
Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in Charleston, South Carolina, United States
1. Battery Creek Park
Relax by the waterfront with a picturesque view of the harbor and historic warship USS Yorktown.
- Waterfront View: Offers a scenic and tranquil setting for travelers to unwind.
- Historic Warship: Provides an educational experience, showcasing the importance of Charleston's maritime history.
- Picnic Area: Allows travelers to enjoy a meal amidst beautiful surroundings.
2. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Explore naval history with battleships, submarines, and aircraft carriers.
- Maritime History: Offers an immersive look into the rich maritime history of the United States.
- Multiple Exhibits: Provides a variety of displays, including vessels and aircraft, to engage visitors.
- Guided Tours: Offers insightful tours led by knowledgeable guides.
3. Historic Charleston City Market
Shop for local crafts and souvenirs at the nation's oldest public market.
- Local Crafts: Allows travelers to take home unique, handmade items as keepsakes.
- Historic Significance: Provides a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.
- Variety of Vendors: Offers a wide range of merchandise to cater to various interests.
4. Angel Oak Tree
Marvel at the ancient oak tree with branches that span nearly 28 feet.
- Nature's Wonder: Offers a breathtaking, natural experience for travelers.
- Historical Significance: Provides insight into the area's history and spirituality.
- Photo Opportunities: Allows travelers to capture memorable photos in a stunning setting.
5. Fort Sumter National Monument
Visit the site of the first shots fired during the American Civil War.
- Historic Site: Provides a significant and educational experience for travelers.
- Guided Tours: Offers insightful tours led by knowledgeable park rangers.
- Boat Tour: Includes a boat ride to the fort, offering scenic views of Charleston Harbor.
6. Aiken-Rhett House Museum
Explore a well-preserved urban plantation home from the antebellum era.
- Historic Home: Offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Charleston's elite during the 19th century.
- Guided Tours: Provides insightful tours led by knowledgeable guides.
- Slave Quarters: Highlights the harsh realities of slavery in the antebellum South.
7. South Carolina Aquarium
Discover aquatic life, including sea turtles, sharks, and otters.
- Marine Life: Offers an opportunity to learn about various marine species.
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides hands-on experiences for travelers of all ages.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts and education about marine ecosystems.
8. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Experience a well-preserved plantation with beautiful gardens and the iconic Avenue of Oaks.
- Historic Plantation: Offers a glimpse into the antebellum South's lifestyle and agriculture.
- Gardens: Showcases stunning, beautifully maintained gardens for travelers to explore.
- Historical Significance: Provides insight into the region's history and its role in the Civil War.
9. Charleston Museum
Discover Charleston's history through exhibits on art, architecture, and culture.
- Local History: Offers an engaging experience into the city's rich history.
- Art & Architecture: Showcases the artistic and architectural achievements of Charleston.
- Guided Tours: Provides insightful tours led by knowledgeable guides.
10. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Explore America's oldest public garden and a historic plantation.
- Historic Garden: Offers a peaceful retreat for travelers to enjoy.
- Nature & Wildlife: Provides opportunities to observe various bird and plant species.
- Historical Plantation: Showcases the history of a well-preserved antebellum plantation.
11. Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Walk through the ruins of an architecturally stunning church built in the late 1800s.
- Historical Architecture: Offers a unique glimpse into the past and its impact on architecture.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides beautiful, picturesque settings for travelers to capture memories.
- Spiritual Significance: Highlights the church's role in local history and spirituality.
12. Drayton Hall Plantation Museum
Explore a well-preserved Georgian plantation home and its surrounding gardens.
- Historic Home: Offers an insightful look into the lifestyle of Charleston's elite during the 18th century.
- Gardens: Showcases beautifully maintained gardens for travelers to explore.
- Slave Quarters: Highlights the harsh realities of slavery in the colonial South.
13. Middleton Place
Visit a historic plantation with stunning gardens and a riverfront view.
- Historic Plantation: Offers a glimpse into the antebellum South's lifestyle and agriculture.
- Gardens: Showcases beautifully maintained gardens for travelers to explore.
- Riverfront View: Provides a scenic, tranquil setting for travelers to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
14. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Learn about the early history of Charleston and its inhabitants with exhibits and nature trails.
- Historical Significance: Offers insight into the city's founding and early development.
- Nature Trails: Allows travelers to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Boat Tours: Provides opportunities to learn about the region's history and wildlife on a boat tour.
15. Folly Beach
Relax on the beach, watch the waves, or try surfing at this laid-back coastal destination.
- Beach Experience: Offers a peaceful retreat for travelers to unwind and enjoy the ocean.
- Surfing Opportunities: Provides an opportunity for adventure-seeking travelers to try surfing.
- Local Eateries: Allows travelers to sample delicious, fresh seafood at local restaurants.