St Mary's Catholic Church

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has the distinction of being the site of the country's oldest public gardens that date back to the 17th century. In this historically dramatic slice of nature, you'll find the nation's largest collections of azaleas and camellias. If you want to get a little closer to the natural beauty of this historic attraction, you can opt to take the nature train or boat tour that offer a chance to experience the plantation's wetlands, lakes, forests and marshes. Also, don't miss visiting the plantation's main house, adorned with a striking collection of period pieces and other artifacts that date all the way back to 1873.

The kids who visit the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry are highly encouraged to reach out and touch whatever catches their interest. This attraction is a truly inviting place that welcomes curious minds and hands that aren't afraid to grab hold of various exhibits to get a better look at how it all is put together. The children are welcome to explore a castle, dig in the garden, get wet with waterworks and even experience what it's like to be on a shrimping boat! There are always special classes and presentations scheduled, so check back regularly, and bring your little ones for a museum visit they will never forget.

The Charleston Museum has always prided itself in bringing aspects of our history together and presenting them in a truly compelling fashion. Among their many exhibits and attractions, you'll find how the role of textiles played a vital part in the Civil War in a popular exhibit called the Threads of War. Also, a similarly themed exhibit focuses on how Charleston survived being under siege during that particular war and how it pressed on to become the vital city that it is today. More interactive adventures like Kids Story and much more continue the museum's rich tradition of reaching into the lives of children who will one day pass the stories and experiences they've learned here along to their own kids.

If your kids love to have fun in the sun, there's no better place to let them run wild than Folly Beach, affectionately known as "The Edge of America." This beautiful barrier island is a quick 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston and the Folly Beach County Park is located at the east end of the island. Showers, bathrooms and other conveniences are close by, and the sand, surf and sun of this popular stretch of beach will fast become one of your family's traditions whenever you're in Charleston.