Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is the name for a stretch of colorful historic houses located in downtown Charleston on East Bay Street. Brightly painted in shades of pink, yellow, and blue, these famous homes are among the city’s most popular tourist attractions. This unique set of homes and buildings—renovated in the 1930s and 1940s—once comprised the center of Charleston's commerce and retail district. During the 18th century, merchants operated shops on the first floor and lived on the floors above.

 

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Charleston City Market
With hundreds of vendors selling a wide variety of items, Charleston City Market is considered a “must-see” by many visitors. The market, built in 1841, is located in downtown Charleston and occupies four buildings from Meeting Street to East Bay Street. Market goers will find an array of arts, crafts and souvenirs, as well as delicious locally-made sauces, candies and cookies. Historic buildings, horse drawn carriages and restaurants also enhance the atmosphere.

 

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Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall Plantation is a National Historic Landmark and a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Located in West Ashley of St. Andrews County, it was constructed in 1738. The main house remains in nearly original condition, and the entire site provides an important example of America’s heritage. Drayton Hall is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is open to the public daily, except on major holidays.

 

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Folly Beach Island
Folly Island spans six miles and is conveniently located near historic Charleston. The first record of Folly Island is September 9, 1696, when it was given as a royal grant to William Rivers. The often-secluded barrier island gained a reputation as a hideout for pirates. During the Civil War, Folly Island served as a camp ground for various troops. Today, the island is home to the Folly Beach community of about 2,100 residents. Folly Beach offers a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere that makes it popular with vacationers.

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Historic Charleston
Charleston, which is located in the middle of South Carolina’s coast, is the second largest city in the state. Originally called Charles Town—in honor of King Charles II of England—it is distinctively nicknamed "The Holy City." Charleston offers a rich history, southern charm and a variety of attractions. The Historic District is a major part of the city’s charm, offering historic architecture, streets and other sites.

 

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James Island
James Island is a large barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to Charleston’s Historic District. Located on the south of Charleston Harbor, James Island possesses an important connection with military history. The island is home to Fort Sumter, the renown site of the first battle of the Civil War. James Island is also home to about 33,800 residents, as well as the burial place of Samuel Smalls, the man on which the novel “Porgy” and subsequent opera “Porgy and Bess” are based.

 

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Johns Island
Just 20 miles south of Charleston, Johns Island is commonly known as the last rural area that surrounds Charleston. Once focused on farming, the island is now known for its tourism. Its gated condo communities offer quiet seclusion to vacationers and retirees. Yet restaurants, shopping and cultural activities are within easy reach to those seeking diversion.

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Magnolia Plantation
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the south’s oldest plantations. This historic house sits on the Ashley River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A former rice plantation, Magnolia is still owned and occupied by its original family, who has lived there since the 17th century. Today, it is a thriving tourist attraction with elaborate gardens, a restored plantation house, slave cabins, tours, a wildlife area, and a petting zoo.

 

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Middleton Place
This historic plantation was once home to the famous Middleton family, which includes a signer on the Declaration of Independence, the President of the First Continental Congress and a South Carolina governor. Located just 14 miles northwest of Charleston, Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark. The 18th-century plantation remains a well-preserved historical site that has withstood several wars and an earthquake.

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North Charleston
North Charleston is a newer segment of Charleston, S.C. It boasts about 84,000 residents and ranks third in city limit populations within the state, after Columbia and Charleston. Though North Charleston lacks the historical roots of Charleston, it offers a strong focus on business, important attractions and amenities. The North Charleston is home to the regional airport, a coliseum and large convention hotels.

 

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West Ashley
With a population of 54,000, West Ashley is a significant and notable Charleston suburb—whose population has more than doubled since 1960. West Ashley was the site of several Revolutionary and Civil War battles and is the place where the English colonists established the first permanent settlement in the Carolinas in 1670. West Ashley also features outstanding natural parks, the city’s only zoo and several popular historic plantations.

 

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