Riley Waterfront Park is one of Charleston's most popular places to unwind. This ten-acre park overlooks both Charleston Harbor and Cooper River and offers waterfront and off-the-water paths to tread upon. In the park is the beautiful Pineapple fountain, which is gorgeously lit up at night. This park has been beloved by Charleston locals and tourists alike since it was established in 1990.

Relax with a drink or some iconic Charlestonian dishes on one of the benches along Riley Waterfront Park’s iconic esplanade, for the perfect end to a day in the city.

One of the nation’s oldest public markets, Charleston City Market, is both a cultural and a culinary hub. Open during the day year-round, with weekly Night Markets, Charleston City Market is constantly bustling. Over 300 entrepreneurs sell their wares at the market, offering everything from Christmas collectibles to handcrafted jewelry to gourmet jellies.

Visitors can spend a whole day at the market talking to locals, trying Charleston cuisine, and shopping for souvenirs, making it one of the best activities for getting to know the city.

Charleston is renowned for its delicious Southern fare and its lively culinary scene. From classics like shrimps and grits to fried green tomatoes, Charleston has some of the best cuisines in the United States. Undiscovered Charleston offers a culinary history walking tour with a cooking demo and a lunch and wine-tasting experience. Chef Forrest Parker will start by taking you on a 90-minute walking tour where you will get to understand the culinary influences that shaped Charleston into one of the world’s top food destinations. You’ll end the tour by enjoying a delicious 4-course meal at Bistro A Vin prepared by Chef Parker himself. Immerse yourself in the world of true Southern fare while learning about the history of Charleston’s most popular dishes!

Known as one of the most beautiful trees in the world, Angel Oak is another Charleston treasure. It is between 400 and 500 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi, and its canopy shades more than 17,000 square feet. Many visitors claim that the tree has an otherworldly presence. Angel Oak is just a 30-minute drive outside the city, and its surrounding park is free admission. This tree is an absolute must-visit wonder.

The 738 acres at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens contain a wealth of nature and history. The gardens are home to countless butterflies and varieties of antique flowers. Visitors can learn about the plantation’s farming practices and more during a visit to Boone Hall, with tickets starting at just $28.

With its 17th-century replica ship and experimental crop garden, Charles Towne Landing is much more than just a park—it’s a historical treasure.

Step backwards in time to the American Revolution with a visit to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.

Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark, is the site of the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Adult tickets are $29 for access to these 110 acres of gardens, farmland, and historic buildings at Middleton Place.

A gorgeous, 8-lane suspension bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge stretches from Charleston to Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River. It offers sweeping views of Charleston, and it is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the city. The bridge has a 12-foot path for pedestrians and bikers, named Wonders’ Way. The path is named after Garrett Wonders, who died in a vehicle accident on the bridge before the path was constructed. The 2.5 mile long bridge is the perfect place to admire Charleston’s picturesque skyline and harbor during a sunset stroll.

Rainbow Row is a famous series of 13 houses along Charleston’s East Bay Street. With its captivating, eponymous bright colors, Rainbow Row is one of the most photo-worthy locations in the city. Each pastel home has its own fascinating history and architecture. Theories as to why the houses are so brightly colored range from the colors helping drunk sailors find their way home more easily, to their allowing merchants to indicate what wares they sold, to their ability to keep the buildings cooler during hot summers. Whatever the truth, Rainbow Row is a must-see part of Charleston.

Located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, right by the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island Beach is the perfect respite from city life. Guests can surf, swim, and catch some rays at this scenic stretch of coastline. The beach is public, and it offers one of the most natural environments in the area.

On the beachfront, visitors can find many bars and restaurants for a perfect way to wrap up a day in the sand.

The finest visual art institution in Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art aficionados and those interested in the cultural history of Charleston. With over 10,000 pieces in its permanent collection, this Beaux Arts-style museum offers hours of entertainment and education. Artists whose work is in the permanent collection include Henrietta Johnston, Merton Simpson, and George LaGrange Cook. A visit here will also introduce you to the up-and-coming and well-established contemporary artists in and around Charleston.

Built in 1825, Edmondston Alston House was one of the very first houses to be built on The Battery, and bore witness to some of the most important moments in Charlestonian history, including the Civil War and the Charleston Earthquake of 1886. Owned over the centuries by a merchant and then the affluent Alston family, the interior is a time portal back to the 19th century, complete with an original copy of the Ordinance of Secession.

History and military valor are on full display at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, an institution that is home to the World War II-era aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Yorktown and a fleet of other ships. Since it opened in 1976, this museum has highlighted the valiant and courageous efforts of American troops over the years, as well as various technological innovations that have contributed to American victories.

Featuring interactive, experiential exhibits, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is the perfect place to learn more about — and immerse yourself in — the stories of the men and women bravely serving America.

Conservation efforts are at the forefront of South Carolina Aquarium’s initiatives. Not only does it operate a world-class Sea Turtle Care Center to rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles, it also has efforts to reduce plastic pollution in the seas and to promote the responsible consumption of seafood. Besides that, South Carolina Aquarium is home to over 5,000 species of aquatic animals, from massive groupers and pelicans to alligators and river otters.

Looking for a luxurious and private way to enjoy the sights of Charleston from the sea? Charleston Yacht Charter has you covered. Combining the best of Southern hospitality with the fascination of the open seas, this yacht charter opportunity will make for an unforgettable experience. Charleston Yacht Charter operates three luxury boats — Fate, Mystique, and Kismet, each with state-of-the-art interiors and professional staff. No matter which one you choose, you are in for an unparalleled, bespoke experience.

Each tour will take you past Charleston’s most iconic sights, including Fort Sumter, The Battery, Waterfront Park, and much more.