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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Charleston

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

Updated July 19, 2022

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.

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

Oldest unrestored plantation house in America that is open to the public.

Charleston, South Carolina

Unitarian Church Cemetery

Paths are maintained, but trees have taken over plots.

Charleston, South Carolina

The Waring Historical Library

Dedicated to the history of the health sciences.

Charleston, South Carolina

Macaulay Museum of Dental History

Dental instruments from the illustrious history of American dentistry.

Charleston, South Carolina

Fireproof Building and South Carolina Historical Society

Once the most flame resistant building in the country, the South Carolina Historical Society building was almost burnt down in a fire.

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.

See All 11 Things To Do in Charleston

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina

Tavern at Rainbow Row

The oldest liquor store in the country is a model of resilience and mischief.

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Stories About Charleston

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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.

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Digging into the science of three cities' sewer-clogging blobs.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

November 20, 2018

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