City Highlights: What To Do in Charleston, SC

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is a testament to the resilience and history of the American South. Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, it has witnessed centuries of the city’s history, from the American Revolution to the Civil War. Magnolia's gardens are considered the oldest public gardens in America, opening to visitors back in the 1870s, and are renowned for their romantic style, which focuses more on nature's untamed beauty rather than formal, structured designs. The gardens are famous for their stunning camellias, azaleas, and centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss.

Let it not be lost: these grounds were built, sustained, and tended to by enslaved people. Their hands shaped the fields, their knowledge cultivated the gardens, and their stories are woven into the very fabric of Magnolia Plantation. Even amidst the beauty of the landscape, it's crucial to remember the profound impact of their labor and the resilience they showed in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Guided tours of the historic house provide insight into the lives of the family who lived there, while nature train tours offer glimpses of the local wildlife. If you're visiting with American Cruise Lines, you can enjoy exclusive tours that explore the property’s significant past, making it a top pick on your list of Charleston, SC things to do.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter is a symbol of pivotal American history. On April 12, 1861, Confederate artillery opened fire on this federal fort in Charleston Harbor, igniting the Civil War. The battle lasted 34 hours, and though no lives were lost in the initial exchange, it set the stage for one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history. Standing at Fort Sumter today, you can almost hear the echoes of those cannons and imagine the tense standoff between Union and Confederate forces.

When you visit, you can explore the fort’s well-preserved ruins and exhibits that tell the story of this pivotal moment in U.S. history. A ferry ride from the downtown area takes you to the monument, offering stunning views of the harbor and city skyline. On our Southeast Sea Islands cruise, guided tours at Fort Sumter provide an immersive look at the fort's strategic importance, making it an essential stop among the best attractions in Charleston.

International African American Museum

The International African American Museum, set on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf where nearly half of all enslaved Africans first set foot in America, is a deeply moving tribute to the African American experience. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of slavery, which played a significant role in shaping the city and the broader Lowcountry region. The museum tells the powerful stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph through dynamic exhibits and displays that bring this painful history to life. Part of its history includes the fact it was once the leading port in North America for the transatlantic slave trade; it is estimated that nearly 40% of all enslaved Africans brought to America arrived through this city. This museum serves not only as a testament to those who were brought here against their will but also as a celebration of their cultural contributions that have shaped America.

Here, you can explore galleries that highlight everything from African roots to the Gullah culture unique to the Lowcountry. It’s a profound and educational experience, making it one of the most impactful Charleston things to do.

The Battery

Strolling along The Battery feels like stepping into a postcard. This historic promenade, lined with grand homes and shaded by towering live oaks, offers spectacular views of the harbor and Fort Sumter in the distance. But it’s not just about the views—The Battery has its own tales to tell. During the Civil War, Confederate troops positioned artillery along this seawall to defend the city from Union attacks. If you look closely, you’ll even find some of the cannons still in place today.

White Point Garden, located at the southern tip of The Battery, is sprinkled with historic statues and monuments, including memorials to the pirates hanged here in the early 18th century. It’s a spot full of history and ideal for a leisurely afternoon walk. If you're exploring with American Cruise Lines, you’ll have time to soak up the sights and snap some photos of this quintessential Charleston, SC attraction.

Charleston Tea Garden

Teatime, anyone? The Charleston Tea Garden produces American Classic Tea right here on Wadmalaw Island, just outside the city. Founded in 1963 by tea expert William Barclay Hall, the garden spans 127 acres of lush tea plants. These tea bushes are descendants of plants first brought to America in the 1700s. Visitors can take a trolley tour of the grounds to see how tea is grown and processed or enjoy a peaceful stroll among the rows of vibrant green plants.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, where you can sample various teas and stock up on your favorites to take home. If your visit is part of an American Cruise Lines itinerary, such as our East Coast Inland Passage cruise, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and a chance to taste tea fresh from the source—truly one of the most refreshing.