Attractions nearby – Folly Beach, Folly Beach County Park, Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to move to Charleston or spend extended time in the area, congratulations on choosing a great and beautiful city! However, while moving can be exciting and open up new possibilities, it can also be a headache if you have extra belongings and no place to keep them.
Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace to find safe and affordable storage for your extra belongings. Neighbor has dozens of storage options throughout the Charleston area, some of which may even be in your own neighborhood.
