Weird & Unusual Attractions in Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Charleston, United States, Charleston, Unique & Fun, Weird & Unusual Attractions

Weird & Unusual Attractions in Charleston, South Carolina, United States

1. Angel Oak Tree

A 1500-year-old live oak tree with sprawling branches that offers a unique glimpse into the city's history and natural beauty.
  • Historical Significance: Provides a rare insight into Charleston's ancient past
  • Natural Wonders: A testament to the resilience and age of the Southern Live Oak species
  • Serene Environment: Offers a peaceful, reflective space in an urban setting

2. United States Custom House

A historical building where visitors can experience the ghost of Alice Flagg, a former lighthouse keeper, said to haunt the premises.
  • Historical Hauntings: Provides an intriguing blend of history and paranormal activity
  • Architectural Wonders: Showcases Beaux-Arts architecture, a style popular in early 20th century American architecture
  • Ghost Tours: Offers guided tours focusing on the building's ghostly resident, Alice Flagg

3. The Haunted Jekyll Island Club Hotel

A historic hotel rumored to be haunted by the former presidents and their families who once stayed there.
  • Historical Hauntings: Provides a unique opportunity to explore the paranormal history of the hotel
  • Luxurious Accommodations: Offers luxurious accommodations in a historic setting
  • Ghost Tours: Provides guided tours to experience the ghostly activities of the hotel's past inhabitants

4. Cat Island Coastal Center for Birds of Prey

A rehabilitation facility for birds of prey that allows visitors to learn about these magnificent creatures up close.
  • Wildlife Education: Offers a unique learning experience about birds of prey
  • Rare Species Viewing: Provides close encounters with rare and endangered bird species
  • Rehabilitation Efforts: Supports the rehabilitation of injured birds and their eventual return to the wild

5. The Birds Fly Back

An interactive art installation featuring 109 colorful birds suspended from trees, symbolizing hope and resilience.
  • Artistic Expression: Offers a unique and thought-provoking artistic experience
  • Symbolic Meaning: Represents hope, resilience, and the power of community
  • Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning photographic opportunities amidst nature

6. Mosquito Fleet Wharf

A wharf dating back to the 1700s, where visitors can explore Charleston's maritime history.
  • Maritime History: Provides an opportunity to learn about Charleston's rich maritime past
  • Historic Preservation: Supports the preservation of a significant piece of Charleston's history
  • Waterfront Views: Offers beautiful views of Charleston's harbor and surrounding waterfront

7. The Old City Jail Museum

A museum housed in a former jail where visitors can explore the city's criminal past.
  • Historical Insight: Provides a fascinating glimpse into Charleston's criminal history
  • Architectural Wonders: Showcases the unique architectural style of Georgian-style buildings
  • Ghost Tours: Offers guided tours focusing on the jail's haunted past

8. The Ark

A ship-shaped house built in 1903 by a sea captain, showcasing nautical history and design.
  • Maritime History: Offers a unique blend of maritime culture and architecture
  • Historic Preservation: Supports the preservation of a significant piece of Charleston's nautical history
  • Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning photographic opportunities with its unique ship-shaped design

9. Boone Hall Plantation's Gullah Heritage Experience

A historical plantation offering a glimpse into the Gullah culture and its rich African roots.
  • Cultural Education: Provides insight into the unique Gullah culture and its African origins
  • Historic Preservation: Supports the preservation of a significant piece of Charleston's history
  • Gullah Cuisine: Offers opportunities to sample traditional Gullah cuisine

10. The Boneyard Beach

A secluded beach where thousands of skeletal oak trees create an eerie yet beautiful landscape.
  • Natural Wonders: Offers a unique and surreal natural experience
  • Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning photographic opportunities with its eerie yet beautiful landscape
  • Relaxation and Reflection: Offers a peaceful, reflective space in an off-the-beaten-path location

11. The Huntington Beach State Park Ghost Crab Hunts

A nighttime event where visitors can participate in ghost crab hunting on the beach.
  • Nocturnal Wildlife Experience: Provides a unique nocturnal wildlife experience
  • Educational Opportunities: Offers educational opportunities about local crab species and their habitats
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Provides a fun, family-friendly activity for all ages

12. The Unusual Whale Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and folklore of whales, with a focus on the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon.
  • Maritime History: Provides an opportunity to learn about whales and their role in maritime history
  • Folklore and Legends: Offers a unique exploration of whale folklore, particularly the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits for an engaging learning experience

13. The Red's Ice House Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of shrimping and fishing in Charleston, housed in a former oyster processing plant.
  • Maritime History: Provides an opportunity to learn about the history of shrimping and fishing in Charleston
  • Historic Preservation: Supports the preservation of a significant piece of Charleston's maritime history
  • Local Cuisine: Offers opportunities to sample local seafood specialties

14. The Angel Oak Tree Swing

A swing hanging from one of the massive live oak tree branches at the Angel Oak Tree.
  • Relaxation and Fun: Provides a fun, relaxing experience amidst nature
  • Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning photographic opportunities with the Angel Oak Tree in the background
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Provides a fun, family-friendly activity for all ages

15. The Ghost of Mary King's Shoe

A historical marker commemorating the story of Mary King and her lost shoe during the Siege of Charleston in 1780.
  • Historical Insight: Provides a fascinating glimpse into Charleston's history
  • Ghost Tours: Offers guided tours focusing on the ghostly story of Mary King and her lost shoe
  • Cultural Landmark: Represents a significant cultural landmark in Charleston's history