Visit Charleston SC: The Ultimate Guide 2025
Visit Charleston, one of the number one travel destinations in the US and for very good reason! Charleston has been named the top city in the world by Conde Nast Traveler for nine years in a row and if you haven’t visited yet then you’re in for a treat.
Charleston is a city that boasts a little bit of everything. Fascinating history, incredible architecture, seafront views, and mouth-watering cuisine. There is something here for everyone, but unlike other cities, it maintains a friendly, local vibe.
If you’re planning a visit to Charleston SC then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together the most detailed Charleston SC travel guide out there so you can simply book and focus on making memories in America’s most beautiful city.
If you’re in the initial planning stages then go ahead and read it all – it’s got everything you need to know! But if you’re just here for something specific then feel free to use the quick guide below to skip to the section you’re most interested in!
Visit Charleston Quick Guide
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A Little Background Before You Visit Charleston
What is Charleston famous for?
One of Charleston’s huge draws is its history, and you’re going to want to delve into it at some point during your trip. But before you go, here’s a little taster so you’re clued up when it comes to all those incredible historical buildings and monuments!
In 1669, under the leadership of Captain Joseph West, three vessels; the Carolina, the Port Royal and the Albemarle set their sites on the new land, America. In the Spring of 1670, 150 English colonists, servants, and slaves sailed into the Charleston harbor.
The travellers named the place Charles Town in honour of Charles II and the settlement slowly expanded. With its strategic position, Charles Town became a busy seaport and by 1740, Charles Town was becoming the most critical port in North America for exporting, and an economic boom surged across the colony.
Religious tolerance was at the heart of Charles Town, as the residents believed that with this attitude the settlement would increase in numbers and profitability. Because of its origins for religious diversity, Charleston became known as “The Holy City” and is still nicknamed this today.
The Revolutionary War brought to a close Charleston’s Golden Age. In 1778 The British took control and Charles Town was occupied by England. By 1783, Charles Town had been reborn as Charleston.
By 1860, Charleston lay divided concerning States Rights. The Ordinance of Secession was signed in December of that year making South Carolina a separate entity from the United States. On April 12, 1861, Confederate troops issued the first shots of the Civil War when they fired upon Fort Sumter, successfully driving out the federal forces.
When To Visit Charleston
We would recommend Charleston at any time of year, but if you have a choice then check out the seasons below and pick the time of year that’s right for you!
March – May
In our opinion spring is one of the best times of year to visit Charleston. The weather is warm (but not too warm!) and the flowers are in full bloom! The only trouble with a visit at this time of year is the other tourists, who have also all heard Charleston is pretty in the spring! Expect higher hotel rates and crowded tourist attractions, especially around the Easter holidays. If you book mid-week you’ll find it a little less crowded!
What’s On:
Festival of Houses and Gardens (March-April)
Charleston Food + Wine Festival (March)
Spoleto Festival USA (May-June)
June – August
A visit in the summer months will be hot and humid, but not completely unmanageable with a little planning. Make sure you allow plenty of downtime, trips to air-conditioned museums and houses (or bars, we’re not judging!), and pack plenty of water and suncream.
Since August is Charleston’s rainiest month, plan to bring an umbrella, too. You can beat the heat with trips to the nearby Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach for water sports and dips in the sea.
What’s On:
Spoleto Festival USA (May-June)
September – November
Charleston’s peak tourist season goes well into November, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the warm temperatures before they start to drop in December. Autumn also has some of the best food festivals (see below).
What’s On:
LowCountry Jazz Festival (August-September)
Charleston Restaurant Week (September)
MOJA Arts Festival (September-October)
Taste of Charleston (October)
Holiday Festival of Lights (November-December)
December – February
This is the season to go if you’re on a tight budget, with potential deals to be had on accommodation!
Temperatures scarcely dip below 40, hovering in the 50 to 60s. If you’re heading here for Valentine’s day then you’re in for a treat – Charleston is one of the most romantic destinations in the US!
What’s On:
Holiday Festival of Lights (November-December)
Lowcountry Oyster Festival (January)
How To Get To Charleston
By Plane
Charleston International Airport is about 12 miles west of the city and the closest airport to head to if you’re planning on flying here.
From the airport, the meter rate for a taxi into the city is $2.52 per mile plus $14 per person in excess of two passengers. Check that your hotel doesn’t run a shuttle service before you book.
The local bus, CARTA Route 11 is your cheapest transfer option, at $1.75. It runs from Mon–Fri 7am–8:40pm hourly; Sat 8pm–8:40pm hourly; Sun 10am–7pm hourly. Check up to date times before using the service. It runs directly into the downtown area and takes just under an hour.
All major car-rental facilities, including Hertz and Avis, are available at the airport. If you’re driving, follow the airport-access road to I-26 into the heart of Charleston.
By Car
The easiest way to visit Charleston is by car. The main north-south coastal route, U.S. 17, passes through Charleston; I-26 runs northwest to southeast, ending in Charleston.
By Train — Amtrak
Amtrak trains arrive at Gaynor Ave., North Charleston, 11 miles from the Historic District. The station serves the Silver Service/Palmetto route between New York and Washington D.C., and Orlando and Miami. Trains travel twice a day between Savannah and Charleston (1 hr. 45 min.–2 hr.). Local bus CARTA runs from the Amtrak station directly into the downtown area ($1.75) during the day, or you can grab a taxi for around $20 at night!
By Bus — Greyhound
The Greyhound offers regular service to North Charleston (7 miles from the Historic District) from Columbia and Myrtle Beach, and 1 daily from Savannah (2 hr. 10 min.)
Where To Stay When You Visit Charleston
If you’re only here for a short stay then you’re best finding accommodation in the centre of Charleston. There is a huge amount of choice to suit every budget so it shouldn’t be hard to find somewhere you love. We’ve got a few great suggestions below, or if you’re looking for the perfect place for you and your partner then we’ve found the best romantic places to stay in Charleston.
The John Rutledge House Inn
The John Rutledge House Inn is probably the most unique place to stay in Charleston and will give you huge boasting rights when you return home!
It’s exactly what the name suggests – the former home of John Rutledge. Staying here is quite the claim to fame, so it’s a great option for a short stay in Charleston. It’s also beautiful and in perfect location. We can highly recommend a stay here! For more information and prices head here.
The Dewberry
The historic Dewberry Charleston is a mid-20th century boutique hotel and easily makes the short list for one of the most romantic and atmospheric places to stay in Charleston.
The hotel is in the perfect location – central to everything including some of Charleston’s best restaurants and bars. If you’re just here to relax then treat your loved one to a trip to the spa here or make use of the fitness center and library.
Find out more information and check availability and prices here.
334 Meeting Street, Historic District, Charleston, 29403
HarbourView Inn
The HarbourView Inn is a luxury boutique hotel in a great location. The hotel has views of Charleston’s habourside, including the famous pineapple fountain. It’s a short walk to the market, great local shops and some of the best restaurants in Charleston.
Find out more information and check availability and prices here.
2 Vendue Range, 843-853-8439
The Inn at Middleton Place
The Inn at Middleton Palace is a former rice plantation turned luxury hotel, with all the features of one of the most romantic places to stay in Charleston, so if you’re here with a loved one then consider booking here.
It’s a little further out of the city than some of the other most romantic hotels in Charleston, but totally worth it for the serenity you’ll find in the surroundings here. If you’re looking for somewhere to really unwind, with a little sight-seeing thrown in, then this is a really special option.
Find out more information and check availability and prices here.
4290 Ashley River Rd, 843-556-0500
The Jasmine House
The Jasmine House is an adult only 1843 Greek Revivalist Mansion located in Historic Charleston. Each room is individually decorated in a romantic historic style, with a private patio or a gas fire place to snuggle up next to on colder evenings. Some of the rooms feature four-poster beds and the private bathrooms here are particularly luxurious!
You can find out more information and check availability and prices here.
64 Hasell Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401
The Charlestonian
Located in Charleston, The Charlestonian is a great self-catering option with a central location. The apartments have been lovingly renovated in keeping with the traditional style but with a modern twist. There are rocking chairs on the porch where you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and watch the happenings on Cannon Street as many Charlestonians have done before!
Find out more information and check availability and prices here.
Charleston’s Best Restaurants
This is the perfect breakfast spot for your visit to Charleston, but you’ll want to get there early as everyone else knows it too! They serve a variety of piping hot award-winning biscuits, pimento cheese sandwiches, and a range of other delicious and locally inspired breakfast goodies. Grab a bite to eat here and take it to the waterfront park to enjoy breakfast with a view.
This cafe is another breakfast gem but yet again, it will have the queues to match! You can’t book here so try and arrive early and beat the masses. The banana bread is INCREDIBLE!
For a lunch on the go head to Queen street grocery. This charming cafe opened all the way back in 1922 and has been a little of everything over the years – from an Apothecary to a full-blown Grocery Store and now a trendy cafe. The signature crepes are well worth a try, or they make tasty hot-pressed sandwiches too.
You can’t visit Charleston without at least one BBQ and Rodney Scotts serve some of the best! They specialise in whole hog BBQs, using hardwood embers to impart a unique flavour to the meat – BBQs really are an art form here! Try to save room for Ella’s banana pudding which has top reviews.
Another one of Charleston’s specialties and a must-try on your visit here. Treat yourself to champagne, oysters, and caviar and you’ll be sure to start your trip to Charleston with a bang!
Husk is the restaurant that kicked off chef Sean Brock’s empire and it’s a great place to head if you want to sample Southern cuisine at its finest. The menu changes regularly but you can expect to enjoy dishes like deviled eggs with pickled okra and okra stew with Carolina gold rice.
You’ll have to book this restaurant about a month in advance to stand any chance of getting a table, but if you manage to get a booking then you’re in for a treat. Expect traditional low-country cuisine done to an extremely high standard. Just ask the waiting staff what you should have – they’ve all been specially trained to know what they’re talking about!
This tiny restaurant feels more like someone’s home in the south of France and it’s utterly charming. The menu changes every day (you can find it on Instagram) and you’ll have a choice of two starters, two mains, and two desserts, all delicious French cuisine in an intimate setting.
Ok, so not a restaurant destination but we had to include this place for sunset drinks. You’ll get the best views of Charleston Harbor and Waterfront Park lit up at night, along with a variety of snacks and drinks.
Visit Charleston Highlights
If you don’t fancy following an itinerary when you visit Charleston then here’s a summary of some of the top things to see and do here. Some are free and some you’ll want to book in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. If you’re after a more extensive list then we’ve got you covered – from romantic things to do in Charleston to the best things to do in Charleston at night, there’s something for everyone!
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is one of the most famous sights in Charleston and you’ll probably have seen it plastered all over the Instagram pages of anyone who has been here. You can find Rainbow Row between Tradd and Elliott streets on East Bay Street. Here you’ll see 13 colourfully painted houses in a range of pretty hues that, it has to be said, do make an awesome Instagram shot! The houses were restored in the 1930s and ‘40s and you’re bound to stumble across them on your walks around the city, so you shouldn’t have to go out of your way to find them.
1920 Bay Steamer Tour
This was probably our favourite thing to do on our visit to Charleston! Experience Charleston onboard a 1920s-Bay-Steamer-replica yacht. Your captain will guide you on a journey through more than 300 years of American history. You’ll pass by 75 landmarks and points of interest, get close-up views of the “Holy City,” and pass by remnants of the Civil and Revolutionary wars.
For nature lovers there’s also a good chance you’ll see dolphins and pelicans splashing nearby!
Book your historic harbor cruise now
Visit Charleston’s Waterfront Park
Charleston’s waterfront park is the perfect place to relax after a morning of walking, especially in the heat of summer. This half-mile stretch of waterfront looks out onto Charleston harbour and there are benches and trees all the way along the front. It’s a lovely spot to unwind in.
Pineapple Fountain
This is another iconic spot and a must-see when you visit Charleston. It marks the entrance to the waterfront and has been there since the park’s opening in 1990. I guess it’s kind of a love or hate fountain, but whether you admire it or loathe it you’ll find it hard to miss, as it’s in a prominent position by Charleston’s pier.
Charleston Carriage Tour
This is one of the most booked things to do in Charleston and you can see why! Go back in history and see Charleston as it once was with a horse-drawn carriage tour. This is perfect for couples and kids alike!
The Battery – Visit Charleston Must See
The Battery is a defensive seawall and promenade found on the lower shores of Charleston’s peninsula. It’s famous for its rows of beautiful antebellum houses. White Point Garden is a great spot for a picnic, shaded by oak trees. You can see Fort Sumter in the distance and check out some of the Civil War canons, monuments, and statues, but there’s nothing like a proper visit to the island so check out the tour below.
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is the location of the battle that ignited the American Civil War. If you have a passion for history or even if you don’t, this is a must-visit destination in Charleston. You will feel as though you stepped back in time when you see the old cannons, real shrapnel, and impressive fort building that overlooks the water. If you’re not bothered about the fort itself (or you’re dragging young kids along), then the boat ride over is a trip in itself. You might even get lucky enough to see dolphins!
Historic Charleston City Market
First built in 1804, the City Market now features a wide variety of vendors selling souvenirs, hand-made jewelry, art, and the famous Gullah sweetgrass baskets. It’s a great place to get lost amongst the bustle for a while and you might even find the perfect souvenir to take home too!
Historical walking tour
Taking a historical walking tour is an absolute must while you’re in Charleston. This city has so much history packed into its beautiful streets and knowing what went on here only makes Charleston all the more magical. On this popular 2-hour walking tour, you will learn about the intriguing history of Charleston, the rich tales and legends, and it’s proud and turbulent past. If you’re visiting in summer then consider taking an air-conditioned bus tour instead and avoid that crazy Charleston heat!
Book your historical walking tour here
Full Moon Paddleboarding
Watch the sunset over the low country as you paddleboard your way along Charleston’s coastline. The stars are incredible here, and you’ll be steering your paddleboard by moonlight as you look out for dolphins and turtles, and spot the city lights on the horizon. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Charleston then look no further!
Middleton Place
Visit Middle Place in Charleston where two of America’s Founding Fathers called home: Henry Middleton, a president of the First Continental Congress, and his son Arthur Middleton, who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Explore the incredibly beautiful landscaped gardens and the House Museum filled with Middleton family possessions. You can also visit the plantation stableyards with heritage breeds.
Make sure you visit Eliza’s House, a freedman’s dwelling that’s purpose is to recognise the lives of the enslaved people who built the property.
If you’re looking for something a little different then Charleston is sure to have it – just check out our more extensive article on the best things to do in Charleston to find what you’re looking for!
If you’re visiting Charleston with kids then you’ll want to mix in some things for them too. We’ve got the ultimate guide for visiting Charleston with kids to help you make the most of your time here as a family.
Visit Charleston Itineraries
Don’t have the time to sit and plan your trip? Not to worry, we’ve done the hard work for you!
How To Get Around
Bus
DASH is Charleston’s Downtown Area Shuttle and is the most convenient way to get around downtown Charleston. These buses are free to everyone and operate in the Downtown historic area.
There are three DASH routes:
Rte 210 (Orange) – The College of Charleston and the Aquarium
Rte 211 (Green) – Meeting and King Streets
Rte 213 (Purple) – Lockwood and Calhoun Streets
If you want to visit somewhere that’s not on the DASH route, then CARTA buses are the next best thing! Check out the CARTA website, where you can plan your route to see if the bus stops where you’re heading.
Charleston Water Taxi
The Charleston Water Taxi is the best way to get to Patriots Point from downtown Charleston if you don’t have a car. It’s also a lot more relaxing than driving! The water taxi charges $12 for an all-day pass and children under three ride free.
Car Rental
Most of the attractions in Charleston are within walking distance, but most of the nearby beaches and plantations are a 20-30 minute drive from the city. We’ve linked you to some tour companies that provide transport to some of these attractions but you might prefer to drive there yourself. You can hire a car from one of the many companies at the airport.
Staying Safe In Charleston
As cities go, Charleston is friendly, welcoming, and safe. But just as when visiting any unknown area it’s a good idea to follow a few simple tips to keep safe while visiting Charleston.
- Stick to the tourist areas, especially at night. Just with any city, there are some areas that are safer than others to go wandering around in.
- Keep your valuables hidden. It’s a good idea to keep important documents and valuables either in a safe at your hotel or close to you when walking around. It’s a good idea to use a travel wallet that you can hide easily under clothing, or we love these travel money belts or scarves.
- Be sensible when exploring at night. Stick to well lit streets for opt for public transport.
- Always check cabs are licensed before agreeing to a ride.
Check the weather
Charleston can get hit during hurricane season so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather here. Hurricane season runs roughly from July 4th through to Thanksgiving, though obviously they can hit either side of this too. If you travel to Charleston during this period then chances are, you’ll be absolutely fine, but it’s worth watching the forecasts just in case.
Insurance For Visiting Charleston
If you’re visiting Charleston from abroad then you might want travel insurance. Obviously, no one likes to think about the worst things that could happen on their travels, and I guess that’s half the point of travel insurance – complete peace of mind that you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
You can get easy-to-navigate travel insurance that will make it clear exactly what you’re covered for from Safety Wing. Just go through their list of activities and make sure it’s ticked for the package you’re buying!
Book your travel insurance here
Money Matters
The dollar is one of the world’s most stable currencies and is the only currency accepted in the US. If you’re traveling to the states, you’ll have no problem using your credit card. Banks and ATMs are common.
We always find the easiest thing to do when travelling is to withdraw cash when we’re there. As usual, they charge withdrawal fees, so we found the best thing to do was take out large amounts of money at a time. You can save yourself unfair exchange rates by getting hold of a Revolut card.
Revolut allows you £200 worth of cash withdrawals a month free of charge, and only 2% thereafter. You can pay by card in the bigger towns and cities, so £200 will actually go quite a long way. We now use our Revolut card as our main bank card. You can keep track of how much you’re spending and where, and you can set it to automatically top-up once you’ve reached a certain amount (or not, meaning you can’t possibly spend more than you want on a night out!)
Tipping Guide
- Restaurant. Tip waiters anywhere between 18% to 20% of the bill. Some restaurants will add tips onto the final bill (more common in tourist areas), if this is the case, you don’t need to leave a tip.
- Bar. It’s good form to tip $1 per drink.
- Hotel. Tip the porter $2 to $5 for a big bag and an extra $1 for every other bag. Tip housekeepers anywhere from $5 to $10 a day.
- Taxis. Tip 10% to 20% of the fare.
- Cafe. The barista making your coffee doesn’t necessarily need a tip unless he or she has done something special!
TOP TIP – It’s a good idea to keep important documents and valuables either in a safe at your hotel or close to you when walking around. It’s a good idea to use a travel wallet that you can hide easily under clothing, or we love these travel money belts or scarves.
Staying Connected When You Visit Charleston
Before you use your phone abroad always check with your service provider and switch off the data roaming as soon as you arrive. The cheapest way to stay connected in Charleston is to use free wifi, which you’ll find in most bars and restaurants or the accommodation you’re staying in. Make sure you pack a smart travel adaptor like this one. It will work everywhere in the world and you can charge multiple devices from it all at once.
Visit Charleston Reading Material
We love some good books for the holidays, and what better than reading about Charleston itself while you’re here. We’ve got fiction and non-fiction options for you below!
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe
The Beach House is a great holiday read. It’s easy to follow with a nice happy ending! Perfect for lazy days by the waterfront park or lying on a Charleston beach!
Sullivan’s Island by Dorthea Benton Frank
Sullivan’s Island is the first of Dorthea Benton Frank’s Lowcountry series and is set on one of Charleston’s most popular beaches. It’s about a woman fed up with her cheating husband and an ambivalent daughter longing to return to the idyllic island home of her youth. It’s a bit of a love it or hate it kind of book, but it does capture that southern lifestyle brilliantly.
Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
This best-selling novel follows the struggles of poor whites in Greenville County. It’s a little controversial, being banned in some places, and it follows some pretty serious topics of domestic violence. Definitely not a light read but certainly an interesting one!
Mamba’s Daughters by DuBose Heyward
This is a wonderful period piece set in early 1900’s in Charleston. This is a thought-provoking read delving into subjects of race relations in Charleston and is all the more powerful when you’re visiting Charleston.
Thunder in the Harbor: Fort Sumter, Charleston, and the American Civil War by Richard W. Hatcher III
This book provides a look into what the city was like leading up to the American Civil War when those fateful shots were fired at Fort Sumter. It’s the perfect book for anyone interested in Charleston’s rich history and contains more than a hundred historical photos and illustrations, and detailed maps.
So there you have it, the ultimate guide for when you visit Charleston. We hope we’ve covered all your questions in this Charleston guide but if we haven’t, feel free to drop a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! We hope you enjoyed this post and found it useful – make sure you sign up to the mailing list and follow us for more travel destination ideas and tips!
