Things To Do

Attractions & Events

From world-class performing arts to outdoor adventures, Charleston offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every visitor.

Top Picks

Top 7 Things to Do in Charleston, SC

Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, these are the experiences that define Charleston.

Fort Sumter
#1 Must-See

Visit Fort Sumter

Take the ferry to Fort Sumter National Monument and stand where the Civil War began. A deeply moving and historically significant experience.

Carriage tour
#2 Classic

Take a Carriage Tour

Explore the historic district by horse-drawn carriage. The best way to see Charleston's stunning architecture and hear its stories.

Rainbow Row
#3 Iconic

Stroll Rainbow Row

Walk along East Bay Street and admire the 13 colorful Georgian row houses — the most photographed street in Charleston.

Food tour
#4 Culinary

Explore the Food Scene

Eat your way through Charleston's extraordinary restaurant scene — from shrimp & grits to James Beard Award-winning fine dining.

Beach day
#5 Outdoor

Beach Day at Folly Beach

Spend a day at Folly Beach — swim, surf, paddleboard, or simply relax on one of the most beautiful stretches of Atlantic coastline.

Spoleto Festival
#6 Cultural

Spoleto Festival USA

If visiting in late May/early June, don't miss Spoleto — 17 days of world-class opera, dance, theater, and music throughout the city.

Harbor sunset
#7 Scenic

Sunset Harbor Cruise

End your day with a sunset cruise on Charleston Harbor — watching the sun dip below the horizon as the city's steeples glow gold.

Spoleto Festival USA
Annual Event

Spoleto Festival USA

Founded in 1977 by composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Spoleto Festival USA is one of the most comprehensive performing arts festivals in the world. For 17 days each May and June, Charleston's theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces come alive with opera, dance, theater, and chamber music.

The festival draws world-class performers and hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe, transforming Charleston into a cultural capital for nearly three weeks every year.

  • 17 days of world-class performances
  • Opera, dance, theater, and chamber music
  • Performances in historic venues throughout the city
  • Piccolo Spoleto — free and low-cost community events
  • Held annually in late May through early June
Plan Your Festival Visit
Charleston City Market
Shopping & Culture

Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States, operating continuously since the 1790s. Stretching four blocks through the heart of downtown, the market is home to hundreds of local vendors selling sweetgrass baskets, artwork, jewelry, and Lowcountry food.

The sweetgrass basket weavers are a living cultural tradition with roots in West Africa, and their intricate handwoven baskets are among the most prized souvenirs in Charleston.

  • Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Sweetgrass basket weavers — a living tradition
  • Local art, jewelry, and crafts
  • Lowcountry food vendors
  • Free admission to browse
Get Visitor Info
Annual Events

Charleston Events Calendar

Charleston hosts world-class events throughout the year. Plan your visit around one of these highlights.

January
Charleston Restaurant Week — Special prix-fixe menus at the city's top restaurants.
March
Charleston Wine + Food Festival — Five days celebrating the city's extraordinary culinary scene.
April
Cooper River Bridge Run — One of the largest 10K races in the U.S., crossing the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
May–June
Spoleto Festival USA — 17 days of world-class performing arts throughout the city.
September
MOJA Arts Festival — Celebrating African American and Caribbean arts and culture.
October
Charleston Fashion Week — The Southeast's premier fashion event showcasing emerging designers.
November
Charleston Food & Wine — Fall edition celebrating the harvest season and local ingredients.
December
Holiday Festival of Lights — James Island County Park transforms into a dazzling holiday light display.

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