Explore off the beaten path with Charleston's best hidden gems

If you've already visited the best museums and dined on Charleston's must-try cuisine, branch out with these hidden gems. There are plenty of interesting and alternative histories to explore in Charleston's center. From African American voices to strong women and ghostly tales, you'll find unique walking tours that offer a fresh perspective on Charleston.

Charleston is a mecca for outdoor excursions that take you off the beaten path. You can head out on boat trips to quiet islands or sip tea on sprawling tea plantations. Whether you're looking for restful or active adventures, you'll find plenty of unique excursions below.

1. Sip on fresh tea at the Charleston Tea Garden

South Carolina may be known for its sweet tea, but did you know that the country's only large-scale tea plantation is near Charleston? Tour the grounds and enjoy a fresh cup of tea directly from its source.

Highlights:

Charleston Tea Garden is located at Wadmalaw Island, one of Charleston's scenic Sea Islands. Head on a Wadmalaw Island Day Trip with Wine Tasting to explore this beautiful region with a stop at Charleston Tea Garden included.

Address and opening hours:

6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487, United States. The gardens are open daily, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, and from noon on Sunday. Tour times and dates vary and depart from Charleston Visitors Center.

2. View the USS Yorktown at night

Patriot's Point may be one of South Carolina's key attractions, but you can get a different view at night. Exclusive only to tour bookings, you'll climb aboard this famed ship and hear haunted tales of its history.

Highlights:

With the Patriot's Point Haunted USS Yorktown Tour, you'll gain access to the ship's secret places unseen by day. You'll hear seafaring and wartime ghost tales with exclusive evening access to the USS Yorktown in a small group.

Address and opening hours:

40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, United States. Tour dates vary, starting at 7:00 PM.

3. Learn the dueling history of Philadelphia Alley

Charleston has no shortage of scenic, historic streets. Philadelphia Alley is tucked away off the main tourist trail. This pretty lane is known locally as Duelers Alley, so named as the spot of a fateful duel in 1786.

Highlights:

Access this narrow alleyway between Cumberland Street and Queen Street to escape from the bustle. A plaque marks the alley, named to commemorate Philadelphia's aid sent to the city following a fire.

Address and opening hours:

Philadelphia Alley, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open 24/7.

4. Venture out to the early settlement of Charles Towne Landing

Nestled in a marshy wharf northwest of Charleston's center, Charles Towne Landing is now an 80-acre state park. This is a great hidden gem for families that features picnic zones, pilgrim-themed playgrounds, and replica settler ships to explore.

Highlights:

Visit the spot where English settlers landed in 1670. Entry is included when you purchase the Tour Pass with 40+ Attractions, a useful pass that grants access to the city's top sites.

Address and opening hours:

1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, United States. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

5. Get an iconic picture of Morris Island's lighthouse

Accessible only by boat, Morris Island Lighthouse has a long history dating back to 1767. The current structure was completed in 1876 and provides exceptional photo opportunities, particularly at sunset.

Highlights:

Head out on the Morris Island Full Moon Boat Tour to view this iconic lighthouse at sunset. The route includes sailing through dolphin territory for a fun and romantic excursion.

Address and opening hours:

Morris Island, South Carolina 29412, USA. Tour times and dates vary, departing from Folly Beach.

6. Take a shrimping tour of Shem Creek

The Lowcountry is renowned for its spectacular shrimp and seafood. While Charleston boasts some excellent seafood bars, why not head off the beaten path to learn how the dishes are cultivated?

Highlights:

You'll get an insider's look at Charleston's fishing industry with the Shem Creek Culture Tour. Relax in scenic Mount Pleasant with a lesson in net casting and crab trapping.

Address and opening hours:

111 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA. Tour times and dates vary.

7. Learn about the life of the legendary local blacksmith Philip Simmons

Philip Simmons is renowned for producing beautiful iron gates around Charleston. Learn about this local artisan's life by visiting his former home and studio.

Highlights:

The best way to learn about Philip Simmons is with the African-American History & Simmons House Tour. You'll be taken to many hidden gems of Charleston's Black history with access to Simmons' home and studio to admire his work.

Address and opening hours:

30 1/2 Blake St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States. Open daily, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Tour times and dates vary.

8. Explore Charleston's centuries-old Magnolia Cemetery

Charleston's Magnolia Cemetery is among the city's best-kept secrets. You can explore the resting places of Charleston's most famous and infamous figures and admire some spectacular gravestone architecture.

Highlights:

Book a Magnolia Cemetery Nighttime Tour for exclusive access to the cemetery grounds. Your guide will familiarize you with some of its most noted figures, from poets and artists to bootleggers and pirates.

Address and opening hours:

70 Cunnington Ave, Charleston, SC 29405, United States. Tour dates vary, starting at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM.

9. Enter the French Huguenot Church, the only such church in the country

This curious French Huguenot Church has origins dating to the earliest Huguenot settlement of Charleston in 1685. Nestled in the aptly-named French Quarter, the current church was built in 1844 in an iconic Gothic style.

Highlights:

Too often overlooked in favor of St Philips Episcopal Church, the Huguenot Church is unique, with a pretty pink-hued exterior. Inside, it boasts a Baroque-style organ and a shrine to French settlers.

Address and opening hours:

136 Church St, Charleston, SC 29402, United States. Open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Sunday service at 10:30 AM.

10. Learn the hidden stories of Charleston's strong women

Hear the hidden stories of Charleston's strong women with a walking tour. You'll hear about the city's eclectic history from the perspective of female printers, artisans, and madams.

Highlights:

The 2-Hour Strong Women of the South History Tour offers a completely different view of Charleston from the typical tourist trail. You'll visit time-capsule homes and learn how women paved Charleston's history.

Address and opening hours:

21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Tour times and dates vary.

FAQs

What are some lesser-known attractions in Charleston that are worth visiting?

Charleston's historic streets are brimming with secrets and local legends. Take a walking tour to discover what's hidden beneath the surface. For family-friendly excursions, Charles Town Landing boasts plenty of history and natural beauty in a quiet area northwest of the city.

Are there any hidden or secret gardens in Charleston that I can explore?

Some of Charleston's top historic homes, museums, and galleries house pleasant gardens that are often overlooked. Lenhardt Garden at the Gibbes Museum of Art is a true hidden gem with its oak-lined paths. Nathaniel Russell House also boasts some charming manicured gardens. If you're looking to explore Charleston's best green spaces in one trip, head on the informal Gateway Walk drawn up by the Garden Club of Charleston.

Can you recommend any hidden or secret viewpoints in Charleston with great views of the city?

Ravenel Bridge is often overlooked for its excellent views of Charleston. Stroll over the bridge at your leisure for great photos of the bay, harbor, and city. Other top spots include private boat tours of out-of-town spots like Morris Island. If you want a good view of the city center itself, head to a rooftop bar for panoramas of the downtown area without the crowds.

What are some lesser-known neighborhoods in Charleston that are worth exploring?

Leaving Charleston's historic center behind, Old Village in Mount Pleasant provides exceptional waterfront views. Shem Creek has plenty of dockside eateries to watch the waterway with a glass of wine. Another must-visit spot is Avondale, renowned for its hip restaurants and laid-back vibes.

Can you recommend any hidden architectural gems in Charleston that are not as crowded as the famous landmarks?

Charleston is packed with fine architectural examples that span centuries. Some lesser-known areas and hidden places include Philadelphia Alley, a narrow alleyway that’s hidden away in Charleston's downtown area. Detailed wrought iron gates, ornate piazzas, and pastel-hued facades can be found across the city, not just at designated landmarks. There are also plenty of hidden gems within the vicinity, including the Trappist Mepkin Abbey and the Old Sheldon Church Ruins.