|
Charleston Maps & Attractions Guide
Charleston maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Charleston
|
!
Search & Compare Cheap Charleston Hotels, Holidays
& Deals
|
|
?
More Information & Other Links
|
This map is interactive: Click and drag to view the map of Charleston.
Zoom in using the controls provided.
Charleston
Attractions - Things to do
1. Fort Sumter
www.nps.gov/fosu |
What is it? Situated on a small man-made island in the
bay guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbour, Fort Sumter
National Monument is one of the most important historic military
sites in the country where the first shots of the American Civil
War were fired in 1861. With the secession of South Carolina, the
Confederates demanded the surrender of the fort, and after 34 hours
of continuous bombardment the Union forces had no choice but to
relinquish their hold. The Union troops became the first prisoners
of the Civil War. The Confederates occupied Fort Sumter, which
became a symbol of Southern resistance until it was retaken by
Union forces in 1865 after nearly four years of almost continual
attack, which reduced most of the fort to rubble. Park rangers
conduct free tours around the restored structure, which includes a
museum with historical displays.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 4pm (March, 7 September to 30 November,
and 26-31 December); 10am to 5.30pm (April to 6 September); 11.30am
to 4pm (December to 28 February, excluding the week of Christmas).
Closed Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving
Phone:(843) 883 3123 |
2. Plantations
www.draytonhall.org |
What is it? Along the Ashley River are a series of
magnificent plantations that can be visited, as well as north along
the highway towards Georgetown, where the grounds of Boone Hall
Plantation are the main attraction. A majestic oak avenue leads to
the estate that has been the model for several films including
Gone With the Wind and North and
South. The original slave quarters and cotton gin house
can be visited along with the classic mansion. Closest to
Charleston along the Ashley River is Drayton Hall, the oldest
preserved plantation house in America, dating from 1742. The
Georgian mansion is a National Historic Landmark and the only
plantation house on the river to have survived the Civil War
intact. Middleton Place was largely destroyed during the Civil War,
but the south wing has been restored and houses an impressive
collection of silver, historic documents, furniture and paintings.
The ornamental lakes are surrounded by the nation's oldest
landscaped gardens dating from 1741 and are home to roaming
peacocks and other farm animals. The stunning decorative gardens at
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens can be viewed by tram tours that
cover the grounds.
Hours of Operation: Plantation opening times vary. Boone Hall is open
from 8.30am to 6.30pm. The others vary from between 9am and 4.30pm.
Most are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Phone:Boone Hall Plantation (843) 884 4371, Drayton Hall (843)
769 2600, Middleton Place (843) 556 6020, Magnolia Plantation and
Gardens (843) 571 1266 |
3. South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf
www.scaquarium.org |
What is it? The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's
most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic
animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in over
60 exhibits, which represent the rich biodiversity of South
Carolina from the mountains to the sea. The Aquarium also presents
fabulous views of Charleston harbour like no other found in the
historic downtown area. Daily interactive exhibits and programs are
offered for visitors of all ages. Every visit to the Aquarium
reveals something new - glimpses of new animals in exhibits,
budding plants, baby animals and more. Not only that, the
institution provides a variety of opportunities to learn about
conservation, animal life, endangered species and environmental
issues.
Hours of Operation: 9am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays, 12pm to 5pm Sundays.
Open an hour later in summer. Last ticket sold an hour before
closing time. Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and open 9am to
1pm December 24
Phone:(843) 720 1990 |
4. Charleston Museum
360 Meeting Street, opposite the Visitor's
Center
www.charlestonmuseum.org |
What is it? America's First Museum, the Charleston Museum
was founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the
cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina
Lowcountry. Exhibitions include cultural, historic and natural
history artifacts and alongside are two Naitional Historic Landmark
houses which depict southern life in days gone
by.
Hours of Operation: Year round 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 5pm
Sunday. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve at noon
and Christmas Day
Phone:(843) 722 2996 |
Charleston Holidays guide
|
Transport -Charleston is compact and it is easy to
explore many attractions on foot.
More information at the |
|
|
! Bookmark
Page
| Travel Alerts FREE newsletter - cheap flight alerts + more!
Subscribe now. |
|
