Boone Hall Plantation
#1 Plantation - USA TODAY 10BEST
Historic Sites and Landmarks in Charleston, SC
In Charleston, everything from the cobblestones to the iron gates has a story to tell and we pride ourselves on showcasing these historic sites. Take a ferry to Fort Sumter and stand exactly where the Civil War began. Tour one of our expertly preserved plantations and mansions. There is history everywhere so be sure to take time to take it all in.
Featured Offers
Fort Sumter Tours
Charleston's "must do" - travel back in time by boat & visit Charleston's ONLY National Park with Fort Sumter Tours. Boats depart daily from downtown and Patriots Point.
Charleston Haunted Jail Tour
Explore the eerie history of the Old City Jail, exclusively offered by Bulldog Tours. Step inside this chilling landmark for spine-tingling tales!
Aiken-Rhett House
City’s most intact antebellum urban complex (c. 1820). Historic interiors, surviving virtually unaltered since 1858, have been conserved & stabilized. Many original objects.
Drayton Hall
Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Place to See in South Carolina. America’s oldest unrestored plantation c. 1738 open daily for house tours, plantation tours, and museum exhibits.
Charleston County Parks
Start Your Adventure
Fort Sumter National Monument
Situated on an island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the American Civil War started on April 12, 1861. The fort is accessible only by boat.
Edmondston-Alston House
Built in 1825 on Charleston’s High Battery, the house today stewards both the history of two Charleston families, and the enslaved workers who made their lifestyle possible.
International African American Museum
Visit the newest African American Museum
Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture
Reading room, archives & scheduled tours. 1990 Carolopolis Award. Beautifully restored facility, site of former Avery School built in 1865. Includes art, historical exhibits.
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
A plantation relic once owned by a Founding Father is a National Park Service site with grounds, historic house, exhibits, film, museum shop, and programs. Free. Open Wed-Sun
Charleston City Market
Open M-Su. Built in 1841 to sell produce and meats, it features small shops, restaurants and flea market with everything from produce to antiques.
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
Settled in 1696 on a high bluff of the Ashley River. Visit the ruins of Fort Dorchester, old St. George’s Church, and interesting archaeological excavations & more!
Fort Moultrie
The National Park Service explains and preserves the evolution of seacoast defense from one of the first decisive victories in the American Revolution through World War II.
Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square
This National Park Service site is the primary departure point for visitors to Fort Sumter. Exhibits provide an overview of events leading up to the Civil War. Free admission.
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