10 Fun Things To Do Near North Charleston, South Carolina
Looking for easy, fun things to do in
North Charleston, SC? Whether you’re visiting family, in town for work, or planning a weekend getaway, this part of the Lowcountry is packed with history, food, and coastal charm.
Below are
10 things to do in and around North Charleston that are perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers. Most of these are within a short drive, since North Charleston sits right in the middle of the Charleston metro area.
1. Explore the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point
If you only have time for one big attraction near North Charleston, make it
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, about a 20–25 minute drive away.
You can walk through:
Climbing the narrow ship ladders, peeking into tiny sleeping quarters, and standing on the flight deck with views of downtown Charleston and the
Ravenel Bridge is something you don’t easily forget.
It’s an especially good stop for:
- History buffs
- Families with school-age kids
- Anyone who likes planes, ships, or military history
2. Stroll the North Charleston Riverfront Park
You don’t have to leave North Charleston to find water views.
Riverfront Park sits along the Cooper River and is one of the city’s best outdoor spots.
Here you’ll find:
- Wide walking paths along the river
- Plenty of green space and shade trees
- Public art and memorials
- Benches perfect for sunset watching
It’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs after a long drive or flight. If you’re staying nearby, this park makes a great morning jog route or picnic spot.
Parking is free, and it’s usually less crowded than parks in downtown Charleston.
3. Catch a Show at the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
If you’re visiting North Charleston, there’s a good chance you’re near the
North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center area. It’s one of the busiest entertainment hubs in the region.
Depending on the season, you might find:
- Big-name concerts and comedy tours
- Broadway-style shows and family performances
- Minor league hockey (the South Carolina Stingrays)
- Special events and festivals
Check their schedule before your trip. Even on a quick business visit, catching a show or game here turns an ordinary night into something memorable.
4. Shop, Dine, and Play at Tanger Outlets
Right next to the Coliseum area is
Tanger Outlets Charleston, one of the most convenient places to shop near North Charleston—especially if you’re flying into Charleston International Airport.
Here’s what you can do:
- Grab deals at brand-name outlet stores
- Pick up last-minute vacation clothes or luggage
- Enjoy casual restaurants and quick bites
- Walk around outdoors without feeling like you’re trapped in a mall
If you travel with a family, this is an easy half-day stop: shopping for parents, ice cream and people-watching for kids, and plenty of space to wander.
5. Step Back in Time at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Just a 15–20 minute drive from North Charleston,
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens along the Ashley River is one of the most beautiful places in Charleston County.
Dating back to the 1600s, this site offers:
- Romantic, winding gardens with bridges and ponds
- A historic house tour (optional add-on)
- A nature tram that’s great for kids and older visitors
- Swamp walks where you might spot alligators, turtles, and herons
If you like photography or simply love flowers and Live Oaks draped in Spanish moss, plan to spend a few hours here. Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a lot to explore.
6. Visit Drayton Hall, a True Lowcountry Landmark
Just up the road from Magnolia Plantation is
Drayton Hall, a stunning example of preserved 18th-century architecture.
What makes it different?
- The house is preserved, not fully restored. You see the original walls, floors, and details.
- Guided tours share honest stories about the families—both enslaved and free—who lived and worked here.
- The grounds, lined with old oaks, look out over the Ashley River.
If you enjoy learning about American and Southern history, Drayton Hall is one of the most important historic sites near North Charleston.
7. Taste Your Way Through Park Circle
Looking for the “local” side of North Charleston? Head to the
Park Circle neighborhood, a growing hotspot for food, drinks, and community events.
In and around Park Circle, you’ll find:
- Laid-back restaurants serving burgers, tacos, and Southern comfort food
- Coffee shops perfect for remote work or lazy mornings
- Breweries and taprooms with outdoor seating
- A central park and playground that make it family-friendly
In the evenings, Park Circle has a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. It’s a good place to end the day with a cold drink and good conversation.
8. Wander the Historic Streets of Downtown Charleston
One of the best things about staying in North Charleston is how close you are to
historic downtown Charleston—usually about a 15–20 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Once you get there, you can:
- Walk along the Battery and Waterfront Park
- See Rainbow Row’s colorful homes
- Browse the Charleston City Market
- Take a carriage tour or walking tour to learn about the city’s past
If you’re traveling from across the country, downtown Charleston is probably already on your list. Using North Charleston as your “home base” can often mean better hotel prices without missing out on the historic charm.
9. Take a Beach Day at Folly Beach or Isle of Palms
When people think of
things to do near North Charleston, they might forget how close they are to the ocean. But in less than an hour, you can have your toes in the sand.
Two popular options:
- Folly Beach – A fun, laid-back surf town with casual food and a long fishing pier.
- Isle of Palms – A bit more residential, with wide beaches and easy access to rentals and restaurants.
Pack a beach chair, sunscreen, and a cooler, and you’ve got a perfect Lowcountry day trip. Traffic can be heavier on summer weekends, so going early in the day is usually best.
10. Learn Local History at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center Area
North Charleston is home to the
Warren Lasch Conservation Center, known for conserving the Civil War submarine
HL Hunley. Public tours of the Hunley are offered at the nearby
Hunley Museum on weekends.
Visitors can:
- See the world’s first successful combat submarine
- Learn how it was lost and found over a century later
- Hear stories of the crew and Civil War naval history
This experience is especially interesting if you’re into engineering, military history, or unique museums you can’t find anywhere else.
Planning Your Trip to North Charleston
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your visit to
North Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding Charleston area:
- Getting around: A car is very helpful. Rideshare is available, but attractions are spread out.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall are comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, but great for beach days.
- Where to stay: Hotels near the airport and Coliseum offer easy access to both North Charleston and downtown.
- What to pack: Light clothes, comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, and a light jacket for breezy evenings by the water.
Share Your North Charleston Experience
Have you been to
North Charleston or anywhere in Charleston County?
- Which spot was your favorite?
- Did you discover a great local restaurant or quiet park?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below—your experience might help someone else plan their perfect Lowcountry getaway.
If you found this guide to
things to do near North Charleston, SC helpful, please
share it with a friend or post it on social media. It’s an easy way to help more travelers discover what this part of South Carolina has to offer.
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