(apologies if this is posted twice, technical difficulties)

My husband, 7 year old son, and I are going to Charleston for two days on the way back from D.C. We are planning on Fort Sumter. I need opinions on Patriots Point, the aquarium, and local beaches. We live 45 minutes from Sea World so wasn't sure if aquarium would be worth it. Would love to hear about anything you've done there with your kids that they enjoyed and restaurants they enjoyed. Thanks!!

I have boys 7 and 9. Your son will like Patriot's Point. My boys would say it's a "must do".

Patriot's Point is a must! Also, a carriage ride, Charlestowne Landing(in West Ashley), and Fort Sumter. On Sullivan's Island there is Fort Moultrie which is actually more in tact as it was used most recently. Did I mention it was free?!? Isle of Palms is a little more touristy and has surf shops and ice cream stores so your son may enjoy that more than Sullivan's. It would make a a good day trip to go to both.

Have fun!

The aquarium is much different than a Sea World - no performing mammals/fish it is a beautiful building with lots of great exhibits right on the water. They might also enjoy the county's water park on James Is. - about 20 min from downtown Charleston. Fishing on the pier in Folly Beach...

For restaurants, my boys, 11 & 8, loved Poogan's Porch for breakfast. We sat on the porch overlooking Poogan's marker, which made for interesting conversation. Sticky Fingers and A.W. Shucks were also restaurant hits. Ft. Sumter was great. The National Park Service has done a wonderful job preserving the area and we enjoyed the displays. It exceeded my expectations. Since we were already there, we visited the aquarium after getting off the boat from Ft. Sumter. It might not be the best aquarium I've visited, but the kids enjoyed the hands-on displays. Magnolia Plantation was also a hit. We did the tram tour, visited the petting zoo and then took the self- guided tour. We did a lot of walking but saw all kinds of wildlife. My boys were thrilled to be several feet away from alligators in the ponds and we also crossed the path of a snake or two. Have fun!

Thanks for the tip on Charles Towne Landing, never even considered it, but reading up on it, it sounds like fun. Also, how far is Isle of Palms and Folly Beach? I think we'll limit our driving since we'll have just arrived from D.C. and still need to make it to central Florida.

I lived in Charleston for a few years. Charles Town Landing is a MUST with kids. Rent bikes at the entrance and have fun! Also it is really fun walking around the downtown market area...there is something for everyone there. The Aquarium is fun but I would skip it if you live so close to SeaWorld. And a carriage tour is a MUST DO...the BEST carriage company is Old South Carriage Co...they are the ones who wear Confederate uniforms with a red sash. I used to be a tour guide there...if you go please tell them Marcie from PA says HI! But it really is a wonderful way to get a true feel for the city. It's a wonderful city...there's none other like it. Have a wonderful trip!

Depending on where you are staying in Charleston and traffic Folly Beach is about 25-35 min away. As far as the beaches...during high tide you won't have much of a beach for most of Folly. I think it is better at IOP(Isle of Palms)

My children have always enjoyed Isle of Palms( when we can't get to Fla)and it is usually less than 1 hour from downtown Charleston. For a scenic route, you could leave Patriot's Point and drive out Sullivan's Island - see the lighthouse (a unique one in itself) and across the marshes onto Isle of Palms. If you have been to the Market in Charleston already, you could pick up a kite at the great shop there and fly it on the beach. There is a local man who is often out there in the late afternoons with the most amazing trick kites.....multiple tails that looks like a rainbow across the sky! There is a decent public parking area/beach right as you come onto the island. The beaches are very wide and flat - great for skim boards.