Charleston’s mild weather and coastal beauty make it a natural paradise for those who love the outdoors. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or lucky enough to call it home, there's no better way to experience the Lowcountry than by stepping outside. From paddleboarding in the marshes to soaking up sunsets on the harbor, here are 15 outdoor activities that capture the soul of Charleston and everything that makes life here so special.
Paddle Through the Lowcountry
Charleston’s salt marshes and barrier islands offer a paddler’s dreamscape, where winding creeks and glassy inlets reflect the golden hues of sunrise or sunset. With Coastal Expeditions, you can explore hidden backwaters, watch dolphins play, and glide beneath egrets in flight. For a more leisurely pace, Charleston Outdoor Adventures provides rentals and guided paddleboard tours that immerse you in the quiet rhythm of the Lowcountry. It's equal parts adventure and therapy.
Hit the Golf Course
Charleston’s golf scene is more than manicured fairways—it’s about teeing off beneath moss-covered oaks with a salty breeze in the air. The historic City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course on James Island offers laid-back charm and sweeping marsh views, while Charleston National Golf Club provides a more challenging layout nestled among tidal creeks. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just out to enjoy the day, these courses capture the Lowcountry’s quiet elegance.
Lounge at the Beach
Charleston’s beaches aren’t just for sunbathing—they’re places where time slows down. Walk the soft sands of Kiawah Island, where shorebirds dart between the dunes and the horizon stretches for miles. Grab an ice cream cone from Sullivan’s Island’s local spots and watch ships pass by Fort Moultrie, or head to Folly Beach for volleyball, surfers, and the unmistakable vibe of a beach town that doesn’t try too hard. Each one has its own rhythm, and all of them remind you to breathe a little deeper.
Saddle Up for a Trail Ride
There’s something timeless about horseback riding beneath the mossy canopy of Charleston’s old-growth forests. Middle Place Equestrian Center offers guided rides through scenic trails that wind past wildflowers and ancient oaks, offering a view of Charleston few get to experience. It's a peaceful, almost meditative way to connect with the landscape—and a memory that sticks with you long after the ride ends.
Cast a Line
Whether you're casting from a dock or heading out into open water, fishing in Charleston feels like connecting with centuries of coastal tradition. Inshore charters with Charleston Charter Fishing or Charleston Fish Rod Bending Company let you chase redfish and sea trout in the creeks, or test your luck for larger species offshore. It's not just about the catch—it’s about being on the water, feeling the tug of the line, and soaking in the moment.
Ride in Style—By Carriage
A horse-drawn carriage through Charleston’s historic streets turns a simple sightseeing trip into a storybook ride. Cobblestone roads, pastel homes, and flickering gas lanterns set the scene as guides from Old South Carriage Co. share tales of pirates, plantations, and preservation. Their Haunted Carriage Tour under the evening sky adds an atmospheric twist, especially when paired with a harbor cruise for the full historic immersion.
Cycle the City
On two wheels, Charleston opens up in a whole new way. Cruise quiet side streets in the South of Broad neighborhood, coast under oaks on the Battery, or take the family on a breezy ride through the scenic trails of Kiawah with rentals from Kiawah Island Golf Resort. You’ll feel the salt in the air, hear church bells in the distance, and see more in an hour than you could in a day on foot.
Hunt for Ancient Fossils
Charleston’s shores are a treasure trove for fossil hunters, from shark teeth to prehistoric whale bones. Charleston Fossil Adventures offers family-friendly outings that turn a walk on the beach into a hands-on history lesson. For the more adventurous, kayak to hidden fossil beds and try your luck at finding a megalodon tooth. It’s a thrilling way to connect with the natural world—and a souvenir like no other.
Flow with Beach Yoga
There’s something grounding about practicing yoga with the Atlantic in front of you and sand beneath your feet. Serenity Tree Yoga offers sunrise and sunset sessions that blend breath and movement with the rhythm of the tides. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, beach yoga in Charleston is equal parts workout and spiritual reset.
Play a Round of Tennis
Charleston’s public and private courts offer a chance to break a sweat while soaking in the sun. Rally with friends at Maybank Tennis Center or book a court at the Charleston Tennis Center for a spontaneous match. With palm trees nearby and blue skies above, tennis here feels more like a vacation than a workout.
Dine Outdoors, Charleston Style
Charleston’s culinary scene was made for outdoor dining. Enjoy Lowcountry seafood on the waterfront at Red's Ice House, or sip espresso under an umbrella in the courtyard at Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer Better yet, grab takeout and head to White Point Garden or Hampton Park for an impromptu picnic under the oaks. In a city where every meal tells a story, eating outdoors adds a layer of charm.
Catch a Wave
Folly Beach is Charleston’s surf capital, where locals and tourists alike try their luck riding the Atlantic’s swells. The waves are beginner-friendly and the vibe is all smiles—whether you're balancing on your first board or cheering from the shore. Add in a colorful boardwalk and funky local shops, and it’s the kind of surf scene that welcomes everyone.
Swim at the Pool
When you want a break from the saltwater, take a dip in one of Charleston’s local pools. W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center is open year-round with lap lanes and plenty of space to stretch out, while James Island County Park Pool offers a resort-like feel for families during the warmer months. It's perfect for cooling off, getting in some laps, or just floating the afternoon away.
Stroll Through Charleston’s Parks
Charleston’s parks are where locals go to slow down and soak up their surroundings. Palmetto Islands County Park offers wide boardwalks through marsh and forest, ideal for birdwatching or a peaceful walk. Closer to downtown, Waterfront Park provides green space with harbor views—perfect for a quiet lunch break or sunset sit.
Set Sail into the Sunset
Charleston’s harbor is nothing short of magical at golden hour, and setting sail is the ultimate way to experience it. Blue Life Charters and Charleston Sailing Charters offer everything from private sails to overnight adventures. Whether you're toasting a special moment or just watching dolphins trail the bow, there's no better way to end a day in Charleston than with the wind in your hair and the sun dipping below the horizon.
