10 Things to Do in Charleston in May

May is a great month to find plenty of things to see and do in Charleston. This historic city is known for its emphasis on the arts, starting with its well-preserved old churches, museums and iconic French Quarter.

If you like to party to electronic music or experience new cultures, Charleston in May is the destination for you. This city's community has an admirable cultural diversity, so during the month you'll see a Caribbean festival, a Greek festival, international celebrations and more.

Spring is a great time to visit Charleston's natural sites. Among them are its famous plantations, sites steeped in the history of colonization. At the plantations, you can walk along flower-filled paths, see lush trees and soak up the peace that only nature can bring.

Among the most popular plantations is the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Here you can take a guided tour of the gardens, the house, a boat ride, learn about the wildlife or enjoy a cup of coffee. Tickets average €5.

Another similar site is Middleton Place National Plantation. As well as a nice walk through the gardens, you can take a historical tour. It also has comfortable facilities where you can stay overnight with access to a swimming pool. If there's one ideal time of year to visit these plantations without suffering from heat or cold, this is it, so don't miss out.

During the winter it is not advisable to take a cruise and in the summer it can be a good plan, but with very high temperatures. Spring is the perfect time to go on a Charleston harbour cruise. Take advantage of the cool breeze and clear skies in May and enjoy a different day in this city.

This plan offers different options for all tastes. If you are travelling as a couple and want something romantic, I recommend choosing a sunset cruise. These trips usually last two hours and allow you to watch dolphins in the sea and birds in the sky. You will definitely fall in love all over again with this cruise!

Other cruises take place during the day and can focus on the history of the harbour and Charleston. Others even have fun themes, such as the ghost cruise or the pirate cruise for kids.

There is a perfect option for all tastes, the idea is to have a great time on these cruises, prices for these cruises can vary, but are usually between €80 and €150. This will depend on the company organising the event.

I recommend bringing sunscreen for these tours as you will be exposed to UV rays for 2 or more hours, which is the duration of these tours.

During the first week of May, North Charleston celebrates the North Charleston Arts Festival hosted by the City of North Charleston's Cultural Arts Department.

During this week, the city's culture and music are promoted, giving local artists who are engaged in dance, music, theatre, visual arts or literature the opportunity to perform.

The festival has been held for more than 38 years and attracts Charlestonians and tourists alike. Among the activities you'll enjoy are a series of plays, workshops and exhibitions. You'll also have the opportunity to see concerts and outdoor art installations.

You'll also find activities for the whole family in public spaces such as libraries, community centres, schools, businesses and parks. The city becomes an ideal space for everyone to participate in art.

At this event you will be able to see different activities such as the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, the South Carolina Palmetto Hands Craft Competition and Exhibition, Art and Photography Competitions and Exhibitions, among others. These events are for invited artists who come from all over the country.

The Spoleto USA Festival is an annual celebration held over 17 days in May in Charleston.

Theatres, churches and public spaces lend their facilities to theatre actors, dancers, opera singers, jazz musicians and others to perform their works. The festival usually starts at the end of May and lasts until June.

To participate in any of the festival's activities you need to check the dates and venues of the events. You can find the information on the website.

With accurate information you will be able to plan your experience. Although there are activities every day, most of them take place on weekends, while others are just for one night only.

Free parking is usually available in the avenues where the festival is held. Tickets are available on the website or by phone. Ticket prices vary from year to year, so check the website.

Also, if you are visiting just for the festival, you can buy a package which includes a reservation at certain hotels. With this package you will get a voucher of approximately €50 to buy tickets or festival posters.

Every May 5th commemorates the Battle of Puebla in which the Mexican army defeated the French military in 1862. To celebrate this date, the city of Charleston annually holds the 5 de Mayo Festival, an event where you'll find Mexican-themed music, food and entertainment.

Over the years, this Mexican celebration has been brought to the United States, becoming an event that unites migrants with the people of this country. During the celebration , the cultural diversity of the city is honoured. In addition, a portion of the money collected is usually donated to a non-profit organisation.

The festival is held at the Visitor Center Bus Terminal. Local celebrities have the opportunity to compete in the "Dancing with the Local Stars" competition. In addition to watching the competition, if you attend this festival you will have the opportunity to sample authentic Mexican food, margaritas and Mexican beer.

To participate in the festival you need to buy your tickets. You can do so at the door of the event or on their website. Tickets are usually very affordable and children under the age of 12 can participate free of charge.

Practical information

• Location: Visitor Center bus terminal.
• When to go: 5 May every year.
• Price: around 10 €.
• Opening times: 7pm - 11.30pm.

May is a great month to celebrate art in Charleston. It's spring: what could go wrong? As part of this artistic scene, a visit to the French Quarter would be ideal. Stroll the cobblestone streets and discover art in all the buildings and galleries hidden along this iconic street.

I recommend a visit to the Atrium Art Gallery, one of the largest art galleries in Charleston. There you will find a variety of works by local artists.

You can also stop by the Charleston Craft Co-op, a gallery of handcrafted products made from fused glass, ceramics, wood, among other materials. In addition to the other galleries you can visit, I recommend exploring the Gibbes Museum of Art. Here you can take a tour of American art that incorporates the history of the city of Charleston.

Since it's springtime, it's best to walk around in pleasant temperatures, so don't hesitate to take this walk.

Charleston is known for being a city full of art and a variety of cultures including Greek culture. The city hosts an annual weekend-long Greek Festival. If you travel to Charleston during the first week of May, don't miss the opportunity to attend this festival and take a tour of the church.

During the weekend, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church opens its doors to all who wish to celebrate Greek culture. Tickets are available on the festival website. Prices usually cost between €3 and €5 and children under the age of 12 can participate free of charge.

When you enter the festival you will be able to sample authentic Greek food. Try delicious pastries, authentic gyros, Greek coffee, beer and wine. For dinner or lunch you can have lamb and baklava, and much more!

In the meantime, enjoy live Greek music as well as traditional dances performed by groups such as Kyklonakia, Palamakia, Asteria, among others.

Practical Info

• Location: 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
• When to go: first weekend in May.
• Price: around 5 €.
• Hours: Friday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

May is the ideal month to stroll through the streets of Charleston, so I invite you to visit the Harleston Village neighbourhood, which dates back to the 18th century. Here you'll find numerous buildings with Italianate and Georgian-style architecture. The area is also full of trees that begin to bloom at this time of year.

Here you can spend a leisurely afternoon strolling along the pavements or riding your bike under the shade of the trees at Colonial Lake. This park is known as 'the pond' and is often visited by locals for fishing. Needless to say, it's completely free to walk around this area and you can do it on your own, as it's a small area.

To the east of this neighbourhood you'll find King Street, Charleston's hub of bars, restaurants and shops. If you're interested in a taste of American college life, you can visit the College of Charleston campus.

The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the United States.

On the first Saturday in May, this thoroughbred race is held in Louisville, Kentucky, during the two-week long Derby Festival. The whole country, but especially the south where the city of Charleston is located, gets caught up in the excitement of this event.

It won't be too hard to find a bar or restaurant where you can watch the race on TV. Meet up with the locals and enjoy a night of sport while enjoying dinner with your favourite beer. Equestrianism is really big in the south of the United States and if you're in Charleston around this time, I'm sure you'll be able to experience it.

Bars and restaurants usually advertise if they're having a Derby Party, so do some research and decide which restaurant is your favourite.

If you want to take a tour of the city and find out the best places to watch the sport or spend a nice night out, I recommend taking a Charleston sightseeing bus tour.

Spring is slowly making its appearance in Charleston and if you visit the city in May, you'll experience this season in all its glory. That's why I recommend a visit to the city's natural parks. This is an ideal plan if you are travelling with your family, as children and adults can have a great time in nature.

One of the parks you can visit is the James Island Country Park. Here you can go fishing, cycling or camping outdoors. You can also use the volleyball court or have a barbecue. Admission to this park costs less than €2.

North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, in addition to the park mentioned above, has a golf course. Its large forest allows for many group activities.

Another park you'll love is Palmetto Islands County Park, where you can enjoy a tropical setting and an observation tower.

You can also enjoy the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, which is considered a wildlife preserve. Here you will only have the opportunity to observe and learn from the animals, as no bicycles or other activities are allowed.

If you travel to Charleston during the month of May, be prepared for some rain, but with pleasant and stable temperatures. Daily temperatures vary between 4 °C, 25 °C and 29 °C. On a very hot day it can reach 32°C (90°F), but this is unusual and it's best to pack moderately thick clothing.

Cloudy days are also common, with the exception of the first few days of the month when the skies are usually clear. One of the advantages of travelling to Charleston in this month is that the day lasts longer than in winter. Sunrise is usually around 6:12am and sunset is around 8:30pm.

If you travel toCharleston during winter, your plans will have to be adjusted, but in spring there is nothing to fear: just enjoy the good weather.

Traveller Tip

Always travel with a jumper to protect you from the cold. Take an umbrella in case you get caught in the rain while visiting a festival.

When travelling to Charleston in May you shouldn't prepare for super cold or hot days, as the weather is mostly cool and calm. However, I recommend bringing cool clothes and jumpers in case you plan any evening activities in Charleston.

For outdoor plans, it's a good idea to bring sturdy shoes and cool clothing that will allow you to move to the music you'll be enjoying at the festivals. It's a good idea to pack several changes of clothes as most festivals last two to three days.

If you plan on camping or picnicking, be sure to bring a blanket or mat where you can rest and organize your food. Chairs and tents are also items you'll want to take with you. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience in Charleston.