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What are the top attractions in Charleston?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Charleston, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
Book Charleston Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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★ 4.5
Charleston City Market
188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore →27,951 reviews
★ 4.7
Waterfront Park
Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore →11,182 reviews
★ 4.7
Fort Sumter National Monument
South Carolina 29412, USA
Explore →11,118 reviews
★ 4.8
USS Yorktown CV-10
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
Explore →8,495 reviews
★ 4.8
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
Explore →7,572 reviews
★ 4.8
Pineapple Fountain
1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore →6,572 reviews
★ 4.6
Rainbow Row
79-107 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore →7,104 reviews
★ 4.6
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
Explore →6,903 reviews
★ 4.5
South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore →8,101 reviews
★ 4.7
Folly Beach Pier
101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA
Explore →5,276 reviews
★ 4.8
James Island County Park
871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
Explore →3,617 reviews
★ 4.7
White Point Garden
2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore →3,376 reviews
★ 4.7
Riverfront Park
1061 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405, USA
Explore →3,332 reviews
★ 4.6
Charleston Visitor Center
375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Explore →3,242 reviews
★ 4.8
Hampton Park
30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Explore →1,823 reviews
★ 4.8
International African American Museum
14 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore →1,712 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Charleston?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Charleston include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Charleston
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Charleston
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Charleston
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Day TripsDay Trips in Charleston
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Charleston
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Charleston
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Charleston
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Charleston
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Charleston
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Charleston
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Where to eat and go out in Charleston?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Charleston. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Hyman's Seafood$$
★ 4.9
Page's Okra Grill$$
★ 4.7
Lewis Barbecue Charleston$$
★ 4.8
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar$$
★ 4.6
Halls Chophouse$$$$
★ 4.8
Magnolias$$$
★ 4.7
Millers All Day$$
★ 4.7
167 Raw Oyster Bar$$$
★ 4.7
Nightlife
Home Team BBQ$$
★ 4.6
The Tattooed Moose$$
★ 4.5
Slightly North of Broad Restaurant$$$
★ 4.7
82 Queen$$$
★ 4.5
Red's Ice House$$
★ 4.2
Blind Tiger Pub$$
★ 4.4
Prohibition$$
★ 4.4
Henry's On The Market$$
★ 4.2
Shows & Events
Glenn Miller OrchestraJun 2
Charleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach PelicansJun 2
Charleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach PelicansJun 4
Limbo at The Refinery presents: AC Scar, Beau Monde and Kai GettyJun 5
USD 21
Charleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach PelicansJun 5
Croce & Carole: The Life & Music of Jim Croce & Carole KingJun 5
Medusa's Mayhem: A Mayhem Ball ExperienceJun 5
Now That's What I Call A Rave - 18+Jun 6
Where can I shop in Charleston?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Charleston from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.5
Charleston City Market
188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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★ 4.5
Tanger Outlets Charleston
4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd, North Charleston, SC 2...
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★ 4.6
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.7
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.5
Harris Teeter
290 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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★ 4.5
Publix Super Market at Ashley Landing Mall
$$
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.5
Publix Super Market at 10 Westedge
10 Westedge St Ste 100, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.3
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 3.7
Citadel Mall
2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407,...
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★ 3.8
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.3
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.4
T.J. Maxx
$
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.4
Marshalls & HomeGoods
1495 N Hwy 17, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
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What events are happening in Charleston?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 47 upcoming events in Charleston across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Arts & TheatreGlenn Miller Orchestra
Jun 2, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertLimbo at The Refinery presents: AC Scar, Beau Monde and Kai Getty
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertCroce & Carole: The Life & Music of Jim Croce & Carole King
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Medusa's Mayhem: A Mayhem Ball Experience
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertNow That's What I Call A Rave - 18+
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertBack N Black - the Ac/DC Experience
Jun 6, 2026
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ConcertUpon a Burning Body
Jun 7, 2026
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ConcertJelly Roll - Little ASS Shed Tour
Jun 7, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Jun 7, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Hickory Crawdads
Jun 9, 2026
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ConcertModest Mouse
Jun 10, 2026
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Joe Russo's Almost Dead
Jun 11, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Hickory Crawdads
Jun 11, 2026
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Andy Hull
Jun 11, 2026
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ConcertEASY STAR ALL STARS
Jun 12, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Hickory Crawdads
Jun 12, 2026
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Spacey Jane - If That Makes Sense Tour
Jun 12, 2026
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Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party - 18+
Jun 12, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Hickory Crawdads
Jun 13, 2026
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Mamma Mania!
Jun 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & Theatre
JUN
2
Glenn Miller Orchestra
37 John St., Charleston, SC
Sports
JUN
2
Charleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
360 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC
Sports
JUN
4
Charleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
360 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
5
Limbo at The Refinery presents: AC Scar, Beau Monde and Kai Getty
1640 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston, SC
Get Tickets
USD 21
Sports
JUN
5
Charleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
360 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
5
Croce & Carole: The Life & Music of Jim Croce & Carole King
37 John St., Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
5
Medusa's Mayhem: A Mayhem Ball Experience
32 Ann Street, Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
6
Now That's What I Call A Rave - 18+
32 Ann Street, Charleston, SC
Sports
JUN
6
Charleston Riverdogs vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
360 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC
Frequently asked questions about Charleston
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Charleston?
Charleston offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Charleston?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Charleston, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Charleston?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Yeager Airport (CRW).
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Charleston?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Charleston?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.