Charleston Pictures

To get a feel for Charleston's character, simply walk around the downtown area. You'll spot antebellum architecture, towering palm trees and cobblestone streets. Tetra Images Getty Images

You'll spot this large pineapple fountain in Charleston's idyllic waterfront park, a 12-acre park that runs for about 1½ miles along the Cooper River.
MarkVanDykePhotography Shutterstock

The Ordinary (and Charleston in general) is famous for its oysters. Explore Charleston

Charming, centuries-old townhouses like this one can be spotted throughout the city's historic downtown corrider. Denton Rumsey Shutterstock

It's estimated that the Angel Oak Tree is between 400 and 500 years old. It's open daily, free of charge on Johns Island (about 13 miles west of Charleston). Piriya Photography Getty Images

If you're hoping to avoid the throng of tourists that walk along the Battery every day, consider making your trip at dawn for a spectacular sunrise. ClimberJAK Shutterstock

Plan to hang your hat in Isle of Palms if you want to rent a beachfront house, or stay in a fully equipped resort: You won't find these types of accommodations in downtown Charleston. Jacob Sjman Svensson / Folio Getty Images

You'll know you've hit Rainbow Row (located on East Bay Street) when you see the candy-colored facades of the 13 houses that occupy this section of downtown Charleston. SeanPavonePhoto Getty Images

Folly Beach is located about 12 miles south of downtown Charleston. Ann Rivall USN&WR

You'll find Spanish moss delicately draped from the branches of live oaks, crepe myrtles and the occasional pine. MarkVanDykePhotography Shutterstock

Touring Charleston by horse-drawn carriage is a popular way to see the city and learn about the area's rich history from knowledgeable guides.
Courtesy ExploreCharleston.com

The Nathaniel Russell House, located just off the Battery, is best known for its "flying" spiral staircase. Rick McKee Courtesy the Historic Charleston Foundation

On April 12, 1861, Confederate troops opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Courtesy ExploreCharleston.com

Built in 1803, the Joseph Manigault House is a National Historic Landmark. The home was once occupied by the Manigaults – a wealthy family who owned a prosperous rice plantation. You'll find the home on Meeting Street.
mhowry Flickr

The United States Custom House, which was originally completed in 1879, is still in operation today. You'll have to admire its striking architecture from the outside, though: The building is closed to the public. Don Williamson Shutterstock

The H. L. Hunley made history on the night of Feb. 17, 1864 when it became the first submarine to ever sink an enemy ship.
Courtesy Friends of the Hunley

Middleton Place boasts America's oldest landscaped gardens, with a history that dates back 320 years. Courtesy Middleton Place

If you're hoping to bring back an authentic souvenir from Charleston, you can't go wrong with a sweetgrass basket. You'll find locals selling them at the Charleston City Market. Courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com

If you're a fan of the performing arts, try to arrange your Charleston jaunt for the end of May or the beginning of June. It's around this time that the city hosts its annual Spoleto Festival USA. During the 17-day arts carnival, Charleston's theaters, churches and outdoor spaces are taken over by artists and their spectators. Julia Lynn Photography Flickr

Peruse souvenirs and Charleston-made wares at the Charleston City Market. Courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com

Fans of "The Notebook" will recognize Boone Hall Plantation from the film (it served as the Hamiltons' summer home). Even if you're unfamiliar with the movie, there's plenty of history here to make the trip worthwhile (the plantation was founded in 1681). Rennett Stowe Flickr

Magnolia Plantation is home to the oldest collection of Indica Azaleas in America. Stop by in spring to see these plants in full bloom. Dave Allen Photography Shutterstock

Until it was sold to The Charleston Museum and opened as a museum house in 1975, family descendants owned the Aiken-Rhett property for 142 years. Courtesy of the Historic Charleston Foundation

The city sprawl as seen from the air. iofoto Shutterstock

Located just north of the White Point Gardens, the Calhoun Mansion is the largest home in Charleston. Bill Ward's Brickpile Flickr

Considered a Charleston landmark, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant (a town just east of Charleston). You'll be able to admire the bridge from several points in downtown Charleston (including Waterfront Park), but you can also take a stroll across it using the bridge's pedestrian paths. Riddhish Chakraborty Getty Images

Drayton Hall, a plantation that dates back to the late 1700s, sits along the Ashley River. Courtesy ExploreCharleston.com

Charleston's culinary scene is chock full of delicious, fresh seafood like crab, scallops and flounder. Courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com

To gain a better understanding of Charleston's history and its best-known landmarks, consider signing up for a guided walking tour. Most last two hours and cover a variety of topics. DaveAlan Getty Images

Keep your eyes peeled for marine life off the coast of Folly Beach. Richard Breck VisitFolly.com

There are a variety of boat tours offered in Charleston. Some of the most popular are sunset cruises.  aimintang Getty Images

Come to Folly Beach for the nature and the surfing, or head to the pier to sit and fish. Vive Media VisitFolly.com

if you're looking to relax at the beach for a few days, consider a vacation rental along the shores of Folly Beach. Vive Media VisitFolly.com

According to many, there's no better example of antebellum life than the Aiken-Rhett House Museum. Courtesy of the Historic Charleston Foundation

This house museum has a distinct yellow coloring and interesting architectural details. Courtesy of the Historic Charleston Foundation

Recent visitors said the Nathanial Russell House Museum is the place to go if you're looking for insight into the more lavish side of Southern comfort. Bill Struhs Nathanial Russell House Museum

Dinner, anyone? Rick McKee Nathanial Russell House Museum

Gilded crown molding is just one of the many impressive details at this house museum. Rick McKee Nathanial Russell House Museum

Tommy Dew's Walking History Tour takes visitors throughout Charleston to enjoy its beautiful details. Travis Dew Photography

Bulldog Tours is another popular tour operator in the area. John LaVerne

One of the best ways to see Charleston is on a boat tour. Ron Cogswell Flickr

Tours aboard The Schooner Pride are popular, especially if you're interested in the mechanics of sailing, as the captain offers travelers the option to raise and trim the sails with the crew ATOMIC hot links Flickr

Enjoy a traditional sailing experience aboard the Schooner Pride. Matt Drobnik Flickr

The Battery is known for its beautiful houses. River North Photography Getty Images

If you're a fan of "House Hunters," you might want to peruse the mansions along The Battery. ProfReader Wikimedia Commons

The houses along The Battery have impressive landscaping. Wikimedia Commons

You'll want to visit the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens when the azaleas are in bloom, which is typically in March and April.

  JNevitt Getty Images

Several peacocks call the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens home. Justin Reznick Photography Getty Images

A stroll around the gardens is the best way to enjoy the natural beauty. Adam Jones Flickr

Cornbread is a staple at many Charleston restaurants. Learn about the city's deep culinary history on a food tour. Andrew Cebulka Explore Charleston

For a crash course in the city's best eats, consider spending a few hours with Charleston Food Tours.  Courtesy of Charleston Food Tours