Are you going to the Holy City on vacation? The top 24 activities in Charleston, South Carolina, are listed below.

Charleston, which consistently ranks among the best cities in the country according to Travel + Leisure readers, is a vacationer's paradise with a fantastic food scene that includes both classic favorites and innovative newcomers, a prime location by the water, and close to lovely beaches, and plenty to see and do. Here are 24 top things to do in Charleston, South Carolina, with something to suit every kind of traveler.

Have some biscuits to start your day.

Get the day going with a warm, decadent biscuit. Choose between the well-regarded Callie's Hot Little Biscuit (which has two locations downtown) and Vicious Biscuit in Mount Pleasant, which is on the other side of the river. A cheddar and jalapeno biscuit loaded with fried chicken, their renowned maple sausage gravy, homemade cowboy candy, and a drizzle of maple syrup is called The Vicious at the latter.

Discover American history while aboard the USS Yorktown.

At the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, which houses the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, a destroyer, and a submarine, in addition to other educational exhibits, you can learn about World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. The historic city is better known for its significance during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Explore King Street.

A trip to Charleston is only complete with a stroll down King Street, the city's central avenue. Antique shops brimming with vintage goods can be found on Lower King; locally owned shops and upscale boutiques can be found on Middle King, and the best nightlife and dining can be found on Upper King.

Waterfront Park and The Battery are good places to stroll.

Start in Joe Riley Waterfront Park, where you can see the famous Pineapple Fountain, then wander along the waterfront until arriving at Rainbow Row, which is made up of various brightly colored row residences built in the Georgian style. East Battery, another picturesque street with views of the harbor and old homes, may be reached by continuing down East Bay.

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium to observe local marine life.

In addition to the Sea Turtle Care Center, which assists sick or injured turtles, this waterfront aquarium is home to more than 5,000 creatures. The aquatic life that may be found all around South Carolina, from the mountains to the coast, is highlighted by the AZA-accredited aquarium.

Go on a cruise at sunset.

When visiting Charleston, you must get out on the water, whether it's the river, the port, the creek, or the ocean. A catamaran or tall ship sunset tour across the port is one way to make the most of the waterfront location.

Play golf at outstanding facilities.

You can play golf all year long in and around Charleston thanks to the South Carolina Lowcountry's pleasant weather and superb courses (several of which offer stunning views of the marsh and water). The breathtaking Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the region's most well-known layouts.

On the beach, relax.

The three well-known beaches in the vicinity, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, and Sullivan's Island Beach, are easily accessible from downtown Charleston. Each boasts smooth, white sand and a unique vibe:

• Folly has bustling bars and eateries right on the coastlines.
• Sullivan's Island is more serene and residential.
• The Isle of Palms sits in the middle and has easy access for the general public, thanks to the Isle of Palms County Park.

Observe art up close and far.

Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art to view artworks from modern local artists to decorative arts and paintings from the 18th century. After that, you can explore some of the city's numerous galleries and find something to buy as a souvenir.

On Saturdays, we buy regional goods at the farmer's market.

The farmers market on Marion Square in Charleston's central business district is ideal for spending a Saturday morning. While you peruse, find fresh local food, artisanal crafts, and snacks.

Explore the top restaurants in the city by eating there.

Long regarded as a culinary mecca, Charleston offers up-and-coming restaurants and tried-and-true favorites. Visit Fig for creative Southern cuisine, Wild Common for the fantastic tasting menu, Hank's Seafood Restaurant for delectable seafood, and Halls Chophouse for steaks, followed by bread pudding.

Likewise, order these traditional Charleston fare.

There are a few regional delicacies that you really must sample while on a culinary tour of the city (many restaurants include them on their menus). With a glass of sweet tea, try fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and hush puppies—delicious deep-fried dough balls frequently served as an appetizer or side dish.

Go on a ghost hunt.

On a ghost tour, please get to know the city's eerie side and discover some of its enduring inhabitants. Bulldog Tours offers options, including a time at the infamously spooky old jail or a ghost hunt aboard the USS Yorktown.

The Charleston RiverDogs with encouragement.

The RiverDogs, a minor league baseball team, based in Charleston, are available for purchase if you're looking for a sports trip. (Fun fact: The team is co-owned by actor Bill Murray.)

Savor some regional beers.

Try a beer (or a few) from one of the many local breweries in Charleston, including Edmund's Oast Brewing Co., Holy City Brewing, and Westbrook Brewing, or visit the Firefly Distillery, which is well-known for its sweet tea vodka and fruit-flavored moonshine.

Take a kayak excursion and paddle about.

Get close to the amazing marine animals in the area by going on a kayak excursion through the marshes and creeks around Charleston. One of the many tour companies in the area is Charleston Outdoor Adventures; remember to bring your sunscreen.

Discover the history and culture of the Gullah.

The Gullah are African Americans from the Lowcountry districts of South Carolina and nearby states. They play a significant role in the history of Charleston through their culture, language, and history. Join Gullah Tours to discover more about the city's Black heritage while seeing essential locations such as Denmark Vesey's house, former slave quarters, and more.

The Ravenel Bridge on foot.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston, which connects Mount Pleasant and the city's core, contains a pedestrian route. If you're not afraid of heights, you can stroll across the entire structure or just a portion to get sweeping views of the bay.

The Shem Creek Boardwalk stroll.

Several waterfront seafood restaurants can be found in Mount Pleasant's Shem Creek, and you may stroll along its boardwalk to take in views of the water, marsh, and boats (and breathe in that fresh, salty air).

Discover Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

Charleston's involvement in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars is depicted in the two forts that make up the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The Civil War began at Fort Sumter, situated on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only reachable by boat. In contrast, Fort Moultrie, located on Sullivan's Island, was in operation from 1776 to 1947.

The Old Slave Mart Museum is worth a visit.

It's crucial to acknowledge the natural human history in a place like this, which is noted for its antebellum mansions and former plantations. The Old Slave Mart Museum is housed in a structure that formerly served as an auction gallery where enslaved people were bought and sold. You may discover more about Charleston's past with slavery here.

Grab a basket made of sweetgrass.

A Charleston sweetgrass basket is one of the most recognizable keepsakes available. These baskets are weaved from nearby marsh grass by Gullah artisans, and you can find them all around the city. Their designs range from simple to elaborate (with many sellers in the Charleston City Market).

Visit all the rooftop bars.

Visit one (or a few) of the rooftop bars in Charleston to gain a fresh perspective on the Holy City and to see the numerous church steeples that give it its moniker. The Pavilion Bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel, The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue, Fiat Lux at the Hotel Bennett, Citrus Club at The Dewberry, Élevé at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, and more are available.

Take a trip to Charles Towne Landing.

The earliest European settlement in South Carolina was established at the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in West Ashley (1670). Here, you may stroll through the gardens, see where people first settled, and even get a glimpse of some of the native animals.