Strolling along a one-mile section of Meeting Street, history enthusiasts will discover six museums, five nationally important historic houses, four scenic parks and a Revolutionary War powder magazine. They will also see a number of historically significant houses of worship; public buildings such as Charleston City Hall, the second-oldest City Hall in continuous use in America; and the Old City Market, Charleston’s most popular tourist destination.
The Museum Mile officially begins at the Charleston Visitor Center, located along Meeting Street inside a beautifully restored 1856 railroad warehouse. The perfect place to plan any exploration of the Charleston Lowcountry, the Visitor Center offers a wide array of services, including the free Official Visitors Guide to Charleston, free maps, many discounted tour and attraction tickets, and public transportation information and passes, as well as the Lowcountry Reservation Service, which assists walk-in visitors in need of same-day lodging assistance.
Along the Museum Mile, Charleston’s past unfolds through a variety of experiences available during this self-paced journey through the city’s 325-year history. Visitors can rediscover the heroes of the Civil War through the carefully preserved collection of flags, uniforms, swords and other Confederate memorabilia at the Confederate Museum; learn the stories of the region as seen through paintings, sculpture and photographs at the Gibbes Museum of Art; experience life in the antebellum South through a collection of original furniture, silver, books and paintings of a Charleston family living in High Battery at the Edmondston-Alston House; retrace the steps of presidents, patriots and pirates through Charleston’s Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War days at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon… and that’s just the beginning.
Visitors love to make a day of it, taking a break to explore one of the 12 ornate houses of worship along the Museum Mile; or grabbing a to-go snack or lunch from one of the city’s many fine eateries to enjoy in one of Charleston’s urban parks.
For those interested in touring the Museum Mile on foot, there’s plenty of parking available at the Visitor Center and in garages along Meeting Street. For those who prefer to ride, Charleston’s Regional Transit Authority operates the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), with pickups and drop-offs along the Museum Mile every few minutes. Day passes are available on board or at the Visitor Center. Still don’t know where to start your journey? Check out the Museum Mile’s ticket packages that highlight Revolutionary Charleston, Charleston During the Civil War, African American Heritage or the Best of Charleston Architecture. One is sure to please.
For more information about Charleston’s Museum Mile, please visit www.charlestonmuseummile.org.
Just for Kids: Family-friendly Activities Abound in Charleston
Are we there yet?” Those little voices in the backseat are a reminder that it’s the kids’ vacation, too. So why not take advantage of some of the exciting opportunities in the Charleston Lowcountry that await kids of all ages?
Explore and Discover
Learning and fun intersect at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML), where curious youngsters find plenty of hands-on activities. Located in the Camden Tower Shed behind the Visitor Center in downtown Charleston, CML is the place where kids can race boats down rapids, climb aboard a Lowcountry pirate ship, make it rain indoors or grow vegetables in an all-organic kids’ garden. They can race golf balls down a roller coaster to see physics in action, shop for “real” groceries while learning healthy eating habits and create inspired masterpieces. For more information about CML and a schedule of special events, visit www.explorecml.org.
For kids who love history, a visit to America’s first museum is in order. The Charleston Museum, located on Meeting Street across from the Visitor Center, is easy to spot because of the replica of the H. L. Hunley, the first submarine in world history to successfully sink an enemy ship, located in front of the building. Kids won’t want to miss Kidstory, an exciting new exhibit that teaches the rich cultural and natural history of Charleston and the Lowcountry. History comes alive with Kidstory’s interactive components and wall-length murals of the Dill Sanctuary and the Heyward-Washington House, as well as other notable Charleston scenes. For more information about Kidstory and other exhibits at the Charleston Museum, visit www.charlestonmuseum.org.
A trip to Charleston would not be complete without seeing the South Carolina Aquarium located on Charleston Harbor. A self-supporting educational institution, the aquarium is dedicated to excellence in its display of the aquatic environments of South Carolina. Don’t miss the new exhibit, Penguin Planet, where visitors can watch Magellanic penguins swim, dive and play! To plan your visit, go to www.scaquarium.org.
Fun in the Sun
Are you and your kids up for a little outdoor fun? Why not get a great view of the city and a little exercise, too. Today one of the most popular pastimes is a leisurely stroll across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in America. With plenty of parking on the Mount Pleasant side, a walk across the two-and-a half-mile expanse is sure to delight the entire family.
Adults and kids alike are enchanted by Waterfront Park’s incomparable views of Charleston Harbor and the majestic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Located on Concord Street in downtown Charleston, the park offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle, with eight acres of lawns, trails and a pier. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins!
The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) offers one of the most diverse recreational systems in the Southeast. Take a stroll through a canopy of hardwoods, kayak on a lagoon, build sandcastles and splash in the water at the beach, zoom down a 200-foot water slide, picnic under live oaks or even scale South Carolina’s tallest outdoor climbing wall—literally countless opportunities await! This over 5,000-acre park system includes three land parks, three beach parks, two landmark fishing piers, three water parks, 19 boat landings, interpretive center, equestrian center and marina. In addition, CCPRC offers many recreational services—festivals, camps, classes, programs, a climbing wall, cottages, campgrounds and much, much more! For more information, visit www.ccprc.com.
Take Me Out to the Game!
While in Charleston, why not take in a game? Charleston’s trio of professional teams—the Charleston RiverDogs, the Charleston Battery and the South Carolina Stingrays—form a never-ending sports season. For schedules and ticket information, please visit www.riverdogs.com, www.charlestonbattery.com or www.stingrayshockey.com.
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.
Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant has made its name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite local spots. Try popular Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. A family-oriented establishment where children are welcome as they are. Serving food and fun into the wee hours of the night. Live Irish music Wednesday through Sunday nights.
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.
Strolling along a one-mile section of Meeting Street, history enthusiasts will discover six museums, five nationally important historic houses, four scenic parks and a Revolutionary War powder magazine. They will also see a number of historically significant houses of worship; public buildings such as Charleston City Hall, the second-oldest City Hall in continuous use in America; and the Old City Market, Charleston’s most popular tourist destination.
Visitors love to make a day of it, taking a break to explore one of the 12 ornate houses of worship along the Museum Mile; or grabbing a to-go snack or lunch from one of the city’s many fine eateries to enjoy in one of Charleston’s urban parks.
Are we there yet?” Those little voices in the backseat are a reminder that it’s the kids’ vacation, too. So why not take advantage of some of the exciting opportunities in the Charleston Lowcountry that await kids of all ages?
A trip to Charleston would not be complete without seeing the South Carolina Aquarium located on Charleston Harbor. A self-supporting educational institution, the aquarium is dedicated to excellence in its display of the aquatic environments of South Carolina. Don’t miss the new exhibit, Penguin Planet, where visitors can watch Magellanic penguins swim, dive and play! To plan your visit, go to www.scaquarium.org. 
Adults and kids alike are enchanted by Waterfront Park’s incomparable views of Charleston Harbor and the majestic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Located on Concord Street in downtown Charleston, the park offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle, with eight acres of lawns, trails and a pier. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins!
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.
Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant has made its name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite local spots. Try popular Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. A family-oriented establishment where children are welcome as they are. Serving food and fun into the wee hours of the night. Live Irish music Wednesday through Sunday nights. 
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. 
