Top Outdoor Activities in Charleston

South Carolina Aquarium

Just entering this museum is a delight; the structure itself extends out over Charleston Harbor and as guests draw near the entrance, they enter beneath a beautiful stained glass wall. Entering the Great Hall, the centerpiece is the breathtaking Carolina Seas Exhibit. Spend the day walking through a mountain ravine, exploring the rivers of the Piedmont region, visiting with swamp dwellers, and marveling at the 300,000-gallon Great Ocean Exhibit. Prices and hours vary; check the website for details.

Bee City

Located near Givhans State Park along the historic Edisto River where tupelo trees grow, this family-owned bee farm aims to educate visitors on the importance of honey bees and the honey they produce. In addition to tours of the farm and bee production, the park offers a petting zoo for children with monkeys, lemurs, lamas and wallabies. A gift shop also features varying sizes of honey and beeswax figures and candles, lip balm, hand creams and chocolate-covered honey candy. The Bee City Café offers simple lunch fare that includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers or hot dogs, but visitors are also welcome to bring a picnic. - Natasha Lawrence

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry

Open since 2003 in what was once part of Charleston's 19th century railroad station complex, it now serves as a magnet to curious children ages 3 months to 12 years (and adults who accompany them) to "explore, play, discover, learn and create." With eight interactive exhibits, the museum's aim is to develop a child's thinking, motor and problem solving skills. There is also a special area for infants and toddlers. Children's classes include science, nature, cooking, gardening, history, drama, and art, as well as story time, camps and field trips. It's great fun for the whole family. Located adjacent to the Downtown Visitor Center, parking is available in a multi-level parking facility. - Natasha Lawrence

Family Circle Tennis Center

Surrounded by lush landscape and old oaks, the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island is host to the Family Circle Cup. Located along the banks of the Wando River, this 17 court complex includes 13 composition and four hard surface courts. One of them can seat 10,000 fans! Around the courts there is a handsome two-story clubhouse with an expansive pro shop, cherry-wood floors, locker rooms and a small fitness room. Although it looks like a private club, it is, in fact, a public facility, open to all. So you can schedule a tennis vacation and get instructed on the perfect serve. And when you're not hitting those forehands, seize the opportunity to explore the historic and cultural nuances around Charleston.

Blackbaud Stadium

The Blackbaud stadium, nicknamed the Battery Park after the Charleston Battery Team, is a model stadium in the US. Opened in 1999, soccer specific stadium is located on Daniel Island. The stadium is the first privately funded soccer stadium in the country. Watching a game at this 5100 seater is truly exhilarating. The stadium also has a soccer theme park for children and an English style pub called The Three Lions. The complex also has a plaza for corporate entertainment.

Johnson Hagood Stadium

Opened in 1948, The Johnson Hagood Stadium is a 18,000 seater football stadium named after Brigadier General Johnson Hagood. Home to the Citadel Bulldogs football team, the venue has hosted the NCAA Division I National Championship game in 1983 and '84. The stadium was purchased by The Citadel from the city of Charleston in 1963. The stadium has undergone a 40 million dollar makeover and the finished facility includes grandstands with premier seating sections, a pressbox, club level seating and a club lounge.

John Kresse Arena

An arena which has facilities for many sports like basketball, racquetball, volleyball and badminton. With an excellent hardwood floored basketball court, it is named after Head Men's Basketball Coach John Kresse. The arena has hosted many major tournaments and is buzzing with matches in many seasons. So do catch up with the latest basketball games in South Carolina.

McAlister Field House

Built in 1939, the McAlister Field House is known for hosting some of the most awaited sports events of the season. Featuring three courts for basketball, this space can accommodate around 6000 people during game nights. A part of 'The Citadel', this facility holds wrestling matches, volleyball games and men's basketball matches. Catch all the action amongst cheering crowds and feel the adrenaline rush at this well-equipped stadium.

CSU Field House

CSU Field House is home to the Charleston Southern University Buccaneers basketball team. It is located in the famous Charleston Southern University. It is mainly used for basketball and hockey games. Events constantly take place in this 760 seater. So please check the website for further event details.

Charles Towne Landing

The 80-acre park, Charles Towne Landing, has seclusion etched all over. The space houses a zoo, garden and a sailing ship replica. The above three combine well to either make it a nice weekend picnic with the family or plainly a lone day out for retrospection. There are also hiking and biking trails in the area. If the traveling party is a large one, discounts are on offer too. Entry fee for those aged over 15 is USD5. Senior citizens can get in for USD325 while students can enjoy the splendor for a mere USD3. Children under 5 are let in for free.