Charlestowne Landing- The original site of the states first settlement was founded here in 1670. Visitors may bike, walk, or take a tram tour to explore the same beautiful landscapes where the original settlers lived. A replica of a 17th century trading vessel is moored in Old Towne Creek for visitors to board. Visitors may participate in activities in the Settlers Life Area and trace the colony's history at the pavilion. Original site of South Carolina's first permanent settlement. 1500 Old Town Rd. Daily 9-6, June-Aug./ 9-5 rest of year. $5, children 6-14, $2.50.
Cypress Gardens- Visitors enjoy spectacular year round wildlife from paths or flat bottom boats. Guides available. 24 mi n. off US 52. Daily 9-5. Admission $7 children 6-12 $2. 843-553-0515.
Dock Street Theatre- First building in US designed solely for theatrical performances. Built around the original theater's ruins in the early 1800's. Frequent performances are staged in the theater and foyer. Church & Queen St. Mon-Fri noon-6. Theatre free, various performance admissions. 843-723-5648.
"Forever Charleston"- 24 Minute multimedia presentation about Charleston. Focuses on the history of Charleston and comprises more than 2400 images to reveal it's beauty and heritage. Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St. Every half-hour 9-5. $2.50, children 6-12 $1.50. Seniors $2.00 843-724-7474.
Fort Sumter- Flashpoint that started the Civil War. Tour boats depart regularly. Park rangers are on site. City Marina at 17 Lock Blvd. daily at 9:30, noon, and 2:30; Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, daily at10:45, 1:30, 4:00; and Maritime. $11, ages 6-12 $6. (843)722-2628.
The South Carolina Aquarium- located on Charleston's harbor, depicts the aquatic habitats of the state from rushing mountain streams through rivers, lakes and the saltmarsh, to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, encounters with river otters, snakes, turtles, birds, fish and sharks delight guests as they explore 60 living exhibits. (843) 720-1990.
The Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp- National Audubon Society sanctuary, largest known stand of virgin cypress and tupelo in the world. Tue-Sun 9-5. $5.00, children 6-18 $2.50 843-462-2150.
Middleton Place- America's oldest landscaped gardens begun in 1741 by Henry Middleton. A restored stable yard has working displays on spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, and many more activities. Animals typical of 18th and 19th century plantations roam freely. Ashley River Rd. Daily 9-5, $12, children 6-12 $6.
Marion Square- Has monuments to John Calhoun and Wade Hampton. Contains a part of the Tabby Horn Work, the only remaining section of the bastion system of Colonial defense works. Calhoun St. between King & Market.
St. John's Lutheran Church- Was founded by German immigrants in 1817 and has been remodeled. It is known for its wrought-iron gates, fence, and steeple. Mon-Fri 9:30-3:30. Donations. 843-723-2426.
St. Mary's Church- Established in 1789, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in South Carolina. The present building was completed in 1839. 89 Hasell St. Daily 7-4:30. Donations. 843-722-7696.
St. Michael's Episcopal Church- Completed in 1761, is the oldest church edifice in the city. George Washington worshipped here. It's Palladian Doric portico and storied steeple rise 186 feet above the street. The clock in the tower has been operational since 1764. Broad & Meeting St. 843-723-0603. Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12. Donations. 843-723-0603.
Washington Square- Includes several monuments honoring South Carolinians. Also on the square is the nations first fireproof structure. At Broad and Meeting Sts..
Huguenot Church- One of the last remaining French Huguenot churches in the nation. Built in 1844-45 by Edward White. The church is a good example of gothic architecture. 136 Church St. Mon-Fri 10-4. Donations. 843-722-4385.
Magnolia Cemetery- Established in 1849, has several ornate grave sites. US 52 on the banks of the Cooper River. Daily 8-5, Free.
Joseph Manigault House- A notable house of the Adam style. It's furniture was made in France, England, and Charleston. A hidden stairway connects the second and third floor. 350 Meeting St. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. $8, children 3-12 $4. 843-723-2926.
Heyward-Washington House- Built in 1772 by Daniel Heyward. George Washington slept herein 1791. A kitchen house, servants' quarters, and garden behind the main house are open to visitors. 87 Church St. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. $8, children 3-12 $4. 843-722-0354.
Beth Elohim- An 1840 synagogue of Greek Revival design, which first began using instrumental music in 1824. Organized in 1749 and known as the oldest synagogue in use in the nation. Synagogue. 90 Hasell St. Mon-Fri 10-noon. Free. 843-723-1090.
Calhoun Mansion- Victorian mansion. 16 Meeting St. Wed-Sun 10-4. $15, children 6-15 $5. 843-722-8205.
Drayton Hall- Built in 1738, it is the oldest and finest colonial plantation house in Charleston. It is the only plantation that survived the Civil War intact. It is noted for its hand-carved woodwork and plasterwork. Guided tours are offered hourly. 9 mi n.w. on Ashley River Rd. Daily 10-4, Mar-Oct. Rest of year 10-3. $8, children 12-18, $6, children 6-11 $4. 843-766-0188.
Edmondston-Alston House- Built about 1828, furnished with family possessions, including documents, portraits, and porcelain. 21 E. Battery St. Tue-Sat 10-4:30, Sun-Mon 1:30-4:30. $6. 843-722-7171.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens- The 500-acre estate is America's oldest garden. It boasts one of the largest collections of azaleas and camellias in the country. Highlights include a petting zoo, waterfowl refuge, biblical garden, tropical garden, canoe and nature trails...Guided house tours are available. Ashley River Rd. Daily 8-5. $9 ages 13-18, $7, ages 4-12, $4. 843-571-1266.
Nathaniel Russell House- Was completed in 1808. The house contains a freestanding staircase that spirals up three floors, oval drawing rooms, and ornate interior detailing. 51 Meeting St. Guided tours Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 2-5. $6. 843-724-8481.
Aiken-Rhett House- This house was built in 1818 and has been restored to it's antebellum splendor. 48 Elizabeth Street. Audio tours available. Guided tours Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 2-5. $6. 843-724-8481.
Charleston Museum- Founded in 1773, it is considered the nations oldest museum. Charleston's history is interpreted through collections of clothing, furniture, silver, photographs, and other objects. The museum houses display Charleston's cultural & natural history, archeology, ornithology, and history. The silver exhibit consists of pieces by Charleston's silversmiths from the 18th century. A room designed with hands-on exhibits is available for children. Charleston & Vicinity. 360 Meeting St. Mon-Sat 9-5. Sun 1-5. $8, children 3-12, $4. 843-722-2996.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum- Home of the famous WWII aircraft carrier Yorktown, submarine Clamagore, destroyer Laffey, Coast Guard cutter Ingham, and the Medal of Honor Museum. Vintage military aircraft and weapons are on display. Daily 9-6. $9, children 6-11 $4.
The Citadel Museum- Features the history of The Military College of South Carolina from 1842 to the present. Military, academic, and athletic aspects of cadets life are displayed through exhibits. A cadet dress parade is held almost every Friday during the school year. Main gate, The Citadel. Sun-Fri 2-5, Sat 12 to 5 when school is in session. Free. 843-953-6846.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon- Built by the British in 1771. George Washington was entertained several times here. See the dungeons where American patriots were imprisoned, and the original sea wall of Charles Towne. 122 E. Bay St. at Broad St. Daily 9-5. $6, children 7-12 $3.50. 843-727-2165.
City Hall- Built 1801, contains historic relics and original paintings. Broad & Meeting St. Mon-Fri 9-5. Free. 843-577-6970.
Gibbes Museum of Art- Houses one of the finest collections of American art in the Southeast. Consists of paintings, portraits, and drawings from the 18th century to the present. 135 Meeting St. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun-Mon 1-5. $5, children 6-18 $3.
