Charlestonians are known for their resilience in the face of a storm. See: All the viral pics of us kayaking through floodwater and our ability to recover after hurricanes.
While many of us are willing to turn our commutes into an impromptu mud run, when it comes to socializing, we generally opt for seizing the Netflix remote over seizing the day.
Grab your umbrella, pull on your rain boots, and read on for a list of 13 inspiring ways you can laugh in the face of Mother Nature and spend a rainy day in Charleston.
Explore an exhibit
The Gibbes | 135 Meeting St.
Art lovers can roam Charleston’s only visual arts museum. The first floor is free + open to the public, and tickets are available to view galleries on the second and third floors.
The Charleston Museum | 360 Meeting St.
Commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum,” The Charleston Museum is a great place to go for visitors, newcomers, and longtime locals alike. Browse current exhibits.
South Carolina Aquarium | 100 Aquarium Wharf
Take a look around this aquarium in downtown Charleston and don’t miss the two-story, 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank and sea turtle exhibit.
Go to a show
Dock Street Theatre | 135 Church St.
Visit what’s known as America’s first theater and experience shows like “Charlotte’s Web” and “A Christmas Carol.” Check out the performance schedule.
Terrace Theater | 1956 Maybank Hwy.
This James Island theater is the perfect place to grab a pal, load up on popcorn + watch a movie while it rains cats and dogs. See upcoming shows.
Music Farm | 32 Ann St.
This indoor music venue offers live tunes, comedy shows, and themed dance nights as one of Charleston’s most iconic spots. Find out who’s up next.
Take a sip
Deep Water Vineyard | Photo by @lowcountrydog
Deep Water Vineyard | 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island
Take a trip out to Wadmalaw Island on a drizzly day + spend your time sipping locally-produced muscadine wine.
Firefly Distillery | 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston
This Park Circle distillery is the home of the world’s first Sweet Tea Vodka and features more than 30 spirits — from vodkas to moonshines.
Play a game
The Alley | 131 Columbus St.
Knock down some pins at this restaurant and bar in downtown Charleston and play classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, skee ball, and pinball.
Elite Escape Games | 966 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
Your challenge is to escape within 60 minutes. Room themes include an undead outbreak and a crashed alien spacecraft.
Carolina Ice Palace | 7665 Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston
Grab your significant other and go ice skating for a unique date on a rainy day in the Holy City. See the public skating schedule here.
Make something
Candle making class at Candlefish | Photo by @shopcandlefish
Candlefish | 270 King St.
Choose a fragrance from the candle Library, learn how to blend wax and fragrance oil, wick your jars, and pour two 9oz glass jars to take home. Take a look at the calendar to book a class.
Palmetto Clayground | Northwoods Mall, 2150 Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston
Come relax at Palmetto Clayground in a place made “for artists, by artists” while you learn the basics and develop your art skills.