Experience Charleston Like a Local

Things To Do in Charleston

From King Street shopping to strolling along The Battery, staying with Emeline means you’re perfectly positioned to explore quaint and culturally-rich Charleston.

You may notice, as you wander through the Holy City, that there are no buildings higher than the tip of St. Matthew’s church steeple, adding to the intimacy and approachability of our beloved Lowcountry locale.

​ 1 Miles | ​ 6 Minutes Drive

Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is the site where the Battle of Fort Sumter began in 1861. Part of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, the island fort offers a chance to explore a pivotal Civil War landmark.

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​ 12 Miles | ​ 30 Minutes Drive

Angel Oak Tree at Johns Island

Angel Oak is a Southern live oak estimated to be 300 to 400 years old. Located in a public park on Johns Island, this historic tree is a celebrated Lowcountry landmark and a memorable nature outing from downtown Charleston.

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​ 0.2 Miles | ​ 3 Minutes Drive

Palmetto Carriage Works

Palmetto Carriage Works offers horse- or mule-drawn tours through historic downtown Charleston. The page describes it as the city’s oldest carriage tour company, with guides introducing visitors to the streets and stories of the historic district.

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​ 0.5 Miles | ​ 3 Minutes Drive

Historic Charleston City Market

One of the nation’s oldest public markets, the City Market is a cultural hub with more than 300 entrepreneurs. Browse local goods, food, and souvenirs in a historic setting that stays open year-round, except on December 25.

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​ 0.7 Miles | ​ 4 Minutes Drive

Charleston Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park provides more than 10 acres of room to roam beside the harbor and Cooper River. It’s a popular place to slow down, stretch out, and enjoy waterfront views in the heart of downtown.

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​ 1.1 Miles | ​ 6 Minutes Drive

South Carolina Aquarium

Explore local marine life and learn about regional ecosystems at this conservation-focused aquarium. Exhibits include thousands of local specimens, while its Sea Turtle Care Center supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured sea turtles.

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​ 0.5 Miles | ​ 11 Minutes Drive

Shops on King Street

King Street brings together boutiques, antique stores, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Its districts offer different experiences, from antiques and fashion to design and dining, making the street a versatile place to shop and explore downtown Charleston.

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​ 0.4 Miles | ​ 8 Minutes Drive

Charleston’s Four Corners of Law

At Meeting and Broad Streets, four nearby buildings represent religious, city, county, and federal law. The landmark corner includes St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, City Hall, the County Courthouse, and the Federal Courthouse and Post Office.

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​ 0.9 Mile | ​ 5 Minutes Drive

White Point Garden

White Point Garden offers harbor views, open lawns, and shade from old oak trees. Visitors can explore its gazebo, Civil War cannons, monuments, and statues, or simply relax in this historic park at Charleston’s southern tip.

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​ 0.7 Miles | ​ 6 Minutes Drive

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is a colorful stretch of Georgian homes on East Bay Street and one of Charleston’s most photographed areas. The cluster is the longest of its kind in the United States and lies along the route toward the Battery.

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​ 0.6 Miles | ​ 4 Minutes Drive

Nathaniel Russell House

Built in 1808, the Nathaniel Russell House is recognized as one of America’s important Neoclassical homes and a National Historic Landmark. Its historic architecture makes it a worthwhile stop for visitors exploring Charleston’s early residences.

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​ 1.2 Mile | ​ 7 Minutes Drive

The Battery

The Battery is a historic seawall and promenade along Charleston’s lower peninsula. Stately antebellum homes line the area, while the waterfront setting offers views toward the harbor and the rivers that meet at Charleston Harbor.

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​ 0.3 Miles | ​ 7 Minutes Drive

Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum holds a major collection of American art that tells stories of Charleston and the region. Its exhibitions connect the area’s artistic past with a vibrant contemporary art scene.

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​ 0.2 Miles | ​ 5 Minutes Drive

Dock Street Theatre

Dock Street Theatre opened in 1736 and is recognized as the first building in America built exclusively for theatrical performances. The historic venue also hosted an early American opera performance, giving it a distinctive place in theatre history.

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