Things to Do in Charleston, SC: Fun Days Start Here

To kick things off, here’s what’s seasonal and new!

Things to Do in Downtown Charleston

• Charleston City Market
• Byrd’s Famous Cookies
• Charleston Waterfront Park
• Charleston Carriage Tour
• The Battery
• Rainbow Row
• South Carolina Aquarium
• Fort Sumter
• Water Taxi
• Farmers Market
• Cathedral of St John the Baptist

Play Outside

Parks and Playgrounds

Play Inside: Charleston, SC

The North Charleston Fire Museum

This is a must-see for families with children who love first responder careers! With a low admission cost of $6 for adults (Children 12 and under get in free), it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

More Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

A Visit To The Old Exchange
If the walls of The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston could talk, they’d have stories that would captivate guests for days. These walls have seen just about every good, bad, and ugly part of the city’s history. From Slaves being sold fresh off the ships to pirates locked in the dungeon, and even the state’s constitution drawn up, it all happened here.

Gullah Tours
I would love to learn more about Gullah culture. Those sweetwater baskets and roses that are so popular with tourists originated from the Gullah people. The Gullah/Geechee Nation even has a Queen, who has spoken before the United Nations.

Castle Pinckney
I’m not sure if it’s even possible, but I would love to kayak out to this abandoned civil war fort to get a closer look (from the water). It was once a National Park but has changed hands so many times the people who currently own it might not even be aware.

Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island
This is a completely unique and otherworldly experience that should not be missed. You’ll hike the island, and see some gators, over to Boneyard Beach, a driftwood forest right on the water. It is amazing.

The African History of Charleston
The Port of Charleston was the number one entry port for people who were brought here for free labor when our country was in its infancy. Those people left their marks all over the city, some quite literally. See the historical sites and learn about the African History in Charleston.

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Things to Do in Mount Pleasant

Charleston Water Taxi
The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Have your camera ready, the taxi ride will provide you with some great photo opportunities of the Ravenel Bridge and The USS Yorktown.

Shem Creek
Shem Creek has something for everyone. You can fish, paddle, people watch, dine, and more.

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum

Shem Creek Historical Tour
My love for Shem Creek, fishing, and the history of the area makes this one of the top items on my bucket list. The tour has great reviews on every tourism platform, and starting at just $25 per person; it’s affordable.

What Is There to Do on Sullivan’s Island

Fort Moultrie
Originally built in 1776 from sand and logs, this fort has seen a fair share of things. Visitors to the national park that encompasses Fort Moultrie can see what it looked like through all the major points in history.

Sullivan’s Island Beach
My personal favorite, the beach here always seems empty and the parking is readily available and free.

Edgar Allen Poe
On my first trip to the island, I noticed something peculiar. Not only was there a tavern named for the famed writer, but there were also streets and a library named for him and his books. I was surprised to learn that he spent time stationed at Fort Moultrie. I would love to do more research on his time there and do a self-led tour!

Mugdock Castle
Gather up 11 of your friends and rent this castle for a month to enjoy all the island has to offer! This history-rich rental comes with bicycles and kayaks to use while on the island.

Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail
Just a little over a mile roundtrip, this trail will lead you to a secluded beach.

Sullivan’s Island Dining Guide

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
I love grabbing a meal here while on the island because the menu is kid-friendly, and it’s reasonably priced. You can dine out on the patio and breath in the fresh ocean air while you dine.

Republic Ice Cream – several area locations
Homestyle ice cream served up in waffle cones made on-site as well.

Sullivan’s Island Co-Op
This little cafe and market is the perfect place to grab snacks and lunch for an afternoon on the beach. If you are a fan of Frose, a stop here is mandatory. You can even get that Frose to-go.

Reader Dining Recommendations

• Home Team BBQ – several area locations
• Poe’s Tavern

Things to Do on Folly Island

Folly Beach
Folly Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the area. It has everything a family looks for in a beach, including lifeguards during the summer months.

Learn To Surf
Isla Surf School offers surfing lessons that are reasonably priced. I would love to do this one day just to say I did. I know I won’t be hanging 10 down a Hawaiian pipeline anytime soon, it would just be fun to try.

Hunting For Fossils
Charleston Fossil Adventures provides paleontologist-led tours. Sharks’ teeth have always eluded us on the beach, and I feel like this would definitely help us in our quest to locate them.

Things to Do on Johns Island

The Charleston Aqua Park at Trophy Lake
Just a short drive from downtown Charleston on John’s Island sits Trophy Lakes. There are several water-sports activities that your family can enjoy while visiting the lake, including disc golf.
Charleston Aqua Park, the newest addition to the lake activities, is what drew us to the lake that day.

The Angel Oak
Until you’ve seen this incredible up-close and in-person, you can’t appreciate the majesty of this tree. I’d seen photos countless times and was still let in awe when I stood in front of it. If the tree were growing up from the middle of most houses, it would extend past the walls. You just need to see it yourself, and luckily it’s free to visit.

While it is free to visit, there are restrictions and times when it is accessible. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Angel Oak section on the Charleston Government webpage.

3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston, SC 

Eden Wind Farm
The entire family can go horseback riding at this local farm. They even have a 2 person package called the “Bucket List Lesson Adventure” for novice riders.

Things to Do on Kiawah Island

Beachwalker Park
This popular South Carolina beach was recently named to the “Top Ten Beaches” list for the US, by Dr. Beach. One trip to the beach here and you will see why.

The beach has showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, dog washing stations, and more.

Kayaking The Kiawah River
I’m excited and anxious to try my hand at kayaking in the presence of Lowcountry wildlife. I have a respectful fear and interest in the animals that lurk in brackish water.

Alligators. I mean alligators!

Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ
Every Monday during the summer months, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort hosts this family-friendly event. It includes live music and you get to enjoy seafood, BBQ, and other southern food while enjoying live music, next to the Kiawah River.

What Is There to Do on The Isle Of Palms

Spending the day on The Isle of Palms
A local mom’s account of making a day trip to the Isle of palms.

Kayaking IOP
The hope of kayaking with dolphins on this tour is enough for me to hand over whatever amount of money they ask! Luckily the cost is just $40 for kids and $52 for adults, so you can hold onto the kid’s college fund.

Things to Do on James Island

We haven’t gotten a chance to explore James Island as much as we’d like. Here’s a listing of activities on James Island.

Splash Island Water park at James Island County Park
A manageable sized water park that is maintained by the parks department.

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