Charleston, South Carolina
What to do in Charleston, South Carolina Cruise Port
Charleston, South Carolina is known for its rich history, culture, and attractions. Visitors can explore the city's cobblestone streets, take a stroll along the waterfront, and visit the many historic sites and monuments. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine, shop in the unique boutiques, and take in the vibrant nightlife. Outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and biking are also popular in the area. With its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and friendly locals, Charleston is a great destination for anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Historical Sites
Are you a history buff? Well, sir / madam, welcome to your dream-port. Steeped in rich history, Charleston offers historical museums, Fort Sumter, dozens of Colonial-era churches, Middleton Place, and numerous other sites. Please leave your musket at home.
Shopping
Shopping in Charleston, South Carolina is a great way to explore the city's unique culture and find unique souvenirs. From the boutiques of King Street to the antique stores of Market Street, visitors can find everything from designer clothing to handmade jewelry. The city also has a variety of specialty stores, including art galleries, bookstores, and gift shops. Visitors can also explore the city's many farmers markets, where they can find fresh produce, seafood, and other local specialties.
Beach It
If cruising into or out of Charleston Cruise Port, you’re likely headed to the Caribbean or Bermuda. There, you’ll have plenty of options to hit up the beach and soak in some sun. If you just can’t wait, or want to compare southern to tropical, you have a few beach options. Kiowah Island is an excellent option. There’s also Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Seabrook as alternatives. Just make sure to apply that SPF so you don’t burn before ever leaving port.
Plantation Life
You’ll find numerous options to explore plantations around Charleston Cruise Port. Some of the most popular include Magnolia Plantation, McLeod Plantation, Boone Hall, Middleton Place and Charleston Tea Plantation. All offer a unique perspective on the era and feature attractions showcasing life during that period. You’ll also find stunning lakes, gardens and historic buildings during your excursion to these properties.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are high on our list of things to do because they slow down the action. On foot, you can take your time and truly appreciate the little things. And Charleston has plenty to take in. You’ll find the expected museums, historical houses, and beautiful architecture. However, you’ll likely be surprised by the paranormal twist to these shore tours. The city has been around for a long time… supposedly, they’ve collected some ghosts over that period. If planning to do a self-guided tour, just know that you might not be completely alone.
Museums
There are so many museums within visiting distance of the Charleston Cruise Port. No matter your interest, you’ll find a museum scratching that itch. From the Old Slave Art Museum to the Museum of Dental History, they’ve got you covered. Some of the most popular include: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum; Fort Sumter; Charleston Museum; Provost Dungeon; Confederate Museum and the Postal Museum.
Historic ArchitectureCharleston is known for its historic architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 18th century. The city is home to the oldest museum in the United States, the Charleston Museum, which was founded in 1773. The city also has many historic churches, including the French Huguenot Church, which was built in 1845 and is the oldest standing church in South Carolina.Shopping near Charleston, South Carolina Cruise Port
Charleston, South Carolina is known for its unique boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries. The city is also home to several upscale shopping malls, including the Citadel Mall, Northwoods Mall, and Tanger Outlets. Additionally, Charleston is known for its many farmers markets, offering fresh produce, seafood, and other local products.
King Street
On King Street, you’ll find high-end boutiques, romantic bookstores, antique shops, and interesting music stores. All situated within a street boasting over 300 years of stories. The thoroughfare was actually named after the British King Charles II. While the retail area is steeped in history, you’ll find trendy restaurants and shopping options not as reminiscent to the Revolutionary days. Depending on your cup of tea (insert British joke), you’ll likely gravitate towards a specific section of King Street. There are three. Lower King Street is where you’ll find Antiques. Middle King Street is the Fashion District. And Upper King Street is known for its design and restaurant options.
Charleston Harbor Market
Charleston Harbor Market is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts from the Lowcountry. Located right on the waterfront, the market offers a variety of handmade items, local art, jewelry, and more. The market is open seven days a week and is a great place to find unique items that you won't find anywhere else. Plus, the views of the harbor are unbeatable!
City Market
The Charleston City Market is another of the port city’s most popular shopping districts. Stretching from N. Market Street to S. Market Street, you’ll find exquisite 19th century buildings now serving as a retail corridor. In addition to the stunning architecture, the shops offer a great variety of local vendors. This is a great option to pick up a unique Charleston souvenir.
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts from the Lowcountry. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, the area is home to a variety of shops and boutiques offering everything from handmade items to local art and jewelry. The area is also home to some of the city's most iconic buildings, making it a great place to explore and find unique items to take home.
Beaches in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. The beaches near the Charleston cruise port are Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Isle of Palms is known for its white sand beaches and is a great spot for beachcombing. Sullivan's Island is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. Kiawah Island is a barrier island with miles of pristine beaches and is a great spot for beachcombing and bird watching. Seabrook Island is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. All of these beaches offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and are perfect for a day of relaxation.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a popular beach near Charleston, South Carolina. It is known for its wide, sandy beaches and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to explore.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is a popular beach near Charleston, South Carolina. It is known for its wide, sandy beaches and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to explore. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds.
Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is a popular beach near Charleston, South Carolina. It is known for its wide, sandy beaches and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to explore. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds. The beach is also home to a historic lighthouse, which is a popular tourist attraction.
BeachesCharleston is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. The city is located on the Atlantic coast, and is home to several popular beaches, including Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.Attractions in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a popular cruise port destination for its rich history and culture. Excursions typically include guided tours of the city's historic sites, such as churches, plantations, and forts. Visitors can also explore the city's cobblestone streets and take in the unique architecture. Shopping and dining are also popular activities, with a variety of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants to choose from. Nature lovers can take a boat tour of the harbor or explore the nearby beaches and islands. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and biking. No matter what your interests, there is something for everyone in Charleston.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Do you remember when the first shot was fired of the Civil War? Not, like personally, but from history books? If so, then you know it took place at Fort Sumter in Charleston. Explore the site where it all began. The tiny island is located a short ferry ride away from Downtown Charleston. Expect to pay roughly $20 for the ferry ride, but visiting Fort Sumter is free. During your excursion, you can check out the actual cannons used as well as a bunch of other artifacts from that time.
Magnolia Plantation
Magnolia Plantation is one of the oldest in the southern U.S. Located on the Ashley River, this iconic landmark made it through both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. On your tour, you’ll experience amazing gardens, nature center, Slavery to Freedom exhibit, water features and more. For an organized cruise excursion with transportation, guided walk, tram ride, and house tour, here your best option - Magnolia Plantation Tour with Transportation from Charleston.
Charleston Naval Base & H.L. Hunley Submarine
This is the world’s first submarine successfully created for combat use. It was built by the Confederate Army in 1864 and went missing until it was found in 1995. The submarine and crew’s remains were recovered and the H.L. Hunley was restored and now on display. The Old Charleston Naval Base is recommended more-so for the history and Military buffs than for the entire family looking to soak in some historical sites
The Battery
This is a great option to tour beautiful southern homes. You can start your excursion in the large, public park on the city’s waterfront. There you’ll find a giant pineapple most recognizable from almost every postcard sent from South Carolina. From the park, you can take E Battery Street for roughly a mile before arrive at White Point Gardens (home to multiple Civil War attractions). The stunning mansions along your mile-long walk will take you back to the olden days.
Middleton Place
You might recognize Arthur Middleton’s name if you’ve recently been perusing the Declaration of Independence. His name is on there and you can check out the mansion that he called home during these pivotal times. Attractions at Middleton Place include stunning gardens, historic relics, carriage rides, farm animals, and even live re-enactments.
Best cruise excursions in Charleston, South Carolina
We've analyzed tens of thousands of cruise tours to find your ideal attraction while in port. Based on these reviews, here are the Best Cruise Excursions in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina cruise port map
Culinary SceneCharleston is known for its vibrant culinary scene, with many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. The city is home to the annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival, which celebrates the city's culinary heritage. The city is also home to the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Husk, which serves up Southern-inspired dishes with a modern twist.Charleston, South Carolina Cruise Port Terminals
Cruise ships dock at the Charleston Cruise Terminal, located at Union Pier, at 176 Concord Street in Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston Maritime Center
The Charleston Maritime Center is a modern cruise port located in the heart of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. It is the home port for several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line. The terminal offers a variety of services for passengers, including check-in, baggage handling, and transportation to and from the ship. It also features a variety of shops and restaurants for passengers to enjoy before and after their cruise.
Union Pier
Union Pier Cruise Terminal is the only dock within Charleston’s shipping port dedicated to cruise ships. Itineraries departing from this location mostly cruise to the Caribbean or Bermuda. The port is capped at roughly 100 ship visits per year, so you won’t need to worry about crowds at any point int he near future. While Union Pier is one of the most active cargo shipping ports in the country, it’s still conveniently located within the Downtown Charleston area. You’ll have quick access to the many amenities and attractions offered within the vibrant city. Walking is most certainly an option, but a historic carriage ride might be a more fun way to get around.
Charleston Cruise Terminal
The Charleston Cruise Terminal is the main cruise port in Charleston, South Carolina. It is located on the Cooper River and is the home port for Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities and offers a variety of services for passengers, including check-in, baggage handling, and transportation to and from the ship.