Charleston is one of the South’s most popular cities for visitors and constantly holds events and festivals like Spoleto USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Cooper River Bridge Run, and the Southeastern Wildlife Expo.
It’s been named one of the friendliest cities and is a favorite of travel publications. It’s also home to dozens of internationally recognized and award-winning restaurants.
The colony was founded as Charles Towne in 1670 in honor of King Charles II of England. As a port city, it became home to settlers from Bermuda as well as infamous pirates like Blackbeard.
It served as an entry point for the Middle Passage from Africa, bringing slaves to the nearby plantations. It was also the site of a few Revolutionary War battles before “the shot heard round the world” at Fort Sumter, signaling the start of the Civil War. It was also the setting for Gershwin’s classic opera, Porgy and Bess.
What to Do in Charleston
Angel Oak– The oldest living thing east of the Mississippi is a majestic oak tree that has shaded picnickers and served as a jungle gym for children for hundreds of years. It’s estimated to be over 400 years old and it’s free to visit the park. 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island
Beaches– The beaches are another place to visit in Charleston when you’ve had enough of the dining, shopping and sightseeing downtown. Choose from Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island.
Charleston City Market– The Charleston City Market has been selling everything from produce to gifts to locals since the 1800s. After a recent renovation, the market stalls are looking better than ever, showcasing the foods, gifts, and wares that make the city so beloved. Be sure to check out one of the Gullah women weaving Sweetgrass baskets. 188 Market Street
The Charleston Museum– As the oldest museum in the country, the Charleston Museum details the history of the city and colonial America. Admire the Egyptian artifacts, the whale skeleton, and antebellum clothing. Admission also can get you entry into one of their historic houses. 360 Meeting Street
Firefly Distillery– The original sweet tea vodka is brewed and distilled locally. You can try all types of their vodka at the distillery, including those not usually sold to the public. 4201 Spruill Ave, North Charleston
Fort Sumter– Visit the national monument where the Civil War started, an island fort with interpretive panels. Ferries leave from the Aquarium Dock. Book your Fort Sumter National Monument Entry Ticket & Ferry before you go. 340 Concord Street
Gibbes Museum of Art– Charleston’s hometown art museum opened in the 1900s because of the work of a local philanthropist who gave the property his name. Exhibitions usually have some connection with Charleston or the South and the permanent collection features colonial portraiture and more contemporary pieces. 135 Meeting Street
Plantations– These homes have been made famous by their majestic avenues and settings for films, like Boone Hall and Middleton Place, but keep their dark past in mind and visit respectfully.
Rainbow Row– Located near The Battery, the bottom of the peninsula of Charleston, these iconic multicolored homes are some of the oldest in the city. It’s a great place to admire the stunning houses and pretend you’re one of their residents. East Bay and Broad streets
South Carolina Aquarium– This waterfront aquarium focuses on education with the state’s native species of fish and other creatures. They have a sea turtle rehabilitation program and otters that are a fan favorite. 100 Aquarium Wharf
Sporting events are another great way to experience the city. Attend a minor league baseball game with the Charleston Riverdogs, the Charleston Battery soccer team, the Charleston Stingrays hockey or the Lowcountry Highrollers roller derby.
Where to Eat in Charleston
82 Queen– Frequently named one of the city’s best restaurants, 82 Queen is steps away from famous spots like the Mills House. They’re known for their brunch menu as well as the she-crab soup, a local specialty that is creamy and decadent. 82 Queen Street, (843) 723-7591
Bowen’s Island Restaurant– It’s one of the most beloved seafood joints in town, feeding generations of locals after two devastating fires. Set on a dirt road off James Island, Bowen’s is simple but authentic, as you order at the counter (and it’s cash only!) and grab a seat at the dock. The crew will bring you oysters by the shovel full straight from the inlet. 1870 Bowens Island Road, James Island, (843) 795-2757
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit– Often with a line, this is the place to grab a quick breakfast of biscuits with fried chicken, pimento cheese, or other toppings. They also have a second location at the City Market if the King Street location is too busy. 476 1/2 King Street, (843) 737-5159
Fleet Landing– As downtown’s only waterfront dining experience, Fleet Landing sets the bar for great seafood at a reasonable price. The building is a former navy dock and it keeps up the theme in its decor. 186 Concord Street, (843) 722-8100
Gaulart & Maliclet Fast & French Inc.– Located near the “four corners of the law,” Gaulart & Malicet, known as “Fast and French,” is a favorite of law offices and students, as it offers delicious French cuisine for fast and cheap. 98 Broad Street, (843) 577-9797
The Glass Onion– Known as “soulful food,” The Glass Onion has a fine dining mentality but without the price. Specials change often due to what’s fresh and in season, but their Anson Mill grits and buttermilk quail are always a hit. 1219 Savannah Highway, West Ashley, (843) 225-1717
Jack’s Cosmic Dogs– For a quick bite during a trip to Mt. Pleasant or James Island, try Jack’s Cosmic Dogs, who offers some wacky toppings on the traditional hot dog, namely their sweet potato mustard. Grab a side of hand-cut fries and a vintage soda for the full experience. 2805 U.S. 17, Mount Pleasant, (843) 884-7677
Leon’s– Seafood is the draw at Leon’s Oyster Shop, where you can chow down on oysters, fried shrimp, fried chicken, sandwiches, and small plates. Pair with a local beer or glass of champagne. Go early or risk not getting into this award-winner. 698 King Street, (843) 531-6500
Poe’s Tavern– Named for Edgar Allan Poe, who spent time in the military on Sullivan’s Island, this neighborhood watering hole serves up burgers and tacos, as well as craft beer. Sit on the porch for prime people watching. 2210 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, (843) 883-0083
Where to Stay in Charleston
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina– Just over the bridge in Mount Pleasant, the oceanfront resort has multiple options for accommodation, including rooms, suites, and family rooms between The Beach Club and Harborside. There are multiple restaurants, pools, and spa onsite. Read our review. 20 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
Charleston Place– If you’re wondering where to stay in Charleston and have money to spend, there’s nowhere better than this AAA award winner. There are artwork covered rooms and suites as well as multiple restaurants and shops. 205 Meeting Street
Church Street Inn– The historic inn has one and two-bedroom suites, managed by Diamond Resorts. Rooms have full kitchens and guests can enjoy free WiFi and a convenient location. 177 Church Street
NotSo Hostel– This budget-friendly option has both dorms and private rooms along with bike rentals and breakfast. It’s in a great location, within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of King Street. 156 Spring Street
The Spectator Hotel– Inspired by the Jazz Age and Art Deco, this City Market-adjacent hotel comes with butler service, daily breakfast in bed, Nespresso machines, bikes to borrow, and a swanky cocktail bar. 67 State Street
Zero George– Set in a few Charleston row houses, the boutique property also has rental bikes, an in-house restaurant, and cozy piazzas to relax on. King and queen rooms are available, along with suites. There’s even a cooking school. 0 George Street
Camping- For those who are bringing their RV or just want a different type of experience, there’s a KOA Campgrounds that allow you to rent out old rail cars and there are plenty more in the county and state parks nearby. Campground at James Island County Park is another option on the other side of the peninsula.
Rentals- I’ve also had good experience with apartment rentals in Charleston, specifically beach houses. Airbnb does operate in the city, but not downtown because of affordable housing laws but you can still find sailboat rentals. VRBO also has options.
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If you’re staying on the peninsula, known as downtown Charleston, you can reach just about anywhere in a 30-minute walk. The city is very walkable, especially between tourist attractions. Grab a tourist map of the city from the Visitor’s Center on Meeting Street to help you navigate the area on foot.
For longer distances, you can ride a bike, which guests can borrow from Not So Hostel or you can rent from The Bicycle Shoppe on Meeting Street for $7-10 per hour, $28-40 per day or $50-120 per week. They offer both beach cruisers, pictured above, and hybrid bikes for downtown and Mount Pleasant. Cruisers are the single speed with baskets. Be sure that you have got a lock, as bike theft is common.
Driving in Charleston is essential if you’re exploring areas like Wadmalaw or Kiawah islands, but can be avoided entirely if you’re staying downtown. Hotel parking and the visitor’s center deck will cost you at least $10 per day and most don’t have an in and out policy. Street parking is dicey, as they vary by street, and metered spots are hard to come by. The city writes tickets before you can blink so you may not want to risk it.
Pedicabs, or bike taxis, are popular with tourists but aren’t very cost effective. The mostly student-run companies are good for getting back to your hotel after a night out on Market Street, but not much else. You’re limited to only two people per pedicab, so this isn’t a great option if you’re in a group.
Taxis are hit or miss in Charleston, as they’re hard to hail on the street at certain times of the day. It’s best to have a few taxi numbers written down in advance. Charleston Green Taxi is well run and has a fleet of hybrid vehicles, while Yellow Cab is one of the most popular companies in town, now with its own app.
Uber is another option for Charleston. Simply open the app, request a ride and enter your destination for a quick and cashless ride. They offer UberX, which is their rideshare variety, instead of the black town cars found in other cities.
CARTA is Charleston’s public transportation system, which isn’t usually employed by visitors. The downtown trolley, known as DASH, offers a free ride that runs through town to the South Carolina Aquarium, the Visitor’s Center and King Street.
Other services run to the airport in North Charleston, Summerville, West Ashley and beyond. Standard fares are $1.75 each way for standard routes and $3.00 each way for express and flex routes.
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