Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Folly Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach with restaurants and bars just steps from the shore.

• Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ is helmed by a James Beard Award recipient, who went on to appear in the Netflix showChef's Table: Barbecue.

• Charleston Sailing Adventures provides some of the best views of the Battery and the majestic Ravenel Bridge.

• The yearly Spoleto Festival USA brings over 100 performances ranging from opera and ballet to jazz and bluegrass.

• Sorelle is an Italian restaurant with an extensive house-made bread and pasta program, an antipasti counter, and a wine room.

Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its centuries-old cobblestones and horse-drawn carriages; its dynamism and forward momentum are apparent across all facets of the city—from its top-tier culinary feats to its ever-evolving roster of shops, museums, and must-see attractions. You can come for the shopping on King Street and the photogenic backdrop of Rainbow Row, but know that the food scene in Charleston is paramount for most visitors, so you should pack a big appetite.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Charleston or you, understandably, keep coming back to the Holy City, this travel guide will help you get the most out of your visit.

Best Time To Visit

Charleston attracts international and domestic tourists all year round, but you’ll find different weather, events, and downtown decor depending on the month you choose to visit. 

Rain is relatively common in spring, but it's arguably one of the best times of the year in Charleston, with temperatures varying from 60 to 80 degrees and Southern blooms like wisteria, jasmine, and azaleas coming out in full force. The peak of wisteria season ("wisteria hysteria") falls in mid-March, right after theCharleston Food + Wine Festival, where the Lowcountry shows off its diverse, world-renowned food culture on a larger stage.Charleston Jazz Festival happens in April, a month that also marks the opening ofCharleston Farmers Market’s regular season in Marion Square. The belovedFestival of Houses and Gardens concludes mid-month, followed bySpoleto, a 16-day performing arts festival that takes over the city from late May to early June. If you’re headed to Charleston in the spring, just be prepared for crowds, traffic, lines, and hard-to-find parking. 

Fall is also a popular time to visit Charleston, as the weather is defined by moderate days and crisp evenings. Oyster season begins in September, and historic house tours return after a long, hot summer. Social media listings are your best tool for finding local oyster roasts, but you'll need to purchase tickets in advance for thePreservation Society of Charleston's Fall Tours. Choose from guided tours through private homes, self-guided strolls through Charleston's most beautiful gardens, or walking tours down the historic streets. 

Winters in the Southeast are typically mild and occasionally rainy; temperatures rarely drop low enough for snow flurries. That said, December is a magical time in Charleston. Historic homes lining lower King, Meeting, Legare, Church, Broad, and South Battery Streets are dressed to the nines in breathtaking magnolia garland, cheerful wreaths, and flickering candles in the windows. The annualHoliday Festival of Lights, a three-mile driving tour through James Island County Park, is a favorite family-friendly activity in the evenings. February is the unofficial start of festival season, as Charleston sets up for the Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition (SEWE), a weekend celebration of all things outdoors—including art, sporting exhibitions, and the can't-miss dock dog competition. 

Although coastal breezes provide some relief, summer’s heat (think high 80s and low 90s), thunderstorms, and humidity make it less than ideal for tourism. Still, there are still a few reasons to visit Charleston in June, July, and August—namely, easy access to some ofthe best beaches in South Carolina. Just a 15 to 30-minute drive from downtown, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach bring their own unique appeal to beach-goers. Add Kiawah Island to your summer beach list if you're prepared to drive a little further. 

How to Get There

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about a 20-minute drive from most Charleston attractions. Renting a car is optional, as Ubers and Lyfts are readily available, and parking can be tricky—particularly if you’re headed to the beach or attempting to find a spot downtown. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Loutrel

The Loutrel has everything you want in a Charleston hotel: upscale Lowcountry style, rooftop cocktail service, amenities, and an iconic downtown location. The boutique hotel’s front doors open to State Street, just a short walk from Charleston sights like The Battery, the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park, and Rainbow Row. 

The Pinch

If a boutique hotel with thoughtful touches at every turn is your favorite kind of accommodations, book a room atThe Pinch in the Ansonborough neighborhood. More than just a 22-room property, the hotel also features three furnished residences—which can be reserved for stays of 30 days or longer—a spa, daily complimentary breakfast, and a 40-seat oyster bar, known as The Quinte. 

The Ryder Hotel

Billed as a “boutique escape-meets-experience hotel,”The Ryder Hotel may have already made an appearance or two on your Instagram feed. The bright, airy rooms and common spaces have a relaxed feel to them—exactly the kind of atmosphere you’d expect when visiting a coastal city.

The Dewberry

The Dewberry, which describes itself as "offering old-world charm with a distinctive modern edge," is right downtown, just a block from King Street. On the main floor, you'll find the cozy Living Room, where you can refresh with coffee or cocktails or grab a bite to eat. Its rooftop restaurant and bar, Citrus Club, offers unparalleled views of Charleston and equally photogenic tropical drinks.

Emeline

Emeline is set in the heart of historic Charleston and home to Frannie and The Fox, an Italian eatery that has hotel guests and locals alike flocking to the wood-fired pizza and outdoor dining options. After brunch or before dinner, take one of the custom Emeline bikes out for a spin around the neighborhood.

Post House Inn

Guests at the expertly curated boutique inn and tavern enjoy Southern hospitality in Old Village Mount Pleasant, a 10-minute drive from downtown. ThePost House Inn is the definition of a bright, photogenic escape—and it’s only a block away from the waterfront.

Zero George Street

Three restored historic homes and two brick carriage houses offer 16 luxurious rooms that exude rest and relaxation atZero George Street. After a long bike ride around the neighborhood (on complimentary beach cruisers, of course), begin your evening with a cocktail in the outdoor courtyard before tucking into the seasonal fare offered at the on-site Zero Restaurant.

Best Things to Do

Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, and Isle of Palms

Going to the beach when visiting Charleston is a no-brainer; the pristine South Carolina coast can't be beaten. Most locals prefer Sullivan's Island, with its access to a variety of restaurants and bars just a few blocks back from the beachfront, while the neighboring Isle of Palms is ideal for families. The crowds of Folly Beach can be intimidating, but just keep driving further down E. Arctic Ave; you'll find more parking and more room on the beach as you move away from the center of town.

Walk & Talk Charleston

You can explore downtown Charleston yourself, but you may miss out on some important facts, architectural tidbits, and historical insight, the kind you’ll find on a guided tour. Founder ofWalk & Talk Charleston, Tyler Page Wright Friedman, and her team offer a variety of fascinating tours, including one exploring the LGBTQ+ history of Charleston, a walking tour focused on the role of horses throughout Charleston’s history, and a tour featuring Charleston and the Lowcountry’s natural history. 

Charleston Sailing Adventures

Take in the Charleston skyline from the water by booking a sunset sail around the harbor withCharleston Sailing Adventures. Don't forget your phone or a camera—you won't get better views of the Battery or the majestic Ravenel Bridge anywhere else.

Coastal Expeditions

Across the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor lies Shem Creek, where you can rent kayaks or paddleboards fromCoastal Expeditions to paddle alongside dolphins and explore the surrounding creek and marsh. Once you're done for the day, follow up your adventure with a drink or meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Angel Oak

The surrounding Lowcountry, filled with live oak trees and Spanish moss, is just as picturesque as the historic homes downtown. Twenty minutes from downtown isAngel Oak, a several-hundred-year-old live oak that shades over 17,200 square feet. The best part? You can leave your wallet at home; it's free for all guests.

Palmetto Carriage Works

Call it touristy, but it's downright fun to take in Charleston's history from a horse carriage.Palmetto Carriage Works is one of the most popular tours in the area. Choose from a personal ride with just your party or join in the larger tours as your guide takes you around the quaint Charleston streets.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

History buffs flock to Charleston, which played a key role in both the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars. Fort Sumter can only be accessed by boat, but Fort Moultrie is a quick visit after a day exploring Sullivan's Island.

Best Restaurants

Sorelle

Sorelle brings its extensive house-made bread and pasta program, antipasti counter, and wine room (among numerous other features) to Broad Street. Its Italian menu is spearheaded by Chef Nick Dugan.

FIG

A Charleston fixture for more than 20 years,FIG continues to fill its tables with regulars as well as those hoping to get their first taste of Chef Mike Lata’s fresh fish entrées and seasonal dishes. Reservations for the in-demand restaurant can be hard to come by, and count yourself lucky if you can sneak into a seat at the bar. 

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

The South Carolina-born pitmaster rose to barbecue fame after winning Best Chef Southeast at the 2018 James Beard Awards and appearing in the Netflix showChef's Table: Barbecue.Complete with a drive-through and bright blue picnic tables,Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ is home to every Southern delicacy you could possibly imagine: collard greens, hush puppies, banana pudding, and crunchy pig skins.

167 Raw

They don't take reservations, and you might see a line out the door, but don't let that keep you from the fresh seafood at local-favorite hot spot167 Raw. The wait is worth it for the crispy oysters, scallop po'boys, and ever-changing menu of "frozie" cocktails. 

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Charleston restaurateur and entrepreneur Brooks Reitz is the mastermind behindLeon's Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop. Set in a former body shop, Leon's features a relaxed atmosphere with top-of-the-line fried chicken, chargrilled oysters, cocktails, and soft-serve ice cream. A reservation for larger parties is advised, but last-minute diners and small groups can usually find space either inside or on the spacious outdoor patio.

Chez Nous

Reservations and outdoor dining options? Yes to both. A stagnant menu? Not at all.Chez Nous offers a European-inspired lunch and dinner menu each day: two appetizers, two entrées, and two desserts.

The Ordinary

Booking a table atThe Ordinary is recommended as the raw bar and delicious libations are in high demand. The former bank building, which sits smack dab in the middle of King Street, can only be described as “buzzing,” with guests excitedly devouring local peel-and-eat shrimp, raw oysters, and other concoctions born from the sheer genius of The Ordinary’s chefs.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Downtown Charleston

Otherwise known as the peninsula, downtown Charleston includes several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own history, restaurants, shops, and iconic Charleston landmarks. South of Broad, the area below Broad Street, is where you'll find The Battery; Harleston Village is mostly filled with locals and College of Charleston students who frequent Colonial Lake.

Cannonborough/Elliotborough is alight with creativity and delicious treats; pick up a cupcake fromSugar Bakeshop while walking along Cannon Street. The French Quarter is a classic stop for Charleston first-timers;Charleston City Market, theGibbes Museum of Art, and theSouth Carolina Historical Society are all in the area.

Mount Pleasant

Crossing the Ravenel Bridge leads you to Mount Pleasant. Equal parts suburb and a hub for shopping, bars, restaurants, and outdoor activities, Mount Pleasant is one of the largest towns in South Carolina. While there, head to Old Village Historic District to catch the unparalleled views from Pitt Street Bridge, which used to connect the town to the adjacent Sullivan's Island.

Sullivan's Island

A two-and-a-half-mile-long barrier island, Sullivan's Island is more than just abeach town. Besides the sandy shore, there are several popular restaurants (includingPoe's Tavern,The Obstinate Daughter, andHome Team BBQ), bike paths, and some of the dreamiest beach houses you'll find in the Charleston area.

Isle of Palms (IOP)

Alternating houses of residents and renters can be found along the main road on Isle of Palms, Palm Boulevard. Connected to both Sullivan's Island and Mount Pleasant, IOP is also home toWild Dunes Resort and Golf Course if you want to get a few rounds in.

Daniel Island

Between the Cooper and Wando Rivers, Daniel Island is one of Charleston's best places for outdoor activities. Golf courses, parks, and trails are easily accessible and can be reached in just 20 minutes from downtown.

Johns Island

The largest island in South Carolina, Johns Island, is flanked by James Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Here you'll find the famous Angel Oak tree and several golf courses, both private and public.

James Island

Take in the marsh views and iconic trees on James Island, an area once mostly farmland. For travelers looking for slightly lower accommodation prices than what you'll find downtown, James Island features several more budget-friendly hotels and rentals to choose from.

Folly Island

Beach bars, cafes, souvenir shops, seafood markets, taco shacks, and golf cart rentals—what else does a beach town need? Folly Island is one of the most popular South Carolina beach destinations due to its proximity to downtown Charleston and the sheer amount of entertainment for beach-goers of all ages.

Kiawah and Seabrook Islands

Privacy and quiet are two things you'll find upon venturing further out into the gated communities of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands.The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Course, a five-star hotel with unbeatable ocean views, is pure luxury and relaxation—a must-stay for special occasions and celebrations. You can't get on either island without a pass, butKiawah's Beachwalker Park is open to the public.

North Charleston

Many Charleston travel guides make the mistake of leaving out North Charleston, which is continuously adding new places to eat, drink, and stay. Restaurants likeJackrabbit Filly andEVO Pizza are worth the trek when the peninsula becomes overcrowded by the influx of summer tourists.

Best Shopping 

King Street

King Street is known as the shopping Mecca of Charleston, with stores ranging from local companies likeOld Whaling Company,Berlin’s, andBeau & Ro to name brands like Yeti, J.Crew, and Brooks Brothers. 

Croghan's Jewel Box

Family-owned jewelry storeCroghan's Jewel Box appears on just about every Charleston list you'll read, and for good reason. Entering the King Street store is like entering another world—diamond rings, antique lockets, and pewter keepsakes are just some of the treasures you'll find around the shop.

Lake Pajamas

If you forget your pajamas, or you desperately want to add another striped set to your closet, the Southern brand’s store is open on Lower King. Cozy robes, breezy nightgowns, and even options for kids are available inside the two-storyLake Pajamas. 

Preservation Society of Charleston

ThePreservation Society of Charleston brings you the best from local artisans and brands, includingBrackish Bow Ties,Smithey Ironware, andJ. Stark. They can be found alongside books from Charleston authors and other unique items that make memorable gifts for loved ones or tokens for yourself.

Hampden Clothing

Designer names run rampant atHampden Clothing, a luxury store flanked by its sibling shops, James and Small, on King Street. Go in with an open wallet and you'll leave feeling seriously stylish; Carolina Herrera, Mansur Gavriel, and Golden Goose are just some of the familiar brands stocked at Hampden.

Cigar Factory

TheCigar Factory, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, features a number of shops along East Bay Street, including textiles atFritz Porter and gourmet food emporiumMercantile & Mash. One of the best parts? Unlike King Street, parking at the Cigar Factory is painless and free.

Burbage’s Grocery

Located on Broad Street, right below Colonial Lake, isBurbage's Grocery, a family-run specialty grocery store locals return to again and again. You can pop in for lunch—there's a fully functioning deli in the back—or stop for locally brewed beer, hot sauce, and freshly baked goods.

Nightlife

Charleston establishments may not stay open as late as those in larger cities like New York or Los Angeles, but King Street is far from sleepy. Throngs of College of Charleston students and bachelor and bachelorette parties frequent establishments likeUptown Social,Prohibition, andThe Cocktail Club. 

If you’re looking for something more low-key, though, a cocktail, a glass of wine, or a quick nightcap are best enjoyed at a variety of local favorites, includingBar Rollins,Babas on Cannon,Bin 152,Graft Wine Shop, andThe Bar & Patio at Husk.

How to Get Around

Car services like Uber and Lyft are common and relatively affordable in Charleston, but it’s also a walkable and bikeable city. If most of your excursions and explorations are downtown, bring walking shoes or keep an eye out forpedicabs—an enjoyable way to get back to your hotel after dinner or a round of drinks. If you like to explore on two wheels, rent a beach cruiser fromBilda Bike on King Street, which offers daily, weekly, and monthly options. 

CARTA is Charleston's bus service with a variety of routes throughout the city as well as several Park and Ride locations. The free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers three routes on the peninsula.

What to Pack

A mix of beach gear, walking-appropriate clothing and shoes, and a few elevated pieces should make it in your suitcase before heading to Charleston. Breathable fabrics, like linen and cotton, help make the heat and humidity a bit more tolerable. No matter the season, you’ll want sunscreen, bug spray, and an umbrella.

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