Charleston's White Point Garden, commonly known as the Battery, may not fit the traditional definition of an "attraction" like a museum or a fort, but it holds a unique place in the hearts of visitors and residents alike. While it's not an official attraction, it's almost a rite of passage for first-time visitors to stroll through this historic site. In a city where nearly every building and street holds historical significance, few places offer a more comprehensive glimpse into Charleston's 300-year history.

This picturesque spot at the eastern end of East Bay Street is now a serene park adorned with statues, monuments, ancient cannons, and majestic live oak trees—though the ambiance has not always been so tranquil. This site has been a prominent feature in Charleston since the early days of English settlement when it was known as Oyster Point due to its marshy beach covered in white oyster shells. Initially, it mainly served as a navigational aid for ships entering and leaving the harbor and only gained notoriety in the 1720s when infamous pirate Stede Bonnet and his crew were hanged here from makeshift gallows. These executions effectively put an end to pirate activities that had plagued the Carolina coast. Then, during the War of 1812, a fort was built in the area, giving rise to the popular name "the Battery".

The site was officially designated as a park in 1837 when the city reconfigured certain streets to create White Point Garden. It was from this vantage point that Charlestonians witnessed the opening shots of the Civil War on April 12, 1861, as Confederate fortifications across the river exchanged fire with Union troops stationed in Fort Sumter. Once the war started, this peaceful garden was dramatically transformed into two massive earthwork batteries as part of Charleston's inner defense line. While the end of the Civil War marked the conclusion of the Battery's military role, poignant reminders of subsequent wars remain in the form of cannons and monuments, each accompanied by informative plaques or markers.

As a tourist destination, the Battery is also famous for its collection of elegant, predominantly antebellum homes.

Rainbow Row, a series of thirteen pastel-colored mansions facing the Cooper River, is one of the most iconic and photographed sights in the United States. The vibrant, historically accurate colors are a testament to Charleston's Caribbean heritage, a legacy of the English settlers from Barbados who were among the city's earliest residents.

These homes are exceptionally old, considering Charleston's history of fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Most of them were built between 1730 and 1750 when they were located right along the Cooper River, serving as storefronts on the wharf. Later, the street was built on top of landfill, creating the current landscape.

Various myths surround the choice of colors. Some claim that intoxicated sailors returning from the port could remember their lodgings based on color, while others suggest that the colors were chosen to indicate the buildings' purpose as stores, making it easier for illiterate slaves to identify where they could shop.

One way or another, each of these houses has a fascinating story to tell about its origin and inhabitants. Despite facing natural calamities and the Civil War, they have remarkably remained intact and have weathered the test of time. If you examine them closely, you can see signs of renovations, including earthquake rods reinforcing the structures to ensure their stability.

Rainbow Row also holds significant importance in American historic preservation. These were the first Charleston homes to undergo restoration and recovery from early-20th-century deterioration. The restoration efforts on Rainbow Row directly inspired the creation of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the first organization of its kind in the United States.

A public building has occupied the site at East Bay and Broad Streets since Charles Towne's relocation from its original settlement in 1680. The early settlers constructed a court of guard on this spot, using the lower level to imprison pirates and Native Americans, while holding town meetings in the upper hall. The British later erected the current building with striking Palladian architecture to make a grand statement in the bustling colonial port. Completed in 1771, the Exchange quickly became the social, political, and economic center of the growing city. From its steps, the independent colony of South Carolina was officially declared in March 1776.

During the Revolutionary War, the building was transformed into a British prison where signers of the Declaration of Independence were held. In 1788, the convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution convened at the Exchange, and President Washington was lavishly entertained here during his Southern tour. From 1815 to 1896, the Exchange served as both the Charleston post office for the Federal and Confederate governments. An excavation of the dungeon in 1965 revealed part of Charles Towne's original seawall, dating as early as 1698.

Now a National Historic Landmark, the building is open to the public as a museum and offers two halls available for private events. Guided tours, led by costumed guides on each floor, include a visit to the Provost Dungeon, where tales of pirates and colonial days come to life. The experience is both entertaining and educational, shedding light on the building's history and Charleston's unique past. If exploring a real dungeon is high on your bucket list, this place is a must-visit!

Tip:
Aside from delving into the property's rich history, there are engaging activities to enjoy, such as reenactments of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 1700s.

Historically, the waterfront area of Charleston, just off the Cooper River, has been a center of maritime traffic, housing wharves and shipping terminals. Refurbished in 1990, it has received numerous accolades, including the Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Waterfront Park is split into sections. At the northern entrance, near the base of Vendue Range, you'll encounter a large fountain that serves as a prominent focal point. From there, Venue Wharf, a wide wooden pier with sheltered swings, extends into the Cooper River.

The park's largest portion consists of two prominent features: a lush canopy of oak trees lining Concord and Prioleau streets for about a quarter-mile; and a 1,200-foot palmetto-lined esplanade that gracefully follows the natural waterline, ensuring public access to the water's edge.

Nestled within the expansive grassy lawn is the famous Pineapple Fountain, located directly in front of the City Gallery and surrounded by trees and benches.

You can pack a picnic lunch, relax on the benches, witness the cruise ships come and go, marvel at the colossal cargo vessels entering one of the nation's busiest ports, and savor the breathtaking sunsets while catching a refreshing breeze on a sunny day.

Why You Should Visit:
Beautifully landscaped areas for picnics; spectacular unobstructed views of Charleston Harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, and Fort Sumter; a magnificent fountain, a dense oak tree canopy, and numerous benches to engage in the art of people-watching. Sunrises and sunsets here are consistently stunning, and you might even spot dolphins here. There is no admission fee.

Constructed in 1859, this building, designed in the Gothic Revival and Romanesque styles with a stuccoed façade, originally formed part of the slave market known as Ryan's Mart. Named after city alderman and slave profiteer, Thomas Ryan, it occupied a large enclosed area between Chalmers and Queen Streets, consisting of a four-story slave jail, a kitchen, and a morgue referred to as the "dead house". With slave quarters having been demolished at most antebellum plantations, it is believed to be the last surviving site of a slave auction house.

Since 1938, it has been home to the Old Slave Mart Museum, a highly informative institution portraying the slave trading that occurred here between 1856 and 1863. The museum's knowledgeable staff is well-equipped to answer any questions that may arise while exploring the various exhibits. These delve into the transcontinental and domestic slave trade through large storyboards, personal narratives, and authentic artifacts, including shackles worn by slaves, the whips used to beat them, and even a deed of sale for auctioned slaves.

Among the self-guided educational materials is a firsthand audio account by former slave Elijah Green, born in 1843, who recounted his life's story in 1937. His account offers a sobering, realistic, and educational perspective on the nation's history, with a particular focus on Charleston's African-American heritage, spanning from slavery to emancipation.

Distinct from the Olde Pinke House in Savannah, GA, this picturesque abode claims to be the oldest masonry residence in Charleston and the second oldest in the nation, constructed between 1694 and 1712. The applied 18-inch-thick Bermuda Stone, a coral stone from West India, gave it an innate pink hue. Although it has been repainted since, the current color retains its distinctive character.

The building's architectural peculiarity is also evident in its design, featuring low ceilings and just one room on each of the three floors. The roof, crafted from pantiles akin to those on the Powder Magazine, dates to the 18th century when the house functioned as a tavern (rumored to have had a brothel upstairs) catering to sailors, merchants, and pirates passing through Charleston's port in search of "whiskey, wenches, and wittles". This area of Charleston, now fashionable, back in the day was rather disreputable, known for rowdy nights.

The Pink House continued its role as a tavern throughout the 1700s until the neighborhood underwent revitalization, transforming into a predominantly residential area in the 1800s. Since then, the building has served various purposes, including as a publishing house, a law office, and the studio of the renowned Charleston artist, Alice Ravenel Huger Smith. For two decades, it also housed an art gallery.

Why You Should Visit:
There are few remaining cobblestone streets in town, and none is more delightful than this one. Lovely setting!

Kaminsky's is consistently recognized for serving the finest desserts in the city, and their cakes alone justify a visit to the City Market area. The top three best sellers are the fresh fruit torte, the red velvet, and the decadent "Mountain of Chocolate". In addition to their delectable desserts, Kaminsky's offers an array of exceptional coffees and spirits to complement your sweet indulgence.

The cafe's intimate ambiance is enhanced by its handsome brick walls, which serve as an artful backdrop showcasing local artwork. Don't miss the opportunity to pair your dessert with an exotic coffee or a refreshing nonalcoholic beverage; their milkshakes are particularly renowned. With a menu offering 150 other beverage choices, you may find it challenging to make a selection. Whether you prefer to unwind with a martini or a hot toddy, Kaminsky's has you covered.

A visit to Charleston would be incomplete without exploring the Historic City Market. Established in the 1790s, it spans four city blocks, covering a vast 33-acre area, starting from the temple-like Market Hall, which now houses the Confederate Museum.

Back in its prime during the early 20th century, the market provided a livelihood for thousands of African-American entrepreneurs and vendors. Today, it remains operational with dozens of vendors offering a wide range of souvenirs and goods, including clothing, jewelry, chocolates, artwork, Gullah sweetgrass baskets, and regional keepsakes.

Places of note include Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, Carolina Rice, Carolina Tea, and other eateries within the market. The surrounding area also has numerous shops, ice cream parlors, and restaurants, making it worthwhile to plan for several hours of exploration and enjoyment.

An excellent option for a rainy day visit (since it offers shelter), the market allows you to browse comfortably, stay dry, and hopefully discover some great deals. While credit cards are accepted, it's advisable to carry some cash as you might receive discounts for cash payments. Additionally, from April through December, the Night Market hosts local artists and food vendors on weekends.

The entire market complex was declared a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Designed in the dignified Greek Revival style and currently restored to its original grandeur, the Market Hall building was renowned for its exceptional architectural quality when it was constructed in the 1840s. Modeled after the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece, this structure features a single elevated story resting upon a rusticated open ground-level arcade. Its portico contains four Roman-style Doric columns supporting the pediment and can be accessed via a double flight of stairs with intricate ironwork.

In a way, the building continues to fulfill its original purpose by serving as the front entrance to the adjoining six blocks of covered market space where a variety of fruits, meats, vegetables, and fish were historically sold. However, in 1899, the United Daughters of the Confederacy repurposed the Hall's second floor to establish a museum showcasing Confederate artifacts and other memorabilia from Charleston's Civil War era. While it may not rival the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia, this museum presents a remarkable collection of intriguing relics. Among the exhibits are cannons, uniforms, battle flags, swords, sabres, muskets, and even South Carolina's secession flag. Given the abundance of fascinating items on display, the nominal admission fee is well worth it.

Tip:
Don't forget to peruse the newspapers on display, as they provide a unique perspective on the Civil War.

King Street and its surroundings are, perhaps, the most happening areas in Charleston. It is also the second most historically and architecturally significant downtown lane, (after Meeting Street), where the city's past and present converge. With a history spanning more than three centuries, this thoroughfare was named for King Charles II of England and soon thrived as a retail corridor, commercial center, and a major shopping district, hosting a diverse array of high-end specialty shops.

Do you like it upscale? Even if not for shopping, a leisurely stroll down this street's pedestrian-friendly sidewalks impresses with stores offering unique and handmade jewelry, antiques, gifts, shoes, and fine clothing; as well as galleries showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. Peculiar enough, many local stores still "dress" their windows as they did back in the old days. There's also no shortage of trendy restaurants and cool little coffee and dessert shops here either, worth stopping by and taking a break.

With such an abundance of options, you may find yourself wondering where to begin your exploration. As you plan your visit, it's worth noting that King Street can be divided into three sections: the lower section, known for its top-notch antiques and jewelry boutiques; the middle section, home to upscale brand-name stores and some exceptional shoe shops; and the upper section, characterized by more cutting-edge boutiques and housewares stores (often locally owned and with a personal touch), along with a vibrant restaurant scene. Feel free to explore at your own pace and delight in the offerings of each section.

Tip:
Keep an eye out for "Second Sundays on King," an event where the street is closed to cars throughout the afternoon, spanning from Calhoun Street to Queen Street. Plus, don't miss the Saturday farmers' market in Marion Square during the spring and summer months.

The Old County Jail, in operation from 1802 to 1939, served as the confinement facility for some of Charleston's most notorious criminals, 19th-century pirates, and Civil War prisoners. Situated on Magazine Street in downtown Charleston, this historic building has recently undergone renovation, preserving the original design of the first floor while adding air conditioning for visitors' comfort. Guided tours are available for those interested in delving into the jail's intriguing history. During these tours, participants explore the cells, hallways, and areas where Charleston's earliest wrongdoers resided, gaining insight into the primitive forms of torture and harsh living conditions.

One of the captivating stories told during these tours is that of Lavinia Fisher, the jail's most famous inmate and the first female serial killer in the United States. Over the years, the jail has gained popularity as a tourist attraction, thanks in part to its appearances on various television shows such as Travel Channel, Food Network, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and Ghost Brothers.

Historic Colonial Lake, named as a tribute to the "Colonial Commons" established in 1768, has served as a cherished gathering and recreational area in peninsular Charleston for over 150 years. Encircled by broad walkways, it ranks among the city's most favored parks for leisurely afternoon strolls and dog walks. Whether it's joggers and walkers at all hours of the day or fishermen enjoying the pond, the park attracts a diverse range of visitors. The park has a multitude of benches, a seating wall along Rutledge Avenue, and ample open green spaces, making it an ideal spot to take a seat, unwind, and pause during your sightseeing adventures.

In early June 2016, the Charleston Parks Conservancy marked the conclusion of an ambitious $5.9 million revitalization project that had been years in the making, involving extensive planning, fundraising, and design efforts. As part of this endeavor, the Conservancy introduced an initial 20,000 plants to the park, ushering in a fresh horticultural style that adapts to the changing seasons while paying homage to Charleston's history and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.

Tip:
Make sure not to miss out on the delightful sweet and savory crepes offered at Queen Street Grocery, each named after the islands surrounding Charleston. This establishment, a beloved neighborhood institution, offers a wide range of culinary delights, including pressed breakfast and lunch sandwiches, smoothies, cold brews, and an assortment of craft beers. The art-filled space also functions as a wineshop, so don't hesitate to grab a bottle of your preferred wine, especially if you plan to enjoy a picnic at the Colonial Lake.