Charleston has so much to offer! I recommend starting with a carriage ride - you'll get the lay of the land and a fun introduction to the rich history and beautiful architecture of the city. The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston is also very nice - it's a bit small, but well designed and maintained, with a focus on local wildlife including Loggerhead Turtle rescue and rehabilitation. You can also take a harbor tour on a schooner from downtown, or you can sail on a large catamaran which leaves from Mt. Pleasant just north of the City. For shopping, check out King Street which is lined with upscale stores and boutiques.

Nearby, several beautiful plantations offer tours of these historic homes and gardens. My personal favorite is Middleton Place. While the main house burned down long ago, the gardens and the views of the river are stunning and the plantation has a little restaurant for tasty Lowcountry favorites with a great view.

For public beaches, you can go to Folly Beach just south of the city. Folly Beach is an ecclectic surf town with a popular beach. A little further out, Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island is open to the public.

Charleston is a mecca for chefs, so you'll have many excellent restaurant choices while you're there. For upscale Lowcountry cuisine, try S.N.O.B., Magnolias, Blossom, or High Cotton. For delicious and casual French cuisine, try Rue de Jean. For seafood fried in true Southern style and waterside dining, check out Fleet Landing.

You can read more of my suggestions for things to do in Charleston, S.C. (and nearby Kiawah Island) at http://www.sea-islands-vacation.com/charleston.html.

Enjoy your trip!
Source(s):
http://www.sea-islands-vacation.com


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