Charleston, SC

Travel Guide

Charleston
Charleston Historic District
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site which includes a park
White Point Gardens showing a statue or sculpture
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site showing a garden

Steeped in history, this Southern town is an ideal spot for walking tours of antebellum mansions, beautiful gardens and fine restaurants. 

Charleston is best explored on a walking tour or in a horse-drawn carriage with your driver telling stories about city landmarks. Learn about military history and the Southern way of life. Sample local foods of shrimp and grits, Lowcountry barbecue, collard greens and sweet pralines.

The American Civil War began here, when the seceding Confederacy fired upon and overtook federal Fort Sumter in the Charleston River. A later Union attack reduced the fort to rubble. Take a ferry to see the historic site, which also contains a complete timeline of U.S. naval activities along the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Across the harbor, walk along The Battery and White Point Garden to gaze at the fort, now a national monument. Reflect on this pivotal moment in U.S. history. Turn around to view pretty antebellum houses surrounded by flowers in this neighborhood known as South of Broad. The writer Pat Conroy lived here. Many of his popular novels reveal not only Charleston’s geography, but also its cultural nuances.

To the west, the brilliant white Romanesque architecture of The Citadel gleams against a bright blue Charleston sky. Watch military cadets in dress uniforms during weekly parades or competing in weekend football games against other Southern colleges in the fall.

Nearby visit Middleton Place, a 1755 plantation with one of the nation’s earliest landscaped gardens. Something blooms here at any time of year. You might see an alligator sunning itself next to the Ashley River.

To the east, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an impressive modern structure, especially with its triangular arches illuminated at night. Walk, bike or drive across for excellent views of the river and harbor or run across during the Cooper River Bridge 10K Run in early April.

Spring’s Spoleto Festival offers opera, theater, dance, music and artist talks. Throughout the year, visit the Charleston Historic Market to purchase locally made handicrafts. Famous hand-woven sweetgrass baskets, once used during rice harvesting, are still made by locals and treasured as artworks.

Where to stay in Charleston

Charleston Historic District showing heritage architecture

Charleston Historic District

4.5/5(3,245 area reviews)

Explore this National Historic Landmark District, boasting an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including Charleston "single houses." Nearby Ansonborough features fine Greek Revival houses and historic civic buildings.

Charleston Historic District
Edmonston-Alston House featuring a house

Downtown Charleston

4/5(643 area reviews)

Explore the National Historic Landmark District, boasting an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including Charleston "single houses." Discover fine Greek Revival homes in Ansonborough and historic civic buildings on Broad Street.

Downtown Charleston
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site showing heritage elements and a house

West Ashley

Boasting Citadel Mall and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, this area is connected by the West Ashley Greenway and features historic sites like Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Revitalization efforts attract art and design businesses.

West Ashley
Worth every minute of waiting! The Charleston Nasty Biscuit at Hominy Grill, complete with a mimosa and side of home fries, made for the best brunch I've possibly ever had.

Cannonborough Elliotborough

While visiting Cannonborough Elliotborough, you might make a stop by sights like Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
Charleston

Harleston Village

If you're spending some time in Harleston Village, Marion Square and The Riviera Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Harleston Village
Waterfront Park showing a park, modern architecture and a marina

French Quarter

Historic district in downtown Charleston, the French Quarter boasts art galleries and notable sites like the Pink House Tavern and Dock Street Theatre. Enjoy diverse dining options and Charleston's Waterfront Park nearby.

French Quarter
Emeline
Emeline
4 out of 5
181 Church St, Charleston, SC
The price is ¥28,238 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥28,238
¥38,995 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,606 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Enjoyed my stay with a few exceptions. It was nice to have a Nespresso coffee maker on each floor. The water station was nice too. One problem with the coffee maker was that it was not working on any level one of the 3 days I was staying. Not sure if they have a plumbing problem, ..."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Emeline
The Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion Hotel
4 out of 5
387 King St, Charleston, SC
The price is ¥25,803 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
¥25,803
¥29,415 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,681 reviews)
"Property is old but very clean. I love that we had 2 bathrooms in the deluxe double with harbor views. The staff was nice. Perfect location for a wonderful and affordable price because for traveling midweek."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

The Francis Marion Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
3 out of 5
11 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston, SC
The price is ¥10,762 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥10,762
¥12,268 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the convenient parking and ...
6.4/10 (2,289 reviews)
"Customer service was lacking, the first guest agent didnt care. But the other guest attendant was able to help and take care of us."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Iris Charleston
The Iris Charleston
3 out of 5
84 Line St, Charleston, SC
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
Southern Hospitality!!
"The keyless entry worked flawlessly. The property was secure and well lite. We entered the first floor condo to be greeted by a handwritten note and gift bag, which included a bottle of wine and chocolate. Nice touch! The condo was clean and the furniture was comfortable. Loved the dual-showerhead ..."

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

The Iris Charleston
Spend The Weekend Aboard Your Own Private Yacht In Historic Charleston
Spend The Weekend Aboard Your Own Private Yacht In Historic Charleston
Charleston
Stay at this houseboat in Charleston. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal and Charleston ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
Spoleto
"2 nights. All went well. Quiet. Boat comfortable and well outfitted."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Spend The Weekend Aboard Your Own Private Yacht In Historic Charleston
Charleston Home w/ Rooftop Deck!
Charleston Home w/ Rooftop Deck!
Charleston
Stay at this vacation home in Charleston. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal and South Carolina ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Great location
"The home is beautiful, roof top deck is amazing for coffee in the early morning or relaxing in the afternoon. It's located in the perfect spot to walk around Charleston and see all the sites."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Charleston Home w/ Rooftop Deck!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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