Stopped in here with the kids today, had some time before an event so I figured we could come here…read more We were there about 30 minutes. It was fine. I like that it was very unique, I love specialty museums, and it had a really good collection of old fire trucks. As an adult I thought it was neat to learn about the history and evolution of fire trucks. Also an assortment of firefighting gear and equipment from different eras. But to me, this should be a museum mostly for kids, and there just wasn't much for kids here. There was some sort of playset in the middle of the room which was covered in kids while their parents looked at the fire trucks, and an incredibly long line at some sort of machine to make badges or patches or something. Like I said I enjoyed it, but it's just confused because the subject matter is something I usually associate with little kids but the material is mostly aimed at adults. J.Ja

Great experience for kids to see big fire trucks. Museum is geared toward teaching about fire…read morehistory. There is also a playhouse with slide that is a big hit. Also get to design fire badge to print out activity. The American LaFrance trucks span from centuries ago. They are on loan so the museum might close soon as the trucks are returned. Hurry to check it out!

What a great, free, experience in downtown Charleston. This is located in a CofC building on Coming…read moreand Calhoun. There is a small store and option to donate. The amount of fossils was great for the kids and adults. Don't forget to look up! There are hanging fossils! Definitely worth a stop.

I enjoyed it so much that I made a video about it:…read more https://youtu.be/0Ok_JxlhT50?si=DWTaVX2yVNEUNuVP

This may have been my favorite place we stopped on our Charleston field trip! I feel like I…read morelearned so much it was very cool!! We started the tour by listening to our guide tell us more about the Hunley we sat in a small room with lots of large photos. She made the information interesting for the adults as well as for the kids. After we finished we switched with the other group and went to view the submarine and the artifacts found with it. It was awesome! Next, we ventured to the gift shop, of course! My kiddo picked out a lovely snow globe and an adorable stuffed bear. This is a must visit if you're in Charleston!!

I didn't really know what to except but am pleasantly surprised. Nice educational exhibit with some…read moresprinkling of videos and talks. You can actually see the Hunley, too at the back of the building. Driving there you may think that you're in the wrong place but then you see the entrance. They have a nice gift shop too!

First class museum. Hope trump leaves it alone. Cover ALL southern histories very well. Proud…read morehistories , & some not. Wonderfully set outs. Would comer again

You have to come here when you visit Charleston. Oldest museum in the United States. I love the…read moreHunley submarine outside. I liked how you followed a course through the place... rather than a bunch of stuff in one big room...

Drayton Hall is beautiful and is filled with rich history of slave life and family heritage. It's…read moreworth it to take 1-2 hours out of your day to enjoy the property! The entrance fee is $32 dollars. It is $18 for ages 7-15, and ages 7 and under are free. You save $3 if you pay online. The extensive driveway and parking lot is not paved and was pretty bad for potholes last February. We arrived about 5 minutes after the 4:00 o'clock tour, and the staff were kind enough to take us to our tour group via a golf cart. If you want to see the inside of the plantation, you HAVE to take a guided tour. The guided tour lasts about 1-1.5 hours and is extremely detailed with many points of interest and knowledgeable tour guides. Parking may be an issue if busy, but there is an auxiliary lot so you should be alright. After your tour is complete, there are some small cottages to explore on your own, a gift shop, and a small museum. Out of all the things to do in Charleston, Drayton Hall should be towards the top of your list. We had a good time!

Drayton Hall is a plantation that is in a state of conservation. There is a tendency in the area to…read moretry to conserve rather than restore buildings. About 20 miles SE of Summerville and on the right bank of the Ashley River and the pretty Hwy 61 is located this Palladian style mansion that survived both the Revolutionary war and the Civil War and that means a lot when you consider that the Revolutionary War was won in South Carolina regardless of what some will say, you win some and you lose some. The tendency to conserve rather than to restore makes you use your imagination to see how this house must've been back in the early days. Some of the materials were imported from the old world like the heavy columns, quite an achievement considering today would require the use of heavy cranes so the use of labor and imagination directing a large number of people must've been a delicate task. Can't deny the fact that they acknowledge that enslaved people took an important roll in building and running this place, delicate subject but well recognized by the tour guide and the museum in site. The house is the focus of the 600 acre property that was in the hands of seven generations of the Drayton family, amazing structure considering there were no Palladian architects in the area back in 1738 when John Drayton bought the land and it took him 15 years to build. A lot a lot more can be said about this place but I am not a historian just simply recommend everyone to come and experience this place that will transport you in time and will make you appreciate history and legacy. Just wish money was no object to the conservation effort.

Visited: February 16, 2026…read more The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon was the perfect blend of history and hustle. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you feel the weight of Charleston's past. Inside, the immersion begins immediately -- postcards, patches, and meaningful souvenirs that make it easy to bring a little history home for friends and family. The highlight, though, was the tour. Our guide was a jolly local with razor-sharp, dry Southern wit -- the kind of storyteller who can pivot from Revolutionary War imprisonment to a perfectly timed sarcastic aside without missing a beat. Equal parts charm and "bless your heart," she made centuries-old history feel present and personal. Down in the Provost Dungeon, those brick walls carry gravity. British occupation. Prisoners of war. Pirates passing through. It's one of those rare spaces where you instinctively lower your voice. You don't just learn history -- you feel it. History hit different here. If you appreciate immersive storytelling, preserved architecture, and a tour that balances education with personality, this is absolutely worth your time.

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 visited Gibbes on a Wednesday when it is free entry to Charleston residents. Before that I hadn't…read morebeen here since I was in middle school. It was a great solo treat to see so many beautiful pieces, read, and learn. This is a two story experience with every changing exhibits. Currently you can see a few Monet pieces. I had no idea they would have Monet before visiting so this was a lovely surprise! In general the regular admission price is fair. The staff are incredibly friendly and the space is beautiful. It's also worth noting you are able to host weddings here.

A visit to the Gibbes is a great way to get a taste of low country art!…read more They feature a mix of pieces from a variety of time periods. I especially enjoyed the exhibits focused on local artists and the fascinating historical pieces like mini portraits and slave tags. The sweetgrass basketry is a sight to behold. Love that they uplift artists/art that may have historically been overlooked by other museums. The building itself is beautiful on the inside - definitely check out the grand room with the domes! I'd say to give yourself about 3 hours to be able to enjoy the museum. This is a wonderful way to break up a day in Charleston (especially if the weather isn't ideal)! We were able to gain admission for free since we're members of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, and both museums are part of the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM).

The Old Mart Museum -- History, Not "His-Story"…read more When we toured the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, we were offered the chance to double down on history -- prepay access to the Old Slave Mart Museum just a few blocks away. We took it. But first? Food. Because nothing says "processing 18th-century imprisonment" like realizing your blood sugar is tanking. After regrouping and refueling, we made our way to the Old Mart Museum. The lesson takes place upstairs -- smaller space, more intimate setting. No theatrics. No dramatics. Just truth. Our guide -- well-groomed, composed, clear-spoken -- absolutely killed it. No sensationalism. No softening. Just facts delivered with gravity. What he described was horrific. Human beings cataloged. Sold. Families separated. Lives reduced to transactions. It was hard to hear. But it was history -- not HIS-story. There's a difference. This wasn't about personal interpretation or modern spin. It was documented record. It was accountability. It was context. Charleston is beautiful. Charming. Architectural eye candy. But layered beneath that beauty is commerce that once depended on human suffering. And standing in that upstairs room, listening quietly, you feel that weight. We walked out quieter than we walked in. Some stops on this trip were fun. Some were adventurous. This one was necessary.

Wonderful time shopping and talking to vendors and other shoppers. We got some excellent loose-leaf…read moretea!

Truly charming and historic - so it's a win win. I was amazed by the lovely decor and intricate…read morearchitectural details of this historic house. The tour was fascinating as it provided a glimpse into pre-war and post- war (civil) history and how it changed not only socio-economics but also lifestyles. I enjoyed learning about the detailed restoration process. Definitely worth an hour or so of your time while visiting Charleston SC.

A worthwhile tour with interesting history and antiques. One…read moreof the highlights is the cantilevered staircase.

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.