Nowadays, you might feel like being sober and having fun can’t go together. However, this doesn’t have to be the case in Charleston! Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the South’s most beautiful cities, thanks to its rich history, breathtaking architecture, buzzing nightlife, windswept beaches, outdoor adventures, and dynamic art scene. If you’re looking for a list of things to do in Charleston if you’re sober, look no further than here. You need not be concerned—this collection contains something for everyone.

1 Learn about tea

Visiting the Charleston Tea Plantation is one of the best things to do in Charleston if you’re sober. The only tea plantation in North America attracts over 65,000 visitors every year. Charleston Tea Plantation offers a trolley tour, a factory tour, tea tastings, and gift store purchases. It’s a wonderful place to visit on your honeymoon as well!

The Charleston Tea Plantation is open year-round, allowing visitors to see the many stages of tea harvesting and production from start to finish. If the weather permits, you can take a picnic lunch and enjoy it under a century-old oak tree at the plantation.

2 Enjoy the art

More than 40 galleries may be found in downtown Charleston showing the work of local artists. And as we’ve learned from our friends at brightfuturestreatment.com, art can be therapeutic. For those who haven't yet visited the recently restored Gibbes Museum of Art or the College of Charleston's Halsey Institute for Contemporary Art, there's no better time than the present. Allow plenty of time to browse the many treasures of Helena Fox Fine Art, where works by Lowcountry luminaries like West Fraser adorn the walls. There are several independent galleries in Charleston that sell artwork, so you may bring a piece of the city back to your own home. Or, if you really want to treat yourself, book a room at The Vendue, Charleston's top art hotel, which features over 300 works of art and is just a short walk from the French Quarter.

3 Get active

There are plenty of things you can do in Charleston if you’re sober to keep yourself active. We all know that nature and exercise have been proved to aid in long-term sobriety. And Charleston has many amazing parks for you to visit.

James Island County Park's climbing wall is one of the Lowcountry's tallest outdoor climbing facilities. There are 14 top ropes, two lead climbing walls, and 4,500 square feet of climbing space on this 50-foot high wall. If you've never been rock climbing before, there are professional guides on hand to give you pointers and walk you through the necessary safety precautions.

Besides climbing, this park has an 18-hole disc golf course, a waterpark, and pedal boat or kayak rentals for those who prefer a more leisurely activity. The Stono River Marsh Campground, with its 124 campsites and ten holiday cottages, is a great option for a weekend trip.

4 Visit the Charleston Aquarium

More than 5,000 animals live at the SC Aquarium, which is a wonder to behold. Everything from Piedmont and the Salt Marsh to the Sea Turtle Recovery Center and a two-story Great Ocean Tank filled with 220-pound loggerhead turtles has something new to offer visitors to the area year-round. A yearly membership can save you a lot of money if you're going to be frequent at the club. There are also after-hours gatherings for the over-21 set, which include wine and food. Aquarium Glow, which will debut in 2021 and feature tens of thousands of lights across the aquarium, will present a glimpse into the aquatic world while the holidays are in full swing. If you want to attend, you'll need to buy tickets in advance or make reservations for members.

5 Create something

People who are in alcohol rehab treatment know the importance of creating something. In addition to relieving stress, those who seek expert guidance know that doing something creative is a terrific way to keep their minds off alcohol. So, one of the creative things to do in Charleston if you’re sober is a creative workshop! There are many of these workshops around where you can learn how to create various things using different media. And we mean various! You can learn to make canvas tote bags, dog beds, thick blankets, pillows, and more!

6 Enjoy the top-notch Charleston dining

The Holy City is home to an abundance of noteworthy restaurants and drinking establishments. And with so many classic Charleston dishes, you’ll never run out of ideas! If you’re a foodie, a restaurant day is a terrific opportunity to visit numerous restaurants in a single outing. Breakfast at Miller's All Day or a biscuit and coffee from Handy & Hot is a great way to start the day. If you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent, try a Chirashi Bowl at Jackrabbit Filly or a salad at Basic Kitchen. Darling Oyster Bar, FIG, and Vivian Howard's new restaurant Lenoir are all great options for supper, and Dewberry's Living Room is the perfect place to end the night.

7 Relax at White Point Gardens

For anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of historic Charleston, White Point Gardens is a great place to unwind. From here, you can see the huge container ships docking. You can also see Fort Sumter, which sits at the mouth of the harbor. If you’re in town at the right time, catch a show at the Williams Music Pavilion, an outdoor gazebo. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Charleston if you’re sober.

Final words

Charleston is a popular tourist destination because of its rich history, legacy, and culture, which attracts visitors. Additionally, the city's Southern hospitality further enhances the ambiance of its cobblestone streets. We hope our guide has helped you scope out the things to do in Charleston if you’re sober. This bustling city is sure to capture your heart with its many attractions and activities.

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