A Weekend in Charleston, SC is Hot Summer Fun

Charleston, South Carolina has something for everyone. Beaches, night life, great food, historical houses, ghosts, fun places for kids..you name it, you can find it in Charleston.

1. Beaches

In Charleston, the beach of choice is Folly Beach. However, Charleston is surrounded by islands, such as Isle of Palms, Sullivan's, James, and John's, and all of them have wonderful beaches. If you're an avid sheller, you may be somewhat disappointed, but every other type of beach activity from swimming to sunning to sand castles are readily available.

2. Maritime history

Don't miss a trip to Patriot's Point across the bridge in Mt. Pleasant to see the USS Yorktown. This huge ship is the oldest US aircraft carrier still afloat today and saw plenty of action in World War II. It's definitely worth exploring, but be warned that small children will probably get tired and carrying them on the Yorktown is not a fun experience.

Another fascinating piece of Naval history is now available for view in Charleston. The Hunley, a Confederate submarine which in 1864 became the first submarine to destroy an enemy vessel in battle before sinking,lay on the ocean floor for 136 years. Its resting place was discovered in 1995 by author Clive Cussler. In 2000, it was raised and now resides in a 90,000 gallon tank while a massive restoration effort is taking place. Visitors not only can view the sub in its tank, but also see relics, look at the replica from the Hunley movie, and watch footage of the National Geographic special of the raising.

3. Historic Houses

Because Charleston has worked very hard to preserve its historic houses in their original form, there are historic houses everywhere you look. Don't miss the colorful houses of Rainbow Row, which are virtually unchanged in appearance since the 1700's. Notice as you walk along any city street in the downtown district and you will see historic plaques on many inns and businesses.

4. Shopping

The Market is the center of shopping in Charleston. This huge structure, which, contrary to some stories was never used as a slave market, is filled with vendors selling everything from jewelry to t-shirts to gourmet foods to the handcrafted sweetgrass baskets that are firmly woven into Charleston's history and culture. All around the market, there are shops selling upscale clothing and antiques, beachwear and candy.

5. Food

Naturally, seafood is the primary food draw in Charleston, and places such as A.W. Shucks (with shrimp dip you should not miss,) Bubba Gump's, and the Charleston Crab House all offer delicious meals at not unreasonable prices and with friendly service. But if you prefer Italian food, try Bocci's, or stop into Aroma's if your taste runs to Thai dishes. You may want to show up before you're actually hungry as these places get crowded, especially in the evening.

6. For kids of all ages

Don't miss the South Carolina Aquarium, the IMAX theatre, the Charleston Museum and the Charleston Children's Museum.

6. Tours

Every kind of tour you can imagine is available. Ghost tours, walking tours, bus tours, carraige tours..take any one of them, and acquaint yourself with more of the city's fascinating history.

I personally love the ghost tours. Charleston is one of the contenders for "most haunted city in America," and the ghost tours give a broad view of history, culture and lore whether you actually encounter anything otherworldy or not.

I haven't even touched on Charleston's night life, but, as a tour guide recently told me, Charleston often refers to itself as a "drinking city with a historical problem," so be assured that if nightlife and drinking buddies are what you seek, you'll find them here.

There is no way you can do everything there is to do in Charleston in one weekend; choose your favorite activities and come back soon to do the rest!