When I first got to the College of Charleston, I was so excited to explore this amazing city. But I kept finding myself feeling confined to staying either on campus or within a block radius. And things became monotonous. I found myself in the same places, doing the same things, when what I had been really looking forward to was exploring. If you’re feeling like I was, and do not know where to go or what to do to see the best of Charleston, let this be your guide!

1. Washington Square Park

This park is a beautiful place to sit and read or listen to music. It is nestled at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets and offers sanctuary from the bustling city for when your feet ache from walking too much. The park is decorated with statues and plaques celebrating some of history's biggest heroes. And, to add to the mystery, if you take a ghost tour, you may end up at this park and hear some spine-tingling stories.

2. Hazel Parker Playground and Recreation Center

If you are interested in fitness, check out the Hazel Parker Recreation Center located on East Bay, past Waterfront Park. They offer yoga, tennis and barre classes for great prices!

3. Church Street

For the architecture buffs, try taking a walk down church street (especially at sunset). Part of the Charleston French Quarter, the architecture mimics the soft, symmetrical style found in France and is home to the French Huguenot and Famous Unitarian Church. If you ever just need to take a walk, this street is stunning and leads right to the Battery.

4. Aiken-Rhett House

If you love history, check out the Aiken-Rhett Mansion tour. Tickets are $25, but they often have days where students get a major discount. Sometimes it's even free! The outside of this beautiful residence is just a facade to the incredible living history of the interior.

5. Old Exchange House and Dungeons

Feel like being touristy? Stop by the Old Exchange House and putter around the museum to learn the economic history of Charleston. As one of the oldest buildings in the city, the dungeons played host to prisoners whose crimes ranged from petty thievery to high seas piracy. Get tickets to take a living historical tour of the dungeons and hear stories of the misfortunes that occurred long ago.

6. Calhoun Mansion

Ancient history can be difficult to find in a city that is only 250 years old, but the Calhoun mansion has you covered. Take a tour of this residence owned by relatives of the famous South Carolina Senator and Vice President of the United States, John C. Calhoun. What is striking about this home is that the contents of the house are worth more that the structure itself; some of the artifacts date back to thousands of years ago.

7. Brown Dog Deli

And when you get hungry after a long day of exploring, stop by the brown dog deli for a delicious sandwich or wrap and some mouth-watering soup!