Charleston: Things To Do

Classic Carriage Tours Clip-clop around the city in an old-fashioned buggy pulled by an enormous Percheron, draft horse while a guide expounds on three centuries of Charleston history. Classic Carriage is one of several popular horse tour operators in town. Historic Downtown; 10 Guignard St.; 843-853-3747; www.classiccarriage.com
family | trendy | outdoors | history | great value

Fort Sumter The Civil War began with shots fired at Fort Sumter, a Confederate stronghold on an island in Charleston Harbor (it was eventually, mostly destroyed by Union troops). Popular boat tours leave from Aquarium Wharf several times a day.  Aquarium Wharf; Liberty Square on Aquarium Wharf; 843-883-3123; www.nps.gov/fosu
outdoors | history

Middleton Place Plantation The grandest of the Ashley River Road plantations, this 18th-century estate features a large collection of antique furniture and art, massive, landscaped gardens, and an equestrian center with riding trails.  Ashley River; 4300 Ashley River Rd.; 843-556-6020; www.middletonplace.org
architecture | smart splurge | outdoors | history | art

Old Slave Mart Museum African men, women, and children were once auctioned off as slaves to plantation owners inside this building. Originally built in 1859, the building was recently reopened by the city as a museum of slavery. Historic Downtown; 6 Chalmers St.; 843-958-6467; www.nps.gov/history/nR/travel/charleston/osm.htm
culture | new | history

South Carolina Aquarium This nearly 70,000-square-foot facility showcases South Carolina's native aquatic life, from alligators in the Coastal Plain gallery to sharks in the two-story ocean tank. Aquarium Wharf; 100 Aquarium Wharf; 843-720-1990; www.scaquarium.org
family | wildlife

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Captured pirates, including the famed Stede Bonnet, were once held in the dungeon of this former customs house. Employees dressed 18th-century garb add to the historical atmosphere. Historic Downtown; 122 East Bay St.; 843-727-2165; www.oldexchange.com
family | architecture | culture | history