As a harbor and river town, Charleston provides many ways to keep residents and visitors in the water. Boating has long been a favorite pastime for residents, and Charleston offers both harbors for small crafts and open water for larger yachts and motorboats. Canoeing and kayaking are also easily enjoyed on the city's rivers. Guests can take their own self-guided tour of the waterways or enlist the help of a guide at one of Charleston's many outdoor outfitters, including Charleston Watersport Outfitters and Nature Adventure Outfitters.

 

Those who prefer to stay inland can take a swing at one of Charleston's many golf courses. The city's warm climate allows for golf almost year-round, and its impressive courses range in difficulty to put both amateurs and professionals to the test. With its 20 golf clubs, Charleston was ranked the fourth Best Golf City in America by Forbes Traveler. Perhaps the city's most famous course, Ralston Creek Course, is the site of the PGA Nationwide Tour at Daniel Island. The course uses its marshes and lagoons to keep even tested pro's on their toes. Other courses in the area include Charleston National Country Club, Crooked Oaks and Harbor Course at Wild Dunes.

 

For a day trip the entire family can enjoy, head over to the South Carolina Aquarium. As one of Charleston's most visited attractions, the aquarium boasts 10 different exhibits, including the Ocean, Coast, Penguin Planet and the Coastal Plain, which holds an albino alligator. Guests can also visit the Touch Tank, where they're invited to touch a variety invertebrates such as sea urchins, horseshoe crabs and Atlantic stingrays.