New To Charleston? 50 Things You Gotta Try!

Charleston, SC is a charming city with a rich history and vibrant culture. It’s can be a hard transition to a move to a new city Here are 50 ideas (plus 2 bonus ideas!) for things to do in Charleston for those of you who recently relocated:

Dr. Etta Gantt talks about new beginnings and how to bloom in a new city like Charleston, South Carolina, while building a sense of mental health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Etta Gantt is a licensed professional counselor and PhD at Ethredge Counseling Group.

1. **Explore Historic Downtown Charleston:** Wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic district and admire the architecture.

2. **Visit Waterfront Park:** Relax in this scenic park with fountains and beautiful views of the harbor.

3. **Take a Carriage Tour:** Learn about the city's history from a horse-drawn carriage tour.

4. **Discover King Street:** Shop and dine on King Street, known for its boutiques and restaurants.

5. **Visit the Battery and White Point Garden:** Enjoy the historic mansions and stately oaks in this picturesque area.

6. **Tour the Plantations:** Explore historic plantations like Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation.

7. **Folly Beach:** Spend a day at one of Charleston's nearby beaches, like Folly Beach.

8. **Charleston Tea Garden:** Learn about tea production and enjoy tastings at the only tea plantation in North America.

9. **Angel Oak Tree:** Marvel at the massive, centuries-old Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island.

10. **Historic Fort Sumter:** Take a boat tour to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.

11. **Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum:** Explore military history aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.

12. **Charleston City Market:** Shop for local goods and crafts in this historic market.

13. **Rainbow Row:** Admire the pastel-colored houses along East Bay Street.

14. **Gibbes Museum of Art:** Experience Southern art and culture at this renowned museum.

15. **The Pour House:** For great affordable music.

16. **Sullivan's Island:** Relax on the beach or explore the island's historic sites.

17. **Cypress Gardens:** Enjoy the serenity of this swamp garden, known for its cypress trees and walking trails.

18. **Charleston Music Hall:** Catch a live performance at this historic venue.

19. **Go Shrimping:** Take a shrimping tour to learn about the local seafood industry.

20. **Explore the French Quarter:** Discover art galleries and cafes in this charming neighborhood.

21. **South Carolina Aquarium:** Learn about marine life and conservation efforts.

22. **Nathaniel Russell House Museum:** Tour this historic mansion showcasing Federal-style architecture.

23. **Ghost Tour:** Experience the city's haunted history on a guided ghost tour.

24. **Kayak the Waterways:** Paddle through Charleston's scenic waterways and marshes.

25. **Charleston Water Taxi:** Take a scenic boat ride to explore different parts of the city. (One of Landrie’s favorites!)

26. **CofC Cougar Sports:** Attend a College of Charleston Cougar sports game.

27. **Charleston Symphony Orchestra:** Enjoy classical music performances.

28. **Explore Mount Pleasant:** Visit Patriots Point, Shem Creek, and Old Village.

29. **Farmers' Markets:** Check out local farmers' markets for fresh produce and handmade goods.

30. **ClassPass:** An affordable way to try out different workout classes around town.

31. **James Island County Park:** Rent a paddle board, pet dogs at the dog park, walk the pier.

32. **Charleston Tea House:** Experience a traditional afternoon tea.

33. **Dock Street Theatre:** Attend a play at America's first theater.

34. **Morris Island Lighthouse:** Take a boat tour to see this historic lighthouse.

35. **Caw Caw Interpretive Center:** Explore nature trails and birdwatching in this wildlife preserve.

36. **Charleston Coffee Roasters:** Enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee.

37. **MUSC Urban Farm:** Volunteer or attend events at the Medical University of South Carolina's urban farm.

38. **Civil Rights History Tour:** Learn about Charleston's role in the civil rights movement.

39. **Boone Hall Plantation:** Tour one of America's oldest working plantations.

40. **Charleston Harbor Cruise:** Take a scenic cruise to enjoy the coastal views.

41. **Terrace Theatre:** A cozy movie experience with new movies, old films, and even concerts.

42. **Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site:** Learn about the area's early colonial history.

43. **Paddleboard on Shem Creek:** Enjoy the water and wildlife on a paddleboard.

44. **Aiken-Rhett House Museum:** Explore this preserved antebellum townhouse.

45. **Candle Fish:** A fun candle making experience! Try alone or with a friend.

46. **Take a Yoga Class:** Many yoga studios also offer sound baths and meditation classes (One of Etta’s favorites!).

47. **Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park:** Enjoy the scenic park and pier.

48. **Charleston Jazz Orchestra:** Attend a jazz performance in the city.

49. **Pluff Mud Pottery:** Paint pottery and pick up later! Fun and affordable.

50. **Johns Island County Park:** Explore John’s Island’s natural beauty on of their trails.

Bonus:

51. **Join A Virtual Workshop** Ethredge Counseling Group often offers free virtual workshops for women.

52. **Give Therapy A Try** Schedule a FREE 20min consultation with a licensed professional counselor. Link below!

If you live in South Carolina and are interested in trying counseling, simply complete the form below and we will be in touch shortly!