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Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

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Top 10 Summer Activities in Charleston SC You Can’t Miss

Charleston in the summer is hot—and we’re not just talking about the temperature! From downtown adventures to beach outings and history tours, the array of activities in Charleston SC ensures there’s never a dull moment. The warm sunshine, fresh salt air, and stunning architecture will follow you through every corner of the city, leaving you awestruck by its beauty and rich history.

Wondering where to begin? Here’s our list of the top 10 summer activities in Charleston SC that will make your trip unforgettable:

10. Sunset Water Cruises

One of the most magical activities in Charleston SC is catching a sunset from the water. Hop on a charter boat like the Schooner Pride Sailing for a relaxing cruise as the sun sets over the city. Enjoy cocktails, live music, and breathtaking views of Charleston’s historic skyline and harbor. Be sure to bring your camera—sunset selfies here are a must! View our tours page

9. Farmers Markets

For a taste of local life, visit one of Charleston’s many farmers markets. These markets are bustling hubs filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. From Marion Square to Mount Pleasant, exploring the farmers markets is one of the most charming activities in Charleston SC, perfect for all ages. View Events Page

8. Carriage Tours

Step back in time on a classic carriage tour through Charleston’s historic streets. Discover centuries-old architecture, lush gardens, and stories of the city’s past while enjoying a leisurely ride through downtown. Carriage tours are one of the quintessential activities in Charleston SC that bring the city’s rich history to life. View our tours page

7. Weekend Brunch

Brunch in Charleston is more than a meal—it’s a tradition. Indulge in bottomless mimosas, shrimp and grits, or stacks of fluffy pancakes at one of Charleston’s many brunch hotspots. With some restaurants now serving brunch all day, every day, this is one of the most delicious activities in Charleston SC that you won’t want to miss.

6. Hit the Beaches

Charleston SC is known for its beautiful beaches, making a beach day one of the top activities in Charleston SC during the summer. Relax at Folly Beach, soak in the family-friendly atmosphere at Isle of Palms, or enjoy the tranquil views at Sullivan’s Island. Each beach offers unique vibes, amenities, and dining options, perfect for a day of sun, surf, and sand. View our beaches article

5. Sightseeing with the Charleston Tour Pass

Maximize your time with the Charleston Tour Pass, which grants access to over 40 top attractions in the city. From historic plantations to fascinating museums, this pass is a fantastic way to experience all the must-see sights. It’s one of the best activities in Charleston SC for those looking to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visit TourPass

4. Downtown Biking

Explore Charleston on two wheels with bike-sharing services like Holy Spokes. Biking around downtown is one of the most fun and active activities in Charleston SC, allowing you to see more of the city while enjoying the warm summer breeze. Don’t miss iconic spots like Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Waterfront Park along the way.

3. Brewery Hopping

Charleston’s brewery scene is booming, and brewery hopping is one of the coolest activities in Charleston SC, especially on a hot day. The city’s growing number of microbreweries offers a diverse selection of craft beers, small bites, and lively atmospheres. Spend the day sampling seasonal ales and unique brews at top spots throughout the brewery district. View brewery article

2. Walking Tours

Immerse yourself in Charleston’s history with a guided walking tour. From ghost tours to food tours, these guided experiences provide deep insights into the city’s past and present. Bulldog Tours, voted the “Best Tour Company” in Charleston, offers a variety of themed tours that showcase some of the most exciting activities in Charleston SC. View our tours page

1. The View from Above: Rooftop Restaurants & Bars

For stunning views of Charleston, visit one of the city’s popular rooftop bars or restaurants. Overlook the iconic steeples, the Ravenel Bridge, and the sparkling harbor while enjoying great food and drinks. Experiencing the city’s skyline from above is one of the top activities in Charleston SC that combines sightseeing with a taste of local cuisine. View article about rooftop dining

Charleston Tour Pass

Charleston TourPass

TourPass includes all the top tours and attractions & historic sites. Save up to 40% or more on admissions. 

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Charleston Tour Pass

Visiting Charleston Just Got Way Easier!

TourPass includes all the top tours and attractions & historic sites. Save up to 40% or more on admissions + skip the lines

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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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