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Activities

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Tours & day trips

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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

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Private Tour! Capture the best of Charleston with a multi-location photosho...

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

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Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Charleston: Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip

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Classes & workshops

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Charleston: Schooner Sailing Experience & Dolphin Watch

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble.

The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration.

This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

Dock Street Theater

Enjoy a show at Dock Street Theater, a storied theater in Charleston. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its local tours.

St. Philip's Church

Attend a service with the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina, dating back to the 17th century. George Washington worshipped with this congregation.

One of the many gates throughout Charleston, South Carolina. This one is called the Lyre.

Circular Congregational Church

After visiting Circular Congregational Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Charleston. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Gibbes Museum of Art

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Browse the collection of this visual arts museum, set in Charleston’s Historic District. Its detailed Beaux Arts style makes it as impressive outside as inside.

Pink House Gallery

You can browse the exhibits at Pink House Gallery, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Add the area's stunning cathedral or shops to your travel plans.

Washington Square

Meet, mingle and move in this verdant park in the heart of downtown Charleston, a quiet retreat near several of the city’s top attractions.

Best Lodging Options Near Thomas Elfe House

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Emeline

181 Church St Charleston SC

The Ryder Hotel

237 Meeting Street Charleston SC

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

115 Meeting Street Charleston SC

The Vendue

19 Vendue Range Charleston SC

The Francis Marion Hotel

387 King St Charleston SC

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District

337 Meeting St Charleston SC

The Palmetto Hotel

194 East Bay Street Charleston SC

Planters Inn

112 N Market St Charleston SC

Andrew Pinckney Inn

40 Pinckney St Charleston SC

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