10 things to do during the fall semester in Charleston

1. Explore Charleston’s Historic Churches 

There is a reason why Charleston is also known as the Holy City. The city’s skyline is filled with historic church steeples, many of which date back hundreds of years and reflect Charleston’s rich and complicated history.

Want to learn more? Take a walking tour, carriage tour, or simply wander through the historic district. It’s an easy way to spend an afternoon and a great excuse to grab coffee or lunch downtown.

2. Experience Charleston’s Fall Festivals and Events

One of the best things about living in the Lowcountry is that there is always an event or festival happening somewhere!

Start close to campus with Summerville’s Sweet Tea Festival on Sept. 19. This festival celebrates Summerville’s claim as the birthplace of sweet tea. The free festival fills the historic downtown with local vendors, food, live music, shopping, and of course plenty of sweet tea! While you are there, you can even get a picture with Mason, the world’s largest glass of sweet tea. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hutchinson Square.

Looking for something more artsy? The MOJA Arts Festival returns Sept. 24-Oct. 1, celebrating Black arts, culture, and heritage. With events happening throughout Charleston there are plenty of ways to experience the festival.

And of course, it wouldn’t be fall without a trip to the Coastal Carolina Fair at the Exchange Park in Ladson. Take a spin on the rides and grab your favorite fair food! It’s a classic Lowcountry fall tradition happening Oct. 29-Nov. 8, 2026.

Beyond those events, keep an eye out for food festivals, weekly farmers markets, art walks, and more. There is always a new reason to get out and explore.

3. Spend a Day at the Beach

Fall might mean cooler temperatures are on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean beach days are over, and being at CSU means that you are within driving distance to several local beaches.

Isle of Palms is a great choice when you want the classic beach day experience, with seven miles of shoreline, plenty of public access, and a lively beachfront area full of shops and restaurants.

For a more eclectic beach town, head to Folly Beach, also known as “The Edge of America.” Spend the day swimming, surfing, or walking along the shore, then head toward Center Street to browse local shops, grab a bite to eat, or check out the Folly Beach Pier.

If you are looking for something quieter, Sullivan’s Island is the beach for you. Spend the afternoon on the sand and then explore the island history at the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park or take in the views of the Charleston Harbor and the iconic Charleston Light.

If you are up for a longer day trip, drive to Edisto Beach and visit Edisto Beach State Park to explore maritime forest and salt marshes.

Whether you are looking for a lively beach trip or a quiet place to read, there is a Lowcountry beach with your name on it. Just remember to check local beach rules, water and weather conditions, and parking information before you go.

4. Dig Into History at Local Museums

There are plenty of ways to experience Charleston’s history beyond a textbook. Start downtown at The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773 and often recognized as America’s First Museum. Its collections explore Charleston and the Lowcountry through different exhibits.

For an experience that connects Charleston’s history to a much larger story, visit the International African American Museum (IAAM). Located at the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, the museum’s galleries combine historical artifacts, art, films, and interactive experiences, while the African Ancestors Memorial Garden offers a space for reflection along the Charleston Waterfront.

History buffs and anyone who likes a good mystery should put the Friends of the Hunley on their list. Located in North Charleston, the Museum gives visitors the chance to see the actual H.L. Hunley, the Civil War-era submarine that became the world’s first successful combat submarine. 

For a full day of exploring, head across the harbor to Mount Pleasant and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Hop aboard the USS Yorktown, a massive aircraft carrier that visitors can explore from the hangar deck to the flight deck. You can also walk aboard the USS Laffey, explore the Vietnam Experience, and learn more about the people and the stories behind America’s naval history.

5. Visit America’s Oldest Tea Garden

Located on Wadmalaw Island, the Charleston Tea Garden is North America’s oldest tea garden. Visitors can explore the tea fields and take a free factory tour to learn more about how tea goes from leaf to cup. 

The garden is also hosting its first Autumn on the Island Festival on Nov. 21, featuring local artists, craftsmen, and farmers. 

6. Get Outside at a Lowcountry Park

Charleston County has plenty of parks and outdoor spaces you can walk, bike, fish, kayak, or simply just enjoy a break from campus life. A few parks to add to your Charleston bucket list are James Island County Park, North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, Riverfront Park, Waterfront Park, and Palmetto Islands County Park.

When the weather starts to cool down, don’t miss one of Charleston’s favorite holiday traditions: the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. From Nov. 13-Dec. 31, the park transforms into a holiday wonderland with a three-mile driving route featuring more than 750 illuminated displays and millions of lights!

7. Stroll King Street on Second Sunday

Second Sunday on King Street happens each month, when a portion of King Street closes to vehicle traffic from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors can walk down the street, browse local shops, check out artists and vendors, and grab something to eat along the way.

Upcoming dates include: Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13.

8. Cheer on Local Sports Teams

Charleston sports are worth experiencing beyond campus, too. Grab some friends and cheer on two of the Lowcountry’s hometown teams. Catch a Charleston RiverDogs game at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, better known as The Joe, for an afternoon of Minor League Baseball.

You can also trade baseball for hockey and head to the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center to see the South Carolina Stingrays, with the 2026-2027 season beginning in October. Make sure to mark your calendar for the Stingrays’ Jets and Vets Night on Nov. 6, presented by Charleston Southern University.

9. Show Your Buccaneer Pride

Of course, you don’t have to travel far to find great sports in the Lowcountry. Put on your blue and gold and show your Buccaneer pride by supporting the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. From football under the lights to volleyball, soccer, and the rest of our teams, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and experience CSU athletics. 

Plus, get ready to celebrate tradition, community, and Buccaneer pride at Charleston Southern University’s Homecoming 2026! Mark your calendars for Oct. 31 as we come together for a day filled with memories. This year’s festivities will feature our signature homecoming parade, special reunions, and much more. 

10. Enjoy the Lowcountry

At the end of the day, you don’t need a big itinerary to enjoy Charleston. Sometimes the best experiences are the simplest ones. 

Grab a coffee and shop local. Watch the sunset over the harbor. Spend an afternoon at the beach. Take a scenic drive through some historic streets. Find a local restaurant you’ve never tried. The beauty of living in the Charleston area is that there is always something new to discover! So as you move through the semester, make time to get off campus, explore a little, and experience living in the Lowcountry.

Interested in attending Charleston Southern University and living in one of the best cities in the world? Visit charlestonsouthern.edu/admissions to take a first look and see what it’d be like to be a Buccaneer.