We were planning on visiting Boone Plantation, but we were early, since it opens at Noon on…read moreSundays. So, we had some time to kill. Almost across the street I have noticed a sign for Charles Pickney National Historic Site which looked open, so off we went. There is a big parking lot upon entrance. Free to visit. Big, woodsy grounds with a few trails, historic houses (closed for the season when we visited in November), a small visitor center with picnic benches, clean restrooms, water fountains. We enjoyed walking around, decompressing, admiring the Spanish moss and the camellias in bloom. We also learnt about Charles Pickney (had no idea who he was), always interesting to get a slice of local and US History. He was a land owner, a politician, a Founding Father who contributed to the Constitution, South Carolina governor (several times), US Senator and member of the House. Also, alongside his wife, Eliza were some of the first people developing indigo crops. All this information you ready by walking around it's interesting and will tie in with the facts and stories you will get while touring Boone plantation. It all connects. Great place to stumble into, it has a bit of everything: respite, nature, history. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. TIP: If you are early for Boone, pop in here. You should do both place if you have time! Lots to learn and the historic site has lots of charm on its own!

This historical park lies near one of Charleston's many prominent plantation-turned-attraction…read moresites. This is far less adorned, less aesthetically impressive. However, as a piece of history it was more interesting than I expected. Speaking as a Washingtonian, the name Charles Pinckney means nothing to me and is not a prominent part of the pantheon of Founding Fathers and the surrounding narrative that we so often hear. The site here tries to make the case that this individual was influential in the country's founding, as well as holding a diverse variety of other roles. And yet, the museum house that forms the centerpiece of this site also focuses on the plantation system that formed the lifeblood of the region and is quite detailed about the slave labor that went into it. Gullah spirituals echo through the walls, and dueling murals in the hall express the fundamental contradiction between the inventors of individual rights simultaneously owning human beings. I don't know what used to be here, but museums in this region have stepped up to the challenge presented by this history. Otherwise, the site offers a brief trail and a boardwalk that's more of a platform looking out into the swamp and the nearby road. I probably spent a little over an hour in the park, which was more than I thought. And it was free.

The small museum and dungeon tour is worth the experience. It gives you a good overview of early…read moreCharleston's history while also covering the darker history of the dungeon. They also offered a multi-museum pass that included the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, the Slave Mart Museum, and the Powder Magazine, which was well worth the price.

Fact: Provost Dungeon is older than our country!…read more The British originally owned it and used it as a commercial exchange and customs house. Also used as a post office, prison, and city hall, it is currently a museum. In addition, in 1788 South Carolina approved the US Constitution here. Yet another testament to the rich history of Charleston, Old Exchange, and Provost Dungeon a fascinating places to visit. Built in 1771, it has changed roles countless times: it was a British dungeon during the American Revolution, an elegant hall during George Washington's 1791 visit to Charleston, and a meeting place for the ratification of the Constitution, In 1780 the British occupied Charleston for two years and housed many prisoners in one large cell in this basement making it a provost, or dungeon. Because of the awful conditions here, disease was rampant due to crowding, and no bathroom facilities. Under these conditions, many people died while in prison here. This prison held all types of people, including American and British soldiers, private citizens, and slaves. The first and second floor of the building is home to a museum dedicated to the other uses of the Exchange Building. Fee: Admission to this historic building is only $12 for adults. For a small fee, a guided tour through the lower level and you can learn a lot from the guide.

I have to admit I'm an easy mark for a place like this…read more But I really found the price of admission and the information provided was absolutely worth it Small but informative museum, including a great Short documentary that provides all the information you need about the very important role This location played in the revolution. The tour of the Fort is self-directed and is interesting to see after going into the museum It's kept up well, but I actually found the museum more valuable than the fort itself glad I went! Didn't get to see Fort Sumter, which remains on the list, but this is also worthwhile and is both cheaper and less of a drag on time

This was my second visit to the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center and I'm glad we made time to stop…read moreagain while exploring Sullivan's Island. Earlier in the day, we had visited nearby Fort Sumter, but instead of taking the ferry out to the fort itself, we stopped here to learn more about Charleston's harbor defenses and the area's fascinating history. The visitor center has several exhibits providing great context before (or after) exploring the historic sites. After spending some time inside, we crossed the street to walk around Fort Moultrie itself. Between the exhibits and the fort, it was an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so. Whether it's your first visit or your second, I'd recommend making a stop here. The staff was friendly (I love rangers), the exhibits were informative, and it's a nice complement to a visit to Fort Sumter or the rest of the Charleston area.

Definitely not what I picture when I think of a lighthouse haha! We had a fun time exploring…read moreSullivan's Island, and this lighthouse was one of the landmarks we visited. 10/10 would recommend!

The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, also commonly known as "Charleston Light" holds a unique title in…read moreCarolina Lighthouse lore as one of the most modern lighthouses in the country. The distinctive triangular and slim structure, The lighthouse itself is fenced off and is not open to the public, however, visitors are welcome to explore the surrounding grounds during the day to snap photos, and look up and admire the towering structure. It continues to act as a guiding point to Charleston Harbor ships, Atlantic vessels passing along the coast, and visitors who want to light the way for a great vacation. PS: there is no parking space, you just park on the side of the street and hope you won't get a ticket...

USS Laffey is closed for maintenance but no big deal since lots to see on Yorktown. I have now…read morebeen on all five aircraft carrier museums and Yorktown is a very close second to Midway and Intrepid which, IMO, are tied for best. Plenty of exhibits and planes to see. There are two guided tours available: Captain's and Admiral's Tours. These are just the names and have nothing to do with meeting Captains or Admirals. I purchased the Admiral's Tour and thought it was worth the $40. Great tour guide and we saw lots. I visited on Tuesday and Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed my time onboard. Admission also includes the Vietnam War Experience which I think is worth checking out.

I took a ghost tour on the USS Yorktown. The history and sites, incredible. The views at sunset up…read moreon the flight deck, absolutely breathtaking and such a memorable experience. This is a great spot if you enjoy learning about history.

The Pineapple Fountain is an iconic pit stop for your Charleston exploration. The surrounding park…read moreand waterfront are so beautiful. 10/10 would recommend!

Review #4 of My Charleston Vacation 20-plus Review Series…read more The Pineapple Fountain is one of the most photographed spots in Charleston. It was the Pineapple Fountain that brought me to spend time Waterfront Park with my Dad and Brother. Dissimilar from several of the nearby attractions including the City Market and Rainbow Row; The Pineapple Fountain has a short history that dates to 1990, four months after Hurricane Hugo caused havoc in Charleston. Disparate from unwelcoming hurricanes, the pineapple is a Charleston symbol of warm welcome and wealth. From my perspective, on July 22, 2026 it served as a warm welcoming place to take photos of a photogenic pineapple fountain with the backdrop of the Copper River and a base of botanical flowers. For some people it served as a welcoming place to cool off in the water on a hot and humid Charleston afternoon. While I took pictures my Dad and Brother rested on a scenic bench under the shade of mature oak trees. This photogenic experience costed me nothing. There was zero need to worry about parking. The Free Charleston Shuttle 211 Route dropped us off close by. It was a relatively short walk from Vendue Range at Concord Street stop.

Had a wonderful hair cut here. Staff were all extremely nice. Dedicated surface lot--yes!…read moreRecommended!

I went on my honeymoon here and it was the best experience. I miss this place and have such good…read morememories. I can't wait to return, and look forward to coming back.

Only the first floor (basement level) is open for tours, which consists of just four very small…read morerooms. The rest of the building has been renovated and turned into an event space, so you don't get to see the entire building. Once inside, it was pitch black. No windows or natural light. The only source of light came from the tour guide's flashlight, and I wasn't even sure if we were allowed to take photos with flash. Because of this, some of the pictures I took turned out completely dark, which was really disappointing considering the price of the ticket. I've been to other haunted locations that offered a much more immersive and worthwhile experience. Unfortunately, this one just didn't live up to expectations.

We went on a ghost tour here and it was wonderful! The energy in this building is just insane. I…read moredont want to give any "spoilers" so youll just have to go on the tour! No denying its haunted though! Our tour guide was wonderful and very fun. I would definitely reccomend.

Beautiful historical resort. The courtyard is the same as when it was originally built. Take a walk…read moreback through time and stay at this lovely gem.

"Lodge Alley is just 10 feet wide and paved with beautiful Belgian blocks, a local term for bricks…read moreshaped like blocks of granite cobblestone. The alley also has the honor of being one of the oldest streets in Charleston and was named after the Masonic Lodge just a short distance from East Bay Street." A nice little walk between East Bay and State St in downtown Charleston. Well known for the various smells that come from the buildings, restaurants, and other local attractions. A tree in the middle has several "critters" perched and waiting for you to come by, so be sure to look up and wave to them for safe passage.

The Admiral's House on Navy Way in North Charleston is a beautiful and historical house that has…read morebeen fully restored and now is an excellent and unique venue option for a special event. I really like the atmosphere and location here with the three levels and the balcony overlooking everything. This is a cool place that really stands out.