20 Best Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina, According to Reddit
Charleston, South Carolina is one of those rare American cities that feels absolutely alive — where every cobblestone street, every antebellum mansion, and every plate of shrimp and grits tells a story. It's consistently named among the best cities in the United States, and Reddit's travel and local communities have made it abundantly clear why. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning visitor, here are the 20 best things to do in Charleston according to thousands of Redditors who've walked these streets.
1. Stroll Along Rainbow Row
No visit to Charleston is complete without walking past Rainbow Row — 13 pastel-colored Georgian row houses stretching along East Bay Street. Redditors call it one of the most photogenic streets in the entire country, and they're right. Arrive early morning for the best light and fewest crowds.
2. Walk The Battery & White Point Garden
The Battery is a scenic promenade at the southern tip of the peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet. The adjacent White Point Garden is dotted with Civil War cannons, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and sweeping harbor views. Locals note you can sometimes spot dolphins from the seawall.
3. Visit the Charleston City Market
One of America's oldest public markets, the Charleston City Market is a vibrant hub where artisans sell handwoven Gullah sweetgrass baskets, jewelry, local art, and gourmet foods. Reddit regulars advise going on a weekday morning to beat the afternoon crowds.
4. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Reddit is divided on tourist activities, but carriage tours consistently earn a pass. They offer the single best overview of Charleston's architectural history, from colonial churches to antebellum mansions, all in roughly an hour. Several Redditors note it's an especially magical experience at dusk.
5. Take the Ferry to Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter sits in the middle of Charleston Harbor and is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The ferry ride alone offers stunning views of the Charleston skyline, and the on-site museum is surprisingly rich. Reddit users call this a genuine must-do for anyone remotely interested in American history.
6. Explore Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Dating back to 1676, Magnolia Plantation is one of America's oldest public gardens. Its sprawling grounds include a nature center, wildlife tours, and one of the oldest biblical gardens in the country. Redditors rave about the wildlife — alligators basking near cypress swamps, migratory birds overhead. Go in spring for full bloom glory.
7. Tour Boone Hall Plantation
With its legendary Avenue of Oaks — a half-mile canopy of ancient live oaks leading to the plantation house — Boone Hall Plantation is unforgettable. Charleston Redditors particularly value its immersive Gullah Geechee cultural programming, which offers authentic storytelling about the enslaved people who built the Lowcountry.
8. Wander King Street
King Street is Charleston's cultural spine. Boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and restaurants line the street from the historic district down to the "restaurant row" stretch. Reddit's tip: skip the chain spots and look for the locally owned gems tucked between them.
9. Watch the Sunset at Pitt Street Bridge
A beloved local secret on Reddit's r/Charleston, the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant is an old trestle bridge turned walking path that juts out over the marsh. At sunset, the views over Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor are extraordinary — and it never feels crowded.
10. Visit the International African American Museum
Opened in 2023 on Gadsden's Wharf — where an estimated 40% of all enslaved Africans who came to North America first arrived — the IAAM is one of the most significant new museums in American history. Redditors who've visited describe it as deeply moving and essential context for understanding Charleston's past and present.
11. See the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island
The Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island is believed to be over 400 years old, with branches stretching more than 180 feet. It's completely free to visit and, according to Reddit, one of the most quietly awe-inspiring natural sights in the Southeastern United States. Go early to have it nearly to yourself.
12. Walk or Bike the Ravenel Bridge
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge has a dedicated 12-foot-wide pedestrian and cycling path stretching 2.7 miles over the Cooper River. Redditors love the views of the Charleston skyline from the apex, especially at golden hour. Bike rentals are available on both sides of the bridge.
13. Kayak the Folly River for Dolphins
Several Reddit threads point to kayaking the Folly River as one of Charleston's most underrated activities. Local outfitters offer guided tours where dolphin sightings are nearly guaranteed. It's an entirely different way to experience the landscape — and a break from city sightseeing.
14. Have an Oyster Roast at Bowen's Island
Bowen's Island Restaurant is a decades-old institution perched on a tidal creek south of Folly Beach. Redditors describe it as a true Charleston rite of passage — buckets of roasted oysters eaten at long communal tables with cold beer and sunset water views in a charmingly ramshackle open-air space.
15. Explore Patriots Point Naval Museum
Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant houses the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, a destroyer, and a submarine — all open to walk through. Reddit users with kids call it a half-day activity easily. Even those without a particular interest in military history find it fascinating and surprisingly well-curated.
16. Take a Ghost Tour Through the Old City Jail
Charleston's ghost tour scene is robust, and the Old City Jail is consistently the favorite venue. Built in 1802 and once housing Civil War prisoners and notorious criminals, the building is genuinely atmospheric. Reddit's verdict: campy but effective, and a fun addition to any trip.
17. Discover Magnolia Cemetery
A quieter Reddit recommendation, Magnolia Cemetery is a beautifully preserved Victorian-era burial ground with elaborate ironwork, ancient oaks, and incredible views over the Ashley River. It's a favorite among photographers and history buffs who want to experience Charleston off the beaten path.
18. Hang Out at Shem Creek
Drive over the bridge to Mount Pleasant and spend an afternoon at Shem Creek, a lively waterway lined with seafood restaurants, decks over the water, and paddleboard rentals. Redditors love it for dolphin watching, cold drinks, and fresh shrimp from the docked fishing boats.
19. Sample the Craft Beer Scene
Charleston's craft brewery scene has exploded, and Reddit's locals have strong favorites: Holy City Brewing (the go-to local staple), Revelry Brewing in the NoMo neighborhood (great rooftop), and Westbrook Brewing in Mount Pleasant (widely regarded as a top-tier SC craft brewery). A self-guided brewery crawl is a Reddit-approved afternoon activity.
20. Eat Your Way Through the City
If there's one thing all Redditors agree on, it's this: Charleston's food scene is the best in the South, possibly the country. Don't miss these standouts:
- Lewis BBQ — Texas-style brisket, beloved by locals
- Rodney Scott's BBQ — James Beard Award-winning whole-hog perfection
- FIG — farm-to-table Southern excellence
- Slightly North of Broad — the shrimp and grits are legendary
- The Obstinate Daughter — head to Sullivan's Island for the oysters
- Miller's All Day — the breakfast spot Reddit can't stop recommending
Reddit's Golden Rules for Charleston
Before you go, here are the tips that appear in nearly every r/Charleston visitor thread:
- Park once, walk everywhere. The historic downtown is compact and best explored on foot.
- Book restaurant reservations early. The good spots fill up 1–2 weeks out, especially on weekends.
- Avoid Hyman's Seafood. Locals consistently flag it as a tourist trap. You'll eat far better almost anywhere else.
- Visit in spring or fall. Summer is beautiful but brutally humid — morning activities only.
Charleston isn't just a destination. It's an experience that gets under your skin. Redditors who visit once almost always start planning their return. Now you know exactly where to begin.