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.

We do not recommend this place. The Dungeon tour guide made a problematic comment about Native…read moreAmericans and went on to share sexist ideas about women. As we left, we let the staff at the front desk know about her remarks. The two staff looked at us, shrugged their shoulders, and said, "Oh, that's just Carol." Then, the male staff person proceeded to give us inaccurate information about another museum we inquired about. We left the museum surprised and disappointed by this behavior. We hope someone will review the tour script and suggest more inclusive and affirming language.

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.

Interesting place, but not my favorite coastal fort. For that you need to head south to Fort…read morePulaski. However, Fort Moultrie has its own story to tell and I highly recommend the short film in the visitor center. The rangers, as usual, are the highlight of these national monuments and they do incredible work. In particular, they have a great activity (sort of a scavenger hunt) for young visitors. I'm from the West Coast and most of our coastal forts are from the WWII era, and Fort Moultrie reminded me of home. If you make your way to the lower level of the fort, you will see the WWII era maps, radio displays, uniforms, etc. But, the glory days of the fort were its vigorous defense during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Highly recommend a visit if you are staying in Charleston and make sure you leave time to pay reverence at Toni Morrison's Bench on the Road monument nearby and also to explore Sullivan's Island.

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.

Great day Very educational…read more Recommend getting the tour it was well worth it! Will definitely visit again

You have to stop here. Beautiful area, in the heart of downtown, next to the pier, a great place…read morefor walking, relaxing under the huge trees, it's just a must see spot. Parking can be a bit harrowing because of the area, but it's a gorgeous place.

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.