Other Attractions & Tours

H.L. Hunley
On the night of February 17, 1864, eight men, led by Lt. George Dixon, entered an experimental vessel that was to become the first submarine in world history to successfully sink an enemy ship. That night, the H. L. Hunley rammed her spar torpedo into the hull of the USS Housatonic. But minutes after her historic achievement, the Hunley and all hands onboard vanished into the sea without a trace.

Today, the South Carolina Hunley Commission and a private, non-profit group called the Friends of the Hunley are solving the mystery of the Hunley. They are engaged in the single most important underwater archaeological expedition of the century, and are dedicated to preserving the greatest, most sought-after artifacts in the history of naval warfare. The H. L. Hunley is located inside the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston. Tour reservations are required in advance.

Old Exchange
Perhaps no other Charleston attraction presents so much of American history as the Old Exchange. Built by the British as the Exchange and Customs House in 1771, the Old Exchange stands as one of the three most historically significant buildings of Colonial America. During the Revolution the building was converted to a British prison where many prominent patriots were held. From the steps of the Exchange, the independent colony of South Carolina was declared on March 1776. In 1788, the convention to ratify the Constitution met in the Old Exchange, which is owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution and managed by the City of Charleston.

Walking Tours
Take a tour through the back alleyways and side streets while you listen to the haunted tales and spooky stories of Charleston's past. The city's ghost tours take you into Charleston's oldest church graveyards, or inside the Old City Jail, which stands almost exactly as it did 100 years ago. For the faint of heart, check out one of the many tours of Charleston's famous French Quarter, Rainbow Row, The Citadel and the Battery overlooking Charleston Harbor. Stroll the alleyways that pass hidden gardens in the historic district while you learn about Charleston from 1670 through the Civil War to the present.

Nature Tours
For a look at Charleston's abundant wildlife, take to the water for a nature tour. There a knowledgeable naturalist will point out local treasures like great blue herons, snowy egrets, eastern brown pelicans and least terns. Most days, dolphins come to entertain, and once in a while a shark fin will break the surface, or a manatee will be spotted hanging out near the boat docks at the Maritime Center, or out near the jetties. There is nothing better than the view of the peninsular city from Charleston Harbor.

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Saffire Charleston's Oven Saffire is located in the elegant Charleston Marriott Hotel on the Ashley River, Lockwood Boulevard. Enjoy the bold flavors of Saffire’s seasonally inspired menu which reflects a belief in “the cuisine of today,”. Always healthy, always evolving. Eclectic, imaginative and unrestricted by ethnic boundaries.... Superb selection of wine. Free parking. Warm and welcoming. Tel: (843) 723-3000.

Tommy Condon's Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s has made his name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite local spots to serve up Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. Tommy runs a family-oriented establishment where children are welcome as they are. A special children's menu is available for "little leprechauns." Serving food and fun into the wee hours of the night.

Bulldog Tours Charleston's premier walking tours with exclusive access to some locations. Behind the scenes of the Holy City's graveyards, back alleyways, and dungeon. As seen on Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted Places. Ghost Dungeon, Dark Side Charleston, Ghost Graveyard Walking Tours. Haunted Jail Tour, Charleston Strolls Walk With History and more.