First-Time Visitors Guide
Charleston has so much to offer that it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to see and do first. If you only have a short time to visit or if it’s your first time in the Holy City, there are a few things you just can’t miss. We’ve compiled a list of the must-visit attractions and tours to experience while you’re here.
CARRIAGE TOUR Book a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown. Your tour guide is randomly assigned a route and will delight your tour group with stories and facts about Charleston from her earliest days to the present.
BUS TOUR Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still take in the sights with a bus tour. Board a climate-controlled bus to see some of historic Charleston’s best views from architecture to gardens.
HIT THE BEACH There are amazing public beaches in Charleston, each with its own vibe and amenities. Visit Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, or check out Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, both of which are located near Mount Pleasant. 14 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com SUMMER/FALL 2021
SHEM CREEK One of the most picturesque waterways in the area, Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is a great spot for kayaking or simply enjoying drinks and a fresh seafood dinner with a water view.
PLANTATION TOUR Area plantations have tours and special exhibits that offer visitors an eye-opening understanding and deeper education of slave life in the Lowcountry. Local plantations include Boone Hall Plantation, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, McLeod Plantation and Middleton Place.
