Leisurely stroll along a shaded, elevated 1.75-mile boardwalk over the mysterious black waters of Four Holes Swamp. Enjoy the tranquility and solitude of the National Audubon Society’s second largest wildlife sanctuary. Relax on benches. Listen to songbirds. Observe nature. Wheelchair accessible. Self-guided tours. Swamp Shop shelves are filled with wildlife wonders for home and garden. Tue.-Sun. 9-5. Closed Mon., Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, 25, 31, Jan. 1. Exit 187 off I-26. Follow the “Beidler Forest” signs.

This 170-acre swamp/garden was originally part of Dean Hall Plantation on the Cooper River. Once used as a reservoir to flood rice fields, the black water swamp is the focal point of the Gardens, and the FLAT BOTTOM BOATS date back to the 1930s when the Gardens first opened to the public. Visitors are invited to explore either by boat or by walking the 4-1/2 miles of paths that meander through the original Gardens. Also included in admission are the walk-through BUTTERFLY HOUSE and FRESH WATER AQUARIUM featuring native species of butterflies, fish, reptiles, turtles, snakes, and other critters. A facility for special events for up to 250 people is available. Open daily 9-5. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day, and New Years Day. 24 miles north of Charleston off Hwy. 52.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this plantation contains America’s oldest garden (c. 1680). The gardens are planted for abundant color in every season and include one of this country’s largest collections of azaleas and camellias. The present house, which replaced the manor burned by Union troops, contains museum-quality Early American antiques. Other features include a petting zoo, maze, herb garden, Biblical garden, observation tower, orientation theater, gift shop, wildlife art gallery, and Barbados Tropical Garden. The “Nature Train” takes visitors on a 45-minute ride through natural settings. Open daily 8-5:30. 10 miles from downtown on Hwy. 61.

This carefully preserved 18th-century plantation and National Historic Landmark invites guests to visit America's oldest landscaped gardens with rare camellias, azaleas, magnolias and ancient live oaks. Tour the House Museum (1755) with family furniture and portraits and learn about the Middletons and their impact on American history. Plantation Stableyards bring to life the sights and sounds of an 18th century plantation complete with animals and craftsmen demonstrating tasks vital to plantation life. A freedman cabin explores the African-American life after the Civil War. Low Country lunch and dinner is served in the Restaurant. The award-winning Inn overlooks the Ashley River and its outdoor program offers kayaking, horseback riding and nature hikes. Open daily. 14 miles NW of Charleston on Ashley River Rd. (843) 556-6020.

Charleston's most beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture, this house was built in 1808 by Nathaniel Russell, a prominent merchant from Rhode Island. The astonishing flying staircase spirals unsupported from floor to floor, and the tier of beautiful south rooms have elliptical plans, complemented by some of the finest examples of furniture of the period. Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 2-5. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Guided tour, admission. 51 Meeting St. A museum property of Historic Charleston Foundation.

Charles Towne Landing is the birthplace of Charleston and South Carolina. Established in 1670, this is where your visit to historic Charleston begins. Today, Charles Towne Landing SHS experiences include a museum, outdoor exhibits along the History Trail with an accompanying audio tour, cannon demonstrations and special events, the "Adventure" - a reproduction 17th century trading vessel, and the Animal Forest Zoo. Visit our events page and website for more information.

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, was once a prominent rice plantation. It was home to the prominent Horry, Pinckney and Rutledge families during colonial and antebellum times, as well as the slaves whose labor brought them their wealth. Today, you can tour the house and grounds and hear first-hand how the plantation community worked and how life on a plantation changed over the years at Hampton.