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During your Charleston vacation, be sure to visit The Battery (or “Battery Park”) to stroll along its waterfront and admire the stately antebellum homes that accent this lower peninsula neighborhood. You’ll also find mossy live oaks, historic statues, and a massive gazebo that is the perfect location for wedding photos. You’ll be glad you read this ! White Point Garden While it may seem quiet and serene now, Charleston’s White Point Garden has a long history as the city’s most important military site. The 5.7-acre park, also known as Battery Park, is home to spectacular harbor views, historic homes, and a number of interesting military relics and monuments. Visitors can stroll the park’s lush grounds, adorned with tall oak and palmetto trees. They can also see a number of relics from the city’s turbulent past, including several real Revolutionary and Civil War-era cannons. A bronze bust atop a granite column marks the crew of the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to successfully attack and sink another vessel in Charleston Harbor. The park’s center walkway is flanked by two Confederate columbiads (large cannons) from Fort Sumter and an 11-inch Dahlgren gun from the USS Keokuk that fired shells at the city during the Civil War. Atop a pedestal stands an 8-foot statue of General William Moultrie, sword in hand, surveying Charleston Harbor. The statue, by sculptor Willard Hirsch, is one of the City’s most recognizable. Historic Homes The Charleston Battery is home to a number of jaw-dropping historic homes. These mansions were built between 1820 and 1860 and still display stately pillars and dreamy balconies. A few of these magnificent antebellum houses operate as historic house museums. These homes allow visitors to explore the lives of wealthy Charleston families and enslaved people in the late 1800s. Self-guided app-based tours are available at these historic homes for a fee, but combo tickets offer discounted admission to multiple properties. Located just steps from White Point Garden, this magnificent historic home offers original heart pine flooring and a three-tier piazza with water views. The home features a kitchen house with a legal bed and breakfast license, which adds to its appeal. The property also has incredible curb appeal, with well-tended gardens and a stunning stone driveway. This home would be the perfect Charleston vacation rental. A buyer who is passionate about historic homes will find this property to be a true treasure. Explore more ! Historic Park The Battery Park begins at White Point Garden and extends to the west along a mile-long promenade and seawall that defines Charleston’s southern boundary. It’s a picturesque stretch of land that is one of the city’s most significant historic sites. A stroll across the Battery promenade will reveal a remarkable collection of historic homes accented by the Low Battery seawall. These aren’t cookie-cutter houses, either – they’re grand estates from the 17th and 18th centuries built with lavish opulence. The history of Charleston’s Low Battery is closely intertwined with the High Battery. After repairs were completed to the High Battery in 1860, leaders devised ambitious plans to expand the city’s southward development with a new promenade and seawall that extended White Point Garden further down the coast. The project was stalled by a series of setbacks, including two hurricanes and a deteriorating state of the waterfront seawall. Eventually, a wealthy local resident named Andrew Buist Murray donated funds to help the city complete the Low Battery seawall, which was later named in his honor. Free Parking CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) — More than a half-mile of free parking along Charleston’s Battery — one of the city’s must-see walking spots — is about to disappear. And with it, the hundreds of tourists, students, and day workers who fill the spaces in the midst of tall Palmettos and ancient Live Oaks will have to find alternatives. The change was the result of a petition from local homeowners who say their streets are getting overwhelmed with cars that don’t belong there. The city council this week approved converting the spots into residential-preference sticker parking, which means that vehicles can park there for longer than two hours if they have a residential permit displayed. If you’re visiting for a few weeks or more and don’t have private parking at your downtown accommodations, it may make sense to look into monthly parking at one of the city’s garages. Rates start at $125 per month, which would be a savings of $20 or more over daily rates in the heart of downtown. Continue reading the next article .

Shem Creek is home to some of the city’s best waterside restaurants and stunning sunsets. It’s also known for its charming Low Country atmosphere. You can take a rollicking bar tour or enjoy dining on the dockside at one of the restaurants. There’s also Shem Creek Park with a 2,200-foot boardwalk that offers panoramic views of the harbor. A great post ahead . Boardwalks One of the best things to do in Mount Pleasant is to walk along the boardwalks that are located next to Shem Creek. This is a great way to get a good workout while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Charleston Harbor and the surrounding inland marshes. The Shem Creek boardwalk is a popular spot for fishing, and you can also see shrimp boats coming and going from the port. You can even take a scenic boat tour of Shem Creek and Sullivan’s Island. The town of Mount Pleasant is full of Southern charm and history, but it’s also a modern place to live and visit. With water in virtually every direction, it’s easy to see why this coastal town is a contender for the prettiest down-home place in South Carolina. Restaurants In this classic Southern town, you can enjoy the best of Lowcountry cuisine. Many local favorites are located in the quaint Shem Creek district. It offers a relaxing retreat from the bustle of Charleston and provides gorgeous waterfront views. You can find anything from casual eateries and waterfront bars to more of a fine dining experience here. Dine on a delicious seafood feast at Water’s Edge or savor fried chicken and Cuban delicacies at Vickery’s. You can also enjoy a refreshing handcrafted cocktail at Tavern & Table. This waterfront park is also a favorite place for families to hang out. Kids can enjoy riding scooters on the boardwalk and watching the shrimp boats dock. It is a great spot for a picnic as well. Check it out here . Fishing The park’s long boardwalks allow visitors to explore tidal creeks, saltwater marshes, and piers. Depending on the time of day, visitors can spot dolphins playing around, shrimp boats coming in with their haul, or watch local fishermen cast their lines. Located at Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek Park offers a quintessential Lowcountry experience. Stroll the winding boardwalks and enjoy a relaxing view of Shem Creek. Afterward, dine at one of the restaurants that overlook the water and take in nature’s nightly sky-blazing show. Birding The wetlands and oak-lined hammock islands at Shem Creek are home to a variety of bird species. Visitors to the park can also meet Henry, a Great White Egret that enjoys receiving free handouts from fishermen. He can be spotted all day long at Shem Creek. If you’re a fan of the TV show “Kildare,” you may recognize the dock scenes at Shem Creek from its real-life filming location. The actual Geechie Seafood restaurant owned by Pope’s (Jonathan Davis) dad Heyward is located at the creek’s entrance. Shem Creek is also a popular destination for kayaking and paddleboarding. Coastal Expeditions offers a guided kayak tour along Shem Creek that provides inspiring views of Charleston Harbor and the Holy City skyline. The tour can also include sightings of dolphins, pelicans, and manatees. Parking Shem Creek Park is home to a mix of restaurants, bars, public docks, shrimp boats, and beautiful sunsets. The area is known for its laid-back dining and low-country charm. Parking in the area can be challenging. There are several free parking options, but the spaces fill quickly during peak weekend times. When planning your next trip to Mount Pleasant, make sure to book a hotel that offers a good location near Shem Creek Park. With Hotwire’s amazing deals on hotels, you can save time and money on your next vacation to this popular destination. The extra money you save on your hotel will allow you to explore more of the local cuisine and attractions. Book your next getaway with Hotwire now! Next article .

McLeod Plantation is one of the few Charleston plantations that focuses on the history of African Americans and Gullah culture. Tours here focus less on the main house and more on enslaved people and their lives. Read on to learn more . This 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site has witnessed some of the most significant periods in Charleston’s and our nation’s history. Learn about Sea Island cotton, examine the influence of the Freedmen’s Bureau, and explore worship and spirituality on this historic property. History Charleston is a popular tourist destination for its beaches and cuisine, but it also has an important historic legacy. This is especially evident at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, which explores the impact of people from the rice-growing regions of Africa on Lowcountry culture, history, and landscape. And at McLeod Plantation, which traces its heritage to nearly 100 enslaved people and their descendants. Since its founding in 1851, McLeod has borne witness to some of the most significant periods of Charleston’s—and the nation’s—history. Today, this Gullah/Geechee heritage site invites visitors to embark on an in-depth exploration of lives that were nearly erased from history. Compare the McLeod family home to those built for enslaved families, learn about daily life and relationships, and study the cultivation of prized sea island cotton. Then ponder the significance of the site during the Civil War, when General States Rights Gist made it his headquarters. McLeod Plantation is now an integral part of a national effort to recover and tell the full story of America’s past. Guided Tours McLeod Plantation Historic Site is one of Charleston’s most beautiful plantations and home to one of the state’s oldest gardens. It first achieved wealth in the Colonial Era as a rice farm, but it was its production of sea island cotton that saved the property after the Civil War. Visitors to the property can tour the home and compare it to those built for enslaved families, as well as see the gin house, dairy barn, and cemetery. They can learn about the cultivation and importance of this cash crop, as well as how it shaped Charleston’s history and our nation’s future. Halifax and his team are working hard to shift the narrative from “plantation romanticism” to a true understanding of enslaved people’s lives—an understanding that’s more important than ever in light of the rise of white supremacy in our country. Guided tours are offered every day of the week. The 45-minute tours are included in admission. Here is another spot to visit . Slave Cabins Unlike most plantations, which treat their houses like pristine museums, McLeod offers visitors an opportunity to see slave dwellings. In fact, you can tour 22 cabins that were home to enslaved families. It is a unique and powerful experience that helps connect visitors to the lives of the people who worked so hard to keep the owners of this house wealthy. Established in 1851, the McLeod Plantation was known for growing sea island cotton. The crop was sought after for its long fibers. However, production came to a halt during the Civil War. If you want to learn about Charleston’s history of slavery, this is a great place to visit. The site focuses on tracing the evolution of Gullah Geechee culture, the slavery experience, and African American history before, during, and after Emancipation. It also aims to connect visitors to the experiences of descendants of West Africans enslaved in this country, who are called Gullah Geechee. Gullah Cemetery Visiting Charleston’s plantations provides a window into the area’s rich history of wealth and prosperity built on the backs of slave labor. These antebellum estates once grew indigo, cotton, rice, and other cash crops that gave Charleston its nickname “The Queen City.” Several of the nearby plantations like Magnolia, Boone Hall, and Middleton Place are worth visiting for their beautiful oak tree alleys and historic homes. Many of these plantations also offer different attractions and tours. Check to see if there is an option to combine visits and save money by purchasing a Charleston City Pass or other packages that include the plantation of your choice. Most of these plantations have tours and talks devoted to Gullah/Geechee culture, the slavery experience, and African American history before, during, and after the Civil War as well as during Reconstruction. If this is an important topic for you, make sure to plan ahead and call in advance to ensure the tour you want to do will be suitable for your needs. Click here for more interesting articles .

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is a garden lover’s dream, a history buff’s paradise, and an opportunity to explore one of America’s oldest working plantations. A trip here is unforgettable and educational for visitors of all ages. This is a fantastic article to read . The most poignant part of a visit to this historic plantation is walking through the nine authentic slave cabins. This exhibit has won national awards for its engrossing presentation of the African-American experience. Guided Coach Tour Boone Hall Plantation is a history buff’s, horticulturist’s, and outdoor lover’s dream. From the lush gardens and sweeping views of the Lowcountry to historical exhibits that shed light on some of the region’s darkest chapters, there is so much to take in at this sprawling plantation. The first thing that strikes visitors about this antebellum plantation is the stunning Avenue of Oaks, which features a mile-long stretch of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. The tree-lined driveway was planted in the 1740s and took over a century to complete—and is said to have inspired the oak-covered entrance of Ashley Wilkes’ Twelve Oak plantation in Gone With The Wind. The tour of the house and the tractor tour are both included with your admission, but it’s also possible to explore the slave cabins and grounds on a self-guided basis. Be sure to allow at least 30 minutes for each visit, especially during peak times and on weekends. Slave Cabins The slave cabins are the most eye-opening aspect of this historical property. As you drive down the long driveway three-quarters of a mile under almost 100 ancient and massive live oak trees, you come to the end of the road where nine small brick cottages stand in a line. These are the original slave cabins, which visitors can tour to learn more about enslaved people and their lives. The cottages were reserved for the house servants, cooks, carpenters, and blacksmiths, while field hands lived in houses closer to the fields. The onsite slavery exhibit is a must-see and has won awards for its presentation. It is located in the slave cottages, where you can also find a Gullah presentation that features authentic descendants of these people. Boone Hall Plantation is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours cost $28 for adults and $12 for children ages 6-12. Tickets can be purchased online. More places to also visit by clicking here . Gardens Boone Hall Plantation is a beautiful and historically significant property that not only showcases the life of the antebellum planters but also shows the lives of those who worked to create this magnificent estate. It is truly a place that offers something for everyone to experience and learn about during their visit. When you walk through the gardens you will see a gorgeous display of colorful flowers, vines, and shrubs. The gardens also feature a few old slave cabins that are used for lectures and presentations about the African-American history of the property. The home is surrounded by 738 acres of Lowcountry landscape that features cultivated and seasonal crop fields, preserved wetlands, and creeks. It was built in 1936 to resemble an antebellum house and is a Georgian-style design. Guided tours of the first floor showcase what a typical house might have looked like in that era. The property also has eight original slave cabins and many guests say that exploring those is one of their favorite parts of the tour. Restaurant Boone Hall is one of the oldest plantations in America, with centuries of stories to tell. This popular historic site is also a working plantation with an agricultural arm that grows fresh strawberries, tomatoes, and muscadine grapes for local grocers and restaurants. The 738 acres of the property include protected wetlands, ponds, and crop fields, as well as a number of preserved antebellum slave cabins. Visitors can tour 9 of the original cabins on their own or join a guided presentation to learn more about the living quarters and relics of the enslaved people at Boone Hall. The farm also features a restaurant, cafe, and a butterfly pavilion. The menu includes a variety of soups, sandwiches, and gourmet entrees that pair nicely with the wines and beers on tap. In addition, the restaurant offers a wide range of specialty drinks including bourbon cocktails and Southern libations. Continue reading about Shem Creek Park .

MOUNT PLEASANT – A major renovation project is underway at Mount Pleasant’s Memorial Waterfront Park. The town is adding a dog park, a splash pad, and other workout stations. The park sits almost directly under the long Arthur Ravenel Bridge. It’s a wonderful place to relax, play, or fish. Read on to know more . Pier The Pier at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is a truly unique structure and one of Charleston’s most popular fishing destinations. The 1,250-foot-long pier is built almost directly under the Ravenel Bridge and offers a unique and stunning perspective of the harbor. The pier also hosts several fun events throughout the year including shaggin’ contests and live music concerts, all free to the public. Visitors can stroll the pier, watch a movie on the great lawn during summertime and even find a spot to grab some soft serve from the River Watch Cafe! The park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, especially if you bring the kids. They’ll have a blast at the suspension bridge-themed playground and enjoy searching for dolphins on the pier! Make sure to stop by the gift shop for a Charleston-themed t-shirt or souvenir to take home. Parking is available in the large lot across from the park during busy times. Playground A little-known secret in Charleston, the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is more than just a Kodak photo spot. Located underneath the grand entrance to town at the base of the Ravenel Bridge, it is home to lush lawns perfect for family picnics and a huge nautical-themed playground. The park also features a pier that extends out into Charleston Harbor. You can sit and relax in one of the many bench swings or just walk around and enjoy the view of the city skyline and harbor. The park is also home to a war memorial and a store where you can buy fresh seafood and other local goods. There is also a new first responders monument being constructed near the pier that will be a beautiful addition to the waterfront park. It will honor all of the men and women who work in the community to keep everyone safe. The monument is expected to be finished by the end of November. This article is worth reading . War Memorial Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is one of Charleston’s most beautiful parks. It sits almost directly underneath the Ravenel Bridge and is a stunning sight to behold. It is home to a huge nautical-themed playground, the River Watch Cafe for sandwiches and ice cream, and a 1,250-foot pier that extends out into Charleston Harbor. The park also hosts live music and movies on the lawn in the summer. Bring a blanket and snacks for an evening of family fun. In addition to the pier, cafe, and parking, the second phase of the park will include more amenities such as a dog park, splash pad, basketball, and pickleball courts, and calisthenics area. It is expected to open in 2024. For more information on the new additions, visit the Town of Mount Pleasant’s website. Restrooms The Memorial Waterfront Park, located under the Ravenel Bridge, is a great place for families. It has a huge nautical-themed playground and pier that overlooks the Charleston Harbor. There is also a war memorial, an open-air sweetgrass basket pavilion, and a restaurant. The park is currently expanding, with a dog park, splash pad, basketball, and pickleball courts, calisthenics areas, and more to come. The town council has approved the project, which is set to begin construction next month. The expansion will be completed in 2024. The park also features a number of restaurants. There is Boxcar Betty, a restaurant that offers gourmet fried chicken, and Page’s Okra Grill, a popular spot for Southern breakfast. Other notable restaurants include Sweet Tea Cafe and the quaint, charming, and affordable Café La Maison. Guests can try a variety of delicious dishes while enjoying the beautiful view from the waterfront. Up next is Fort Sumter National Monument .

A Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat makes condensation rings as it tries to take off on Yorktown’s flight deck, circa October-December 1943. The carrier is painted in Measure 21 camouflage and shows stowed hangar catapult outriggers and five lattice radio masts on the deck edge. Check this out ! Stern aerial view of Yorktown during her fourth WestPac deployment with Air Task Group 4 (ATG-4, CVG-2) on the 1957 Far East Cruise. Official US Navy photo. Aircraft Carrier In the 1920s, the Navy began to realize the potential value of aircraft in naval operations. By the end of World War II, aircraft carriers had replaced battleships as their primary strike weapon in the Pacific. Yorktown was a second-generation Essex-class carrier, first commissioned on April 15, 1943. She was named to honor her predecessor, USS Yorktown (CV-5), which had been sunk at the Battle of Midway in June 1942. During her initial deployment to the Far East, she earned three Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals. She departed San Diego for the Orient on 1 November and arrived at Yokosuka on 25 November. The next eight months were devoted to normal west coast duties. Ship’s History The Yorktown was one of the first Essex-class aircraft carriers and served with distinction during World War II. She earned 11 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. She also initiated many technical improvements for the next two dozen Essex carriers. The aircraft carrier’s keel was laid down on 1 December 1941 at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. The ship was initially named Bonhomme Richard, in honor of Captain John Paul Jones’s flagship, but she was renamed on 26 September 1942 in honor of her older namesake lost at the Battle of Midway. Soon after her reactivation, Yorktown resumed normal operations along the West Coast. She stopped at Pearl Harbor from 24 March to 9 April before continuing her voyage west. Discover More about Mt Pleasant here . History of Yorktown Known as the Fighting Lady, Yorktown is now a popular museum and tourist attraction. It is one of three sites in the Historic Triangle along with Jamestown and Williamsburg, where visitors can see a variety of colonial-era buildings. Yorktown’s keel was laid down on 1 December 1941 at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., sponsored by Eleanor Roosevelt. Named for a town defeated by General George Washington’s Army during the Revolutionary War, she was launched on 21 January 1943 and commissioned on April 15th. After shakedown training in the Caribbean, she departed Norfolk on 21 May and stood out to sea to conduct a month of operations in the Pacific. She earned a Presidential Unit Citation and 11 battle stars in her combat service, helping to turn the tide of the war in the Battles of Midway and Coral Sea. Yorktown also played a crucial role in supporting ground troops at the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Yorktown’s Museum The museum is open Tuesday & Thursday throughout the week and on Sunday. The exhibits include an 18th-century colonial room, a miniature of railroads and mansions, and an impressive collection of photographs and documents. The size of Yorktown becomes more apparent as one tour its interior. 2,500-3,000 sailors lived aboard at any given time and every space had its purpose. Narrow corridors and steep ladder-like stairways were interspersed with compact rooms that clearly identified their purposes. Privacy was not an option, and the living quarters were packed with tightly packed bunks. The ship served during the Korean War and in Vietnam, earning five battle stars for that service. It also served as a recovery ship for Apollo 8. The Essex class carrier was decommissioned in 1970 and is now the centerpiece of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The museum was founded in 1966 and moved to its current location in 1975. Read next .

With Charleston being such a historic town there aren’t many large areas of greenery but Hampton Park is one of those spots. The 60-acre park is one of the most popular places for locals to take a stroll and enjoy some quiet time. See our home page . Today the park features lush gardens, hiking trails, and a serene pond. The park is a favorite spot for walkers, runners, and The Citadel cadets to get some fresh air and take in the scenery. History As a secluded oasis of gardens, ponds, and hiking trails, Hampton Park is an ideal Charleston neighborhood for families with kids or those seeking a more peaceful lifestyle. But the 60-acre park on the western edge of town has a much more storied past than most Charleston newcomers may realize. The land that now houses the park once served as the racetrack for a World’s Fair-style South Carolina Interstate and East Indian Exposition in 1901. It was later purchased by the city to become a public park and named in honor of Confederate General Wade Hampton. It would go on to be one of the most popular green spaces in town, attracting thousands of visitors and even housing the city zoo for a short period. Today, the park is a lush, quiet retreat with paved walking paths and historic plantings. It’s a popular place for locals, including Citadel cadets, to exercise or simply enjoy the scenery. Amenities Hampton Park is the largest park on the Charleston peninsula and offers beautiful gardens, ponds, and trails. Its historic charm and proximity to The Citadel make it a popular destination for students and locals. Its history dates back to the 1700s when Gibbes plantation became known as “The Grove.” In the 1800s, part of this land was sold to the South Carolina Jockey Club for development as a race track. An oval track surrounded the park and can still be traced today as the circle of Mary Murray Drive. The moss-draped oaks and landscaped gardens are ideal for weddings. However, couples must apply for an event permit to marry at the park. The area also hosts a number of community events throughout the year. It is also a popular spot for families and picnics, as well as exercisers and runners. In addition to its many trees, the park has a physical fitness trail and a playground. Learn more about Charleston here . Pets Accepted While the trade expos and zoos have left Hampton Park, this picturesque 60-acre park is still one of Charleston’s local favorites for relaxation. From its shady gazebos to its southern gardens, the park has everything you need to dive into a Lowcountry state of mind. Whether you want to relive the founding of the city at White Point Garden or just enjoy its beautiful scenery, there is plenty of space to run and play here. You can also take your dog for a stroll or let them explore the park on their own. Just be sure to pick up after them to keep the park clean and healthy for all its visitors. If you’re looking for something to eat, there are several pet-friendly restaurants in the area. Try Taco Boy or Edmund’s Oast, both of which offer a large patio area perfect for dogs. Taco Boy even has a special Dia de los Muertos menu. Parking Whether you are walking your dog, running, or just relaxing on the gazebo bench at the park’s entrance, it’s easy to spend hours enjoying Hampton Park. The park’s beautiful pond, fountain, gardens, and southern trees will take you away into a peaceful Lowcountry state of mind. The park was named after Confederate General Wade Hampton, who owned one of the largest collections of slaves at the time of the Civil War. The 60-acre park has plenty to offer, with a scenic roadway around the perimeter that is popular among walkers, runners, and cyclists. The National Register of Historic Places lists the Hampton Park Terrace neighborhood as a Historic District. This neighborhood was laid out in 1911 and 1913, with most of the contributing buildings built between 1914 and 1922. Refer to This Web Page .

After 20 months of Federal ironclad and shore battery bombardment, Charleston’s fortifications were held. In February 1865 General Sherman commenced his march through South Carolina, and Confederate forces evacuated Sumter. Click for more . A plaque marks the original sally port, and a reconstructed sally port leads to the first-tier casemates (gunrooms). From this emplacement Capt. Abner Doubleday fired the first shot from Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. History The park’s visitor center and one of the departure locations for ferries to Fort Sumter are located in Liberty Park, a nice waterfront public park that’s easy walking distance from Charleston’s Historic District. Exhibits explain how growing sectionalism and strife erupted into the American Civil War at Fort Sumter and beyond. The fort’s history begins in the 1820s when construction began on the artificial island in Charleston Harbor. By the time of the Battle of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1860, it was only partially completed. Its five sides and armaments could accommodate only a garrison of about 650 men. The Army tried to put the fort back into service in the decade after the Civil War. It leveled jagged sections of the walls; built cisterns and storage magazines; reconstructed the first-tier casemates (gunrooms); and added 11 100-pounder Parrott guns on the right face. This gun emplacement is a replica of the original one that fired the first shots of the Civil War. Visitor Center If you’re taking a ferry to Fort Sumter, be sure to arrive early at the Visitor Center on Liberty Square. Exhibits here set the scene for your trip, explaining the events that led up to the first shots fired in April of 1861 and the ensuing Civil War. The fort had been designed in the 1820s as a bastion of coastal defense, with five sides and room enough for 650 men and 135 guns. But it was unfinished by the day Union commander Major Robert Anderson moved his 85-man garrison into it on December 20, 1860, setting in motion events that would tear the nation apart four months later. Riding to Fort Sumter National Monument Visitor Center is easy with Moovit. Use our all-in-one app to get better directions, cheaper prices, and faster travel times. Moovit is trusted by over 1.5 million users, including over 590,000 users in Charleston Central. Check out our free app and website today! A great place to also visit is Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. Self-Guided Tours If you love history and want to visit the place where America’s deadliest war began, consider a tour from Fort Sumter National Monument. This is the only company in Charleston that offers a full guided tour of the fort as well as a ferry ride to get there. Decades of growing strife erupted into civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later, igniting the conflict that would become known as the American Civil War. After boarding your ferry at Liberty Square or Patriot’s Point, you have about an hour to explore the well-preserved fort ruins and museum. Afterward, board the ferry for the return ride and enjoy the tranquil scenes of the city on your way back to the mainland. The ferry trip is 30 minutes each way and runs multiple times throughout the day. During the voyage, you will pass Castle Pinckney on Shutes Folly Island which controversially flies a confederate flag. Boat Tours For those wishing to learn more about the history of Fort Sumter and how it triggered America’s bloodiest war, consider booking a tour with one of the local providers that offer ferries out to the island. The tour includes a park ranger-led introduction to the history of the Fort and is a great way to see the USS Yorktown, Charleston Harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and more! The experience begins with a 30-minute boat ride out to the island. The ferry is large and offers guests a chance to enjoy views of the city from both sides of the harbor as they sail, as well as see Fort Moultrie, Patriots Point, and the buildings and steeples that line Charleston’s waterfront. Once on the island, guests are given an hour to explore and learn about the events that led up to the beginning of the Civil War. Once the tour is over, be sure to head to the museum and spot the tattered US flag that was smuggled out in secrecy just before the fort was captured by the Confederacy. Browse the next article .

South Carolina Aquarium maintains an impressive 4-star rating on TripAdvisor, especially with families. Many locals also mention it as one of the best things to do on a romantic Charleston date. The aquarium hosts a cool turtle hospital where guests can learn about sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Kids will love the chance to pet stingrays on an upper deck. Read this first !