Charleston, South Carolina, USA skyline over Marion Square.

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Marion Square

Charleston


Charleston's most frequented park is 10 acres of green space in the middle of downtown, bordering on King, Calhoun, Meeting and Tobacco Sts. It's the home of the wildly popular Farmers Market and also houses several monuments, including a soaring statue of former Vice President John C Calhoun.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Charleston attractions

1. Joseph Manigault House

0.13 MILES

This three-story Federal-style house from 1803 was once the showpiece of a French Huguenot rice planter. There's a tiny neoclassical gate temple in the…

2. Charleston Museum

0.17 MILES

Founded in 1773, this is the country's oldest museum. It's helpful and informative if you're looking for historical background before strolling through…

3. College of Charleston

0.28 MILES

Spread over a few city blocks at the center of Charleston's downtown, this university was founded in 1770 and is the oldest in the state. The campus is…

4. Aiken-Rhett House

0.33 MILES

The only surviving urban town-house complex, this 1820 abode gives a fascinating glimpse into antebellum life on a 45-minute self-guided audio tour. The…

5. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

0.38 MILES

The oldest continuously used synagogue in the country, complete with a museum and gift shop. A tour costs $10 for adults and is free for children; check…

6. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

0.58 MILES

An outpost of the world's largest private collection of important original manuscripts and documents, housed in a former Methodist church built in 1856…

7. Gibbes Museum of Art

0.63 MILES

Houses a decent collection of American and Southern works. The contemporary collection includes works by local artists, with Lowcountry life as a…

8. South Carolina Aquarium

0.67 MILES

A showcase of South Carolina's wildlife, with creatures hailing from the mountain forest, piedmont, salt marsh, coastal and undersea habitats. Although…