Charleston is one of my favorite cities to visit, and somewhere I go back to often. From the historic architecture, top-notch restaurants, and beautiful water-front location, this city has it all.
You cannot see everything in just a weekend stay; there are just so many things to do. I would recommend spending at least 3-days here, especially if you plan to squeeze in on a beach day.
This Charleston travel guide includes what to do, where to stay, and the most delicious places to eat.
Information About Charleston
When to Visit
The best times to visit are during the spring and fall. The weather here during that time is a lot cooler and tends to be a little crowded. June, July, and August are hot and humid and extremely busy times of the year. These are the perfect months if you plan to soak up the sun on one of the local beaches.
There really isn’t a terrible time to visit. We spent a couple of days in Charleston in December and were pleasantly surprised with the perfect 70-degree weather, although locals said the average temperature around that time was in the high 50s.
Travel Tips
- Make sure to pack sunscreen! It gets hot and humid, especially during the summer.
- Bring comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Ask your hotel if they offer complimentary parking, which comes in handy if you bring a car.
- Make reservations ahead of time! Most of the restaurants book up extremely quickly, especially during peak season and on the weekends.
- If you plan on visiting several attractions, the Charleston Tour pass could save.
How to Get Around the City
If you are staying in the downtown area, the easiest way to get around is on foot or by bike. The downtown area has convenient bike rental stations set up around town.
The streets are usually always busy, and parking can be hard to come by. Unless you are looking to leave the downtown area, I would not recommend driving.
Plus, walking gives you the chance to explore the cozy sideroads and take in the beautiful architecture the city has to offer.
Other options are renting an Uber or jumping on a bus which are great options for those hot summer days.
If you want to explore the surrounding beaches, then you will need a car.
The most convenient rental company is Enterprise since it is in the downtown area off of Meeting Street.
If you are driving to Charleston, as we did, there are several paid parking lots around the city. Many hotels also offer complimentary parking.
Where to Stay in Charleston
My favorite place to stay is in the downtown area because everything is within walking distance and the hotels are all quite charming. If you are looking for quieter accommodations, you can find several hotels across the bridge in Mount Pleasant, and rentals in Isle of Palms. Charleston has a variety of accommodations to choose from that range from inexpensive to luxury stays.
Spectator Hotel
Some of my favorite luxury hotels include the Spectator Hotel. The hotel is located near City Market and the French Quarter. What I love most about this place is the Jazz Age decor and overall vibe. When you grab drinks at the bar, you feel like you have stepped back to the 1920s. The Spectator also greets guests with a welcome cocktail, offers complimentary bike rentals, offers room service, and has valet parking if needed. Need a butler? They have that too!
MID-RANGE: Check Rates | LOCATION: 67 State Street, Historic District
Zero George
Zero George is a small, elegant boutique hotel in the downtown area. They have a beautiful covered porch that takes up the entire front of the building and a private courtyard for guests. The 1804 buildings have been immaculately restored but left with the historic charm you expect when coming to Charleston. Guests receive complimentary bikes and a complimentary European breakfast (which includes Callie’s biscuits). The hotel also offers different excursion packages, evening wine and cheese pairing, cooking classes, and a sophisticated restaurant. If you stay here, you may not even want to leave!
LUXURY: Check Rates | LOCATION: 0 George Street, Historic District
The Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion is a popular mid-range hotel. It was named after the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. The 12 story hotel was opened in 1924 and underwent restoration in 1996. Rooms include luxurious amenities, and the hotel offers on-site amenities such as a spa, restaurant, bar, and meeting spaces.
BUDGET: Check Rates | LOCATION: 387 King Street, Historic District
Hotel Bennett
This luxury hotel was just recently opened to the public and is a great place for those wanting some relaxation. Hotel Bennett has a beautiful rooftop pool, lounge area, and a world-class spa. The hotel also has several restaurants, including a delicious pastry store called La Pâtisserie. They serve an assortment of French pastries, sandwiches, and sweets. They also make homemade macarons and éclairs that go perfectly with a coffee in the morning.
LUXURY: Check Rates | LOCATION: 404 King Street, Historic District
Charleston Harbor Resort
Charleston Harbor Resort is perfect if you want to stay close to downtown but still be near the beach. It is located right on the harbor and a short drive to downtown Charleston and Sullivan’s Island Beach. There is also a water taxi that stops by the resort and will take you to a handful of locations. If you are looking to stay by the water, this resort will give you a quieter experience than staying in the downtown area. It is also perfect for groups of people or families with lots of multi-bedroom suites available.
MID-RANGE: Check Rates | LOCATION: 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant
Want more options? Click here for more top-rated hotel
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the City
- Do some shopping on King Street
- Visit the Charleston City Market (closes at 4 pm)
- Take a Historic Carriage Tour
- Walk to Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park
- Explore the Battery homes and park
Day 2: Visit the Historic Mansions
- Drive north of the city and tour a plantation or two (Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, and Magnolia Gardens)
- Visit some historic homes in downtown Charleston (Williams Mansion, The Aiken-Rhett House, and Nathanial Russell House)
- Stop by The Old Exchange
Day 3: Tours and Beach Day
- Take the early Ferry out to Fort Sumter
- Drive to Mount Pleasant and tour Boone Hall Plantation
- Spend the day at the beach (try Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s near Mount Pleasant)
- Grab drinks at a rooftop bar
Things to Do in Charleston
There are so many things to do and see in and around Charleston. If you are staying for just a few days, you will not be able to fit it all in one trip.
I have picked some of the must-do activities that focus mainly on the downtown area.
These are perfect if this is your first time visiting the city or have a couple of days the spend. If you have been to Charleston before or are staying for a longer, read “Top 20 Things to Do in Charleston, SC“.
I’ve included a much longer and detailed list of activities, including ones outside of downtown.
Rent a Bike
One of the most enjoyable activities is to ride a bike through the city and explore all the quaint alleyways and enjoy the historic homes. The downtown hare has bike rental stations run by Holy Spokes that you can find in different locations.
You can grab a bike and peddle away. Bike rentals are $8 per hour or $20 for the day. Best of all, when you finish, you can conveniently deposit back at any location you choose.
The bikes even come with a 4-digit pin which you will get with your rental. You can lock your bike at any time during the day using that code.
Download the Mobile App to conveniently reserve your bike and check out the different rental stations.
If you would like a more traditional bike rental, check out The Bicycle Shoppe. Some of the best places to explore by bike are Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Charleston Waterfront Park.
Visit Fort Sumter
No trip to Charleston is complete without a visit to Fort Sumter, the site of the first shots fired of the Civil War. It was also used during the Spanish-American War, WWI, and WWII.
The Ferry departs from either the Fort Sumter Visitor and Education Center in Downtown Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. There are only a few departure times that vary based on time of year and location. For updated times, check Fort Sumter’s official website.
Tickets cost $30 for adults and only $18 for children aged 4-11. Children under the age of 4 are free. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise on the harbor before stepping foot onto the grounds of Fort Sumter and learning about the heroes who served here.
Do Some Shopping
Charleston is full of interesting boutiques and shops. Two of the main places to go shopping are King Street and the City Market. The South Part of King Street is where all the boutique shopping is. There is a mix of local novelty shops, antique stores, clothing boutiques, and name-brand stores.
The Charleston City Market is another place you can go to find souvenirs, artwork, antiques, and many other unique things. This flea market has been open since the late 1700s and is now a popular shopping attraction for tourists. I recommend visiting in the morning as the market starts shutting down around 4 pm.
If you get the chance, make sure to check out the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square. Here you will find an assortment of handmade products, artwork, fresh produce, and food. The market is open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm.
Visit Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a street lined with historic pastel-colored houses located South of Broad Street. The colorful homes from 83-107 East Bay Street. It is one of the most famous streets in the city and one of the best places to take pictures.
These historic homes were built back in the 18th century and were later painted the vibrant colors in the 1930s and ‘40s.
Walk Through the Battery
The Battery is on the lower end of the downtown area. It was used as an artillery battery but is now known as home to some of the most luxurious and beautiful antebellum homes.
The Battery is one of my favorite parts of Charleston. On our first visit to the city, we spent the afternoon walking around the cobblestone streets and admiring all the homes with their picturesque gardens. The southernmost part of the area is White Point Garden.
This grassy area is a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing and perfect for picnics and enjoying the nice summer weather.
Spend the Day at the Beach
There are several different beaches close to the downtown area. My personal favorites are Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is one of the more well-known beaches in the area and, therefore, one of the busiest. To get there from downtown Charleston, take Highway 171 straight there. The drive is about 40 minutes but can be full of traffic during the busier times of the year and on weekends.
Folly Beach is a terrific option if you want an upbeat setting with lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. You will find the majority all along Center Street, as well as some cute surf shops. Folly Beach also has an infinite number of vacation rentals if you want to stay at the beach.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is another local beach and my personal favorite. Unlike Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island is much quieter and less busy.
There are only a few restaurants in the area, and most beachgoers here own beach-side property. If you are looking for a laid-back setting, then Sullivan’s is the perfect place. If you get hungry, it is just a short walk to the restaurants.
Obstinate daughter is my personal favorite, but Poe’s Tavern and Mex 1 Coastal Cantina are all wonderful as well. Of the three beaches, Sullivan’s are my favorite and one I would love to live on one day. A girl can wish, right?!
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is only a few minute’s drive from Sullivan and offers the perfect mix of the two. Isle of Palms is another place to go if you want a beach rental and a lively beach setting.
There are also many wonderful restaurants here. If you find yourself in the Isle of Palms, stop by the Acme Restaurant. They have some of the most delicious and reasonably priced seafood dishes.
Carriage and Walking Tours
One of the best ways to learn about a city is to take a tour. This is especially true if you are in a location for a short amount of time. With Charleston being a popular tourist city, there are many different touring companies available. Here is a list of some terrific tours for you to try.
HISTORY TOURS
- Old South Carriage Company offers different tours of downtown Charleston. Their most popular is the Historic Charleston Carriage Tour, but they also have a Haunted Carriage Tour and Walking Tours. For more information on each with prices, check out their website!
- Historic Charleston Walking Tour – This 2-Hour tour takes you around to see all the top attractions in the downtown area. Some stops include City Hall, The Exchange Building, and Dock Street Theatre.
FOOD TOURS
- Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour – This particular tour is highly rated and will take you to 4 different restaurants around the City Market area. Food tastings are part of your ticket, but alcoholic beverages need to be purchased separately.
- Savor the Flavors Walking Food Tour – This tour includes a variety of restaurants and food choices around the French Quarter and City Market. It is a wonderful option if you want to try a little bit of everything.
- Upper King Street Culinary Tour – This tour takes you over to Upper King Street where some of the more trendy restaurants are located.
- Half-Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class – If you are a true foodie, this tour is for you. Based on all the 5-star reviews alone, it is easy to see why people are willing to spend a little more for this half-day tour. You will spend the four and a half hours walking around the city, followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch with wine pairing.
GHOST TOURS
- Haunted Evening Carriage Tours – Enjoy a ride around Historic Charleston at night while listening to haunted stories by your guide along the way.
- Haunted Night-Time Walking Tour – If you want a more up close and personal tour, I recommend this walking tour. Your guide will teach you all the local history with some spooky tales along the way.
Want more options? Click here for a list of highly-rated Charleston tours.
Stroll Through Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is a beautiful outdoor area that runs along the waterfront. It is a great place to come for a stroll with views of Charleston Harbor.
There are many benches to relax on and shaded areas if you are looking for a quiet place for an outdoor picnic. The Waterfront Park has become extremely popular over the years because of its Pineapple Fountain.
The pineapple symbolizes hospitality and is a popular place for visitors to come and take pictures.
Grab Drinks with a View
There are several great rooftop bars in the downtown area. One popular rooftop bar is STARS. The bar is great for both late-night and morning drinks with views of the city.
The restaurant has many different areas to lounge about, making it a good place for a large group of people. Another great rooftop belongs to the Vendue Hotel.
They are open daily from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm for lunch and dinner with live music on Sundays.
Where to Eat in Charleston
Charleston is known for being one of the best food destinations in the United States. It was hard to come up with a list of the top places to eat because there are just so many options! Here are a few of my top personal favorites.
Breakfast and Lunch
- Miller’s All Day: Everyone told us to stop here for brunch, and their food did not disappoint! We had to wait a good 45 minutes to get in though and sometimes waits can be even longer. The hardest part of eating there was deciding what to eat. Miller’s entire menu looked delicious and it took us a while to finally decide. We ended up getting three different menu items and splitting them between the two of us.
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits: This small local biscuit shop has turned into one of the most popular biscuit stores around. Callie’s also has an assortment of breakfast sandwiches. Best of all, they are open until 2 am on the weekends and have two locations, one on King Street and one on City Market. If you are looking for a quick and delicious breakfast on the go or a late-night snack, you can’t go wrong with Callie’s.
Dinner
- The Darling Oyster Bar: This is one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston! The Darling is beautifully decorated and has the most delicious seafood. Make sure to stop by for happy hour to get some refreshing drink deals and discounted oysters. If you have time, try stopping by for Sunday Brunch between 11 am and 2 pm. You cannot go without trying their bloody mary. This massive cocktail is topped with a lobster claw, shrimp, hushpuppy, celery, olives, and lime wedge.
- Husk: Located in a fully restored Victorian home, Husk is an award-winning restaurant that serves seasonal menus from local sources. Everything they serve comes from the south. That is why the menu changes based on the availability of ingredients. Because of its popularity, you will have to make reservations well in advance to get in.
- Leon’s Oyster Shop: This fun restaurant is located in an old garage. If you haven’t guessed by the name, they served delicious oysters and other seafood options. Leon’s is also known for the traditional fried chicken. They also have a large cocktail menu and rose on tap!
- Poogan’s Porch: For some of the best southern cooking, you must stop by Poogan’s Porch. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serve all things southern.
- The Ordinary: This gem of a restaurant is the complete opposite of ordinary. Once an old bank, it was renovated into this remarkable restaurant with a delicious menu. The Ordinary only allows reservations up to four weeks in advance, so make sure to call and put your name down.
- 167 Raw is known for its seafood, and I can attest to the deliciousness of their lobster roll. I could easily have eaten two of them in one sitting, they were that good. They are known for their oyster selection, and the servers will help you pick some different varieties out based on your personal preferences. Just a heads up, they do not offer cocktail sauce or crackers with their oysters. That would unfortunately be my one negative. The overall quality of the food was impressive, and I loved the vibe. We were lucky to get seats at the bar and open seating is normally hard to come by.
- FIG, or “Food is Good”, is known for its elevated twist on classic southern dishes. Like many popular Charleston restaurants, you will have to book reservations for FIG well in advance
Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s
- Acme Lowcountry Kitchen: During our visit to the Isle of Palms, we came across Acme. We were thankfully able to grab seats at the bar and were glad we did. The bartender and servers were all very welcoming, and the food was fantastic. I had their swordfish sandwich, and it is hands down the best fish sandwich I have ever had.
- Obstinate Daughter: Located on Sullivan’s Island, this restaurant makes for a perfect lunch or dinner after a day at the beach. What I love best about the Obstinate Daughter. is the European influence found in many of its dishes. With a wide assortment of dishes and some of the freshest ingredients, it is worth driving out to Sullivan’s Island.
Charleston is such a wonderful city with lots to offer. Whether you are looking to do lots of exploring, or just want a laid-back getaway, it has something for everyone.
Like I said earlier, this past trip was spent as a leisurely getaway. If you are visiting Charleston for the first time or can spend more than just a weekend there, I would check out my other two travel guides.
These go more in-depth about all the things you can see and do here. My travel guide also has an itinerary for first-time visitors!
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Nantucket
- Travel Guide: Plan the Perfect Trip to Nantucket
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- The Top 15 Things to Do in Nantucket
Charleston
- Weekend Getaway: 3 Days in Charleston, SC
- The Top 20 Things to do in Charleston, SC
- Zero George Review – Charleston, SC Hotels
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