Discover Charleston: Historic District, Plantations & Beaches

Step into the storied streets of Charleston where centuries of American history unfold behind wrought-iron gates and beneath canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. This self-guided walking tour leads you through the City's most captivating landmarks, from the pastel Georgian townhouses of Rainbow Row to the grounds where the Civil War began. Wander through the nation's oldest public market, pause in elegant gardens, and stand on the seawall at The Battery as the Ashley and Cooper Rivers converge. Along the way, hear stories of revolution and resilience, of enslaved Africans who shaped the city's culture, and of the devastating 1886 earthquake that nearly leveled everything. Charleston's charm lies in its contradictions — a city that celebrates beauty while confronting a complicated past. From the towering spire of St. Michael's Church to the limbs of the Angel Oak Tree, every stop reveals another layer of this remarkable Southern city.

1. 1

   Charleston City Market

   30 min

   Begin at one of the oldest public markets in America, stretching four blocks between Meeting Street and East Bay Street. Established in the 1790s, the market is famous for Gullah sweetgrass basket weavers who carry on a centuries-old West African tradition. Browse local artisan goods and sample pralines.

2. 2

   Rainbow Row

   1 hour

   Walk to East Bay Street to see the most photographed spot in Charleston — a row of thirteen colorful Georgian townhouses dating to the 1740s. These pastel facades were originally merchants' shops with living quarters above. The vibrant colors are said to have helped sailors identify their homes from the harbor.

3. 3

   Pineapple Fountain

   1 hour

   Stroll through this beautifully landscaped park along the Cooper River waterfront. The iconic Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Southern hospitality, anchors the park. Swinging benches, palmetto palms, and harbor views make this one of the most relaxing spots in the city.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 hour

   Walk the promenade along the seawall at the southern tip of the peninsula, where Civil War cannons and monuments dot a shaded park of massive live oaks. Grand antebellum mansions line the street, and views stretch across the harbor to Fort Sumter and Sullivan's Island.

5. 5

   Nathaniel Russell House

   Pass by

   Tour this impeccably restored 1808 Federal-style mansion on Meeting Street, considered one of the finest neoclassical houses in America. Its famous free-flying staircase spirals three stories without any visible support. The house museum reveals the lives of both the wealthy Russell family and the enslaved people who maintained the household.

6. 6

   St. Michael's Church

   1 hour

   Stand before Charleston's oldest church, completed in 1761 at the corner of Meeting and Broad Streets, known as the Four Corners of Law. Its towering 186-foot steeple has served as a landmark for ships entering the harbor for over 260 years. George Washington worshipped here during his 1791 Southern tour.

7. 7

   Old Slave Mart Museum

   Pass by

   Visit the only known building still standing in the United States that was used as a slave auction gallery. Located on Chalmers Street, this small but powerful museum tells the story of Charleston's role as the largest slave trading port in North America, where nearly half of all enslaved Africans entered the country.

8. 8

   Fort Sumter National Monument

   1 hour

   View Fort Sumter from the harbor waterfront, where Confederate batteries opened fire on the Union-held fort on April 12, 1861, beginning the American Civil War. Interpretive markers along the Battery explain the bombardment. Ferry tours to the island fort depart from nearby Liberty Square.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   30 min

   Stroll along Charleston's premier shopping and dining corridor, stretching from the Visitor Center to The Battery. Upper King is known for restaurants and nightlife, Middle King for fashion boutiques, and Lower King for antiques. The street showcases beautiful 19th-century commercial architecture throughout.

10. 10

    Patriots Point Links on Charleston Harbor

    Pass by

    Cross the Cooper River to Mount Pleasant and visit the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier turned floating museum. The ship saw action in the Pacific Theater and now houses exhibits on naval aviation, Medal of Honor recipients, and a Vietnam War experience exhibit with a full-scale support base.

11. 11

    Angel Oak Park

    1 hour

    End your tour at one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the Lowcountry. This Southern live oak on Johns Island is estimated to be 400 to 500 years old, with branches stretching 187 feet across and a canopy that shades nearly 17,000 square feet. Standing beneath it is a humbling experience.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.