Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
All the United States South Carolina Charleston

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Charleston

12 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Updated February 23, 2023

Email
Attractions
Food & Drink
Map
Leaderboards
Stories
Hotel Deals

Unusual Attractions in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina

Old Slave Mart

South Carolina's last remaining slavery auction house is now a museum devoted to its own tragic history.
Old Charleston City Jail

Charleston, South Carolina

Old Charleston City Jail

Charleston's historic city jail once held everyone from pirates to Civil War POWs.

Charleston, South Carolina

Drayton Hall

Tour the oldest unrestored plantation house in America that is open to the public.
Overgrown headstones at the Unitarian Cemetery.

Charleston, South Carolina

Unitarian Church Cemetery

Paths are maintained, but trees have taken over plots.
Tavern at Rainbow Row

Charleston, South Carolina

Tavern at Rainbow Row

The oldest liquor store in the country is a model of resilience and mischief.
The Waring Historical Library. (Press Photo)

Charleston, South Carolina

The Waring Historical Library

Dedicated to the history of the health sciences.
Giant’s Causeway Pillar Section

Charleston, South Carolina

Giant's Causeway Pillar

A stack of stones steeped in Irish folklore, much like the hero they're connected to, hide in plain sight.
Rainbow Row

Charleston, South Carolina

Rainbow Row

Thirteen pastel palaces in downtown Charleston add a gorgeous splash of color to the city.
See All 12 Things To Do in Charleston

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Charleston

Tavern at Rainbow Row

Charleston, South Carolina

Tavern at Rainbow Row

The oldest liquor store in the country is a model of resilience and mischief.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Charleston, South Carolina

Architecture 3
History & Culture 3
Us Civil War 2
Medical Museums 2
Crime And Punishment 2
Architectural Oddities 2
Slavery 2
Shops 2
Museums 2

Charleston Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. J Ginsberg
    3
  2. whitney8251
    2
  3. Cornchops
    1
  4. kozel
    1
  5. AndolinaH
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Charleston.

Places Edited

  1. Collector of Experiences
    7
  2. JulsMaya
    5
  3. Craig H
    5
  4. Rose Stuart
    4
  5. Mom0ja
    4
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. TeamDD
    12
  2. alexbell85
    12
  3. rayyalong
    12
  4. Munringus
    12
  5. futurespacegirl
    11
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Charleston.

Recent Charleston Activity

  • tigernuc

    wants to go to Drayton Hall

  • katelynnkensington

    wants to go to Drayton Hall

  • rissaleighbumbleB

    has been to Unitarian Church Cemetery

  • rissaleighbumbleB

    has been to Old Slave Mart

  • toniabranton

    wants to go to Tavern at Rainbow Row

Stories About Charleston

This eye-catching Finsch’s Imperial pigeon has a wingspan of about two feet—the biggest birds ever to fly were more than 12 times its size.

What's the Biggest Bird in the World?

From a flightless giant heavier than a polar bear to a super-glider with a 24-foot wingspan, avians ancient and modern compete for the crown.
by Jackie Mead
July 19, 2022

Meet the Fatbergs

Digging into the science of three cities' sewer-clogging blobs.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
November 20, 2018

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.

Learn More

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.