Charleston is steeped in history: founded in 1670, it has been a colonial port town, a pirate port, and blockaded battleground during the Civil War. With so much remarkable\u2014if often heavy\u2014history waiting just outside your hotel room, it begs you to put on your walking shoes and begin exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fort Sumter National Monument<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston Harbor<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 883-3123 <\/strong>It\u2019s said that the Civil War began at Fort Sumter, when Confederate forces fired on the Union-held garrison located in the harbor. The fort appears in slightly different arrangement today\u2014being severely damaged during two battles\u2014but visitors can ride a ferry over and explore the ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston City Market<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 188 Meeting Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 29401<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 937-0920<\/p>\n\n\n\n The City Market has provided a uniquely Charleston shopping experience since 1804. Fronted by a gorgeous Greek Revival-style hall, the actual market extends four city blocks, and is home to dozens of local vendors selling everything from sweetgrass baskets to hats and biscuits. From March to December, you can also visit the Night Market on Friday and Saturday nights to stock up on artisanal soaps, candles, and art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Old City Jail<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 21 Magazine Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 29401No, we aren\u2019t suggesting you actually land yourself in jail during your Charleston visit. The Old Jail has been a fixture of Charleston since 1802, and among its notable occupants were murderers, robbers, and even pirates. You won\u2019t be following in their unfortunate footsteps, but you can <\/em>see where they ate and slept, and learn more of the city\u2019s history. If you like your nights with a little fright, also embark on an evening ghost tour of the jail and see if any of the old inmates are still hanging around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schooner Pride<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Aquarium Wharf<\/p>\n\n\n\n 360 Concord Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 29401<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 722-1112Put on your captain\u2019s coat and grab your favorite eyepatch\u2014you\u2019re going sailing! (If you don\u2019t have a favorite eyepatch, a pair of sunglasses will do.) The crew of the schooner Pride <\/em>carries small groups out into the harbor during afternoons and evenings. If you\u2019ve ever fantasized about living a pirate\u2019s life\u2014or even scoring the perfect Instagram shot of dolphins leaping into the sunset\u2014the Pride <\/em>is the place to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hungry? Charleston\u2019s got you covered there: it\u2019s home to hundreds of restaurants and cafes serving up various delicious dishes. Whatever your taste buds are craving, you\u2019re bound to find it here. Hank\u2019s Seafood Restaurant<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 10 Hayne Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 29401<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 723-FISH (3474)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve got a hankering for seafood, head to Hank\u2019s. With almost two decades of award-winning cuisine under its belt, these guys know <\/em>seafood. They\u2019ve collected accolades from OpenTable, Conde Nast Traveler, and The Washington Post, among others. You can\u2019t go wrong with the grilled swordfish or the broiled Maine lobster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Husk Restaurant<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 76 Queen Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 29401<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 577-2500<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf it doesn\u2019t come from the South,\u201d Husk states on its website, \u201cit\u2019s not coming through the door.\u201d This restaurant focuses exclusively on Southern fare, crafted from locally sourced seasonal. The menu can change frequently, so swing by the website to see the day\u2019s menu and plan out a thoroughly delicious evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bertha\u2019s Kitchen<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2332 Meeting Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 29405<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 554-6519<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can\u2019t visit Charleston without at least trying some soul food. Bertha\u2019s Kitchen is ready to help you fulfil your obligation to tasty grub with mouthwatering offerings like baked mac and cheese, okra soup, and fried chicken. The menu changes daily and lunchtimes can get pretty packed, so make sure you get here early!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your vacation doesn\u2019t have <\/em>to include any booze, but if you\u2019re cutting loose, odds are you\u2019re going to imbibe a bit. There\u2019s an almost endless selection of pubs, bars, and breweries to choose from, but we picked out three of our favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rooftop<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 19 Vendue Range<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 24901<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 577-7970<\/p>\n\n\n\n You know what\u2019s better than a refreshing drink after a busy day? A refreshing drink while also taking in a stunning view of Charleston Harbor. The Rooftop perches over the Vendue Hotel, and offers additional commanding views of portions of the city. Hit the sweet spot with a Moscato Rose, or wash down a sandwich with a Pimm\u2019s Cup or a cold beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frothy Beard Brewing Company & Zombie Bob Pizza<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1401 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charleston, SC 29407<\/p>\n\n\n\n (843) 872-1075<\/p>\n\n\n\n What happens when three guys who love beer and zombies become friends? They make a zombie-themed pizza shop and brewery that has drinks with names like Bubbles the Destroyer of Worlds and Back from the Dead. We don\u2019t think eating and drinking here will turn you into a zombie\u2014or that you\u2019ll necessary be able to fight them after imbibing\u2014but you\u2019re bound to have a great time. Stop by and ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s Frothing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/yYMeuXB8-mp_i5PNodyznaJtnQFOLNyMO6lK6c6k3Rk0cTSWuPJYkj6vrdOK38LFKOu6Va_yOh46MRB-2TIlIQotoGOxPM2x16QOHlw6DW5aA6wjAg4akYg0o12SGrClgKjW6Amv\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/Ety_-oKBlym04rVC0pr_xZ5lHHa1LLHTGvxUkjDLONXTI_c8fL0xzcPU8wH8Ty3h4Jzw_W8KByCUfX3F1oSIV4cZ50WVEeMM_bYETLQ1qKlEYwGyF11dtMDrDgYr47bZGH87RQrM\")
Food, glorious food<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/QonprxJkw-jdzGqtvgSbdWbSYiuILsQrub1vdMHo3WGzaT3PDIVyxmHNLshT0gZckKmoBtcAmbwnJvBqYozwR9zMc4dX0zhTMYeAJU8Go8DtCHmweEYKv7NZVzfZW554YaLZiUKw\")
Get your drink on<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/vQBShr7mnsrgJFXtub85sWz1_fpfj2RFgoM1ECxBLU5kri0-I84Es56lUo_nHZOxiQEZRJK2BJ3t-LQ5DbZkqe7YfiigK5buV1SVMCrqDQMHuQqymzhh6CTzICTbAsHHKPvXM2X8\")