Top 15 Activities and Attractions in North Charleston, SC

North Charleston in South Carolina is a vibrant and dynamic part of the United States which has long been renowned for its warm hospitality. There is a plethora of activities available for visitors to North Charleston, including parks, gardens, and historically significant sites.

In addition to these offerings, North Charleston is recognized as a cultural hub in the region, hosting some of the most notable and exciting cultural events in the country. This ensures that art galleries, theaters, and museums abound for those who explore the city.

Let’s delve into the top attractions in North Charleston:

1. Fire Museum

Established in 2007, the Fire Museum serves to educate visitors about the history of the fire service in Charleston, while offering an interactive learning experience focused on fire safety. The museum is designed to emulate an actual fire station and features remarkable elements such as a fire prevention theater which includes live smoke. The collection comprises 20 preserved antique fire vehicles along with historical firefighting equipment, presenting a comprehensive narrative of firefighting history. What distinguishes this facility is its hands-on interaction within several exhibits, including a play area complete with a functional fireman’s pole, making it a captivating destination during your visit to North Charleston.

2. Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial

The Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial was established to honor the local veterans who have served their country over the years. Having operated for 95 years before closing in 1996, this site is rich in tradition. The memorial walls are inscribed with stories from its historical past, accompanied by a serene stream that flows through the memorial, symbolizing sailors crossing a gangplank. Prominent features include the iconic statue of the “Lone Sailor,” towering at 7 feet and facing the water as a consistent tribute. Additional bronze representations include a submarine, a landing craft, and a destroyer.

3. Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is a favored outdoor retreat for both visitors and residents in the North Charleston area. This park is positioned along the banks of the Cooper River, adjacent to a historic district that retains the homes of former naval officers from the Charleston Naval Base. The park is adorned with majestic oak trees and offers stunning river views. Here, visitors will also discover expansive meadows and a Performance Pavilion that hosts live music and various events. Annually, it features the art and sculpture competition, and strolling along the riverfront reveals a variety of art installations that are part of this initiative.

4. City Gallery

For art enthusiasts, the North Charleston City Gallery showcases artworks by local, national, and international artists. The exhibitions rotate monthly, ensuring fresh collections that include paintings, prints, photographs, and even jewelry. Some items are available for purchase in the gallery’s shop, allowing visitors to take home a piece of art as a souvenir of their experience.

5. North Charleston Coliseum

The North Charleston Coliseum is a premier venue for live entertainment, accommodating up to 13,000 spectators. The major events hosted here encompass musical performances, comedy shows, family-friendly entertainment, and sporting events featuring athletes from the broader North Charleston area. In addition, the North Charleston Coliseum is the home of the South Carolina Stingrays hockey team, so catching a thrilling game is a must if you are in town.

6. Down South Fishing

Down South Fishing provides an opportunity to engage with South Carolina’s aquatic ecosystem. This company offers boat excursions that include fishing trips, sightseeing adventures, and cruises. Night excursions allow for shark spotting, while dolphin-watching trips aim to observe these magnificent creatures in their native habitat. Additionally, eco-tours are available to educate participants about the local underwater environment, along with photography outings.

7. North Charleston Farmers Market

The North Charleston Farmers Market operates from May to October at the Felix C Davis Community Center, offering fresh regional produce, including fruits and vegetables, along with local baked goods. Crafts and artisanal goods produced in the area are also available, and the market collaborates with the Cultural Arts Department to present musical performances weekly, enhancing the overall experience.

8. Monkey Joe’s

If you are visiting North Charleston with younger children, Monkey Joe’s offers an excellent venue for indoor entertainment. This facility features a vast play area equipped with trampoline equipment, bounce houses, obstacle courses, and games that cater to various age groups. There is also a designated area for toddlers, ensuring enjoyment for younger guests. Walk-ins are welcome, making it an ideal choice for unexpected weather changes.

9. Wescott Golf Club

The Wescott Golf Club is situated in the low country of North Charleston, surrounded by flourishing gardens, historically significant plantations, and scenic beaches. The club boasts a 27-hole course that weaves through oak trees and natural wetlands. With its Bermuda grass covering, the courses are playable throughout the year, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a round of golf at any time.

10. Noisette Creek

Noisette Creek is adjacent to Riverfront Park in North Charleston and provides a serene environment for visitors wishing to appreciate the Cooper River’s beauty while enjoying the tranquility of this residential neighborhood. This area was once heavily polluted due to the nearby naval yard, but has recently undergone extensive community cleanup efforts, allowing visitors to now experience the revitalized Noisette Creek Preserve.

11. Denmark Vesey Monument

The Denmark Vesey Monument is a historically significant and culturally rich landmark located in Hampton Park. This bronze sculpture is dedicated to abolitionist Denmark Vesey, a former enslaved individual who purchased his freedom and ardently advocated for the end of slavery in the United States. Having faced execution for his insurrection, this life-sized monument now stands as a poignant reminder of this critical period in history.

12. Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter, one of the most historically significant forts of the Civil War, is an important national landmark located in the North Charleston area. Constructed in the 19th century but unfinished, Fort Sumter is a coastal defense fortification that requires a boat or ferry to access. Departing from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, the ferry ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, though it may be suspended during inclement weather. At the fort, visitors can learn about the Civil War’s history and the strategic role this location played, as well as explore the daily operations conducted at Fort Sumter.

13. H.L. Hunley Submarine

The H.L. Hunley Submarine, a Confederate vessel with historical significance from the American Civil War, can be explored in North Charleston. This submarine is considered one of the oldest surviving submarines globally, and visiting it is an opportunity not to be missed. Launched in 1863, it is steeped in history and stands as one of the most significant naval artifacts in the United States.

14. Indian Mound Trail

Indian Mound Trail, located in Edisto Island, features a public interpretive center that provides access to information about the local flora and fauna. Visitors can bike or walk along the trail, soaking in the beautiful vistas across the water. The site frequently hosts community events, so be sure to inquire about activities during your visit.

15. Wannamaker County Park

Spanning an impressive 1,000 acres, Wannamaker County Park features expansive woodlands and wetlands, renowned for its waterways that allow for boating. The park offers picnic areas and two miles of trails, alongside expansive meadows. It also has a water play area for cooling off during the summer months.