ATTRACTIONS

Charleston Attractions

Fort Sumter

Situated on a small man-made island in the bay guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbour, Fort Sumter National Monument is one of the most important historic military sites in the country where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. With the secession of South Carolina, the Confederates demanded the surrender of the fort, and after 34 hours of continuous bombardment the Union forces had no choice but to relinquish their hold. The Union troops became the first prisoners of the Civil War. The Confederates occupied Fort Sumter, which became a symbol of Southern resistance until it was retaken by Union forces in 1865 after nearly four years of almost continual attack, which reduced most of the fort to rubble. Park rangers conduct free tours around the restored structure, which includes a museum with historical displays.

Website: www.nps.gov/fosu; Telephone: (843) 883 3123; Transport: Tour boats leave from the Fort Sumter Visitor Center on Liberty Square, and Patriots Point Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant. The Charleston Area Rapid Transit Authority serves all the park sites; Opening time: Open daily; hours vary according to the ferry schedule. Closed Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving; Admission: The museum is free. Boats cost $14 (adults) and $8 (children). Other concessions are available

Charleston Attractions

South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in over 60 exhibits, which represent the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. The Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbour like no other found in the historic downtown area. Daily interactive exhibits and programs are offered for visitors of all ages. Every visit to the Aquarium reveals something new - glimpses of new animals in exhibits, budding plants, baby animals and more. Not only that, the institution provides a variety of opportunities to learn about conservation, animal life, endangered species and environmental issues.

Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf; Website: www.scaquarium.org; Telephone: (843) 720 1990; Transport: The DASH Shuttle service to the Aquarium is available from the Charleston Visitor Center; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Open until 6pm from April to August. Last ticket sold an hour before closing time. Closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas; Admission: $17 (adults), $10 (children 2-11). Discounted combination tickets are also available

Charleston Attractions

Charleston Museum

America's First Museum, the Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Exhibitions include cultural, historic and natural history artefacts and alongside are two National Historic Landmark houses, the Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House, which depict southern life in days gone by.

Address: 360 Meeting Street; E-mail: info@charlestonmuseum.org; Website: www.charlestonmuseum.org; Telephone: (843) 722 2996; Opening time: Year round Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm. The Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm; Admission: Museum only: $10, Museum and both houses: $22. Children aged 3-12 pay $5

Charleston Attractions

The Hunley

The Hunley submarine first arrived in Charleston by train in1863 and is now on display in a conservation tank at Charleston's Old Naval Base. Here, visitors can see facial reconstructions of the Hunley crew, artefacts excavated from the submarine and the legendary gold coin that supposedly saved the captain�s life. There is also a life size model from The Hunley movie and a National Geographic documentary for visitors to enjoy.

Address: Warren Lasch Conservation Center, 1250 Supply Street; Website: www.hunley.org; Telephone: (843) 743.4865 ext. 10; Opening time: Hunley tours from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays; Admission: Order in advance. (Adult) US$12, (child under 5) free

Charleston Attractions

Provost Dungeon and Old Exchange Building

The British used Provost Dungeon to hold prisoners during the American Revolution, and in 1774 the Old Exchange Building hosted the delegate elections for the First Continental Congress. This site was firmly constructed and has (in part) withstood war, earthquakes and even hurricanes. Part of the Half-Moon Bastion was excavated here and is the only visible section of the old Charles Town fort.

Address: 122 East Bay Street; Telephone: (843) 727 2165