Charleston Travel Guide

Charleston, South Carolina is a city that is sure to win visitors' hearts with its southern charm and hospitality, gorgeous streets and landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine that blends American, African, French, and Caribbean flavors. The city also features beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and varied shopping and accommodation options.

Things to Do in Charleston

In the downtown area and some of its surroundings, Charleston offers such sites as the historic French Quarter and Battery district. The Battery Promenade and Waterfront Park are great for enjoying a nice afternoon. American history is also present in the town in the form of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, the site of the first battle of the Civil War.

Best Time to Visit Charleston

Charleston´s hot summers and relatively moderate weather are perfect for having visitors all year-round to places such as the huge South Carolina Aquarium, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and Boone Hall. Finally, Charleston is also close to Sullivan´s Island, where you´ll find gorgeous beaches.

A Local's Guide to Charleston

Charleston in South Carolina is a fantastic place for a vacation home. The city is on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean and was founded in 1670 as “Charles Town” to honor King Charles of England. Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, restaurants, and incredibly welcoming people, Charleston is a popular place for tourists from around the world.

A melting pot of southern American, English, French and West African cultures, Charleston SC has an impressive reputation for art, music, food and fashion.

Arts & Culture

Spoleto Festival USA is held every year in late spring and has become one of the world’s major performing arts festivals. The oldest community theater group in Charleston, The Footlight Players, has been putting on productions since 1931 in a variety of venues across the city. And every year, the Charleston Fashion Week is held in Marion Square and celebrates the history and culture of the area.

Jazz music is one of the best-known exports of Charleston and the Geechee dances that accompany dock workers’ music and inspired the “Charleston Rag” as well as the dance that was hugely popular in the 1920s.

Historic Downtown Charleston has lots of historic buildings, art museums and other attractions including the free Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and America’s first museum - The Charleston Museum.

There are lots of arts galleries in Charleston and Gallery Row in Broad Street is a great place to visit as there are 15 in this area. Other great venues to check out include Corrigan Gallery, Grand Bohemian Gallery, Robert Lange Studios, Meyer Vogl Gallery, Gibbes Museum of Art, The Vendue Hotel and The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.

Take a walk around some historic homes in Charleston and see how the buildings have been preserved for hundreds of years.

Food & Drink

Visitors to Charleston have to try some of the area’s best-known cuisine: gumbo, crab soup, fried oysters and deviled crab cakes.

Visit Charleston’s Farmer’s Market every Saturday between April and December. Hosted in Marion Square, fresh produce is sold from stalls in the area. Everything from asparagus to turmeric roots is available as well as cheese spread, strawberry honeysuckle jam and hickory smoked olive oil. Grab some fresh local food and take it back to the vacation rental to whip up a lunch or evening meal.

Those looking for a strong drink can visit one of Charleston’s many distilleries for a sample of signature spirits. High Wire Distilling is one of the best places to visit for a tour of a working distillery.

When & Where to Stay

Use a vacation home as a base to explore other nearby cities and resorts including Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant and Folly Beach. The best times to visit Charleston are between March and May or from September to November when temperatures are mild but not too hot. Hotel and vacation homes will be more expensive around Easter.