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Charleston SC Things to Do in the Spring – Springtime Bucket List

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Charleston SC Things to Do in the Spring

The area provides a ton of Charleston SC things to do such as attractions, activities, outdoor amenities and events it can be tough to narrow down your choices. Let’s prioritize. We’ve created a lineup of springtime items for your own bucket list.

Let us know which ones you do and what you would add to the list by sharing on social media with #chsbucketlist.

Charleston SC Things to do - Sullivans Island

Beach relaxin’ – Charleston Beaches

What’s better than that first springtime trip to the beach? Nothing beats kicking off your shoes and racing across the warm sand to dip your toes in the water. Visit one of Charleston’s area beaches for fun in the sun: Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach. Check out our Which Charleston Beach is Best? article for more beach info.

Arts Abound – Charleston Art Scene

With more than 500 events across 17 days, you’re sure to find an event you love at Piccolo Spoleto. This cultural celebration highlights plenty of local talent in events all around the city – many of which are free or low cost. Events are May 27 to June 12.

Local Goodness – Charleston Farmers Markets

Marion Square is abuzz with activity on Saturdays as shoppers head to the Charleston Farmers Market for local produce and veggies, food vendors and a wide selection of arts and crafts perfect for souvenirs and gifts. (More info on local markets.)

Battery Views – Sightseeing Charleston

For an early morning stroll or an afternoon sightseeing trip, don’t miss the Battery, a seawall along the southern Charleston peninsula. Catch a glimpse of Fort Sumter and sunset views over the water. For more history, stop off at the Edmondston-Alston House, a house museum at 21 East Battery. Take a guided tour of this 1820s mansion with its collection of historic heirlooms. Watch video of why you should check out the Battery and other Charleston SC things to do!

Explore the City with Tour Pass Charleston

Tour Pass Charleston includes admission for over 30 top tours, attractions and historic sites and is highly rated. Includes a mobile pass with interactive maps that you simply show at the ticket counter at attractions and they check you in…no admission required. Their site also includes daily itineraries.

Angel OakWide Open – Angel Oak Tree

Admire the Angel Oak, a majestic oak tree thought to be one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River. For centuries, the Angel Oak has grown up to 65 feet and has a canopy of branches spanning 17,000 square feet.

Shop the Square in Summerville South Carolina

Summerville’s picturesque town square is ideal for a day of shopping and lunch. With a small town feel, the area has plenty of locally owned boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. On the third Thursday of each month, stores stay open late. (More tips on what do to and see in Summerville.)

Walk in History – Historic Charleston Walking Tours

Take one of the many available walking tours along the cobblestone streets of downtown Charleston. You’ll get plenty of history – and maybe even a little folklore – along with the opportunity to ask questions, take photos and get up and close personal with the Holy City. To take a guided walking tour check out these fine Charleston walking tour companies.

USS Yorktown - things to do in charleston scMilitary Museum – Patriots Point

Sitting stately on the Mount Pleasant side of the Charleston harbor is the USS Yorktown, the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the U.S. Navy in the 1940s. Tour the ship and take in the beautiful views of Charleston from the flight deck. Tour the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum and the Vietnam Experience Exhibit.

Drinks With a View – Charleston Rooftop Bars

Kick back with a cocktail and take in the Charleston skyline from one of the city’s rooftop bars, including the Rooftop Cocktail Bar at the Vendue Inn, Pavilion Bar, The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits or Stars Rooftop & Grill Room – all located in the heart of downtown Charleston.

Swing a spell at Waterfront Park

Pick a warm spring evening and watch the sunset from the bench swings at Waterfront Park (see video of Waterfront Park), one of the city’s most inviting public spaces with its fountains, pier, greenspace and amazing views of the Charleston harbor. Watch closely and you just might see some dolphins at play.

Charleston Garden Tours – Spring Festival of Homes & Gardens

Check out the Spring Festival of Homes & Gardens is one of the best things to do and see in the spring! It’s put on by Historic Charleston Foundation which runs from mid March through the end of April.

Year-Round Charleston SC Things to Do

Be sure to take a look at our events calendar to see what’s going on in Charleston all year long.

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Charleston FAQ's

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

  • Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
  • Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
  • Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
  • Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
  • Both cities have equally good tours.
  • Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
  • In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
  • Savannah is more affordable.
  • TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

Additional Places to Explore

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