Stepping back in time—stroll through the scenic grounds of Redcliffe Plantation with history and nature all around.
Discover south carolina
Iconic Lowcountry experiences for families, young adventurers, and seasoned travelers
Charleston isn't simply a must-visit destination. It's a living museum where Revolutionary War history mingles with innovative cuisine, and antebellum mansions stand alongside cutting-edge galleries. This South Carolina jewel offers extraordinary experiences for every type of visitor, which explains why it's been named the most popular city in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the third consecutive year and 13 times in the last 14 years.
In this guide, learn how Charleston caters to families, mature travelers and young adults offering tailored recommendations to help you plan a just-right-for-us trip.
Charleston for Families
Charleston's compact historic district means less time in the car and more time exploring. The city engages curious young minds with attractions that blend learning with fun while keeping parents equally entertained.
Underwater wonders and curious fins—discovering marine life at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston.
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium invites children to press their noses against glass walls housing graceful loggerhead turtles and menacing sharks in a 385,000-gallon tank. The touch tank—where brave fingers can meet stingrays and hermit crabs—inevitably becomes the highlight. Plus, the Saltmarsh Aviary houses the magnificent roseate spoonbills.
Pro tip: Time your visit around feeding shows for maximum excitement.
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Serene views and coastal breezes—exploring the beauty of Charleston Harbor and its pier.
Adobe stock
Transform a history lesson into an adventure on the water with Charleston Harbor Tours. The 90-minute daily tours offer breathtaking views of the city skyline while captains share tales of pirates and patriots. You’ll see over 75 local landmarks, including Fort Sumter.
Pro tip: The gentle rocking often lulls overtired toddlers into much-needed naps.
At the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, seven interactive exhibit galleries let children captain a shrimp boat, create art, shop in a grocery store and build projects with real tools.
Pro Tip: Begin your journey in the Art Room to allow masterpieces to dry before you leave.
Breathtaking vistas and tranquil landscapes—soaking in the views from the observation tower at Palmetto Island County Park.
Charleston County Parks
When your energy sags, Charleston's beaches and parks provide ideal settings for children to play while adults take a breather.
With 60 acres of green space and lush gardens, Hampton Park attracts families who want to let their energetic kids blow off steam. But kids will also cool off and enjoy James Island County Park (where they can splash in the Spray Play Fountain) and Wannamaker County Park (where they can run through the Sprinkler). Palmetto Island County Park boasts a 50-foot observation deck, play area, paved trails and picnic sites. If you’re looking for the best local playgrounds, check out this guide straight from real Charleston Moms.
For sandcastle building, head to family-friendly Isle of Palms with its gentle waves, restrooms and outdoor showers. Alternatively, Kiawah Beachwalker Park (about 50 minutes from Charleston) offers a more secluded experience. Both beaches provide seasonal lifeguards, a welcomed comfort for parents.
Thrills on wheels and dynamic energy—skating through the vibrant SK8 Charleston park with its world-class ramps and scenic views.
Sea Island Media
For adventure-hungry tweens and teens, check out SK8 Charleston, a 32,000-square-foot concrete paradise designed by legendary Team Pain. Thrill-seekers dive into the 200-foot snake run plunging to a nine-foot depth, while pros conquer the massive 11.5-foot bowl that transitions to 90° vertical. With lessons available, rentals on-site and a viewing deck for nervous parents, it's where Charleston's skating fanatics find their tribe.
Charleston for Mature Travelers
Charleston's timeless charm and slower pace make it an ideal destination for older travelers seeking cultural enrichment and comfortable exploration. With its rich history, elegant architecture and accessible attractions, the city invites mature travelers to savor every moment.
Family headed to the museum
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum / Andrew cebulka
As the oldest preserved plantation house in America, Drayton Hall showcases stunning Palladian architecture untouched by modern restorations. Enjoy guided tours, stroll riverside paths and visit one of the nation's oldest African American cemeteries still in use—all offering unique connections to Charleston's layered past.
For a deeper understanding of Charleston’s storied past, the Old Slave Mart Museum provides a poignant educational experience about the city's role in the domestic slave trade. Housed in Charleston's last major slave market, this historic site honors the resilience and stories of enslaved individuals through powerful exhibits and narratives.
The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum offers an immersive journey into American military history. Stand on the deck of the WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, experience the Vietnam exhibit or visit the Medal of Honor Museum. Accessible tours and harbor views make this a meaningful waterfront experience.
Pro tip: For those who like a little spooky with their history, check out the ghost tours on the USS Yorktown.
Stepping back in time and absorbing history—the enchanting Middleton Place House with its picturesque sheep grazing peacefully in the front yard.
courtesy of Explore Charleston, exporecharleston.com
As America’s oldest landscaped gardens, Middleton Place offers a journey through history and horticulture. This National Historic Landmark features meticulously designed terraces, reflecting pools and blooming flowers. Tour the historic house museum and meet heritage livestock in the stable yards.
Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island delivers a unique experience just outside the city. Take a trolley tour through lush tea fields, learn about tea production and enjoy complimentary tastings. The serene setting and easy accessibility make it perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Unique artistry and local charm—exploring handcrafted gifts at the historic Charleston City Market.
Explore Charleston
Charleston’s streets are tailor-made for a DIY walking tour, each offering its own unique charm. Stroll down King Street, a top-rated shopping destination, where antique treasures meet contemporary boutiques. Wander along East Bay Street to snap vibrant photos at Rainbow Row and enjoy waterfront views at the Charleston Battery. Lose yourself on Legare Street, a picturesque escape filled with ivy-covered gardens and enchanting piazzas.
Delight in the revered and refined dining experiences at Halls Chophouse and Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.). Halls offers warm southern hospitality, live jazz and expertly prepared steaks and seafood in an elegant setting with top-notch service. SNOB dishes up innovative Lowcountry cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients in a charming bistro atmosphere.
Led by Alphonso Brown, the popular two-hour Gullah Tours dive into the rich history and culture of the Gullah community, including stops at significant sites like Mother Emanuel AME Church and Denmark Vesey’s home. Seniors will appreciate the engaging storytelling, historical insights and the chance to hear the beautiful Gullah language firsthand.
Charleston for Young Adults
A magnet for Millennials and Gen Z travelers, Charleston boasts a vibrant blend of nightlife, outdoor adventures and Instagram-worthy locations. This coastal city delivers the perfect mix of historic charm and modern energy for memorable day-to-night experiences.
Elevated elegance and dazzling views—savoring craft cocktails at Eleve Rooftop Bar, overlooking the sparkling Charleston skyline and the enchanting Grand Bohemian Charleston at night.
Grand Bohemian Charleston
Sip craft cocktails at rooftop spots like Citrus Club, The Rooftop at The Vendue or The Watch for sweeping skyline and sunset views. Élevé Rooftop at the Grand Bohemian Hotel combines farm-to-table dining with chic ambiance.
For a lively vibe, rock out to performances at King Street Dispensary, jam sessions at Charleston Pour House or beachside tunes at The Windjammer on Isle of Palms. If you’re a craft beer lover, don’t miss Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom.
Mercantile & Mash
Andrew Cebulka
Need to nosh? Check out the buzzing Mercantile & Mash, a “gourmet food emporium” housed in a transformed Cigar Factory on East Bay. This cozy space serves up house-made pastries, gourmet sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. With its inviting indoor seating and outdoor patio, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast, lunch or casual bite in a stylish setting.
Serene mornings on the water—gliding on a paddleboard amidst the majestic Taxodium trees, bathed in soft early light.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding along Shem Creek offer an unforgettable way to experience Charleston’s natural beauty and wildlife. Glide through calm tidal waters surrounded by shrimp boats, marshlands and vibrant waterfront restaurants. Charleston Paddleboard Co. provides guided wildlife and sunset tours where you can spot dolphins, herons and more while learning about Charleston’s history and ecology. Nature Adventures offers tours to Crab Bank Island, a bird sanctuary teeming with pelicans and other shorebirds.
For a romantic excursion, enjoy a moonlight sail aboard the Schooner Pride, an 84-foot tall ship that glides gracefully through Charleston Harbor. This 90-minute sail offers breathtaking star-filled views in the tranquil harbor waters.
A breathtaking spectacle at dusk—capturing the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge illuminated against the vibrant hues of the evening sky.
Looking to explore Charleston on two wheels? Pedal across the 1546-foot Ravenel Bridge bike path for a bird’s-eye harbor view, or cruise through downtown Charleston’s historic streets, stopping at landmarks like King Street and the Charleston City Market. For a more relaxed ride, the West Ashley Greenway provides 10.5 miles of scenic views. Find convenient bike rental options at Rebellion Roads, Bilda Bike and Folly Beach Adventures.
Explore history aboard the majestic USS Yorktown—an iconic World War II aircraft carrier docked at Patriots Point in Charleston.
Fill your social media feed with photos of iconic Charleston backdrops like the cobblestones of Chalmers Street, 360-degree views at The Dewberry, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park's pineapple fountain, The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Mills House Hotel, College of Charleston Cistern Yard, Belmond Charleston Place and Wentworth Mansion.
Haunted tours perfectly mix spooky fun and historical intrigue. Whether you’re climbing aboard the USS Yorktown, strolling with a Skeletons in the Closet guide, clip-clopping on a Haunted Carriage Ride or stepping into an eerie graveyard, these tours bring the city’s haunted past to life. With exclusive access to historic sites and tales of restless spirits, voodoo legends and mysterious happenings, haunted tours offer a supernatural twist to your Charleston adventure.
Finally, don’t miss the year-round slate of events like ArtFest, BBQ Bluegrass & Bourbon, Flowertown Festival, Charleston Spoleto Festival, Pride Bar Crawl, Blues by the Sea, Lowcountry Nosh and Oysters by the Battery.
Charleston embraces all kinds of travelers. Families discover a playground where children's laughter echoes through interactive museums while parents savor award-winning culinary delights. Young adventurers are torn between rooftop cocktails overlooking historic steeples and kayaking adventures through pristine marshlands. Seasoned travelers delight in unhurried carriage rides beneath canopies of ancient oaks, each turn revealing architectural masterpieces that have weathered centuries.
Traveler’s Tip: Take the hassle out of crafting your perfect vacation with AAA’s Trip Canvas, which helps you curate a personalized itinerary. Save money by leveraging your AAA Member discounts at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and Hertz car rentals.
