Family Guide: Exploring Beautiful Downtown Charleston

If you’re looking specifically for things to do in downtown Charleston, we’ve got some ideas for you in this story based on our personal experience. Rife with history, beauty, and charm, Charleston, SC is a must-visit city in the United States. It is easily one of our very favorite places to visit.

Parking in Downtown Charleston

For things to do in the greater Charleston area, see our Guide to Charleston. 

For parking, we parked on the street near the Charleston City Market and paid via the meter but if you plan to spend all day, it would be worth it to park in the garage near the South Carolina Aquarium or in a lot in downtown Charleston.

Where to Stay in Charleston

Use the map below to find stellar accommodations in Downtown Charleston that are just right for your family. When you book through the links in the map, Kidding Around earns a small percentage through an affiliate relationship with Stay22.

And now, the adventure! Fun, family things to do in Charleston, SC ahead.

Charleston City Market 

The Charleston City Market is a piece of American History. It’s been in existence since 1807 and hosts a variety of beautiful makers and artists that sell everything from jewelry to clothing to the iconic sweetgrass baskets. There are also some delicious food items at the market, including Callie’s Biscuits. 

They are open daily, except Christmas, 9:30 am – 5 pm. Be sure to check out their Night Markets also, Friday and Saturday from 6:30-10:30 pm March – December. 

188 Meeting Street, Charleston 

Byrd’s Famous Cookies

We stumbled upon Byrd’s Famous Cookies because it’s right outside of the Charleston City Market and they offered free samples. That did it. These cookies are absolutely delicious. They are small and full of flavor (get the Key Lime cookies) and you can try them all! Byrd’s has been around for 100 years so it’s also part of the historical aspect of the city, which is the best excuse ever to eat some cookies.

43 S Market Street, Charleston

Charleston Waterfront Park

The Charleston Waterfront Park is stunning and full of beautiful views. There is a splash pad, the famous pineapple fountain, gorgeous walkways overhung with oak trees and Spanish moss, and views of the Ravenel Bridge. The first time I went here there was a big storm over the bridge and we saw some incredible lightning strikes! There are plenty of places to sit and swinging benches here to enjoy the views. 

Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston

Charleston Carriage Tour

This is the one thing on the list that we didn’t personally do but that we really wanted to. I love history and taking a carriage ride while learning about the history of Charleston from a tour guide seems perfect. Tours are an hour long and cost $50/adult and $40/kids. You can find them at the City Market.

The Battery and Rainbow Row

The Battery is actually a huge seawall that protects quite possibly the prettiest homes I’ve ever seen in my life. These houses belong on every cover of Southern Living imaginable. They are stately and gorgeous and the Battery is a great spot to walk along the water to spot dolphins. Just down the street from there is Rainbow Row, a famous row of painted townhomes in pastel colors. It feels like taking a step back in time and a great photo stop.

83-107 East Bay Street, Charleston

South Carolina Aquarium 

The South Carolina Aquarium is a must-see when you visit Charleston for its incredible dive tank, sea turtle rescue hospital, stingray touch tank, and stunning views of the Ravenel Bridge – we even saw some dolphins while relaxing on the deck.

Read our full South Carolina Aquarium review for all the info. 

100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston

Fort Sumter 

You can catch the ferry to Fort Sumter either from Patriots Point or right next to the South Carolina Aquarium at Liberty Square. The museum is located next to the Aquarium and it’s really neat if you’re interested in more information about the fort. Be sure to do the Junior Ranger book at the fort since it’s a great way for kids (and adults, let’s be honest) to learn about the history of where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. 

Liberty Square (340 Concord St, Charleston)
Patriots Point (40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant)

You can find lots more historical sites to visit in this article about African American sites in Charleston history.

If you’re a history-lover you’ll also want to check out the 200 year-old Edmondston-Alston House near the battery.

Charleston Water Taxi 

The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective and to get across the Charleston Harbor without having to drive. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Have your camera ready, the taxi ride will provide you with some great photo opportunities of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and The USS Yorktown plus maybe some dolphins. You buy an all-day pass and you can ride as many times as you want. 

Charleston Farmers Market

The Charleston Farmers Market has such a cool group of vendors with everything from local produce and vegetables and meat to jewelry and apparel to coffee and crepes. They open in April for the season and happen every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm. 

329 Meeting Street, Charleston

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

This church, which opened in 1907, is just stunning. The cathedral recently underwent a renovation and the results are gorgeous. If you’re Catholic, attending Mass here is a beautiful experience and if you’re not, even stopping to see the beauty of the Gothic architecture is worth it. They offer tours after Sunday masses. 

120 Broad St, Charleston, SC

What is your favorite thing to do in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina?