Fort Sumter National Monument memorializes the location where the first engagement of the Civil War took place on April 12 and 13, 1861. Today, administered by the U.S. National Park Service, Fort Sumter is a popular tourist attraction reached by a 30-minute ferry ride from Charleston. The on-site museum details the construction of the fort up to the events leading up to the historic battle. A bookstore and ranger-led talks are also available.

The Citadel is a historic military academy in Charleston, SC dating back to the early 1800s. The academy offers tours of the campus, the Citadel Museum, exciting sporting events and a parade on Friday afternoons during the academic year, touted as the best free show in Charleston. Whether you are a prospective student, a parent, or just passing through, the Citadel campus is open to the public year round.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the oldest plantations in the South and one of Charleston's most-visited attractions. Immerse yourself in 70 acres of beautiful, fragrant gardens displaying every color of the rainbow. In addition to the gardens, Magnolia Plantation also features a nature train ride, a marsh boat tour, a wildlife area and a petting zoo.

Built in 1738, Drayton Hall is America's oldest plantation house currently open to the public. Still without running water, electricity or central heating, the preservation of the house provides guests with a sense of timelessness and history. After your guided tour, take a leisurely stroll along the Ashley River via two scenic trails on the premises. Before departing, check out the many unique items at the museum store.

The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is part of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Charleston Harbor. This massive vessel is one of the most decorated and famous warships from World War II. Visitors can take a tour and experience what life was like for sailors living aboard the ship.

For 17 days and nights each spring, the Spoleto Festival USA fills almost every entertainment venue in Charleston with more than 120 performances from artists representing a mix of dance, theater, opera, visual arts, and all kinds of music. Catering to such a variety of genres, this widely-popular festival draws nearly 100,000 people to Charleston every year.

Charleston Harbor is also home to the South Carolina Aquarium, where visitors will find 60 exhibits featuring everything from jellyfish to sea turtles to sharks. The aquarium's centerpiece is its towering, two-story Great Ocean Tank containing 385,000 gallons of salt water and more than 300 animals. Stop by the hands-on Discovery Lab where you can touch horseshoe crabs, starfish and many other marine animals.

The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 and is often referred to as America's First Museum. The museum's exhibits feature pieces from a variety of cultural, historic and natural history collections, introducing visitors to the rich heritage of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Whether you have an interest in early Southern furniture or in Southeastern birds, the Charleston Museum offers something for everyone.

When planning your next South Carolina vacation, let Choice Hotels accommodate you with the perfect Charleston hotel. Southern charm, American history, and plenty of landmarks and attractions are ready and waiting for you to explore.   << Hide