20 Great Activities To Do In Charleston On A Rainy Day In 2025

ByShaun Hammond
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Living in Charleston since 2007, I have found that Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in The United States. Charleston is an outside city, but what to do when in Charleston on a rainy day? I have found that Charleston holds many great options during a rainy day or a pop-up thunderstorm.

Charleston usually has around 300 sunny days a year. But, when the tourist season is at its highest, it is usually during the summer months. Charleston is very likely to get afternoon thunderstorms, almost daily from the heat and sea breeze.

Not to mention, like just about everywhere else, Charleston does just have rainy days. So what are your options to do in Charleston on a rainy day? If you are here on vacation and just got bad weather or live here and looking for something to do on a rainy day, I have you covered.

Dark and gloomy sky with dark clouds with two church steeples and trees in Charleston on a rainy day.

Activities To Do In Charleston On A Rainy Day

Since living in Charleston since 2007, I have found that there are many, amazing, and fun things to do in Charleston on a rainy day. If you are looking to explore the rich history of Charleston, there are plenty of options.

I have you covered if you are with some kids or looking for some great things adventure things to do. Take some time to do some great shopping around the city area. Or take advantage of the rainy day to eat at one of the many award-winning restaurants.

Historic Things To Do In Charleston On A Rainy Day

Charleston is loaded with history. You will see that Charleston is proud of its history and does not shy away from its dark history which was slavery.

It is crazy to think of all that has happened in Charleston. I like to walk on the streets that were part of the colonial times, to The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the present. Charleston is jam-packed with things to do that are historical on a rainy day.

1. Charleston Museum

A submarine on the sidewalk in front of a building with trees.

Location: 360 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday – 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday – 12 pm – 5 pm

America’s first museum, The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. The museum first opened to the public in 1824, though it was temporarily closed during the Civil War. The museum’s current location in Charleston was completed in 1980.

There are lots of great exhibits to see and learn about. Start out with Lowcountry History. Learn about the Native Americans that inhabited the area, the colonists, the enslaved African Americans, and the wars that impacted the area.

Next, head over to Becoming Americans, how Charleston had an essential role in the Revolutionary War to become an independent nation. After that, the Bunting Natural History Gallery tells the story of the natural history of the Lowcountry. Learn about Charleston and the Civil War with the exhibit, City Under Siege.

You will have the option of purchasing two tours of historic homes that are on this list as well. Those historic homes are The Heyward – Washington House and The Joseph Manigault House.

2. Children’s Museum of The Lowcountry

Location: 25 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday – 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday – 12 pm – 5 pm CLOSED on Mondays

At the Children’s Museum of The Lowcountry, the staff is accommodating and takes pride in teaching and helping kids. There is an art center for families to create works of art together. This is such an excellent place for family bonding.

The museum has an exhibit made specifically for kids. Kidstory is a hands-on exhibit for kids to study and explore Charleston’s history, from examining creatures under a microscope to pirates. The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is truly one of the best places to take your child.

3. Gibbs Museum of Art

Location: 135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday – 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm

When the Gibbs Museum of Art opened in 1905, “The Power of Art” was celebrated in Charleston by the nation. The country understood that art was used to inspire imagination, heal the hurt, and nourish the soul. Art has been and always will be a gateway into the heart of an artist.

The Gibbs Museum of Art is Charleston’s only visual arts museum. This museum has a free first floor for all visitors to come and experience amazing pieces of work. However, the galleries on the second and third floors do require tickets.

Several permanent exhibits showcase great works such as 20th Century American Regionalism and the Charleston Renaissance, Betwixt and Between, and Mary Jackson Modern and Contemporary Gallery. They also have about 6 to 8 special exhibitions per year.

Come and check out some awe-inspiring artwork on a rainy day!

4. USS Yorktown

Large aircraft carrier sitting in the water with a dock heading out to it for Charleston on a rainy day

Location: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Hours of Operation: Hours vary depending on the season (look at the website here.)

After the USS Yorktown, make your way to the destroyer, USS Laffey. The Laffey served from 1944 to 1975. This is “The Ship That Would Not Die”, getting this nickname from uses in the D-Day Invasion and The Battle of Okinawa.

Next, you will want to make your way to the Vietnam Experience. This area is built like a USMC Artillery Firebase. There are 4 helicopters in the exhibit to view.

This is one of the best historic sites in Charleston South Carolina and a must for any fan of military history. This is a great place to take your kids to learn about military history.

5. Historic Houses

Colonial style house with two porches and a brick exterior with palmetto trees in front of it in Charleston on a rainy day

Charleston has many amazing historic houses to tour. Many of them are from Charleston’s Gilded Age. You will enjoy touring houses from the styles of Victorian and Antebellum eras. Be in awe of the history of Charleston as you see how the families lived in these amazing historic houses.

Many of the houses take 30 min to an hour to tour. Click on the links to see which one or all you want to visit. Make sure to check to see when they are doing tours as well, as they are all different with different days and times.

6. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

Large building on the road with three main doors and a white short steeple.

Location: 122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday – 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday – 11 am – 5 pm

Building finished in 1771, The Old Exchange Building has been used for many different things. From being a Custom House, a Post Office, and a USO facility during WWII, this building has a rich history in Charleston.

When Charleston fell to the British in 1780, the Exchange was used as a barracks and prison during The American Revolutionary War. The prison held Colonial Troops, enslaved African Americans, even some British Troops, and some say, pirates.

Once the war ended, The Exchange was used to host South Carolina leaders as they ratified The Constitution of The United States in 1788. The Exchange was used for many events while George Washington was in Charleston for his Southern Tour in 1791. These are just some of the highlights of the history of The Exchange and what it means to Charleston.

For those who are into hauntings. This is one of the most haunted buildings in Charleston. Make sure to keep your eyes open for anything extra. If you want to learn more about the hauntings, click here.

The Half-Moon Battery is the only part of the original city wall of Charleston. It was uncovered in 1965 under The Exchange Building and is open for the public to see.

7. Old Slave Mart

Old building with an arch entrance and a palmetto tree next to it.

Location: 6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday – 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday – Closed

In the sad but true and dark history of The United States, there was slavery. Primarily in the southern states, it was mostly made up of Africans that were bought, sold, and traded. Slaves brought into Charleston were sold in public auctions until 1856 when the city prohibited the sale in public venues.

Enclosed slave markets opened up including Ryan’s Mart, which is the site of The Old Slave Mart Museum. This place was used for the slave trade until February 1865 when Union Troops occupied Charleston.

At one point during the slave trade, 35%-40% of slaves that entered The United States came through Charleston, SC. The Old Slave Mart Museum is staffed by descendants of Charleston slaves. This is not a place for young children or looking for artifacts. There is a lot of reading and education done at the museum.

Though it is a dark part of the history of Charleston and The United States, it is still good to learn from the past. That way, we as a people do not repeat our transactions of the past.

8. Hunley Museum

Submarine in water tank in a warehouse in Charleston on a rainy day

Location: 1250 Supply St, North Charleston, SC 29405

Hours of Operation: Saturday – 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday – 10 am – 3 pm

The story of the H. L. Hunley, also known as The Hunley, goes back to February 1862 during the Civil War. At that time, tests were being done to build a successful submarine to be used in the war.

The Hunley started to be built in April 1863 at Park and Lyons Machine Shop in Mobile, Alabama. In July of the same year, the Hunley was launched for the first time. She showed a lot of promise during her first demonstrations. In August 1863, the Hunley was shipped to Charleston by rail to help with the blockade that was choking the city.

The Hunley had two test missions where she sank and her crew was lost. Then, on February 17, 1864, the Hunley heads out and makes world history by becoming the first combat submarine to sink another ship, the USS Housatonic. No one knows what exactly happened to the Hunley but she never made it back to port and was lost at sea for over a century.

The Hunley was discovered by NUMA on May 3, 1995, and was raised from the sea on August 8, 2000. The ship still had her crewmembers inside of her. The 8-man crew was laid to rest in Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston.

9. North Charleston Fire Museum

Brick building on a road for a fire museum.

Location: 4975 Centre Point Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday – 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday – Closed

The North Charleston Fire Museum has the largest collection of professionally restored American LaFrance fire apparatus in the United States. They have over 20 vehicles that date as far back as the 1780s. Every piece of equipment that they have still works and can fight fires if need be.

Do Some Shopping

Charleston is a great city to do some shopping in. I have found that people like to shop all over the city, where there are plenty of options throughout the Greater Charleston area. Many people like to stay in the historic area and shop, while others want to tackle some of the mall areas that have amazing shopping options.

10. Charleston City Market

A bunch of people shopping in a long building with an arch while in Charleston on a rainy day

Location: 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday – 9:30 am – 5:30 pm and Night Market – Friday and Saturday – 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

On each side of The Charleston City Market, you will find tons of shops lining Market St as well. At this spot, you will be able to purchase just about any Charleston souvenir.

At the Charleston City Market, you will step foot into an area that has helped Charleston grow as a city throughout the centuries. This area is rich in history and helped sculpt Charleston into the city that it is today.

**NOTE** Be mindful of the weather. If there is heavy rain, especially with high tide, The Charleston City Market can and will most likely flood.

11. King St.

Between the streets of George St. and Broad St., you will find downtown Charleston’s shopping district. King Street has been named one of the nation’s top 10 shopping streets by U.S. News and World Report.

Among the amazing stores and shops, you will also find many antique shops mixed in. The blend of the stores and shops truly makes a unique shopping experience in Charleston.

12. Specialty Malls

Charleston has great shopping all around. Take time to enjoy these malls that have great stores. These malls are laid out to walk from store to store with outside access. The malls are not laid out like traditional malls where you are inside the entire time. You will also be able to find great restaurants throughout the mall areas as well.

Fun and Adventure Things in Charleston on a Rainy Day

Charleston has many options to choose from on a rainy day. If you are looking for a little more adventure and want to get away from shopping and history for a bit, these are great options.

These options are perfect if you have a family or just a couple of people looking for a fun rainy-day activity.

13. South Carolina Aquarium

Big building with lots of glass standing on a paved open area with trees around it

Location: 100 Aquarium Wharf Charleston, SC 29401

Hours of Operation: Every day 9 am – 5 pm

Get ready to see plenty of animals. The South Carolina Aquarium hosts over 5,000 different animals. One of the exhibits that your kids love is the Touch Tank. Here you get to touch hermit crabs, whelk, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and many more! One of my favorites is Caretta, a 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle.

Take your time and enjoy The South Carolina Aquarium on a Charleston rainy day.

14. Sky Zone

Location: 411 Wando Park Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday – 3 pm – 7 pm, Friday – 3 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – 10 am – 7 pm, and Sunday – 12 pm – 7 pm

Try Sky Zone’s version of basketball with Skyslam or do your one thing with Freestyle Jump. Go for some competition with Ultimate Dodgeball or Ultimate Volleyball. Take your skills to a new level with the Skyladder, Warped Wall, and the Parkour Blox. Try all these among a few more.

15. Flight Adventure Park

Location: 8551 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406

Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday – 11 am – 8 pm and Friday – Saturday – 11 am – 9 pm

If you find yourself around North Charleston and looking for a trampoline park to get out of the rain, make sure to head to Flight Adventure Park. This is a great place for the whole family to enjoy together.

Make sure to check out all the different attractions at Flight Adventure Park. Try to beat each other’s time at the Ninja Warrior Course or work on your aerial skill with the Aerial Silks. Head through the Inflatable Obstacle Course or see who has the best balance on the Slackline. Or enjoy the open time with the large free-jumping trampolines.

16. Escape Rooms

One of the best ways to spend some time together out of the rain is by solving an escape room. Escape rooms have puzzles that you must solve in time to get out. You will find that these are a lot of fun with family, friends, or your significant other.

Have a blast and try more than one if you are dealing with a full day of rain in Charleston.

17. Top Golf

Black building with a golf logo on it

Location: 5000 Topgolf Way, North Charleston, SC 29418

Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday – 9 am – 11 pm and Friday – Saturday – 9 am – 1 am

If you are a fan of golf or not, this place is a blast. This is a great place to meet up with friends or take your family just to have a relaxing, fun time hitting golf balls. I have spent several rainy afternoons and evenings here.

At Top Golf, you will find two floors that have bars and a restaurant. But as the name says, this place is about hitting golf balls. There are over 70 all-weather bays to swing your clubs.

To make things more interesting and fun, they have great games incorporated in with teeing it off. These games are called, Top Tracer Games. Here you will compete against each other in games like Quick 9, Top Score, Jewel Jam, Top Chip, and so much more.

Other Great Charleston Rainy Day Ideas

If you are looking for a more relaxing way to get out of the rain, you have some options. Being someone who lives in Charleston, these are some of my favorite things to do on a rainy day and also the easiest.

18. Go out to eat at one of Charleston’s excellent restaurants

Charleston has become a culinary hotspot in the country. Most people travel to Charleston and have no idea how amazing the food is. Other people travel to Charleston just because of the food.

Charleston has been featured on many television shows from The Food Network that come here to film our chefs and restaurants. I suggest trying these three Charleston-specific restaurants.

Located: 434 King St. Charleston, SC 29401

This place treats you like family and gives you the best restaurant experience you have ever had. Halls Chophouse is American-Fine Dining, serving prime steaks, Lowcountry, and fresh seafood specialties in an energetic, visually striking environment.

Located: 10 Hayne St. Charleston, SC 29401

It has been the best seafood restaurant in Charleston. Hank’s has fresh seafood specials and a raw bar. Make sure to ask about daily fish and shellfish specials.

Located: 185 East Bay St. Charleston, SC 29401

Looking for true Southern cuisine? Magnolias is your place to go. Here you will find true Lowcountry, Southern, Charleston food.

19. Check out some fun breweries

Charleston has a strong local craft beer scene that has come on strong. There are plenty to choose from, and you will be happy with it. I have said for a while now, that it is a great time to be a beer lover.

If you are looking for a day of tasting some great beers while in Charleston to get out of the rain, I recommend that you visit these three breweries. Many of the breweries in Charleston will let you bring your four-legged friend. These places will definitely help you get through the rainy day blues.

20. Go to the movies

A great way to get out of the rain and have a great time while relaxing is watching a great movie at a movie theater. There are always lots of great movies going on throughout the year, so it is never a bad time to go. Also, if visiting in the summer, going to the movies is a great way to get out of the heat for a little while.

Some Things to Know About Charleston Weather

Charleston does boast 300 sunny days a year, which makes it an ideal city to discover outside. With those 300 sunny days, you will get pop-up thunderstorms, especially in the summer which can be severe.

When traveling between June 1st and November 30th, be aware that it is hurricane season. Pay attention to your travel plans and make changes if need be.

If you are staying or just touring Downtown Charleston, be aware when it does rain, especially during the summer when there is a pop-up thunderstorm. Downtown Charleston will more than likely flood on a lot of streets, especially during high tide. These pop-up thunderstorms usually last 30 minutes to an hour then it becomes sunny and really hot with the humidity.

Where to Stay in Charleston

Charleston has many great hotel options to stay in while visiting. There are many areas where you can find the perfect hotel for your stay.

You can find great hotels from boutiques to ones with amazing dining options. You will find the perfect room for all that you need.

To find the perfect hotel for you and your location, check out my post below.

Where To Stay In Charleston SC: Best Hotels And Locations

How to Get Around Charleston On A Rainy Day

Charleston is an ideal walking city but walking in the rain is not the most fun thing to do. There are some options to help you get from place to place around the city.

*NOTE* If you are renting a car, try to park in a parking garage that is elevated. With the flooding in Charleston, you don’t want anything to happen to your rental. Also, if you are staying around Downtown Charleston, I believe there is no need to rent a car.

  • Rideshare – Charleston’s rideshare program is really great. There are always plenty of people out so you will not have to wait long. These are a great option for some of the brunch spots that are located a little bit away.
  • Charleston Green Taxi – A local taxi service that is done by reservation only. They are a perfect service to use when heading out to the beach areas or any place that you need to go.

Get Your Charleston Tour Pass Here and Save

Charleston has so many things to see and to experience. Whether it is sunny or rainy, there are plenty of things to do. Going on a lot of tours can get expensive.

By getting yourself the Charleston Tour Pass, you can save money while seeing Charleston. This pass is best when you are here for multiple days, for it will save you the most money.

Charleston Tour Pass

Get Your Charleston Tour Pass Here And Save On Your Vacation

Get Your Bags Picked Up by Charleston Bag Valet

Don’t want to haul your luggage all around Charleston while waiting for your flight to leave or for your hotel to be ready? Good News! Charleston Bag Valet will help you out with that. As they say, you explore, they store.

Charleston Bag Valet will pick up your bags curbside anywhere in Charleston and secure each item with a customizable tamper-proof lock. They will store your bags in an insured and secured climate-controlled environment while you explore. When you are ready, they will deliver your bags to you where you want them and when you want them. You can even have them delivered to the airport for your ease.

Get Your Charleston Bag Valet Here And Enjoy Your Time Without Your Bags

Group of people with bags on a sidewalk

What to Do in Charleston on a Rainy Day: In Conclusion

As you can see, Charleston still holds plenty of great things to see and do on a rainy day adventure. From exploring the rich history of the city to indulging in delicious food and drink, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in mind-stimulating museums or cozy up in a theater to watch a captivating performance, Charleston has exactly what you need for a rainy day.

However, it’s important to stay prepared for the unpredictable weather changes. Make sure to keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly. That way will know what to do in Charleston on a rainy day.

So don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits. Embrace the opportunities that a rainy day brings and make the most of your time in this charming city. Start planning your Charleston adventure now and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Shaun Hammond is the owner and author of The Traveling Drifter, a travel blog that has a focus on Charleston, South Carolina, Cruising, and Hiking/Backpacking. Shaun is a has lived in Charleston since 2007 and is an expert about the city. He has spent much of his time exploring and discovering Charleston to help travelers and locals get the most out of their Charleston experience.