Catch a glimpse into the past by visiting Charleston’s museums and historic forts! Spending time in a city’s historical sites can really give you insights in what makes the city place it is today. By visiting these maritime museums and cultural sites, you too can learn about Charleston’s origins and see what contributed to Charleston being the awesome city it is today. Consider adding these museums and historic forts to your Charleston itinerary. These are Charleston’s top museums & historic forts.
Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum
For a deep dive into US naval history, you have to visit Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Located on the scenic Charleston Harbor, this museum is home to the legendary USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that played a pivotal role in World War II. Tour the ship’s flight deck, explore the engine room, and even sit in the cockpit of vintage fighter jets! The museum also features the USS Laffey, a destroyer known for its service during D-Day, and the USS Clamagore, a Cold War-era submarine.
The Charleston Museum
Visit the oldest museum in the United States! The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 and is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, natural history specimens, and cultural exhibits. Explore the rich history of Charleston and the Lowcountry through displays on Native American history, colonial life, and the Civil War. The museum’s impressive collection includes decorative arts, textiles, and a remarkable array of fossils and archaeological finds.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
This interactive museum is designed to engage young minds through play and exploration. Watch as your children embark on a pirate adventure, build with giant foam blocks, and even experiment with water in the “WaterWise” exhibit. The museum also offers a kid-sized grocery store, a medieval castle, and an art room where kids can explore their creativity in different ways. Curiosity and learning are inspired here, at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Gibbes Museum of Art
Feast your eyes on an impressive collection of American art at the Gibbes Museum of Art. The stunning Beaux-Arts building itself is a work of art. Admire various paintings, specifically works from the South, with sculptures and decorative arts that span from the colonial era to modern times! The museum also has rotating exhibits that showcase different works of art from local and national artists. For a visual feast, you shouldn’t miss a trip to the Gibbes Museum of Art!
Avery Research Center
The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture is a vital institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of African Americans in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Housed in a historic building that once served as a school for African American children, the center has exhibits on civil rights, education, and the African American experience. Listen to the stories of resilience and achievement told through photographs, manuscripts, and artifacts. Check the schedule for insights on upcoming lectures, performances, and community events happening at the Avery Research Center.
Fort Sumter National Monument
No visit to Charleston is complete without a trip to Fort Sumter! This is the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. You can access the fort by ferry, as Fort Sumter National Monument stands in the middle of Charleston Harbor. Take in the beautiful of the city and the surrounding waters. Walk along the well-preserved fortifications, learn about the pivotal events that took place here, and reflect on the impact of the Civil War in America’s history.
Fort Moultrie
Another historic military site worth exploring is Fort Moultrie, located on Sullivan’s Island. This fort has a storied past that spans from the Revolutionary War to World War II! When you come, you can walk through the fort’s various sections which represent different times of military history. The trails and exhibits give you insight into why Fort Moultrie was used strategically to defend Charleston Harbor. The site also provides great views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Charleston skyline.
Come Explore Charleston’s History!
Take a trip through time and explore Charleston’s origins by visiting these museums and fort. As you wander the forts, read and explore artifacts in the museums, and observe art from local artists you’ll be learning Charleston’s origin story.
When it’s time to start planning your visit to see the top museums and historic forts in Charleston, why not keep in mind the property professionals at Carroll Realty? They offer a rich selection of vacation rentals in and around Charleston that will keep you central to adventures like these and so much more. Choose from condos, beachfront villas, and vacation homes with amenities to keep you comfortable. Choose the proper home base for all your museum and fort visits with Carroll Realty. Reach out today to reserve your stay near Charleston today!
