19 Indoor Activities In Charleston, SC To Try Next Time It Rains (2024)

From its beautiful beaches to the historic downtown buildings, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most visited cities on the East Coast. It’s a charming place to both live in and vacation at but its location means that rain is a frequent visitor. Instead of letting some rain ruin a get-together, how about trying some indoor activities in Charleston? We at Peerspace collect activity suggestions, gift ideas, and event venues for any kind of special occasion! Get to know us better by browsing some of our ideas for indoor activities the next time it rains in Charleston!

1. Visit the South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is one of Charleston’s star attractions and a thrilling indoor activity for all ages. 5,000 animals call the Aquarium home and during your visit you can see, pet, and learn about each one. The Aquarium has multiple habitats to explore, including the Carolina Piedmont, Saltmarsh Aviary, and Coastal tanks. You can even visit sea turtles recovering from injuries and handle live animals in the Touch Tank!

2. Take a private dance lesson

From salsa to tango, dance classes are a good chance to practice your form or learn a new style. You could share a space with dozens of other dances but how about something a little more unique? Book a private dance lesson with your favorite instructor instead the next time it rains!

All you need is a venue with the right amenities; something Peerspace has plenty of! How about this movement arts studio in downtown Charleston? The mirrored walls and intimate size make it perfect for private and small group dance classes!

3. Play games and eat at Garage 75

Video game arcades are one venue that only gets better with time. After all, new games are constantly being released. You can enjoy the retro classics you grew up with or try some newer video games at Garage 75, an arcade bar in Charleston! As an arcade bar, you can take a break from the gaming to enjoy burgers and some of the 14 rotating draft beers here. 25 flat-screen TVs also broadcast the latest sporting events for guests!

4. Take the dogs to Wag-n-Splash

Rainy days don’t have to mean your pets miss out on getting a good workout! Indoor dog parks are very popular these days. Wag-n-Splash is one of the more unique ones out there because it’s a private pool where dogs can paddle or chase water toys to their hearts’ delight! They even provide everything from toys to floating vests; all you need to do is bring your dog and have fun.

5. Shop at Historic City Market

City markets are some of the best places to visit during a rainy day and Charleston’s Historic City Market is no exception! Built in 1807, the Historic City Market includes both a day and night market where hundreds of vendors come to share their wares. From farmers selling local produce to artisan creations, there’s always something of interest to explore here. As you wander between stalls you can also enjoy live music and tasty free samples! 

Consider yourself a bit of a movie buff? Then check out these great movies filmed in South Carolina to see how many you’ve already seen.

 6. Visit the Dock Street Theatre

Did you know that Charleston is home to the country’s first true theater? The Dock Street Theatre opened on February 12, 1736, with a performance of The Recruiting Officer. Dock Street was also home to America’s first opera performance, Flora! Nowadays the Theatre continues to host festivals, performances, and operas even as it closes in on 3 centuries of history. You can also take self-guided tours here as a rainy day activity!

7. Try a new restaurant

Charleston is one of the best food cities on the East Coast, with everything from classic Southern to international cuisine. Interested in trying some authentic West African cuisine, much of which informed traditional Lowcountry dishes? Head to Bintü Atelier for crab rice, groundnut stew, and other delights. You can also try Chubby Fish the next time it rains for chef-driven, dock-to-table recipes that are as artistic as they are savory!

8. Tour a historic home

Anyone looking for an indoor activity in Charleston should think about taking a tour of some of the historic homes here. Charleston is one of America’s oldest cities and the buildings here reflect that. The colonial roots and Victorian architecture convey narratives about trading, slavery, the Revolutionary War, and other important happenings in American history. Not to mention each of these homes is an architectural wonder!

9. Host a potluck dinner

Looking for an indoor activity in Charleston that everyone is sure to enjoy? Bring your friends together for a dinner party! But don’t shoulder the entire burden of cooking on your own. Make it a potluck dinner instead! Everyone can contribute and bring dishes that others might not have tried before. Once you have the menu sorted, pick a spacious venue with comfortable seating for the party.

Did you know that Peerspace has venues throughout Charleston that would be suitable for a potluck party? How about this spacious house in nearby Summerville? You’ll have a full kitchen, dining room, and other amenities for up to 10 guests to enjoy a meal together!

10. Take a cooking class

Before you finalize your plans for a potluck dinner you might need to brush up on your cooking skills! In that case, we recommend taking a cooking class or two. As an indoor activity in Charleston, cooking classes can be enjoyed as a rainy day date activity, given as a gift for a birthday, or simply done for fun! Check out the classes Charleston’s own Indigenious Cooking School has to offer! 

11. Enjoy a spa day

Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to relax on your own or with friends at a local spa. You can have a hot oil massage, get your nails done, enjoy a steam bath, and finish the day with a wellness smoothie. Spas also offer yoga classes and other activities to flush all of the stress from your body. Have you been to The Belmond Charleston yet? As a five-star luxury resort, you’ll find 9 treatment rooms offering everything here and more!

12. Tour Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum 

Head over to Patriot’s Point and tour the Naval & Maritime Museum the next time it rains in Charleston! You can learn all about the history of the US Navy and the important roles it’s played in warfare throughout history. The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown is also docked at Patriot Point and now serves as a floating museum that you can tour from within!

13. Have a girls’ night at Camellia’s

Hotel Bennett is home to Camellia’s, an elegant cocktail and champagne bar where you can choose from an extensive drinks menu. You’ll also find caviar, handcrafted desserts, charcuterie, and local seafood at this elegant venue. If champagne isn’t to your taste, enjoy Afternoon Tea instead, with traditional snacks like cucumber sandwiches and scones! Camellia’s is the best place for an elegant afternoon or evening with friends!

14. Visit the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

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Bring your kids to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry the next time it rains! It’s an indoor facility with interactive exhibits, challenges, and educational opportunities that engage young visitors at every level. For example, the DooDash Art Studio gives kids a place to sculpt and paint. The Children’s Museum even has infant and toddler play spaces for safe exploration!

Speaking of kids, check out these fun kids’ birthday party ideas to celebrate your little one in style when the time comes.

15. Break free of an escape room

How fast can you solve challenges, find clues, and win your way free of a space? Escape rooms are the perfect opportunity for people who love mental puzzles! Each one is a 30 to 90 minute challenge in a themed space. Breakout Charleston is one of the city’s best escape rooms for a rainy day date night or company team building event!

16. Craft candles at Candlefish

DIY crafting is one of our favorite indoor activities in Charleston to enjoy with friends! Have you been to Candlefish yet? You can make your own custom candles, colored and scented with your favorite essential oils. The day of your candle-making workshop you’ll also get a coupon for 15% off any shopping you do there!

17. Throw a tea party

Afternoon and high tea are a chance to catch up with friends in elegant surroundings. Instead of coffee and danishes, you can enjoy English tea with sandwiches or other traditional pairings. Tea parties are also a chance to dress your best and socialize. Since garden parties tend to get ruined by the rain, check out venues like Kaminsky’s or Carmellia’s Dessert Bar for an unforgettable tea party indoors! 

18. Go indoor rock climbing

How about an indoor activity in Charleston that will give you a full-body workout? Dodge the rain, dirt, and bugs outside by heading to an indoor rock gym! Charleston has a few but Coastal Climbing is one of our favorites. You’ll have over 7,000 square feet of indoor climbing and bouldering space to explore. From basic climbing lessons to fitness classes, Coastal Climbing is a great place to retreat to the next time it rains in Charleston!

19. Go ice skating at Carolina Ice Palace

You don’t have to wait until winter to go ice skating. Head to Carolina Ice Palace during a public skating day! If you don’t have your own ice skates, $5 gets you a pair, not including the admission fee. The Carolina Ice Palace also has skating classes, hockey games, skating-themed special events, and other activities to enjoy during future visits!

Indoor activities in Charleston: conclusion

From fine dining to historic colonial homes, the Holy City has more than enough indoor activities to keep you entertained the next time it rains. We hope you’ve found something of interest here; we at Peerspace love helping people have a good time together! While you’re here, you might want to check out some of the event venues we have on hand for special occasions. Whether you have an upcoming 50th birthday party planned or need a space for a bachelorette party, Peerspace is here to ensure its success!

Find unique indoor event spaces in Charleston on Peerspace