40+ Things to Do and See in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, which is known for the many church steeples that dot its skyline, is experiencing a boom in more areas than one: restaurants, boutique hotels, bars, distilleries, retail, tech–and we’ve even tasted the smoky evidence of a very localized BBQ boom. Fortunately, all this booming hasn’t rattled the foundation on which this southern port city sits. You’ll still find oodles of that world-famous charm and access to the historic sites, dating clear back to colonial times, that make this city so culturally rich.

Here, spiritual experiences have been had over bourbon craft cocktails, antique aficionados have discovered utopia on King Street, small miracles (also called oysters) have been found in Ace Basin half shells, and former dessert abstainers have seen the light over 12-layer slices of coconut cake. And that’s not even why they call it the Holy City. Because Charleston has so many epic experiences, we’re starting you off with 50 places and activities—both old and new—that just might make your traveling heart go boom.