Charleston, the oldest and the second-largest city in the U.S. State of South Carolina, is located on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the meeting of the Ashley and Coopers Rivers, or, as the locals say, “where the Cooper and Ashley Rivers come together to form the Atlantic Ocean.”
As the legend says, this Holy City has a celebrated past. If you wish to bask in Southern goodness and breathe the atmosphere of the old South, then Charleston is just your perfect destination. It’s the incredible rich history, culture and well-preserved architecture that attracts more and more visitors very year and makes the city as one of the top travel destinations in the United States. Charleston is home to many amazing and breathtaking landmarks that are worth visiting while you’re in and around the Lowcountry. Here are a few favorites,
Isle of Palms
Located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston and just a 30-minute drive away, Isle of Palms offers non-stop enjoyment with its beautiful beaches, golf, tennis, fishing, swimming, sunbathing and much more. The magnificent stretch of beach on Isle of Palms is amazingly picturesque and photogenic; so don’t forget to bring your camera with you.
Ravenel Bridge
Walk till the top of the Wander’s Way, a 2-mile bike/pedestrian lane in The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge for a bird’s eye view of Charleston. It is accessible from East Bay Street in downtown Charleston and on the Mount Pleasant side. The bridge is home to the annual USA Track & Field 10,000 meter (6.2 mi) Cooper River Bridge Run on the first weekend of April. This event attracts up to around 50000 people.
Charleston City Market
This historic market complex is a great glimpse into life in the Old South. The market is always lively with residents and visitors, perusing stalls loaded with toys, clothes, leather goods and souvenirs. But if you plan on buying anything here, just walk straight to the “basket ladies”; The hand weaved baskets they sell are really tempting!! Although this is a great place to experience Southern charm, the locals recommend to be beware of the overpriced trinkets.
Sullivan’s Island Beach & Fort Moultrie
Just 10 miles away from the Charleston downtown area— Sullivan’s Island swagger serene beaches and a colorful history. Fort Moultrie was the first fort on Sullivan’s Island and withstood a nine-hour battle in 1776 when nine warships were advancing on Charleston. It now preserves an array of fortifications ranging from the original brick walls of the 1809 fort to concrete batteries and observation posts used through World War II.
Fort Sumter
Notable for two battles of the American Civil War, this sea fort is a must-see if you’re a historic buff. Ferries to the monument depart from the Liberty Square Visitors Center and from Patriot’s Point, which is just opposite of the harbor in USS Yorktown State Park. Parking is available at both the departure points.
16 comments
The bridge structure is stunning and the Charlestone City Market clean. How about the population? I think there’ not much people there. Am I right?
The Fort Sumter reminds me of our historical Intramuros walls that could be found in Manila, Philippines – On another note, You’ve got some serious photography skills! love, love all the photos- Xoxo! jaimie
wish I could visit such lovely place and what a lovely shot of the ravenel bridge.
wow! I love this place! I am amazed! Not to mention the lovely photographs! 🙂 Charleston seems like a wonderful place to visit.
Yay! Awesome stuff! Market kinda looks like one in Malaysia but I’m just not sure enough of the details. And I would love to walk or ride a bike on that bridge if possible 😀
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Beautiful. I didn’t know they have Charleston in India. All I know is the one in US. Looks like a place to breathe and think.
The one thing that really got me wanting to visit is the City Market. I would definitely like to visit South Carolina. On my bucket list. 😉
I love the photos! What really interests me though is the Charleston City Market……… I feel like you could find a lot of vintage stuff in there. 🙂
I am specifically interested with Fort Sumter. We have our own popular fort here in the Philippines called Fort Santiago. I wonder how Fort Sumter differs with Fort Santiago and I also want to see their similarities. I have always been interested with history so I think if I ever get to South Carolina someday I would definitely include Fort Sumter in the itinerary.
I always love going to markets when I visit new places. That’s where you can find the best and freshest products. The beach looks very pretty too.
You make me want to take my bike to ravenel bridge or join in on one of their organized running event. Isle of palm reminds of a place here in the Philippines i think this would be ideal on where to spend time with the family over the weekend. The market place looks exquisite and they preserved the lovely colors of the mosaic. Great list of places to visit in charleston
I’m amazed with the Ravenel Bridge. A wonderful piece of architecture. I think I’ve heard that there have been ghost sightings in Fort Sumter?
I wasn’t fortunate enough to visit Charleston during my US trip a few years back. It looks like there’s so many things to see and do there. I’m definitely interested in their beaches. 🙂
Isle of palms looks like from a country movie. If I were to in charleston, you would definitely see me in the beach. Haha. And the bridge is also wonderful. Nice photos btw! 😉
The city market sounds like such a lovely place to spend a lazy morning. Reminds me of places here in India…
Thanks a lot for visiting the blog!! 🙂 Yes, India has many places like the city market in Charleston!! 🙂