Planning Your Next Trip to Charleston

Planning Your Next Trip to Charleston

  • Michelle Almeyda Wiedemuth
  • 07/4/23

Charleston, South Carolina, also known as The Holy City, was named the best city in the United States for the 10th year in a row. It was founded in 1670 as a prominent port city and still delivers historic charm, hospitality, world-class cuisine, and luxury relaxation.

With lush landscapes, vast beaches, and cobblestone streets, you’ll love exploring Seabrook Island real estate while experiencing everything Charleston offers. One visit, and you’ll see why it’s ranked so highly.

Fort Sumter

Spend the day exploring the living history of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The park sits in the middle of Charleston Harbor on Sullivan’s Island. This site was constructed as part of a national defense strategy after the American Revolution, and later, Confederate troops at Fort Sumter would fire the first shots of the Civil War. The only way to access the historic sites is by ferry, with tours offered daily. To access tickets, visit the Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square on Concord Street near downtown Charleston.

USS Yorktown at Patriots Point

Just across the bridge from Charleston into Mt. Pleasant is Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Patriots Point is home to two museum ships: USS Yorktown and USS Laffey. Spend the day touring the ships across 42,000 tons of steel against unbeatable views of the Charleston harbor and skyline. Multiple venues, including the USS Yorktown Fantail, are available for reservation of private events.

Charleston Tea Garden

The only large-scale, commercial tea-growing operation in the United States. Tea bushes first arrived in the late 1700s, but it wasn’t until 1888 that Dr. Charles Shepard successfully grew the first tea in Summerville, SC. After Dr. Shepard’s death, the tea bushes grew wild for almost 50 years before they were transplanted to 127 acres on Wadmalaw Island in 1963. Today the famed Bigelow family owns the tea garden. Tours of the Charleston Tea Garden are available every day of the week, and leashed pets are welcome to come along.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Nestled on the banks of the Ashley River just outside of Charleston is the Lowcountry’s premier place for horticulture, history, and wildlife. Admission includes access to 66 acres of romantic gardens with 6 miles of biking and walking trails. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens features a bamboo garden and a Wildlife Center.

Middleton Place

Stroll the formal gardens, spend the night at the historic inn, host a private event, brunch on Sunday, shop, and more at Middleton Place. Two and a half centuries of living history across 110 acres offer a unique experience of South Carolina charm. Complete your tour with a stay at The Inn, with opulent views of the Ashley River in a modern, intimate room.

Botany Bay

Botany Bay is a beautiful, well-preserved piece of Lowcountry history. The area serves as a scenic wildlife preserve and features over 3,000 acres of undeveloped coastline with stunning views of the Atlantic and South Carolina landscape, complete with gorgeous Spanish moss.

Charleston City Market

In the center of Charleston stands the historic Charleston City Market. The market features souvenirs and local goods, including food, art, jewelry, handwoven seagrass baskets, and more. The city market is open daily and hosts seasonal night markets.

Bike Kiawah Island

Biking is one of the best ways to enjoy the salty air and pristine beach scenery. With 30 miles of paved trails and 10 miles of beach, Kiawah Island is the perfect place to spend the day on a leisurely bike ride.

Watersports

Because of the many tributaries and salt marshes surrounding the area, Johns Island, Seabrook, Kiawah Island, and Charleston are all perfect for kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, and more.

Explore the beach

Johns Island, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands are considered barrier islands and boast many miles of pristine beaches. Stroll along the ocean at sunrise or sunset, spend the day relaxing in the sun with a book, or cool off in the waves.

Angel Oak Tree

Located on Johns Island is the beautiful, massive 400-year-old Oak Tree, named after the original owners of the property, Justus and Martha Waight Tucker Angel. Angel Oak Tree Park visitors are welcome to picnic while visiting and browse the gift shop.

Dine

Lowcountry coastal dining carries a renowned reputation for its fusion of seafood and Southern coastal flavors. From fresh catch-of-the-day dishes to traditional plates of shrimp and grits, you’ll find a diverse array of dining options. Choose from waterfront dining, dinner cruises, and more. Of note include Hymans Seafood in Charleston, Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant on Johns Island, The Ocean Room in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and first-class dining at the Seabrook Island Club.

Golf

Over the years, South Carolina has hosted infamous golf celebrities like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Kiawah Island is home to five golf courses, and Seabrook Island boosts exclusive privacy across two courses.

Take a tour

With 300 years of well-preserved history, Charleston and its neighboring islands provide unique touring, sightseeing, and learning opportunities. Book a private carriage ride through 30 blocks of historic downtown for a quaint exploration of the city. Customized private walking tours are available with themes including nighttime ghost tours, architecture, culinary focus, and more. Other options for touring include booking a Seabrook Island real estate tour.

Fishing

Charter a fishing expedition or tour off the coast of Seabrook Island with Charleston Fishing Company. Seabrook Island offers world-class fishing in the waters of Bohicket Creek, Capt. Sam’s Inlet, North Edisto River, and the Atlantic. Sightseeing tours that feature incredible views of Botany Bay, Seabrook Island, Rockville, dolphin sightings, and more are also available daily.

Bohicket Marina and Market

Various shops and restaurants at the Bohicket Marina and Market are in the middle of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Unwind, shop, or dine anytime.

Don’t live in the area and want to start looking for a primary or vacation home in the area? Gain regular access to all these amazing opportunities and more when you work with a Seabrook Island Realtor like Michelle Wiedemuth to find the next home of your dreams. Michelle has plenty of local market knowledge to assist you in your home search and help ensure a smooth buying experience.



Work With Michelle

Michelle knows the complexities of relocating and understands the importance of finding the right location for her clients. Whether you are considering Seabrook or the Charleston area, she is uniquely positioned to help you find your dream home or property.

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