City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1670, the historic port city of Charleston, South Carolina is well-known for its horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped angel oak trees and Moorish Revival, Gothic Revival and Colonial Georgian architecture. Charleston is situated between Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach along the Atlantic coast where the Cooper River and the Ashley River meet to form Charleston Harbor. Folly Beach and Isle of Palms Beach are nearby and within access to private boat slips for rent in Charleston.
A visit to Charleston is a necessary line on every boater’s bucket list, not only for its links to maritime and American history, but for its natural attractions, scenic beauty and family friendly attractions. Tour historic houses, enjoy Charleston dock and dine restaurants, check out naval history and stroll along the French Quarter and Battery districts. While you’re in town, here are a few more places to visit from a private boat slip for rent.
The Battery
The Battery is known for its Southern-style mansions overlooking Charleston Harbor. The former defensive seawall gets its name from a Civil War coastal defense artillery battery. It sits on a point where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers come together before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Views include Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney and Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. The 5.7-acre White Point Garden has a gazebo, monuments, a USS Hobson memorial and other war memorials in a garden setting.
Charleston City Market
Photo: Charleston City Market Facebook
For shopping and souvenirs, slip away from the boat dock for rent and check out Charleston City Market. More than 300 vendors, boutiques and art galleries offer artwork, food, crafts, clothing and locally made products like sweetgrass baskets. Located in the French Quarter district, the four-block city market was established in 1807. While you’re traveling around the area, take notice of historic churches like French Huguenot and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and museums dedicated to Confederate and African American history.
The South Carolina Aquarium
Photo: South Carolina Aquarium Facebook
Take a day away from the boat slip for rent and head to the South Carolina Aquarium for a fun look into the world of fish, river otters, a 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle, sand tiger sharks, pelicans, jellyfish, a yellow rat snake and Liberty the bald eagle. As part of its aquatic education and conservation efforts, the aquarium focuses on sea turtle rescue, rehab and release. The 385,000-gallon tank is filled with ocean animals and the touch tank has starfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs and Atlantic stingrays. Animal habitat exhibits include mountain forest, piedmont, coastal plains and ocean regions.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been named one of America’s Most Beautiful Gardens by Travel + Leisure Magazine. The gates opened to visitors in 1870, but the house dates to 1676. The oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry (and the oldest public gardens in America), it features large-scale “romantic-style” (meaning they’re not cut and manicured) gardens filled with camellias, azaleas, daffodils and seasonal plants and flowers.
Stroll through the wild and free gardens, visit the Audubon swamp garden, check out the children’s gardens or have lunch and ice cream at the Peacock Café. There’s also a gift shop, a garden center, a small zoo, nature center and a nature boat tour along the Ashley River (for an additional cost).
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
Located on the Cooper River in Charleston Harbor, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is a must for fans of military, maritime and aviation history. You can check out vessels like the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS Laffey destroyer, the USS Clamagore submarine and aircraft such as an F4F Wildcat, an A-4C Skyhawk, an F-14 Tomcat and an AH-1J Cobra.
A mess hall, a fire control bunker, a river patrol boat, Vietnam-era helicopters, a 105 Howitzer gun and more bring the history of Vietnam to life in the 2.5-acre Vietnam War experience. There’s also a medal of honor exhibit. We think this is one of the best spots to visit from a private boat dock for rent in Charleston.
Waterfront Park
The eight-acre Waterfront Park sits along the Cooper River in the French Quarter. Fountains, gardens, park benches and walkways make it a relaxing way to unwind and watch sailboats and other boats cruising along the harbor. There are two fountains (popular with kids for the splash factor), including the famous Charleston Pineapple Fountain (which, surprisingly, looks like a pineapple). A floating dock offers terrific views of the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, the U.S.S. Yorktown and Fort Sumter.
Did we mention your favorite place in Charleston? Let us know what we missed!
