• Rainbow Row in Charleston South Carolina SC.

    Ryder Culture Guide

     

Charleston Culture Guide

For years, Charleston has ranked among the top-travel destinations in the U.S., thanks to its charming architecture, storied past, and vibrant attractions. The Holy City is home to a treasured cultural scene comprising museums, galleries, entertainment venues, historic monuments, and ongoing community events. In this cultural guide, we’ll highlight some of Charleston’s must-see attractions and events that will make your visit to the city an unforgettable one.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Art Museums and Galleries

Charleston’s art museums are a long-standing testament to the city’s vibrant art scene. The Gibbes Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of over 7,000 works of art, from the colonial era to contemporary times. The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is known for its exhibits that showcase modern, contemporary art, all while placing a spotlight on innovative, emerging artists. For a taste of the local art scene, the Charleston City Gallery aims to focus on contemporary artists from all over the world, with numerous works from local artists.

Theater arts production

Performing Arts

Bustling with life is Charleston’s performing arts and entertainment scene. With a wide array of music venues, theaters, and dance companies, there’s always a lively choice for entertainment. Having hosted some of the biggest names in live entertainment, the Charleston Music Hall is one of the most popular destinations for concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances.

Following suit is the annual Spoleto Festival, making headlines as one of the top performing arts festivals in the U.S. Combining jazz, opera, theater, dance, artist talks, and more, the festival spearheads a cultural influence on all of Charleston. You can catch many of these performances across some of Charleston’s top venues such as Festival Hall, Dock Street Theatre, College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, and the Charleston Gaillard Center.

Local Attractions

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Charleston is a cherished gem in the south for its vast offering of historic and cultural attractions. Telling the story of Charleston’s past and present are attractions such as The Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the U.S., the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and the Aiken-Rhett House Museum.

In addition to these noteworthy destinations, visitors can explore the Charleston City Market where you can shop an abundance of local, artisanal goods, and King Street, a popular shopping district filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Pineapple Fountain

Notable Monuments

Giving an ode to Charleston’s past are all the notable monuments that can be found. The Battery, a beautiful waterfront lined with antebellum homes, offers stunning views of Fort Sumter and the Charleston Harbor. The Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began, and is a must-see for lovers of history.

Man playing guitar

Local Festivals and Events

Delving into Charleston’s local festivals and events is a great way to immerse yourself in the cultural scene. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is a must-attend for foodies and wine enthusiasts wanting to taste the best of Charleston’s culinary offering. For art-lovers in the city, the Charleston Arts Festival is the perfect union between creativity and community, bringing the entire city together to celebrate a wide range of art styles and performances.

For upcoming events at Ryder, check out our hotel happenings calendar.

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