Fun Things to Do in Winter

Explore the historic district with a horse-drawn carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage Works, or explore the city’s food scene or haunted past on a walking tour with Bulldog Tours. History buffs will love visiting iconic sites like Fort Sumter, the site of the first shots fired in the American Civil War or Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, which dates back to the Revolutionary War.

Visit the newly opened International African American Museum, located at the site where many enslaved Africans first arrived in America. At Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, you can immerse yourself in maritime history, including exhibits on the Vietnam War and Medal of Honor recipients. The Charleston Museum, known as “America’s First Museum,” boasts the most comprehensive collection of South Carolina materials in the United States, offering insight into the state’s history since its founding just before the American Revolution. For families, The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry provides hours of fun for kids under 10, with interactive exhibits like the Creation Station and a playful Kids Garden. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Gibbes Museum of Art, which connects Charleston’s artistic heritage with a vibrant contemporary art scene. History buffs can explore the Old Slave Mart Museum, housed in the last surviving slave auction gallery in South Carolina, or visit the South Carolina Historical Society Museum to discover the people, places, and events that shaped the state. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, built in 1771, has served as a commercial exchange, post office, city hall, and military headquarters and is now a captivating museum. Other must-visit sites include The Powder Magazine, South Carolina’s oldest government building, originally used for gunpowder storage, and the Museum at Market Hall, a striking replica of the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens..

There are many places to shop on iconic King Street. The Lower King Street “Antiques District” stretches from Broad Street to Market Street and was voted the “Best Antique Shopping in the U.S.” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The Middle King Street “Fashion District” (from Market Street to Calhoun Street) is named for its mix of charming locally-owned boutiques and well-known national brands. Don’t miss the vibrant and historic Charleston City Market, where you can find everything from sweetgrass baskets to unique local crafts. For a touch of Charleston’s vibrant style, visit The Tiny Tassel where founder Mimi Striplin offers signature tassel earrings, colorful garments, and chic handbags inspired by the city’s charm. For more unique shopping, visit Southern Ruetz, a hat bar along with treasures from over 45 local artisans.

Winter may be considered “off-season”, but the events calendar says otherwise! From Wine Under the Oaks to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival to Charleston Wine + Food to the Taste of Folly, Charleston has you covered for winter festivals and events. Be sure to look through our events guide for all the details!

Step out of the chilly weather and grab a few friends and head to Candlefish to create your very own custom candle! The classes are fun and relaxed and offer the perfect opportunity to chat, sip some wine, and create a great keepsake! With a drink in hand and help from skilled hat artists, you’ll pick out special materials and see your vision come to life at Southern Ruetz. Whether you’re into dazzling decorations or a sleek, refined look, they will have the perfect hat just for you!

Explore the best wine bars that Charleston has to offer. Grab some friends and visit some of the city’s finest such as Bin 152, Graft Wine Shop, Uncork Charleston, and The Tippling House, all known for their superior wine lists. Roseline is one of the newest wine bars in town. At just over 450 square feet, Roseline is the place to cozy up and meet new friends. Charleston is home to some of South Carolina’s best breweries. With over 30 breweries in the city, each location provides a unique experience with a variety of beers, from traditional styles to more experimental brews. Some fan favorites include Holy City Brewing, Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Revelry Brewing Co., and Palmetto Brewery. A great way to visit several breweries is to take the Charleston Brewery District free trolley on Saturdays!

Every January in Charleston, locals and visitors can enjoy visiting a variety of participating sites along “Museum Mile” by purchasing one low-price ticket. For locals, it’s an opportunity to spend the entire month learning about Charleston’s history and culture at an affordable price.

Adult tickets are $35 and children’s are $10. Tickets include admission to thirteen amazing sites. Tickets must be purchased at the Visitors Center. To get more information and a map of locations, click here.

In Charleston, there are various choices to experience live theater or watch the latest blockbuster. If you’re in the mood for some laughter and improvisation, Theater 99 is the place to be for top-notch comedy in the city. For those who prefer watching Ballet or touring Broadway shows, you can visit the Gaillard Center or the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, both of which have an impressive lineup of performances. Experience the magic of live theater at the Dock Street Theatre as Charleston Stage brings to life a captivating season of plays and musicals, each adorned with breathtaking scenery, dazzling costumes, and captivating lighting.

Head up to the North Charleston Coliseum and check out our professional minor-league hockey team, the Stingrays! There are several games throughout the season, so there are plenty of opportunities to get together with friends or family to cheer on our local team! Tickets start at $21. Click here for the full Stingrays schedule.

Nothing beats the winter blues better than a relaxing spa treatment, and there are many fabulous spas in Charleston to choose from. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience at Charleston’s premier wellness destinations. Elyon Massage and Boutique Spa offers an array of services, from facials and massages to CBD products for both people and pets. Lordis Loft’s Aveda facials are tailored to your specific skincare needs, while The Spa at Wentworth Mansion offers an idyllic setting for a relaxing massage. Originally the mansion’s stables, the intimate and eucalyptus-scented spa features striking architectural details, including 14-foot vaulted ceilings, arched windows, exposed brick, and rustic beams, creating an air of tranquility and comfort for facials, massages, body treatments, and other services.