Experience Holy City history and revel in our beautiful public spaces while visiting these favorite attractions at little to no cost.
Angel Oak
Estimated to be 300-400 years old, the majestic Angel Oak is worth a visit. The oak tree towers 65 feet high and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. Its area of shade is 17,000 square feet and its largest limb has a circumference of 11.5 feet, and a length of 89 feet. No admission to visit the park and take photos, plus there’s a gift shop and picnic area. 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Opened in July 2005, this cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River has become an iconic symbol of Charleston. This architectural marvel has a 2-mile bike/pedestrian lane called Wonders’ Way. Free parking is available on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston and also on the Mount Pleasant side at Memorial Waterfront Park so you can walk the bridge for a bird’s eye view of the Charleston harbor.
Fort Moultrie
Visit Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island for a greater understanding of history from the American Revolution through World War II. Insider tip: Walk the beach there for stunning views of Fort Sumter and the Charleston skyline from a distance. 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island
Fort Sumter
Calling all history buffs! Stand where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. Situated in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter helped defend from seaside attacks. In 1966, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit the fort via ferry operated by Fort Sumter Tours, which depart from the Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square (340 Concord Street, Charleston) and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant (40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant).
Marion Square
Spanning more than 6 acres in the heart of downtown Charleston, Marion Square was established as a parade ground for the state arsenal under construction on the north side of the square. It is best known as the former Citadel Green because The Citadel occupied the arsenal from 1843 until 1922, when the military college moved to Charleston’s west side. The name was then changed to Marion Square, in honor of Francis Marion. This city park hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year. 329 Meeting St., Charleston
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Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange is a must-see for all Charleston visitors. During your visit, you will discover this building’s integral role in our country’s quest for independence and its important service to our young nation. The Old Exchange began its existence as a public building and remains so today. Take a tour to see various aspects of Charleston history during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras and put into context the people and events of the period. 122 East Bay St., Charleston
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is the name for a series of colorful historic houses located north of Tradd Street and south of Elliot Street on East Bay Street. It is referred to as Rainbow Row for the pastel colors used to paint the houses. It is a common tourist attraction and is one of the most photographed areas of Charleston. You may hear a number of tales as to why the houses are painted so colorfully. One is so intoxicated sailors coming in from the port could remember which house to bunk in.
Riley Waterfront Park
Riley Waterfront Park is a 12-acre park along a one-half mile stretch of the Cooper River in Charleston. The public park has a pier with swings and it’s a great place to see some dolphins and snap some photos of the harbor. Be sure to dip your toes in the Pineapple Fountain – another iconic Charleston symbol. 1 Vendue Range, Charleston
St. Michael's Church & Graveyard
St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church edifice in the City of Charleston, standing on the site of the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia. In the 1680s, a small wooden church – the first in the new town of Charles Town – was built on this spot for the families of the Church of England and named St. Philip’s. John Rutledge, the first governor of South Carolina and signer of the U.S. Constitution is buried in the graveyard here. 80 Meeting Street, Charleston
St. Philips Church & Graveyard
Building and graveyard are open to the public Monday to Friday. Established in 1681, St. Philip’s is the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina. The first St. Philip’s Church, a wooden building, was built between 1680 and 1681 at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets on the present day site of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. It was damaged in a hurricane in 1710 and a new St. Phillip’s Church was begun a few blocks away on Church Street. 146 Church St., Charleston
Morris Island Lighthouse
The Morris Island Lighthouse, built in 1876, is a historic beacon standing 161 feet tall off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. Known for its black-and-white stripes, it originally guided ships through Charleston Harbor. Due to erosion, the lighthouse now stands in water, separate from Morris Island. Despite this, it remains a cherished symbol of Charleston's maritime history and a popular spot for photographers and visitors.
Sullivan's Island Lighthouse
The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, also known as Charleston Light, is located on Sullivan's Island near Charleston, South Carolina. It is a distinctive triangular structure with a unique modern design, completed in 1962. The lighthouse stands 140 feet tall and is made of steel and aluminum, featuring a black-and-white color scheme. It is one of the last major lighthouses built in the United States and is notable for its contemporary appearance and the fact that it has an elevator inside. The lighthouse originally had a powerful light of 28 million candlepower, which has since been reduced to avoid blinding ships.
The Battery
The Battery is a landmark defensive seawall and promenade in Charleston, famous for its stately antebellum homes. Named for a Civil War coastal defense artillery battery at the site, it stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper rivers. 2 Murray Blvd., Charleston
