Charleston and the surrounding barrier islands are rich in history and culture and offer a variety of attractions from beautifully landscaped plantations dating back two-hundred years to carriage tours that will take you all over downtown detailing the colonial architecture that stands as a testament to the era in which they were built. Whether you want to be educated on the deep history of the area, enjoy a delicious meal, spend the day on a golf course or just entertained for an afternoon, Charleston can make it happen.

SC Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium features thousands of marine animals, including sharks, loggerhead turtles, and seahorses. The aquarium has different exhibits throughout the year and will provide an educational experience for kids and adults! Open daily. For information, call 843.720.1990 or visit www.scaquarium.org.

Boone Hall Plantation
At Boone Hall Plantation you can see one of Charleston's most famous plantation houses, walk through beautiful gardens, and eat at the Plantation Kitchen restaurant. Boone Hall Plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 843.884.4371 or visit www.boonehallplantation.com.

Magnolia Plantation
Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Magnolia Plantation is the original home of the Drayton family. Visitors can tour the home and walk through one of the oldest public gardens in the United States. Open daily, 8 a.m. to dusk through October; call for November through February hours. For more information call 843.571.1266 or 800.367.3517; or visit www.magnoliaplantation.com.

Middleton Place Plantation
Built in the 1700's, Middleton Place features 65 acres of landscaped gardens. Visitors can learn about the historical importance of the Middleton family. Also, Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark. Located 14 miles north of downtown Charleston on Hwy. 61. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 843.556.6020 or 800.782.3608; or visit www.middletonplace.org.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
This historic site features the cottage and 28-acre farm of a Founding Father. Visitors can watch a twenty-minute film, view exhibits, and walk on trails at the farm. Located on 1254 Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas and New Year's. Admission is free. For more information call 843.881.5516 or see www.nps.gov/chpi.

Fort Moultrie
Fort Moultrie is a National Park Service site with over 200 years of coastal defense history. Located on 1214 Middle Street on Sullivan's Island. Visitor center has a 20-minute film and exhibits. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas and New Year's. Admission rates: adults, $2; seniors and children, $1; family, $5; school groups, free. Call 843.883.3123 or see www.nps.gov/fomo for more information.

Fort Sumter National Monument
See where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861, and also get incredible views of the Charleston Harbor. Boats depart from Liberty Square in Charleston and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. For admission rates and departure times, call 843.883.3123 or 843.722.2628. Exhibit hall at Liberty Square (south of the Aquarium) is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at no charge. Closed Christmas and New Year's. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/fosu.

LET'S SEE MORE!!                                                                    Carriage Rides and other tours >