Charleston Area Activities & Places of Interest

West Ashley

West Ashley refers to the area west of the Charleston Peninsula, across the Ashley River. West Ashley features such historic sites as Magnolia Gardens, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall Plantation where visitors can experience the life, luxury, and scenery of the Old South. Experience history first hand at Charlestowne Landing State Historic Site where Europeans first settled the Carolinas.

Mount Pleasant

With the completion of the new Arthur Ravenel Bridge (Cooper River Bridge) and being of equidistance from Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Historic Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant is more accessible than ever. The historic Boone Hall Plantation, home of the famous "Avenue of Oaks," hosts daily tours, both walking and bus, of the home and gardens. Shem Creek hosts "The Blessing of the Fleet" each year where the local shrimp boats head to sea to kick off the fishing and shrimping season. You can enjoy fresh local seafood and the breathtaking creek and marsh views at several restaurants along Mount Pleasant's Shem Creek.

Historic Charleston District

The Charm of Charleston can be found in its Historic District - Tour Waterfront Park and "The Battery," where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Enjoy a day at the South Carolina Aquarium or hop on a Fort Sumter Boat Tour that leaves daily from Aquarium Wharf. During the day, visitors take in Charleston's historic homes and gardens. Carriage rides run all day from Charleston's Historic Market. The night life in the historic district is unparalleled for its draw to visitors and locals alike. Experience Charleston's "dark side" with ghost walks, dungeon, and jail tours after an unforgettable meal at one of the many local Four-Diamond and local downtown restaurants. Spend the night, weekend, or week in a luxury hotel of your choosing within 2-3 blocks of any and every shopping, touring and/or dining opportunity in Charleston's historic district.

Folly Beach

Just minutes from downtown, Folly Beach offers a number of activities from surfing, swimming and shopping to relaxing on the beach at sunset or under a starlit sky. Enjoy local seafood at one of many restaurants or catch your own meal fishing from the Folly Beach pier. Discover the "Edge of America," one of Charleston's greatest treasures; Folly Beach.

North Charleston

Only minutes away from Charleston International Airport are the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and North Charleston Coliseum, home of the South Carolina Stingrays, a minor league professional hockey team. The North Charleston Coliseum host the SoCon men's basketball tournament each year as well as various other sporting and musical concert events. North Charleston is home the Naval Weapons Station and the Charleston Air Force Base, as well as the new Charleston Fire Museum. Historic Charleston is only a 15 minute drive down I-26 from North Charleston.

Kiawah Island

Approximately 20 miles from Charleston proper you'll find the West Islands of Kiawah and Seabrook. Kiawah Island is a private resort community with public beach access including lifeguards. The Ocean Course is the most well known golf course on the island but golf enthusiasts have several courses on which they can spend their day. Horse riding lessons are provided at The Equestrian Center. Take a trail ride or go down to the beach for an afternoon ride. The Plantation at Stono Ferry hosts the Charleston Cup each year for the horse racing fans.

Isle of Palms

As you travel across the connector from Mount Pleasant to the Isle of Palms (IOP) you experience the breathtaking, panoramic view of barrier island, IOP. During the day, visitors to IOP have residential and commercial beach access with restaurants and shops at the end of the connector. At night, local clubs host bands of all genres.

Sullivan's Island

Like Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island is a barrier island with long beautiful beaches and, wildlife dunes and marshes. A variety of restaurants line Sullivan's Island's Middle Street. Each year, these restaurants host the New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim where locals kick off the New Year by flocking to the beach for an early January morning swim. Just down the road is the Fort Moultrie Historic Site.

Edisto Island

Named after the Edisto Indians, the original inhabitants of the island, Edisto Island is at the edge of Charleston County. Not only does Edisto Island have beautiful beaches and gorgeous golf courses, but it has several entertaining educational opportunities as well. From nature tours and cruises to the Edisto Island Museum and Serpentarium, Edisto Island has a little something for everyone. Only a short drive from Charleston proper, visitors can make Edisto Island a day trip or enjoy luxurious accommodations on the island to complete the experience.

Online Charleston Hotel Specials Please sign up for our exclusive online Charleston hotel specials and promotions.