Take the long way

Explore

Charleston rewards wandering. Start nearby, follow the water, and give yourself enough time for the garden gates and side streets.

Historic brick building

Visitors Center

375 Meeting Street

A useful first stop for getting oriented, planning a tour, or deciding how to spend an open afternoon.

Historic Charleston alley

The secret alleys

Walking distance

Find Stoll’s Alley, Longitude Lane, Bedon’s Alley, Philadelphia Alley, and the quiet passages scattered around the historic district.

White Point Garden and Battery

White Point Garden & the Battery

A scenic walk

At the southern tip of the peninsula: oak trees, a gazebo, harbor air, and a waterfront walk with real sense of place.

Colonial Lake and Lockwood Drive

Colonial Lake & Lockwood Drive

Close by

An unexpected city lake ringed by a smooth walking path, gardens, and a relaxed local rhythm.

Historic estate

Middleton Place & Drayton Hall

About 30 minutes by car

Two extraordinary ways to encounter the Lowcountry’s landscape and layered history. Check opening details before you go.

Fort by the water

Fort Sumter

Boat departure nearby

The boat ride is part of the experience, followed by a concise and powerful piece of American history.

Historic Charleston streets

Must-see historic streets

Walking distance

Lower Church, Murray Boulevard, Logan, Upper Queen, Gibbes, Legare, Lower King, Orange, and eastern Tradd are all worth seeking out.

South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium

100 Aquarium Wharf

Near Waterfront Park, with an ocean tank, sharks, and the sea-turtle care center.

Charleston sea wall

Charleston sea wall

Lower East Bay to Murray Boulevard

Follow Lower East Bay as it becomes Murray Boulevard for long harbor views.

Middleton Place

Middleton Place

About 30 minutes by car

Magnificent gardens and a National Historic Landmark landscape—best treated as an unhurried half-day trip.

Drayton Hall

Drayton Hall

About 24 minutes by car

An exceptional example of Palladian architecture and one of the Lowcountry’s most important historic sites.

Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation

About 25 minutes by car

Known for its avenue of oaks, gardens, and history-focused tours.

Charles Towne Landing

Charles Towne Landing

About 10 minutes by car

A state historic site at the 1670 settlement location, with marsh views and generous room to wander.

Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation

About 25 minutes by car

Historic gardens, wetlands, and a wider Lowcountry landscape to explore beyond the peninsula.

Pineapple Fountain at Charleston Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain

About 18 minutes on foot

Shaded swings, broad harbor views, and Charleston’s most recognizable fountain.

Low Battery seawall reconstruction near the Coast Guard station

Battery wall & Coast Guard waterfront

About 17 minutes on foot

Pick up the reconstructed Low Battery seawall beside the Coast Guard facility, then walk south along the harbor.

Rainbow Row's pastel houses on East Bay Street

Rainbow Row

About 14 minutes on foot

The pastel historic houses on East Bay are an easy stop between the French Quarter and the waterfront.