Activities

Ft. Moultrie is a series of fortifications that was built on Sullivan's Island during the American Revolution to protect the city of Charleston from coastal invasion. The fort was built using palmetto logs which is what inspired the flag and nickname of South Carolina as the "The Palmetto State". Named for General William Moultrie, the commander in the Battle of Sullivan's Island, it is the only park in the National Park System where the entire 171-year history of American seacoast defense (1776–1947) can be traced.

A sea fort created after the war of 1812, this is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The fort had been cut off from its supply line and surrendered the next day. A second Battle of Fort Sumter which occurred on September 8, 1863 was a failed attempt by the Union to re-take the fort. Today it stands as a remembrance of the war between the states. Fort Sumter is accessed by boat from either Charleston or Mt. Pleasant Harbors. 

The Gibbes Museum contains a collection of over 10,000 works of American fine art. Most of the displays have a connection to Charleston or the South. Experience Charleston, South Carolina, the Lowcountry and the South through art.

As seen on the TV, explore Charleston’s most haunted building. Experience Charleston’s dark side with a historical view of one of the most daunting buildings in the historic district. The grey castle structure housed some of Charleston’s most disturbed from 1802 – 1939. Those who died there are the ones who still haunt the building. 

Built in Georgian-style in 1772, as the town home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of  the four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. The home features the only remaining 1740's kitchen and gardens currently open to the public in Charleston. It is also one of the few locations to see a collection of historic Charleston-made furniture. In May 1791 the City of Charleston rented the house for President George Washington for his Charleston visit. It has since been called the "Heyward-Washington" House. 

Located where the Isle of Palms Connector meets the beach. Beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally with a designated swimming area. Amenities include, restrooms with dressing areas and outdoor showers, seasonal ice cream, drinks and snacks, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts and picnic areas with grills. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available seasonally. 

Designed by Gabriel Manigault for his brother Joseph and built in 1803. This was one of the first houses in Charleston that was not created on the standard "single house" and "double house" models that were commonly used at that time. One of the most exquisite homes by design, in Charleston, the design reflects the wealth and antebellum lifestyle of a rice-planting family and the African Americans slaves who lived there.

Only public beach access on Kiawah Island, located on the west end of the Island, with ocean and river views. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally at a designated beachfront swimming area. Amenities available are restrooms and dressing areas, outdoor showers, seasonal snack bars, picnic tables with grills and beach chair and umbrella rentals are available seasonally. 

A historic Charleston home and plantation built by Thomas and Anne Drayton in 1676, has witnessed the growth of the United States. Originally built as a Rice Plantation, the dams and dike earthworks can still be seen today. The property is still owned by the Drayton family and is listed on the National Historic Registry. Magnolia Gardens has been named one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens" by Travel and Leisure Magazine and is the oldest "public" garden in the country. A day at Magnolia takes you steps back in history with various tours and attractions to fill your itinerary and appeal to your interests.

Located in the historic area, between King and Meeting Streets, running along Calhoun Street, Marion Square is a grassy quad area that spans six and a half acres. Originally established as a parade ground for the state arsenal, it is better known as the Citadel Green since The Citadel occupied the arsenal from 1843 until 1922. The name was then changed to Marion Square, in honor of Francis Marion. The square has many iconic statues and a fountain. The most notable is the statue of John C. Calhoun. The square is a popular hangout location for picnics in its open grassy space and for the many events that are held here throughout the year. Including, the Charleston Farmers Market, a popular destination for locals and tourists. 

A 37 acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site, established in 1851, preserved in its recognition of cultural and historical significance. On the grounds are a sweeping oak allée, and the McLeod Oak, which is thought to be more than 1000 years old, a riverside pavilion and the McLeod family home. The plantation played a significant role during the Civil War, slave emancipation and was a Freedman's Bureau post war. 

Home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America and a national historic landmark. Middleton was built in 1755, and has been under the same family ownership for 320 years. The Museum displays the family furniture, silver, china, rare books and portraits spanning 4 generations of the Middleton family. The Middleton's and Middleton Place have played an important role in American history, including being the birthplace of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

Located under the base of the Ravenel Bridge, this park offers Charleston visitors fun and relaxation. The park has a pavilion which hosts numerous events throughout the year, and a nautical-themed playground modeled after the Ravenel Bridge. Park amenities include the River Watch Cafe and gift shop, here you can acquire fishing rods and tackle for fishing on the 1,250-foot-long fishing pier which is also equipped with bench swings to enjoy the view. Sit under the famous Charleston icon bridge that provides shade to its guests and watch the boats that pass along the harbor. If you are the more active type, make this the base point or a resting point from the 3.5 mile trek across the Ravenel Bridge walkway. 

Built as a Grand Federal townhouse by Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy shipping merchant in 1808, and viewed as one of America's most important Neoclassical houses was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. The interior has been restored to its original ornamentation with antiques representative of the period. The home is best known for its iconic free-flying staircase. 

Also known as the Custom House, it is the location where patriots were held prisoner by the British during the American Revolution. The building housed the South Carolina Convention to ratify the United States Constitution. Built in 1771 it is one of the most historically significant buildings still in existence from colonial America.