The Charleston area has so many attractions, activities, outdoor amenities and events it can be tough to narrow down your choices. Let’s prioritize. We’ve created a lineup of sizzlin’ summer activities for your own Charleston bucket list.
Let us know which ones you do and what you would add to the list by sharing on social media with #chsbucketlist.
Sandcastle construction
You can’t go wrong with a trip to the beach. Whether you’re reading a juicy paperback in your beach chair, splashing in the waves with the kiddos or channeling your inner architect to build a serious sandcastle, nothing beats a day at the beach. (Check out our beach guide.)
Local goodness
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. Or stop off at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons for a selection of local flowers, produce and baked goods (located a Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Boulevard).
Sweet tea tastin’
The Sweet Tea Trail stretches along five districts of Summerville, giving visitors uniquely Southern dining, shopping, historical and cultural experiences along the way. Known as the “birthplace of sweet tea,” visit Summerville on Sept. 15 for the Sweet Tea Festival.
Explore the city with some tours
There are a ton of great tours in Charleston to explore the city and learn about Charleston’s abundant history and beauty. Take a harbor tour, carriage tour, walking or bus tour. Be sure to visit the area’s top historic sites as well. A time and money saving option that people are loving is TourPass Charleston where you pay one price which grants you access to over 40 of top tours and attractions such as Fort Sumter, carriage, harbor, plantations, bus, walking tours and all the museums and historic homes.
Get on the water
In the heat of the summer, cool off with a tour around the Charleston harbor, learning about the city’s history and landmarks. Or take an eco-tour, rent a kayak or get a bird’s eye view of Charleston while parasailing. (See the list of Boat & Water Tours.)
Drinks and a view
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 or Stars Rooftop & Grill Room – all located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Check out our blog post on more places to enjoy outdoor dining.
Sit in the shade
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 shady canopy of branches spanning 17,000 square feet.
Be adventurous
Let loose and go wild with some of Charleston’s most adventurous activities. Master the ropes course at Wild Blue Ropes, test your balance paddleboarding on Shem Creek or fly through the trees at Charleston Zip Line Adventures located just north of Mount Pleasant.