When summer rolls around, many Charlestonians seek relief in air-conditioned spaces. Even those used to the heat need a break from 90°F days with full humidity. Here are some top activities in Charleston to cool down:
Museums in Charleston
Charleston has a variety of museums, perfect for escaping the heat with full-blast air conditioning. Some favorites include:
The Charleston Museum
360 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403
Highlight:
Learn the history of the Holy City covering everything from fossils to Native Americans to the Civil War.
Admission:
Adult Ticket is $15
Child Ticket is $6
Children under 2 are FREE
Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Highlight:
Including historical, modern, and contemporary works, their collection spans 350 years and features some of the country’s most celebrated artists. There’s so much to see inside!
Admission:
Adult Ticket is $12
Child Ticket is $6
Student Ticket is $10
Senior (62+) is $10
Children under 2 are FREE
North Charleston Fire Museum (kid-friendly)
4975 Centre Pointe Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418
Highlight:
It's an unforgettable experience for the firefighter in all of us! You will gain valuable knowledge while having fun and leave here ready to share it.
Admission:
Adult Ticket is $6
Child 12 and under are FREE
Old Slave Mart Museum
6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401
Highlight:
This museum, the first dedicated to African-American slaves, is often staffed by individuals who can trace their ancestry back to the enslaved people of Charleston. It provides a powerful feeling and connection to the past.
Admission:
General Admission – $8
Child (7-12) – $5
Child (0-6) – Free
Military & Senior – $6
Teacher & Student (with ID) – $5
Aiken-Rhett House
48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403
Highlight:
Admission:
Adult: $15
Child 6-16: $7
Under Age 6: Free
Drayton Hall- A plantation museum tour
3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
Highlight:
Admission:
Interpreter Guided House Tour (All inclusive): $15 /$29 For all ages! • 1 Hour • General Admission
Grounds & Galleries Admission: $10 /$20
Family Fridays: $5 1 Hour • All Ages
Ashley River House & Garden Combination Tour with Middleton Place: $16 /$50 For all ages! • 5 Hours • General Admission
Drayton Hall x Charleston Stroll Combo: $37 /$60 Ages 4+ • 3 Hours
Water Parks
All this sunshine year-round means that water park season lasts longer! No matter what part of the city you’re in, you can cool down on a waterslide, in a wave pool, or in a lazy river. There are many water parks in Charleston and surrounding areas but here are two we recommend:
Splash Zone
871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
Admission:
Gold Pass: $90, $75 for Charleston County residents, or $60 for Seniors 60+ plus tax
(*Gold Pass holders are allowed admission of up to 15 people per vehicle unless otherwise specified and Gold Pass holders receive $15 off South Carolina Aquarium annual memberships.)
Individual Pass: $35 or $25 for Charleston County residents, plus tax
Whirlin’ Waters
8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406
Admission:
General Admission: $24.99 per person
$15.99 per person after 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday only (not including Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day)
Under 48”: $19.99 per person
Seniors 60+: $14.99 per person
Children 2 and under: Free
Groups: $19.99 per person (must have a group size of 20 or more people)
Charleston Aquarium
You can check out sea turtles, jellyfish, eagles, and more here. The inside galleries are all air-conditioned, so it’s a great indoor activity in Charleston, SC, to beat the heat. The Charleston Aquarium is one of the most kid-friendly and popular attractions on the East Coast, showcasing animals and wildlife from Charleston’s diverse landscape.
Charleston Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Highlight:
Spend the day connecting to water and wildlife. The aquarium has tailored programs and events for adults of all ages!
Admission:
$32.50 (but pricing may increase closer to your selected date)
Rooftop Bars
Feel the breeze at one of the many rooftop bars. We're a bit obsessed with visiting these cool bars that offer great views of the city and surrounding water.
Stars Rooftop Bar & Grill
495 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Eleve Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
55 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits
79 Wentworth Street, 7th Floor
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Red’s Ice House
98 Church St. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
101 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC
Ice Cream Parlors
The warm weather just cries for ice cream. Some of our favorite ice cream shops include:
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
1242 Belk Drive #101, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream
1502 N Hwy 17, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Kilwins
59 S. Market St. Charleston, SC 29401
Off Track Ice Cream
6 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401
Spa Day
When all else fails? Head to the spa. Some of our favorite local spas include:
The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place
205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Woodhouse Day Spa
10 Westedge St., Suite 150, Charleston, SC 29403
Edisto River
Only a one-hour drive from Downtown, this river is where the locals go when they want to float. You can rent a tube for only $20 per person and spend the next few hours relaxing. At the end of the experience, you’ll get shuttled back to your car after returning your inner tube.
The Andy Bovender Team at Compass Charleston isn't just about real estate; we're deeply passionate about immersing ourselves in the communities in which we sell real estate. We hope to see you and your family at these local spots to cool down this summer!
