South Carolina Aquarium
Dive deep into aquatic education at this massive Charleston Harbor facility, where about 5,000 creatures dwell. Don’t miss the 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank, where underwater inhabitants include a 220-pound loggerhead turtle, sharks and more. The Coastal Plan exhibit brings American alligators, rattlesnakes and native flora to the forefront. Explore 10 other exhibits that put you up close with animals found above and below. A regal bald eagle stands watch in the Mountain Forest exhibit. Visit the Touch Tank and interact with Atlantic stingrays, horseshoe crabs, sea urchins and more.
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, S.C. 843-577-3474, scaquarium.org, @SCaquarium.
H.L. Hunley submarine
The Confederacy’s H.L. Hunley became the first combat submarine to sink a warship when it hit the USS Housatonic in Charleston’s outer harbor during the Civil War. Yet, the Hunley didn’t fare much better and sank soon after. Fast-forward to 1995, and the Hunley was found. In 2000, some of the same researchers who helped recover the Titanic recovered the Hunley. Today, visitors can take a look at the Hunley as it sits inside a conservation tank located at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center on the old Charleston Navy Base. Tours, which last about 20 minutes, take place Saturdays and Sundays.
Warren Lasch Conservation Center, 1250 Supply St., North Charleston, S.C. 843-743-4865, hunley.org.
Boneyard Beach
A short ferry ride from Awendaw can take you to Bulls Island, home to Boneyard Beach. Located on the northeast end of the island, Boneyard Beach offers families afternoons of splashing, picnicking and exploring. The island’s changing shoreline has left the remnants of hundreds of oak, cedar and pine trees. Bleached by the sun and saltwater, the trees have been smoothed by the ocean tide, creating a gothic playground and surreal backdrop. While the kids scale the trees, try connecting a hammock to a couple of branches and relax under the sun.
Bulls Island Ferry, 498 Bulls Island Road, Awendaw, S.C. 843-881-4582, bullsislandferry.com.
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