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Charleston Carriage Tours
A trip to Historic Downtown Charleston is not complete without a horse-drawn carriage tour. Hop into a comfortable carriage and meander through the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the country. As a magnificent horse leads you, your tour guide will talk you through hundreds of years of history with spellbinding stories of the people who developed the city and its architecture.
Carolina Polo and Carriage Co.
(843) 577-6767
Charleston Carriage Works
(843) 779-1279
Palmetto Carriage Works
(843) 723-8145
Old South Carriage Company
(843) 723-9712
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Charleston Area Historic Forts
Charleston’s rich history is still present to this day and can be seen within the various historic forts and monuments scattered throughout the lowcountry. Visitors are welcome to learn more about the history that made our city what it is today by touring one of the many historic monuments listed below.
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site: Encounter the remarkably preserved archaeological remains that allow insight into the early history of colonial South Carolina. Here, visitors can watch as archaeologists unearth the settlement’s history.
Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily, (843) 873-1740
Fort Moultrie: Located on Sulbvan’s Island, the features of 171 years of seacoast defense history starting from the Revolutionary War all the way through World War II can be experienced.
Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily, (843) 883-3123
Fort Sumter National Monument: Discover where the American Civil War began and the role Fort Sumter played as a National Park Site from Park Rangers to visitors.
Call (843) 883-3123 for information on available tour dates and hours.
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Historic Houses & Buildings
The Charleston area, and the downtown area – in particular, is home to a rich history that can easily be seen by the lavish houses scattered throughout the city. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the area’s rich history and to explore ancient buildings through self-guided or guided tours. Below are a few of our favorite area historic homes and buildings.
Aiken Rhett House: Take a tour through this very historic house where some of the wealthiest residents of Charleston have resided, along with being named one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area!
Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm; (843) 723-1159
The Calhoun Mansion: Widely acclaimed as one of the great post Civil War homes, this astonishing mansion will take your breathe away. Being recently featured on A&E’s America Castles show, The Calhoun Mansion is known for it’s Victorian style layout, 35 rooms, wood moldings, 23 period fireplaces, elaborate chandeliers, and more!
Open 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily; (843) 722-8205
The Edmondston-Alston House: Overlooking the Charleston Harbor, this classic museum style home has all of the most perfect features to have an unforgettable effect to your Charleston adventure.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm; Sunday – Monday, 1:00pm – 4:30 pm; (843) 722-7171
The Heyward- Washington house: Here you will see a superb collection of historic Charleston-made furniture including the priceless Holmes Bookcase, considered one of the finest examples of American-made colonial furniture.
Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am -5:00 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm; (843) 722-0354
Joseph Manigault House: Owned and operated by the Charleston Museum and known to be one of Charleston’s most exquisite antebellum structures. The Joseph Manigault House reflects the urban lifestyle of wealthy, rice-planting family.
Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm; (843) 722-2996
Nathaniel Russell House: Located in Downtown Charleston, this museum is widely recognized as one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings.
Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm; (843) 724-8481
Old City Market: Established in the 1790s, the market stretches for four city blocks from the architecturally-significant Market Hall. The heart of historic Charleston, Old City Market provides you with activities day and night!
Open Monday – Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 pm; Evening hours vary seasonally; (843) 937-0920
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon: One of Charleston’s only public historic buildings since it opened in the 18th century and still remains that way today! Go through a public tour where it highlights what life was like in Charleston during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras!
Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily; (843) 727-2165
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Charleston Area Museums
History buffs and families are sure to appreciate the diverse array of museums that the Charleston area has to offer. Whether you are looking to learn something new or you are trying to escape a rare rainy beach day, a trip to a local museum is fun for the whole family. Visitors will find plenty of educational museums on a variety of topics just a short drive from Folly Beach.
American Military Museum: Filled with tons of military uniforms, equipment, artifacts, and weaponry dating back as far as the Revolutionary War all the way through the present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Open 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, daily; (626) 442-1776
The Charleston Museum: Visit one of the oldest museums in the United States, and experience the highly praised collection of historical artifacts, decorative art, and two historical Charleston homes.
Open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sundays, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm; (843) 722-2996
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: The perfect place for kids 10 and under where they can experience hands-on exhibits such as art classes, pirate adventures, a children’s garden, and much more!
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sundays, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm; (843) 853-8962
The Gibbes Museum of Art: Home to a premier collection of over 10,000 pieces of fine art, see the beautiful pieces, primarily of American works with ties to Charleston and the South.
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; (843) 722-2706
Old Slave Mart Museum: Located on one of the few remaining cobblestone roads of Charleston, this museum is the only known building used for slave auction in the 1800’s.
Open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; (843) 958-6467
Patriots Point/ USS Yorktown: One of South Carolina’s most enjoyed attractions, experience a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and more!
Open 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, daily; (843) 884-2727
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Charleston Area Parks and Aquariums
Nature lovers and education enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the vast array of parks and aquariums that the Charleston area has to offer. Spend the afternoon enjoying local flora and wildlife at an area park or get up close and personal with marine life at the wildly popular South Carolina Aquarium. Many parks and the aquarium are located just a short drive from Folly Beach, making it easy to enjoy a morning or afternoon on the town.
The South Carolina Aquarium: The home to over ten thousand plants and animals such as alligators, seahorses, jellyfish, etc.. Dive into the amazing undersea adventures with activities to do for the entire family!
Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily; (843) 577-3474
Battery Park/ White Point Gardens: This waterfront spot featuring cannons, gazebos, palmettos, and exquisite views of Fort Sumter and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse, is the perfect spot to stop and kick your feet up after an exhausting day of touring Charleston!
Open 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, daily; (843) 724-7327
The Center for Birds of Prey: This non-profit organization, offers an environmental experience and combines medical care for injured birds along with educational and scientific research. Visitors are given the opportunity to experience birds of prey in a natural and rare setting.
Open Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; (843) 971-7474
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site: Enjoy exhibits, films, and walking the grounds while discovering the “forgotten father”, Charles Pinckney, who was a principal author and signer of the United States Constitution.
Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, daily; (843) 881-5516
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site: Step aboard and tour Charleston’s only 17th century replica sailing ship, see cannons fire, or view the otters, bears, bison, and more at the Animal forest.
Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, daily; (843) 852-4200
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Charleston Area Plantations & Gardens
Charleston is known for its historic plantations and beautiful scenery, often located just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Charleston. Each of our area’s scenic plantation homes and gardens offers a truly unique experience and a trip back to a more simple time.
Boone Hall Plantation: Named one of the most photographed plantations in America, be taken away by the beautiful oak trees and history of the plantation
Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; (843) 884-4371
Charleston Tea Plantation: Located in the heart of the Lowcountry right outside of Historic Charleston, come visit the only tea plantation in North America! View hundreds of tea bushes or go through a tour of the tea factory.
Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm; (843) 559-0383
Drayton Hall: Be able to travel back in time and experience the history and culture that shaped the beautiful, Drayton Hall.
Open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00pm; (843) 769-2600
Irvin House Vineyards: Visit one of the local and visitor favorite vineyards where they grow and harvest grapes, along with making bottles of wine on sight!
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; (843) 559-6867
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Not only labeled as Charleston’s most visited plantations but also one of America’s most beautiful gardens, you will not want to pass up this divine experience.
Open Monday – Sunday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; (843)-571-1266
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Home to America’s oldest landscapes, the Middleton Place is a vision of elegance and class. Being one of the most important and charming gardens in the world, there is no doubt that you will be amazed with the true beauty the gardens display.
Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily; (843) 556-6020
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Charleston Area Theatres
Craving a little live entertainment? The Charleston area offers several options for visitors seeking a professional theater experience. Whether you would like to enjoy a mystery theatre experience or you are looking to catch the latest and greatest play, there is truly something for every taste within just a short drive of Folly Beach.
Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre: Take place in this interactive comedy-mystery show where you can kick back, and relax while enjoying beer, wine, or dessert.
Show schedule varies weekly; (843) 937-6453
Dock Street Theatre: Located in the French Quarter of Downtown Charleston, visit one of America’s first theatre’s and enjoy a variety of different performances.
Show schedule varies weekly; (843) 577-7183
Footlight Players Theatre: Charleston’s longest continuously producing theatre company, which provides professional quality and affordable theatre performances for the community.
Show schedule varies weekly; (843) 722-4487
Woolfe Street Playhouse: Providing more than a decade of award winning professional theatre in the lowcountry community.
Show schedule varies weekly; (843) 856-1579
Theatre 99: Charleston’s number one spot for improv comedy!
Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; (843) 853-6687
The Charleston area offers several exciting venues for guests seeking a professional theater experience.
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Virginia’s On King
412 King St.
(843) 735-5800Classic southern cuisine served up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Toast
155 Meeting St.
(843) 534-0043A New York Time’s Magazine “must eat” serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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The Rarebit
474 King St.
(843) 974-5483Breakfast all day! Lowcountry favorites and impressive beverage list.
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Slightly North Of Broad
192 E Bay St.
(843) 723-3424Award-winning southern cuisine. A favorite of Southern Living Magazine.
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Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen St.
(843) 577-2337One of the area’s oldest & most reputable restaurants serving lowcountry cuisine.
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Peninsula Grill
112 N Market St.
(843) 723-0700Regional cuisine served in an elegant atmosphere. Famous coconut cake!
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Pearlz
153 E Bay St.
(843) 577-5755Eclectic oyster bar features mix of raw shellfish, seafood, and lowcountry recipes.
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Nick’s Bbq
288 King St.
(843) 577-0406Scratch made, slow cooked BBQ & famous cheese biscuits. Classic comfort food.
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Muse
82 Society St.
(843) 577-1102Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and more are served with Mediterranean flare.
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39 Rue De Jean
39 John St.
(843) 722-8881
French Style Cafe and bar offering the best in brasserie cuisine.
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Hominy Grill
207 Rutledge Ave.
(843) 937-0930Local staple presenting Charleston’s finest regional specialties.
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Hank’s Seafood
10 Hayne St.
(843) 723-3474Traditional steakhouse mixed with southern cooking. Weekly Gospel Brunch!
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Hall’s Chophouse
434 King St.
(843) 727-0090Traditional steakhouse mixed with southern cooking. Weekly Gospel Brunch!
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Fig
232 Meeting St.
(843) 534-2434High quality seasonal cuisine, focusing on sustainable products from local farmers.
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Cru Cafe
18 Pinckney St.
(843) 534-2434
Refined take on classic comfort foods in an upscale casual setting.
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Circa 1886
149 Wentworth St.
(843) 853-7828
Succulent assortment of dishes, utilizing local produce and fresh seafood.
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Charleston Grill
224 King St.
(843) 577-4522
Unique balance of southern, French and contemporary cuisine.
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Amen Street
205 E Bay St.
(843) 853-8600
Tantalizing raw bar and fresh seafood, local seafood restaurant.
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Mccrady’s
2 Unity Alley (843) 577-0025
Modern American cuisine, award winning wine selection, four diamond service.
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Bounty Bar
15 Center Street
(843) 633-0355
Turf & Surf favorites, like Hamburgers, Patty Melts, The Bar Steak, Peel & Eat Shrimp, and Fried Flounder Sandwich.
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Lowlife Bar
106 E. Hudson St.
(843) 633-0460
A multi-cuisine restaurant serving lunch, dinner and drinks.
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Catch 23
10 Center St.
(843) 633-0174
Sports bar, restaurant and live music venue. Check out the popular rooftop bar!
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Jack of Cups
34 Center St.
(843) 633-0042
Pub grub, house-made sangria & craft beer offered in a casual, cozy setting.
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Inshore & Nearshore Fishing Charters & Tours
Get out on the water with an inshore and nearshore fishing guide service, dedicated to using light tackle and catering to all types of anglers from novice to the expert. Each trip is tailored to the customer’s needs.
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Kayak & SUP Rentals
Experience a different side of Folly Beach by exploring the local inlets and marshes on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced rider, the Charleston area offers several rental and guided tour services. Visitors can also take classes before heading out to explore on their own and rentals are available on a daily or weekly basis.
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Surfboard Rentals
Do as the locals do during your stay in Folly Beach and pick up a time-honored beach tradition – surfing! Folly Beach is a surfer’s paradise and our local experts can help you learn how to surf or point you to a few favorite spots to catch the best waves. The Folly Beach island offers a wide array of options for surf lessons, surf camps, and board rentals.
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Moped Rental
Tour Folly Beach in style with a Moped Rental. There are amazing sights to be seen from one end of the island to the other so hop on a moped and see them all!
Click the Icons to Explore the Island
