Charleston is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. The city attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and for good reason; with mild temperatures, endless coastlines, and more than 300 years of history, Charles Town offers a little something for everybody.
That fact is a boon for families with different tastes; it can be hard to meet the needs and interests of mom, dad, and a gaggle of kids, yet Charleston, SC, manages to get the job done. Let’s take a look at three unforgettable family activities you can do on your trip down south.
A Tour Through Time
Charleston was founded in 1670, an entire century before the U.S. was officially established. Its ideal location on the coast allowed it to prosper in those early years, and it ended up playing a crucial role in the Civil War. As a result, the whole city is attached to a little piece of history; whether you want to take a ghost tour through the Old Jail, a horse carriage ride through the historic district, or just marvel at the classic architecture, you’ll have plenty of options. If you’re looking for timeless beauty, check out the region’s stunning plantations; you may be used to metal barns and modern agricultural metal buildings, but you’ll find only original structures when you walk the grounds of Middleton Place or Boone Hall Plantation.
Explore Your Wild Side
For those looking for something a little more active, you can step outside the bounds of the city and hop on the back of an ATV. The state of South Carolina boasts a wide variety of stunning natural terrain; you can explore mountainous roads, swamplands, coastal regions, and a multitude of wooded areas — nearly any environment you can imagine is available as on an off-road course. And due to the fact that the demand for sport ATVs was around 180,000 units in 2016, there will be no shortage of vehicles!
Walking In The Wilderness
Although the city of Charleston is charming in its own right, not everyone wants to spend their entire trip within its walls. If you’re looking to find a balance between the bustle of downtown and the adrenaline rush of off-roading in an ATV, there are plenty of gorgeous hiking trails close by: for example, I’on Swamp Trail, located in the Francis Marion National Forest, is an easy two-mile loop that promises views of alligators and a multitude of migrating songbirds. The Audubon Swamp Garden kills two birds with one stone; this 60-acre swampland is located on Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, allowing you to sees a bit of history and a bit of nature all at once. Considering the fact that only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week, making time in your vacation for a hike (or leisurely walk) is well worth it.
Planning a family vacation that satisfies everyone’s interests can be difficult, but Charleston makes the job a piece of cake! When you visit this beautiful and historic city, you’ll find that no one wants to come home.