Top Things To Do in Charleston, South Carolina

America As You Like It • 15 July 2019

Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in rich coastal culture, hop on a tour, splash in the waves or find your bliss in a spa oasis, you'll find what you are looking for in Charleston.

This historic city was founded in 1670, and boasts picturesque architecture, romantic history and scenic surroundings. Charleston is sure to inspire you. While you soak up the charm of this historic Southern City, you can also enjoy the contemporary vibes of South Carolina's coastal culture. With its second-to-none restaurant scene, beautiful oceanfront resorts and enduring cultural roots, the Holy City is a haven for history buffs and beachgoers.

1. Carriage Tours
There are many carriage tours to choose from but Palmetto Carriage Works was here before any other carriage company in the city. A tour with them offers a blend of knowledge, wit, and humour through Charleston’s gorgeous historic district. During the fully narrated tour your guide will recount the vibrant tale of the city’s exquisite history with over three hundred years of information. Cruising through the quaint and charming historic district, guests will see some of the most distinguished architecture in the country including elegant homes and graceful churches, as well as beautiful gardens, the famous City Market, and numerous other sites that make Charleston one of America's top tourist destinations.

2. Harbour Cruises and Special Riverboat Events
Charleston’s best & only harbour tour narrated in person by a licensed tour guide. Learn the real history of over 75 landmarks and historic points of interest and sight see dolphins and other marine animals aboard this relaxing 90 minute tour. For a more lively option, sail on board the Carolina Queen Riverboat which is Charleston's only riverboat! The Carolina Queen can accommodate anywhere from 50-250 guests and offers great local events like the signature Blues & BBQ Cruise, Jam on the Water, Holiday Events and more!

3. Food Tours
Bulldog’s Culinary Tours of Charleston takes its guests on an exclusive culinary adventure through the city. With four different 2.5-hour tour options to choose from, you’ll get to walk, talk, and taste your way through history, learning how Lowcountry cuisine has evolved over the past 300 years. Go behind the scenes into some of the cities most talked about kitchens. Meet the chefs and learn the restaurant’s rich history. These informative tours are ideal for both casual fans of the culinary arts or the hard-core foodie in your life.

4. Shopping
Charleston has endless shopping opportunities. Whether you're looking for top brands or one-of-a-kind boutiques, you can find them here. One of the best places to shop in Charleston is Freshfields Village, a true town-centre offering a unique mix of shopping, dining, service, and lodging establishments all shaped by Lowcountry tradition and high style. Another great area for shopping is The Port Mercantile. This uniquely curated shopping destination is a modern day mercantile with an upmarket touch, offering thoughtful essentials you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. Croghan’s Jewel Box
Is a menagerie of designer & estate jewellery, with beautiful antique silver & unusual gifts. Locals have shopped here for over 100 years.

5. Kayaking
Kayaking with COA is one of the best ways to relax and explore the Lowcountry. As you paddle through the calm saltwater creeks nestled behind Folly Beach, you will discover the natural wonders and wildlife that call this area home. You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with wading birds, oyster beds, barrier islands, wild dolphins and more. Whether you are interested in a naturalist guided excursion or renting a kayak, they offer everything you need to have a fulfilling experience you will never forget. Guided tours departures and rental windows are available throughout the day, including sunset tour options offered daily.

6. Golf
Award-winning Charleston golf, featuring the renovated Links Course. Rolling fairways, scenic holes on the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway and challenging greens await.
Charleston courses are of exceptional variety and challenge an array of breathtaking coastal terrains, from true links style to lowcountry forests, there's quite simply a perfect Charleston course for every player and passion.

7. Dining
Many come to Charleston with one thing on their mind: food. The best grits you'll ever have, prepared in ways you never imagined. Festive dockside oyster roasts. High-end Charleston restaurants. Outdoor cafés. Fresh from the dock seafood. Every meal is an event in itself. Prepared with perfection. Served with a warm smile. Enjoy.

Some of the top restaurants to visit are The Dewberry Charleston which features the highest rooftop in Charleston and is home to the whimsical rooftop lounge, Citrus Club. Oyster House where you can enjoy lunch or dinner in one of Charleston’s original seafood warehouse buildings on historic Market Street, featuring Chef Tony Palmisano’s local seafood specialties. Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar is located beachfront on the famed “Edge of America,” Folly Beach, offering live music, fresh seafood and panoramic ocean views.

For more information on holidays to Charleston, South Carolina click hereor call us on 020 8742 8299.

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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