Find Car Rentals in Charleston
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.
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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
Cowboy Junkies - Celebrating 40 Years and BeyondJun 18
BIG K.R.I.T. - The World is a Parking LotJun 18
House PartyJun 19
Bop To The Top: CANCELLEDJun 19
Comedy Bang! Bang! Ground Beefing TourJun 19
Cole Swindell & Lee Brice Presented by SC250 CharlestonJun 20
Bop To The Top - 18+Jun 20
42 Dugg x Babyface Ray - 4 The Trenches TourJun 20
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.
Cowboy Junkies - Celebrating 40 Years and Beyond
Jun 18, 2026
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BIG K.R.I.T. - The World is a Parking Lot
Jun 18, 2026
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ConcertHouse Party
Jun 19, 2026
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ConcertBop To The Top: CANCELLED
Jun 19, 2026
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Comedy Bang! Bang! Ground Beefing Tour
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Cole Swindell & Lee Brice Presented by SC250 Charleston
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertBop To The Top - 18+
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
42 Dugg x Babyface Ray - 4 The Trenches Tour
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertWATKINS GLEN REVISITED
Jun 20, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Augusta GreenJackets
Jun 23, 2026
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EventInside Out Charleston
Jun 24, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Augusta GreenJackets
Jun 24, 2026
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PAUL OAKENFOLD WITH THE CRYSTAL METHOD
Jun 25, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Augusta GreenJackets
Jun 25, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Augusta GreenJackets
Jun 26, 2026
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Yung Bleu - We All Need Therapy Tour
Jun 26, 2026
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Charlton & Friends present Purple Legacy: A Celebration of Prince
Jun 26, 2026
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Pride on Ann: A Pride Month Celebration Block Party - 21+
Jun 27, 2026
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SportsCharleston Riverdogs vs. Augusta GreenJackets
Jun 27, 2026
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Pete Holmes
Jun 27, 2026
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Arts & TheatreDanny McBride: Thrilling Tales of Modern Men Book Tour
Jun 29, 2026
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Todd Rundgren: DAMNED IF I DO TOUR
Jun 30, 2026
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ConcertChristopher Cross
Jul 1, 2026
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ConcertMatt Maeson: Watch My Step Tour
Jul 8, 2026
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Concert
JUN
18
Cowboy Junkies - Celebrating 40 Years and Beyond
37 John St., Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
18
BIG K.R.I.T. - The World is a Parking Lot
32 Ann Street, Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
19
House Party
32 Ann Street, Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
19
Bop To The Top: CANCELLED
32 Ann Street, Charleston, SC
Arts & Theatre
JUN
19
Comedy Bang! Bang! Ground Beefing Tour
37 John St., Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
20
Cole Swindell & Lee Brice Presented by SC250 Charleston
161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
20
Bop To The Top - 18+
32 Ann Street, Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
20
42 Dugg x Babyface Ray - 4 The Trenches Tour
37 John St., Charleston, SC
Concert
JUN
20
WATKINS GLEN REVISITED
1640 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston, SC
Get Tickets
USD 33
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.