Angel Oak: The Angel Oak is a Live Oak tree, estimated to be 1,400 years old. Live oaks are not particularly tall, but have wide spreading canopies. Only in the very oldest of specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as do the limbs of the Angel Oak. The Oak stands 65ft tall and provides a 17,000 square foot area of shade. Angel Oak Rd. (off of Bohicket Rd.) Johns Island, SC Phone: (843) 559-3496

Beachwalker Park: Good beach access park with 300 feet of ocean footage. Amenities include dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, boardwalks, and a picnic area. Lifeguards on duty seasonally. Snack bar. Beachwalker Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 Phone: 843-768-2395 or 843-762-2172

Folly Beach County Park: Beach access park with 4,000 feet of ocean frontage. Dressing area, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas, snack bar, and boardwalks. Lifeguard on duty seasonally. 1010 West Ashley Ave. Folly Beach, SC 29439 Phone: 843-588-2426 or 843-762-2172

Isle of Palms County Park: Conveniently located at the foot of the Isle of Palms Connector, the Isle of Palms County Park offers 350 parking spaces, a dunes boardwalk, showers, restrooms, lifeguards and vending. Pets allowed on leash. 1-14th Ave. Isle of Palms, SC 29451 Phone: 843-886-DUNE or 843-762-2172

James Island County Park: A 643 acre park with a variety of recreational opportunities available including crabbing and fishing from floating docks along tidal creeks and lagoons; biking; lagoon boating; and picnicking. The Splash Zone water park is open seasonally. Park offers a 50-foot climbing wall. Snack bar and grille open year round. Gate admission is $1 per person. 871 Riverland Dr. Charleston, SC 29412 Phone: 843-795-PARK or 843-762-2172

Palmetto Islands County Park: A 943 acre park with a variety of recreational opportunities available, including crabbing and fishing from floating docks along tidal creeks and lagoons; biking; lagoon boating; and picnicking. Splash Island water park open seasonally. 444 Needlerush Pkwy. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-884-0832 or 843-762-2172

Wanamaker County Park: A new 1,015 acre park with two playgrounds, 20 foot play hill, picnic sites with grills, open meadows, paved trails, Cypress Hall and Park Center with snack bar, bicycle /pedal boat rentals. 888 University Blvd (Hwy 78) North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-572-PARK or 762-2172

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Charleston Waterfront Park:  Charleston Waterfront Park is the city's most recent example of what can be accomplished through carefully planned revitalization. Located on 1,280 feet of waterfront property along Concord Street in Charleston, this public park provides visitors the ideal setting to relax and experience the ever-changing beauty of the waterfront. A grassy public green, a magnificent pier, and numerous benches and picnic tables are available for your enjoyment. Open to the public from 6:00 am-midnight. HC-I Concord Street Charleston, SC

Historic Sites
 
Charlestowne Landing State Historic Site:   The colonists established the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas here in 1670. This protected historic site and nature preserve highlights archaeological investigation, living history, natural habitat zoo, and beautiful lowcountry vistas. A replica of a 17th century trading vessel is moored in Old Towne Creek for visitors to board. Visitors may participate in activities in the Settlers Life Area and trace the colony's history at the pavilion. Discover history as old as the state. 1500 Old Towne Rd. (Hwy. 171) Charleston, SC 29407 Phone: 843-852-4200 Open daily 9-6, June-Aug./ 9-5 rest of year.

Fort Sumter: A National Historic Park located in Charleston Harbor, opposite of Fort Moultrie. The shots fired here were the beginning of  the War Between the States. Tour boats depart regularly from the City Marina at 17 Lock Blvd. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Park rangers are on site. Located at  (843) 722-2628.

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon:  Built by the British in 1771. George Washington was entertained several times here. See the dungeons where American patriots were imprisoned, and the original sea wall of Charles Towne. 122 E. Bay St. at Broad St. 843-727-2165.

Marion Square: Has monuments to John Calhoun and Wade Hampton. Contains a part of the Tabby Horn Work, the only remaining section of the bastion system of Colonial defense works. Calhoun St. between King & Market.

Washington Square: Includes several monuments honoring South Carolinians. Also on the square is the nations first fireproof structure. At Broad and Meeting Sts.

Magnolia Cemetery: The oldest cemetery in Charleston, founded in 1849 on the banks of the Cooper River, is inhabited by generations of southern leaders. The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are welcome. 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Free. 70 Cunnington Ave. Charleston, SC Phone: 843-722-8638

City Hall: Built 1801, contains historic relics and original paintings. Located at Broad & Meeting St. Call 843-577-6970.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site: The last protected remnant of Snee Farm, the country estate of Charles Pinckney (1754-1824). Pinckney was a statesman, revolutionary war officer, and a principal framer of the US Constitution. The site includes archeological discoveries, an 1820s tidewater cottage, and interpretations of African-American life and contributions during the colonial era. No admission fee; self-guided tours of the house and grounds. 1254 Long Point Rd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-881-5516

Plantations & Gardens/Nature

Boon Hall Plantation:  Originally a cotton plantation of over 17,000 acres has one of the most majestic avenues of moss-draped live oaks in the South, planted in 1743 by Captain Thomas Boone. Original plantation buildings include nine 18th century slave cabins, built of brick made on the plantation, and the Gin House, used for processing cotton. Visitors receive a guided tour of the first floor of the plantation mansion. 1235 Long Point Road PO Box 1554 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 Phone: 843-884-4371

Drayton Hall:  Built in 1738, this historic house stands majestically on a 125-acre site, and it is the oldest and finest colonial plantation house in Charleston. It is the only plantation house remaining on the Ashley River that survived the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. This masterpiece of Georgian Palladian architecture is filled not with furniture, but with original 18th century craftsmanship. It is noted for its hand-carved woodwork and plasterwork. Admission includes guided tour of the house, self-guided nature walks, and an African-American Focus Program. 3380 Ashley River Rd. Charleston, SC 29414 Phone: (843) 769-2600 

Middleton Place:  America's oldest landscaped gardens begun in 1741 by Henry Middleton. A carefully preserved 18th-century plantation and a National Historic Landmark, Middleton Place encompasses America's oldest landscaped Gardens. The Gardens, House Museum, and Plantation Stable yards all interpret Middleton history. The restored stable yard has working displays on spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, and many more activities. Animals typical of 18th and 19th century plantations roam freely. The Middleton Place Restaurant serves Lowcountry lunch and dinner daily. The Museum Shop sells items related to Middleton Place. Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414 Phone: 843-556-6020 or 800-782-3608

Magnolia Plantation: and Its Gardens:  This The 500-acre, 17th century estate, acquired in 1676 by the Drayton family (whose heirs still own it) features the year-round bloom of America's oldest gardens (c.1680), boasting one of the largest collections of azaleas and camellias in the country. Highlights include the Pre-Revolutionary War Plantation House with museum-quality Early American antiques, Biblical Garden, antebellum cabin, Nature Train, Nature Boat, wildlife observation tower, a petting zoo, waterfowl refuge, gift shop, Gallery of Nature and Wildlife Artists, snack shop, canoe and bike rentals...Guided house tours are available. Route 4 Highway 61 Charleston, SC 29414 Phone: 843-571-1266 or 800-367-3517

Cypress Gardens: For a true lowcountry adventure, explore one of the area's most beloved attractions.... Cypress Gardens! Here you can stroll along four miles of walking trails that wind through the area's most beautiful gardens.... paddle a flat bottom boat through a real cypress swamp... relax in a unique and exciting butterfly house, which features a vast array of native butterflies and the plants they thrive on... or explore an Aquarium that offers an up close look at the amphibians, reptiles, and fish indigenous to the cypress swamp. For many visitors, Cypress Gardens proves to be their favorite experience because it allows one to interact with the area's beauty. 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd. Charleston, SC 29461 Phone: 553-0515

Magnolia Swamp Garden:  Located at Magnolia Plantation, this 60-acre black water cypress and tupelo swamp with wildflowers, bog plants, and native and exotic shrubs, is accessible via boardwalks, bridges, and dikes with views of waterfowl, alligators and other wildlife Route 4 Highway 61 Charleston, SC 29414 Phone: 843-571-1266 or 800-367-3517

The South Carolina Aquarium: The new aquarium located on Charleston's harbor, depicts the aquatic habitats of the state from rushing mountain streams through rivers, lakes and the salt marsh, to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, encounters with river otters, snakes, turtles, birds, fish and sharks delight guests as they explore 60 living exhibits. (843) 720-1990

Edisto Island Serpentarium:  Edisto Island Serpentarium is an educational and fun display of reptiles from the Southeastern U.S. and around the world. Whether you are terrified or enamored of these fascinating animals, this is the place to see! Interactive reptile shows given daily. We are a seasonal attraction. Please call or see our website for hours of operation and pricing information. 1374 Hwy 174 Charleston, SC 29438 Phone: 843-869-1171

The Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp: National Audubon Society sanctuary, largest known stand of virgin cypress and tupelo in the world. 843-462-2150.

Francis Marion National Forest:  A 250-thousand-acre forest located in the Coastal Plains north of Charleston. The forest offers wide variety of recreation activities including picnicking & camping sites, boat ramps, fishing ponds, rifle ranges, hiking, horse & motorcycle trails. For more information write: District Ranger, Wambaw Ranger District, PO Box 106, McClellanville, SC 29458. Charleston, SC Phone: 843-336-3248 or 843-887-3257

Tours
Charleston Carriage Company: Narrated horse-drawn carriage tours of historic Charleston. 96 N. Market St. Buy discounted tickets online.

 Old South Carriage Company: Enjoy these one-hour historic Charleston tours in horse drawn carriages. Tour guides wear Confederate uniforms with a distinctive red sash. 14 Anson St. (843) 723-9712.

Palmetto Carriage Tours: The oldest continually operating mule drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston. 40 N. Market St (843) 723-8145.

Grayline Tours: With tours available in 150 places on 6 continents. 3 Tours available: Tour 1 is of Historic Charleston and lasts 1.5 hours; Tour 2 is of Historic Charleston and Restored Homes and lasts 2 hours; Tour 3 is of Historic Charleston and either the Harbor or Fort Sumter and lasts 3 hours. (843) 722-4444

Doin' the Charleston Tour: The seven mile tour includes a 90 minute on-tour laser disc presentation and a stop at The Battery (800) 647-4487.

Charleston Ghost Tours: Enjoy a 1.25 mile ghost walk full of legends, folk tales, haunted inns, and Gullah superstitions. Monday-Thursday 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30 pm, sith additional 10:00 pm tour on Fridays and Saturdays. Reserve tickets on-line or call 888-651-1125 
 
Gone With the Wind Charleston City Tour and Magnolia Plantation Tour: This tour has it all:The French Quarter, Rainbow Row, the Market, Old Citadel, the Battery, and a visit to Magnolia Plantation, the area's oldest plantation. Reserve tickets on-line or call 888-651-1125 

Architectural Walking Tour of Charleston:  Provides two guided walking tours. The 18th century guided tour features the original "walled city". (843) 893-2327. (800) 931-7761 And Charleston Tours-Reserve tickets on-line or call 888-651-1125 

Charleston Strolls: This is the original walking tour. Experience Charleston's history from the colonial days through the Civil War to the present. Battery tour: 115 Meeting St. 10:00 and 130 Market St. Market Walk: 375 Meeting St. (843) 766-2080.

The Schooner Pride:Cruise aboard an 84-foot tall ship around Charleston's historic harbor. Guests may help in sailing or relax and enjoy the two-hour tour. 2044 Wappoo Hall Rd. (843) 795-1180.

Cap'n Richards Ace Basin Nature Tours:  Take a boat tour of Ace Basin, one of the largest undeveloped marine estuaries on the east coast. See diverse habitats including forested wetlands, fresh, brackish and saltwater tidal marshes, barrier islands and beaches all teeming with wildlife. Also enjoy a tour and picnic at one of South Carolinas famous plantations. Phone (843) 766-9664.

Arts

Indigo Charleston: Dance club with nightly variety including dance, latin & top 40 nights. 5 Faber St., Tues-Sun. 6-2 am. 843-577-7383

Charleston Ballet Theatre: 477 King St. 843-723-7334.

Charleston Stage Company: Live theatre. Shows every Thurs., Fri., and Sat. at 8:00, Sundays at 3:00 pm. 133 Church St. box office 843-965-4032 or 800-454-9093

Charleston Symphony Orchestra:  14 George St. (843) 723-7528

Piccolo Spoleto Festival:  A 17-day celebration of art in all its forms by local artists, bring affordable music, dance, theater, poetry, literature, visual arts, and crafts to the local residents and children during the festival.

Spoleto:  For 17 days and nights each spring, renowned artists, and emerging performers, bring an extravaganza of art to Charleston, SC. Since 1977 art, in its many forms like: music, dance, theater, poetry, literature, visual arts, and crafts have enriched the residents and its visitors during this festival. For more information call 843-722-2764

Dock Street Theatre: First building in US designed solely for theatrical performances. Built around the original theater's ruins in the early 1800's. Frequent performances are staged in the theater and foyer. Church & Queen St Theatre free, various performance admissions. 843-723-5648.

Museums

Charleston Museum: Founded in 1773, it is considered the nations oldest museum. Charleston's history is interpreted through collections of clothing, furniture, silver, photographs, and other objects. The museum houses display Charleston's cultural & natural history, archeology, ornithology, and history. The silver exhibit consists of pieces by Charleston's silversmiths from the 18th century. A room designed with hands-on exhibits is available for children. Charleston & Vicinity. 360 Meeting St. 843-722-2996.

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum: Home of the famous WWII aircraft carrier Yorktown, submarine Clamagore, destroyer Laffey, Coast Guard cutter Ingham, and the Medal of Honor Museum. Vintage military aircraft and weapons are on display.

The Citadel Museum: Features the history of The Military College of South Carolina from 1842 to the present. Military, academic, and athletic aspects of cadets life are displayed through exhibits. A cadet dress parade is held almost every Friday during the school year. Main gate at The Citadel. 843-953-6846.

Gibbes Museum of Art:   One of the finest collections of American art in the Southeast. Consists of paintings, portraits, and drawings from the 18th century to the present. Located at 135 Meeting St.

Churches/Homes/Architecture

Beth Elohim:  An 1840 synagogue of Greek revival design, which first began using instrumental music in 1824. Organized in 1749 and known as the oldest synagogue in use in the nation. Synagogue. 90 Hasell St. 843-723-1090.

St. Phillip's Episcopal Church: It was built in 1681 on the site of  what is now St. Michael's Church, but in the early 1800s a new building was erected on its current site. The current building was designed by Joseph Hyde, and the steeple which was added later, was designed by the famous architect, E.B. White.

St. John's Lutheran Church: Founded by German immigrants in 1817 and has been remodeled. It is known for its wrought-iron gates, fence, and steeple. 843-723-2426.

St. Mary's Catholic Church:Established in 1789, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in South Carolina. The present building was completed in 1839. 89 Hasell St. 843-722-7696. 

St. Michael's Episcopal Church: Completed in 1761, is the oldest church edifice in the city. George Washington worshipped here. It's Palladian Doric portico and storied steeple rise 186 feet above the street. The clock in the tower has been operational since 1764. Broad & Meeting St. 843-723-0603.

Huguenot Church: One of the last remaining French Huguenot churches in the nation. Built in 1844-45 by Edward White. The church is a good example of gothic architecture. 136 Church St. 843-722-4385.

Central Baptist Church: Designed in a vernacular Carpenter Gothic style by black architect John Hutchinson; and completed in 1893. It is thought to be one of the first churches founded and built completely by blacks in Charleston.  26 Radcliff St. Open to the public, call 843-577-4543.

Old Bethel United Methodist Church: This third oldest church building in Charleston, was built by the black and white members in 1807. Open to the public at: 222 Calhoun St. 843-722-3470.

Bethel Methodist Church:  When the congregation of Old Bethel Methodist Church split, the white members built a new church in 1854 with the common antebellum style of a Greek Doric Temple. Open to the public 9-4:30 M-Th. and 9-2 on F. at: 57 Pitt St. 843-723-4587.

Emanuel A.M.E. Church:  Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1891 in the Gothic Revival style, and has one of the few unaltered Victorian style interiors. 110 Calhoun St. 843-722-2561.

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church: This was the first Roman Catholic Church in the Carolinas and Georgia. The original building was a victim of the 1838 Charleston Fire. The present Clasical Revival style building was completed in 1839.  89 Hasell St. 843-722-7696

Circular Congregational Church & Parish House:  This cloverleaf-shaped building is an adaptation of the Romanesque style; and the present building was built in 1892. The graveyard is the oldest in the city and has a monument from the 17th century. 150 Meeting St. 843-577-6400

Unitarian Church:  This is the oldest Unitarian Church in the South. When the congregation of the Circular Congregational Church became too numerous for the building, a second building was started in 1772 but interrupted by the Revolutionary War. It was finally completed in 1787. It was remodeled in Gothic Revival style in 1852. Located at 4 Archdale St. 843-723-4617 

First Scotts Presbyterian Church:  This 1814 building is the fifth oldest church in Charleston. The Scottish heritage is evident in the stained glass windows and the wrought iron grills, in the Seal of the Church of Scotland and thistles, the symbol of Scotland. 53 Meeting St. 843-722-8882

First Baptist Church: Oldest Baptist Church in the South. This 1822 Greek style building has a Doric portico, Roman arches, and Tuscan columns. 61 Church St. 843-722-3896

Magnolia Cemetery: Established in 1849, has several ornate gravesites. US 52 on the banks of the Cooper River.

Joseph Manigault House:   A notable house of the Adam style. The furniture was made in France, England, and Charleston. A hidden stairway connects the second and third floor. 350 Meeting St. 843-723-2926.

Heyward-Washington House: Built in 1772 by Daniel Heyward. George Washington slept herein 1791. A kitchen house, servants' quarters, and garden behind the main house are open to visitors. 87 Church St. 843-722-0354.

Calhoun Mansion: Victorian mansion. 16 Meeting St. 843-722-8205. 

Edmondston-Alston House: Built about 1828, furnished with family possessions, including documents, portraits, and porcelain. 21 E. Battery St. 843-722-7171.

Nathaniel Russell House: Was completed in 1808. The house contains a freestanding staircase that spirals up three floors, oval drawing rooms, and ornate interior detailing. 51 Meeting St. (843) 724-8481.

Aiken-Rhett House: This house was built in 1818 and has been restored to its antebellum splendor. 48 Elizabeth Street (843) 724-8481.

Sports

Family Circle Tennis Center: Home of the famous Family Circle Tennis Cup. Tennis camps are available for children 5-12, Island Adventure Day Camp; and 7-17, Summer Junior Tennis Camp also Men’s Fantasy Camp. 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island (Charleston), South Carolina, Phone: 843-849-5300 Fax: 843-856-7901 Phone (843)856-7900 or 800-677-2293

Charleston River Dogs:  The Charleston River Dogs Baseball Team started in 1886 as the Seagulls and in 1994 they became the River Dogs. In spite of several wars, hurricanes, name changes, and park changes they continue to carry on the proud traditions of baseball.
Misc.

Forever Charleston: A 24 Minute multimedia presentation about Charleston. Focuses on the history of Charleston and comprises more than 2400 images to reveal it's beauty and heritage. Can be viewed at Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St. (843) 724-7474.

Queen Anne's Revenge Steak and Seafood Restaurant:  Dedicated to the history of the "Golden Age of Piracy" through a collection of artifacts & items. Check out the web site for a list of times, a menu and prices, as well as virtual tours. 160-B Fairchild St. on Daniel Island. 843-216-6868