Charleston in summer: best things to do and see

With its coastal location and beautiful gardens, Charleston offers a fantastic range of summer activities. If you're traveling with the family, there's a fantastic range of outdoor activities to choose from. You can learn how to paddle board, kayak with dolphins, or simply bask on a sun-soaked sandy beach. Whichever you prefer, make the most of the heat with these sunscreen-essential activities.

If you're heading downtown, look for open-air markets and sample some delicious street food. Find rooftop terraces to make the most of the weather, and enjoy two of Charleston's best assets: wine and iced tea. Why not take an evening tour to explore the city's nightlife in the cool seashore breeze? You'll find a varied selection of top activities in this summer guide.

Best outdoor activities

1. Explore the magical grounds of Magnolia Plantation

The sprawling 500-acre grounds of Magnolia Plantation burst with life in summer. Its namesake magnolias and roses are in full bloom amid its landscaped lakes and swamps. The estate hosts family-friendly events, so why not make a day of it?

Highlights:

Book the Magnolia Plantation Tour and Transport for air-conditioned travel from Charleston. Kids will love following the wildlife trails that weave through the gardens.

Address:

Charleston, SC 29414, United States.

2. Cool off with a ghostly beer crawl

Wait for the sweltering weather to wear off and head out on a beer crawl in Charleston's historic center. Hear ghostly tales of the boo hag, a vampiric creature of Gullah legend.

Highlights:

The Boo-Hag and Brews Haunted Bar Hop meanders through bars, cemeteries, and historic streets with chilling tales of Charleston hauntings.

Meeting point:

160 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Start times vary.

3. Head to Wadmalaw Island to sample local tea and wine

Wadmalaw Island is the perfect destination for a sizzling summer day in Charleston. Head out with air-conditioned travel to sample local wine and tea directly from the source.

Highlights:

The Wadmalaw Island Day Trip with Wine Tasting takes you on a round trip through the Lowcountry's heartlands. Stop off at Charleston Tea Garden for a plantation tour before heading to Deep Water Vineyard for a chilled glass of wine.

Address and opening hours:

6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487, United States. Open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM Sunday.

4. Peruse the open market stalls of King Street

Once a month, Charleston's famous high street transforms into a traffic-free haven with market stalls, music, and street food. Bask in the summer sunshine and enjoy a cooling ice cream as stores spread into the street.

Highlights:

Get the most out of Charleston's great flavors, including King Street's outstanding street food, on a Small Group Food Tour.

Address and opening hours:

King Street, Charleston, SC, USA. Open every second Sunday of the month 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.

5. Head to Fort Sumter in the sunshine

The iconic Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Take a breezy ferry to the island fort to enjoy sweeping summer views of the city.

Highlights:

Book a Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride for an inclusive trip to the iconic fort. Once there, you can explore the fort's ruinous ramparts and centuries-old cannons with spectacular views of Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

Address and opening hours:

South Carolina 29412, United States. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Best water activities

6. Balance on a paddle board off Folly Island

Just south of Charleston, Folly Island is the go-to beach spot for sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. Tucked away from the Atlantic Coast, the island's gentle, sheltered waters are favored by bottlenose dolphins. Take a paddleboarding lesson before going out to explore further afield.

Highlights:

Book the Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari to learn the basics of paddleboarding in the sheltered waters of Folly River.

Address:

87 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA.

7. Go dolphin-watching in Charleston

Folly Beach and Charleston Harbor are popular spots to watch bottlenose dolphins. Head out on a boat tour with the sea breeze in your hair to search for these playful creatures.

Highlights:

Book a Guided Dolphin Boat Tour in Folly Beach to explore this wildlife-rich region with a knowledgeable guide. Stop at the beach to comb for fossils and shark teeth.

Meeting point:

87 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA. Start times vary.

8. Get a sea view of Charleston's historic harbor by boat

Take a tour of Charleston by boat aboard a replica 1920s steamer. You'll enjoy live narration and a fully-stocked bar while you take in the city's sights by sea. The tour takes in 75 Charleston landmarks and travels through wildlife-rich waters.

Highlights:

With a Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise, you can bask in the sunshine with an ice-cold drink or watch the sun set over Fort Sumter.

Meeting point:

10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Start times vary.

9. Enjoy a soothing sunset over Morris Island Lighthouse

Morris Island Lighthouse is a famous 19th-century landmark on a tidal inlet. Head there at dusk for magical photographs of the golden coast.

Highlights:

Book a Morris Island Full Moon Boat Tour for intimate views of the lighthouse at sunset. Sail through a wildlife nature preserve and cool off in the summer evening breeze.

Address and opening hours:

Morris Island, South Carolina 29412, USA.

10. Go kayaking in Charleston's winding riverways

Whether you're new to using paddles or an experienced kayaker, Charleston's waterways are primed for fun adventures. Follow the lazy currents of Folly River to spot dolphins, pelicans, crabs, and birds.

Highlights:

Book a Folly River Kayak Tour with Dolphin Watching to spot native Lowcountry species in their natural environment. Hear stories of pirates that roamed these parts.

Meeting point:

87 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA. Available daily from 9:30 AM.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in Charleston?

You can head to the beach during your summer stay in Charleston and cool off in the Atlantic Sea. The Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Kiawah Beach, and Sullivan's Island are among the best spots. Each offers sandy shores with amenities and lifeguards in summer.

Are there any great summer festivals in Charleston?

Charleston boasts a diverse calendar of festival events through summer. For the Fourth of July, you've got the annual Patriot's Point Fireworks Blast and many other city-wide events. Then there's Charleston Carifest, the city's answer to Carnival at the end of June. For food lovers, don't miss the Caribbean Jerk Festival in July.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Charleston?

Charleston's gardens and plantations are must-visits in summer. With leafy gardens, outdoor dining, and a profusion of blooming magnolias, there's plenty to do and see during summer.

What are some great day trips to take from Charleston in the summer?

Charleston's surrounding coast and Sea Islands are excellent destinations at the height of summer. Alternative options include vineyards and tea plantations like Charleston Tea Gardens, where you can enjoy iced tea on a leafy terrace.

What are some fun activities with kids in Charleston in summer?

It's all about the beach for kids in summer. The Isle of Palms is the most family-friendly option, boasting beach spots, clubs, and water parks. Alternatively, head to Charles Towne Landing to view the leafy marshland settled by the English in the 17th century, complete with replica ships, picnic tables, and playgrounds.