The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is a non-profit, non-collecting contemporary art institute within the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. The HICA presents contemporary art exhibitions by emerging or mid-career artists. Admission is free.

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday - Saturday

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Thursdays

Closed on Sundays

This national monument dates back to the War of 1812 when the British invaded Washington by sea. It was still incomplete in 1861 when the Battle of Fort Sumter began the American Civil War.

Historic Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by the concession-operated tour boat. Fort Sumter does not charge an entrance fee; however tickets for the authorized concession-operated ferry are required and may be purchased in advance.

Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant's popular waterfront dining and drinking district, has a park and boardwalk offering panoramic views of the marsh and Charleston Harbor.

If you come by boat, you can tie up at one of the floating docks attached to the boardwalk. Visitors driving to Shem Creek can park in a 35-space lot next to the public restrooms or in a spillover parking area on Shrimp Boat Lane.

A short drive from downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s is a fun and laidback beach town. Don’t miss a trip to the Obstinate Daughter for some incredible food—it’s only a short walk from the beach itself.

You can pick up a self-guided walking tour map for $5 at the Charleston Visitor Center (375 Meeting Street), download an audio guide from voicemap.com, or just set off on your own through the Historic District. A great place to start is the city's Waterfront Park, which features eight acres of fountains, swings, gardens and walking paths.