Top 3 Things to Do With the Family in Charleston, S.C.

Charleston, S.C., continuously makes it on the American list of top places to live. The city is bustling with activities for everyone, historical landmarks, outdoor adventures and endless amounts of fun. You should plan to stay in Charleston for as long as you possibly can; however, if you find yourself with only a few days left, here is a list of the top 3 things to do in Charleston before your departure.

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EAT: Your Way Through King Street

You haven’t been to Charleston if you haven’t eaten your way through King Street. A lot of the action in Charleston takes place on King Street as it was just named one of the best “food neighborhoods” in America. The street is lined with high-end shops and upscale boutiques, so be sure to leave some room in your suitcase. If the shopping scene isn’t for you, there are a ton of local restaurants and bars that are popular, whether you are looking for nachos, kid-friendly meals or gourmet seafood.

The Upper King Street Culinary Tour is a popular 2.5-hour event that guides you through four culinary hot spots showcasing New South cooking. The only prerequisite is a healthy appetite. Collectively, the stops combine into a large meal, so come hungry. Almost every tour sells out, so be sure to save yourself a spot on the website beforehand.

King Street is lively until the early morning if you are looking for a longer night. Check out Public House, Midtown, Prohibition and Stars Rooftop Bar for drinks and entertainment after bedtime or with your adult children.

PLAY: On Folly Beach with Sunset Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is an up-and-coming sport in the Charleston region and a great way to view the intercoastal highlights during your trip. If you are interested in a water sport other than kayaking or boating, you should try paddle boarding. There are many great tours located in the Lowcountry behind Folly Beach and on the Folly River that are safe, fun and exciting. All paddle boarding adventures range from stand-up paddle boarding beginner to intermediate/advanced.

Charleston SUP Safaris is a highly rated company specializing in large groups and offering paddle board adventures, SUP yoga, surf and river lessons, rentals and summer camps. Most of the tours run for two hours and paddle you through areas with dolphins, birds, otters and oyster beds. SUP Safari adventures take off at all times during the day and they even offer a sunset dolphin tour.

Go where boats can’t and experience Charleston’s coastal regions in a new way by paddle boarding “The Edge of America.”

LEARN: The History of The Battery & White Point Gardens

The Battery and White Point Gardens can be found in the heart of the Charleston historic district, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet. White Point Gardens was a popular spot in 1837 before the Civil War when it became the fortification for the city. Surrounding the waterfront park, you can find many Revolutionary and Civil War landmarks, canons and monuments providing you with the history of the past.

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The colonists relocated to the Charleston Battery and originally called the area Oyster Point after the plethora of shells covering the ground. However, white sand eventually combined with the faded oyster shells, sparking a name change to White Point.

If you feel like living on the edge, there are various ghost tours running through Charleston. One private tour run by Walks of Charleston stops in the gardens to tell you the story of the “face in the flag.” Sign up at your own risk — many visitors say they have seen ghosts and spirits looming throughout the park.

Challenge: One cannon is fake. See if the kids can spot it.