Charleston, South Carolina, is a city full of charm— from historic homes to the many churches to some of the most innovative restaurants in the country. There’s also the mild climate that makes exploring this lovely city even lovelier. Whether you're wandering cobblestone streets, tasting fresh-caught seafood, or learning about the city’s fascinating and complex history, Charleston’s vibrant culture and historic beauty are on full display around every corner.
If you have the opportunity to visit this celebrated city, here is a list of the best things to do in Charleston.
Explore King Street
No trip to Charleston is complete without a stroll down King Street, Charleston’s major thoroughfare. The Nickel Hotel is located on the street which offers an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and local boutiques.
Upper King is also known for nightlife and excellent restaurants, while Lower King is home to antique shops and art galleries. Spend an afternoon browsing the racks at Hampden Clothing, picking up handmade treasures at the Historic Charleston Foundation Shop, or sipping coffee at Mudhouse.
Visit the Charleston City Market
Stretching four blocks from Meeting Street to East Bay, the Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States and a must on any list of things to do in Charleston. It's only a 12-minute walk from The Nickel Hotel, and it has something for everyone.
You’ll find everything from hand-woven sweetgrass baskets, a Lowcountry tradition, to artisan soaps, fine art, and southern treats like benne wafers. The market is open daily and hosts a lively night market on weekends from March through December.
Take a Carriage Tour
Immerse yourself in the city's 300-year history with a horse-drawn carriage tour that departs just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. These guided tours take you through historic neighborhoods filled with antebellum mansions, secret gardens, and landmarks like the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
Companies like Palmetto Carriage Works and Old South Carriage Company offer tours throughout the day, providing a relaxing way to soak in the sights and stories of Charleston. The unique charm of a horse-drawn carriage makes this one of the best things to do in Charleston.
Visit Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a cluster of thirteen brightly painted Georgian townhouses on East Bay Street, just a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the hotel. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Charleston, and for good reason. The pastel façades, wrought-iron balconies, and overflowing window boxes suggest a storybook setting. Visit early for the morning light and fewer tourists.
Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain
Located just a 15-minute walk from The Nickel Hotel, Waterfront Park is a serene place to relax by the river. The park is home to the beloved Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of southern hospitality and a favorite selfie spot for visitors and locals alike.
You’ll also find swings along the pier, benches shaded by palmettos, and a cool breeze from the Cooper River. It’s an ideal location for an afternoon break or a romantic evening stroll.
Tour the Nathaniel Russell House
A ten-minute walk from The Nickel Hotel brings you to one of Charleston’s most exquisite historic homes: the Nathaniel Russell House. Built in 1808, this Federal-style townhouse is known for its spiral staircase, formal gardens, and authentic period furnishings.
Guided tours provide insight into the lives of the Russell family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property. It's a deeply informative and rather moving experience that offers important context to Charleston’s complex past.
Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art
Art lovers will appreciate the Gibbes Museum, just a 7-minute walk from the hotel. This historic museum showcases a diverse collection of American art with a special focus on artists from the South.
Highlights include works from the Charleston Renaissance and rotating exhibitions that often spotlight contemporary talent. The building itself, with its Beaux-Arts architecture, is worth a visit on its own.
Cruise Charleston Harbor
For a different view of the city, head to the waterfront (just a 6-minute drive) and board a Charleston Harbor cruise. These boat tours take you past landmarks like Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and Castle Pinckney.
You might also spot dolphins, marshes, and the striking Ravenel Bridge. Sunset cruises are especially lovely, while daytime excursions offer an educational glimpse into the area's maritime history.
Experience Charleston’s Ghost Tours
Charleston is often cited as one of the most haunted cities in America, and for thrill-seekers, a ghost tour is an entertaining way to see Charleston after dark. Several tours begin within a 10-minute walk of The Nickel Hotel and guide you through haunted graveyards, centuries-old prisons, and dark alleyways with haunting stories to set the mood. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the tours offer an atmospheric take on Charleston’s darker history.
Relax in Hampton Park
If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the city's bustling streets, Hampton Park is a tranquil oasis just an 8-minute drive from The Nickel Hotel. Spanning over 60 acres, this elegant public park is one of the largest green spaces in Charleston. It's perfect for a morning jog, afternoon picnic, or leisurely stroll beneath moss-draped oak trees.
The park is known for its vibrant seasonal flower displays, lovely pond, and serene walking paths. You’ll also spot joggers, local families, and even the occasional wedding.
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
Located about a 6-minute drive from The Nickel Hotel, the South Carolina Aquarium is perfect for families or marine life lovers. Highlights include touch tanks, otter exhibits, and the impressive two-story Great Ocean Tank. There’s also a sea turtle care center where you can learn about local conservation efforts.
Plan Your Stay
Charleston reveals itself slowly—through sun-dappled alleys, the hush of history in every square, and the warmth that lingers long after your footsteps fade. From historic landmarks and lively markets to world-class cuisine and waterfront vistas, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences to enjoy just steps from The Nickel Hotel.
If you’re looking for the perfect location to explore all the things to do in Charleston, book a stay at The Nickel Hotel where you’ll be in the center of it all. Discover the magic of the Holy City from the comfort, style, and convenience of The Nickel Hotel.