Are you planning a trip to Charleston this summer but not sure how to stay cool? We’ve got some fun ideas that will keep you and your family busy throughout your trip, and will hopefully keep you cool at the same time.
- Take a harbor tour with SpiritLine Cruises
SpritLine Cruises offers many different types of boat tours, which is often the best way to feel the wind in your hair on a hot summer day in Charleston. The ocean breeze mixed with the feeling of relaxation you feel just from being on the water will be the perfect way to cool you down during your trip! Take a classic harbor cruise during the day if you’re looking for a midday escape, or consider a dinner cruise if dining on the water is a must-do for you. There are several different tour options available and you can’t go wrong no matter which you choose.
2. Check out Charleston’s International African American Museum
Opening fairly recently in June of 2023, this museum is a must-do for visitors to the Holy City. Not only is it an air conditioned retreat from the summer heat, it is also an important stop for those interested in learning the deeper history of African and African American people, and how they have shaped every aspect of our world today. The downtown Charleston museum is home to 12 permanent exhibitions and one rotating. Until November 3, 2024, the rotating exhibition is Follow the North Star: Freedom in the Age of Mobility. We can’t wait to find out what’s next.
3. Take an early morning or evening Carriage tour with Palmetto Carriage Works.
Palmetto Carriage Works has been around long enough to know how to beat the southern heat. Not only do they take excellent care of their horses, making sure they have plenty of rest between tours, taking their temperatures before and after each and every tour, and rotating horses out to the family’s Johns Island farm regularly for extended rest, they also ensure that their guests are able to stay relatively cool on tour. They offer water and snacks for purchase at the barn shop, giving guests the opportunity to stay hydrated and happy. The early-bird tour and evening haunted history tours offer a reprieve from the summer heat, but we recommend booking early if either of these is your preference as they tend to fill up the fastest. Right now, Palmetto Carriage is offering a $5 off per person coupon to those who book in advance online. Use code Palmetto5 at checkout.
4. Visit the North Charleston Fire Museum for a kid-friendly experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Explore what it is like to be a firefighter, and experience the changes in the field over time. This interactive museum allows children and adults alike to explore in a hands-on way: feeling the fire hose’s back pressure and lifting the firefighter’s gear to feel the weight of it. Learn the history and science of fires and firefighting through the interactive shows offered and explore fire up close (without getting burned.) This indoor experience offers those looking for some cool summer fun plenty of ways to escape the heat of the day. Buy your tickets today and experience how life has evolved for firefighters.
5. End the day at a downtown rooftop bar: Henry’s on the Market
There is no better way to end a summer day in Charleston than atop a rooftop restaurant and bar. Henry’s on the Market is the ideal place to catch a cool breeze after a long hot day. Relax with some refreshments before or after dinner as you reflect on a great day touring Charleston, SC. For an extra special experience, book a VIP table by clicking here. Regardless of whether or not you have a reservation, a trip to Henry’s rooftop is worth your time.
Charleston, SC can get hot in the summer; there is no avoiding it. There are plenty of activities, though, that allow you to work around the midday heat and experience some truly unforgettable experiences. So, our best advice? Book the trip when it makes sense for you; even if that means traveling in the middle of the summer. There are so many ways to enjoy the Holy City regardless of the season.