Charleston, South Carolina emits enough of the classic “southern hospitality” so that it embraces the travelers that visit there. One of the reasons that Charleston continues to be one of the most popular southern vacation destinations is because of all that it offers. The city of Charleston is widely known for its great selection of tourist attractions, whether they be outdoor recreation related or of the more urban variety. Having something to do in this city is not too hard come up with, fitting it all in before a vacation is over however might be.
Here are five things you must do when traveling to Charleston, South Carolina.
1. USS Yorktown - When someone who is interested in history, specifically United States history, chooses to visit the USS Yorktown then they had better set aside an entire day. The decommissioned Yorktown is a floating museum and offers a first hand look at an actual US Navy Aircraft Carrier. The Yorktown played a famous role in American history including being involved in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Yorktown was also used in the film Tora! Tora! Tora!, a recreation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as being used as one of the recover ships for the Apollo 8 capsule re-entry. There are other historical ships and similar attractions nearby to the USS Yorktown as well, including the Cold War Submarine Memorial.
2. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens - There are a number of opportunities in Charleston to visit the old plantations that are one of the signature attractions of the area. One of the best plantations to visit is the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. This site is the home of the oldest garden in America and the entire attraction is absolutely gorgeous. Learn something about the old south that you may not have known before and see first hand what a true southern plantation truly looks like.
3. American Military Museum - The American Military Museum is a must see attraction for any traveler with a serious interest in the history of the American Military men, their uniforms and equipment, and their participation in war. Designed to cater specifically to those with a high understanding of the American Military, it is also a fascinating museum for those more mildly interested in military history. A truly unique museum experience unavailable any where else.
4. Charleston Waterfront Park - One of the essential places for any traveler to go to while spending some quality time in Charleston is to Charleston Waterfront Park. The park is large and follows the coastline, covering a good amount of area. The park is a great place to take it easy during your stay, you can lounge in the grass, pack a picnic lunch, or sit back and accomplish some great people watching. You can also view fountains, including some that children can play in, and take walks out onto the pier to view both cruise ships that dock nearby and dolphins that play in the local waters. A fun time can be had by the entire family at Charleston Waterfront Park.
5. Morris Island Lighthouse - A great place to get a taste of Charleston as a sea port and also view sights that most visitors don’t get a chance to see. When you make the proper arrangements, you can take a boat ride out to the Morris Island Lighthouse and spend time on the beach at low tide. At one time the lighthouse was connected to the land, but erosion and sea changes have since separated the lighthouse from the main body of land.
The city of Charleston has long provided a great place to visit to the many travelers that frequent it on a yearly basis. With its important place in American history, Charleston has more than enough to offer the traveler interested in historical sites and museums. But, Charleston is so much more than that too. With the wide range of visitor options, it truly does have something to offer for everyone and Charleston, South Carolina will continue to be one of the more popular southern travel destinations for years to come.
