CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 4 DAYS.
Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. It is famous for its history, old buildings, great restaurants, and friendly people. Many tourists visit Charleston, and it has been called "America's Most Friendly." The city played an important role in the Civil War. Nearly half of all Africans brought to America arrived in Charleston, according to historians.
DAYS 1-4
Arrive at Charleston airport and transfer to your hotel.
Both taxi and rideshare transport (Uber and shuttle) are available from the airport.
Where to stay: The historic district in Charleston is the top choice.
Restored mansions, the legendary shopping of King Street and the award-winning restaurants are all within walking distance.
How to get around downtown Charleston:
The Charleston Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) is the most convenient way to get around. <map of routes>
These buses are free to everyone and operate in the downtown historic area.
Visitors can park at the Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St., or at any city-owned parking garage while they ride.
Downtown Charleston is compact and pedestrian-friendly. You will NOT need a car if you're planning not to leave the core, which is packed with restaurants, shops and historic sites. Free shuttles loop around the city as mentioned above.
Travel Guide: Fodor’s Charleston.
Highlights in Charleston:
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French Quarter Inn (166 Church St.; 866-812-1900)
A 50-room boutique hotel near Market Street, known for its warm B&B feel and luxury touches. Perks: champagne toast, evening treats, marble bathrooms, and vintage bikes. Guests praise its friendly staff and social hour, calling it a favorite for its Ritz-Carlton-level service with a homey feel.Wentworth Mansion (149 Wentworth St.; 843-853-1886)
An 1886 mansion with chandeliers, Tiffany windows, marble fireplaces, and a rooftop with city views. Guests love the refined low country dining at Circa 1886 and the mansion’s historic charm.The Dewberry Charleston (334 Meeting St.; 843-558-8000)
A sleek midcentury-modern hotel in a 1960s federal building near King Street and Museum Mile. Highlights: airy rooms, skyline views, and a James Beard-nominated bar. Guests appreciate the spa and complimentary car service.The Spectator Hotel (67 State St.; 843-724-4326)
This Art Deco hotel offers butler service, loaner bikes, and Roaring ’20s glam. Guests rave about the luxe details and complimentary snacks, calling it worth the splurge.Zero George (0 George St.; 843-817-7900)
A boutique hotel made up of five historic homes, featuring cozy courtyards and a wine and cheese hour. The acclaimed Zero Restaurant serves classic Charleston cuisine.Charleston Place, A Belmond Hotel (205 Meeting St.; 843-722-4900)
A grand hotel with crystal chandeliers and a Georgian staircase. Highlights: a rooftop saltwater pool, fine dining, and live jazz. Guests note its prime location and exceptional service despite some aging features.
This easy-to-visit place is known for its charm, walkability, and history. The small downtown lets you explore cobblestone streets, old houses, and landmarks like Rainbow Row and The Battery on foot. Guided tours by foot, carriage, or boat show Charleston’s history and buildings. The Charleston City Market has local crafts and food, while King Street is good for shopping and eating.
Take a City Bus Tour for a overall introduction. <Learn more>
🚶 Walking Tour - local tour operators like Charleston Footprints, Walks of Charleston and Two Sisters Tours, will bring you to the centuries-old mansion and cobblestone streets. Charleston is like a living museum.
🐠 South Carolina Aquarium - excellent exhibit and enjoyable for all ages. <directions>
A cruise around the harbor is a great way to see the city. Adventure Harbor Tours offers boat rides around the bay and to various attractions just out of town.
Walk “The Battery Promenade” - a popular destination, the Battery is famous for its stately antebellum homes.
Charleston Culinary Tours - make sure you go on the tour “hungry “. Duration: 2.5 hrs
🍺 Craft Beer Tours - a popular tour visiting such places as Charleston Distilling Co., Highwire Distilling, Stripped Pig Distilling and more.
Charleston City Market - the market is full of stalls with clothes, leather items, and local souvenirs. For a special buy, go to the "basket ladies." These women (and men) have been weaving baskets for centuries – this craft originated in West Africa – using local materials, such as sweet grass and palmetto leaves.
Mangolia Plantation and Gardens - one of America's Most Beautiful Gardens. Favored by nature enthusiast.
If you want to escape “busy” Charleston, and desire a little relaxation with the Southern sun, close by are:
🏖️ Isle of Palms:
Located 16 miles east of the city, Isle of Palms has about 7 miles of beach, perfect for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and sunbathing. It’s popular with families. and golfers.
Recent visitors praised the wide, clean beach and called it a great spot to relax. Isle of Palms also has more beachfront vacation rentals. plus the sprawling Wild Dunes Resort.
🏖️ Sullivan’s Island:
Sitting at the mouth of the Charleston harbor – a little less than 10 miles east of the downtown area – Sullivan's Island boasts beaches, tasty restaurants and unique shops, plus a colorful history. Many visitors say the beach is ideal for families. You'll also find a flock of vacation rental properties (▼) here.
<Learn more on how to spend a perfect day>
✈️ Airlines and cities serving Charleston with non-stop service. <Learn more>
🎬 Video
Average cost:
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people
Budget: $1,900
Moderate: $2,300
Luxury: $3,100 +
🌤️ Climate Guide:
During the month of April, October and November you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 68°F to 77°F.
Summer, from June to September, is the hottest season, with very humid conditions and temperatures of 85°F and higher..
The coolest season/winter is December through February.
Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in June through September.
Hurricane season is September and October.
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