Charleston Travel Guide: Everything you Need to Know

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Charleston, SC

I can’t tell you enough how much you should visit Charleston. It is full of history, gorgeous architecture, delicious southern food, waterfront views, and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The city has so much to offer from the famous Rainbow Row to the many plantations that demonstrate the history of the city. Don’t forget to grab some sweet tea on your trip.


Charleston is a walkable city with so many different things to see and do. It should be on everyones bucket list of places to see.

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Stay

HarbourView Inn

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This hotel is one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at. My room had the view of the harbor and a rooftop seating area. The hotel offers a cocktail hour for guests to mingle around and also milk and cookies at night. Breakfast is delivered to your room every morning.

2 Vendue Range

Hotel | Harbor Front | $$$

20 South Battery

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This B&B is the perfect spot if you are looking for a relaxing trip away from the crowd. It is across the street from the White Point Garden and The Battery. It is about a mile to and from Rainbow Row.

20 S Battery St

Bed and Breakfast | South of Broad | $$$

French Quarter Inn

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Located in the French Quarter neighborhood, this location is central and a short walk to the historical churches of the city and plenty of shopping places.

166 Church St

Hotel | French Quarter | $$$$

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant

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Located across the harbor from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant is the perfect spot if you are trying to save some money. You will have to drive to get to the Charleston sights but would be worth it if you are on a tight budget.

100 Ferry Wharf Rd

Hotel | Mount Pleasant | $$

Vrbo/Airbnb Rental

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If you are a big group and want to spend time together, then a house is probably a better call then a hotel.

Address varies

House Rental | $$$

Looking for something else?

Click here for other places to stay

Food and Drink

Brown Dog Deli

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A friendly and cozy sandwich shop that has some of the best sweet tea I have ever had. Being from the Midwest, I don’t drink a lot of sweet tea but if all sweet tea tasted like that I would drink that with every meal of the day.

225 Calhoun St

Sandwiches | $$

Poogan’s Smokehouse

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I got the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries that were fantastic. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and welcoming.

188 E Bay St

Southern BBQ | $$

Ru Ru’s Tacos & Tequila

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After a long day out and about in the city, who doesn’t want tacos, queso, and an ice cold margarita. The food was a nice refresh at the end of the day

159 E Bay St

Mexican | $$

Frannie & The Fox

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It was our last night, so we wanted to go to some place for dinner that was little more upscale. There’s nothing more elegant than a nice Italian dish paired with a glass of wine.

181 Church St

Italian | $$$

The Griffon

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Right in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, this was the perfect spot to grad a quick bite to eat after traveling all day. This casual laid-back restaurant has pub food and a variety of beer.

18 Vendue Range

American | $$

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Activities

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These houses are known for their vibrant pastel colors, including pinks, blues, greens, and yellows. The row of houses dates back to the 18th century and has become one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in Charleston.

79-107 E Bay St

Landmark | History |

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This charming fountain, which features a large, sculpted pineapple at the top, is a symbol of hospitality, a value deeply rooted in Charleston’s culture. The pineapple has long been a symbol of welcoming guests, and the fountain was designed as a nod to this tradition.

1 Vendue Range

Nature | Family Friendly |

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King Street is a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find everything from high-end boutiques and national chains to charming local shops and antique stores. Lower King Street is particularly famous for its antique stores, while the middle section features trendy fashion and lifestyle shops.

171 King St

Shopping |

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The City Market features a mix of local artisans, food vendors, and souvenir shops. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and Charleston-themed artwork to local delicacies.

188 Meeting St

Food and Drink | Shopping

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Fort Sumter is best known for being the location where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. There are museums and informative displays that provide insight into the fort’s role in the Civil War, as well as the broader history of Charleston.

Family Friendly | History | Landmark |

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This suspension bridge spans the Cooper River, connecting the city of Charleston to Mount Pleasant. It’s one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the United States and serves as a vital transportation link, but it also has become a symbol of the city’s modern growth and engineering achievement.

Landmark | Family Friendly |

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Middleton Place is a historic plantation and National Historic Landmark located just outside of downtown. It’s known for its beautiful gardens, house museum, and deep connection to the history of the American South, including its ties to slavery and the plantation economy.

4300 Ashley River Rd

Nature |

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Bulldog Tours is one of the most well-known and respected tour companies in Charleston, providing a range of experiences from historical walking tours to ghost tours, making it a great option for both history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.

18 Anson St

Entertainment |

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This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the role Charleston played as a key port in the importation of enslaved Africans into the United States.

 6 Chalmers St

Museum | History |

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A scenic promenade located at the southern tip of the city’s historic downtown. It is one of the most beautiful and historically significant areas in Charleston, offering stunning views of the Charleston Harbor, as well as a mix of beautiful historic parks and scenic waterfronts.

2 Murray Blvd

Nature |

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The Angel Oak is estimated to be around 400-500 years old, making it one of the oldest living things in the country. The tree is absolutely massive, standing at about 65 feet tall. Its canopy provides 17,000 square feet of shade.

3688 Angel Oak Rd

Nature |

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It offers a fascinating look into the diverse aquatic life of the region, as well as various ecosystems from across the state. It’s a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about marine life and conservation efforts.

100 Aquarium Wharf

Family Friendly |

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The RiverDogs are the minor league baseball team for the Tampa Bay Rays. The field is right on the river with amazing views of the city.

360 Fishburne St

Sports | Family Friendly |

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Located at the tip of the peninsula, this lush green space offers stunning views of the Charleston Harbor and is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance.

2 Murray Blvd

Nature |

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3380 Ashley River Rd

Museum | History |

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Located in Mt. Pleasant, just across the harbor from downtown Charleston. The ship is one of the largest and most well-preserved historic vessels in the United States, and it serves as a floating museum offering visitors a fascinating look into military history, especially World War II.

40 Patriots Point Rd

Museum | History |

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The plantation was primarily a cotton and rice operation and is notable for its connection to slavery and the lives of enslaved people who worked there. The plantation tells the stories of both the owners and the enslaved workers, providing an in-depth view of life on a Lowcountry plantation.

325 Country Club Dr

History |

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Located in the heart of the historic district, the Gibbes is Charleston’s premier fine art museum, offering an impressive collection of American art, with a particular focus on Southern artists and Charleston’s artistic heritage.

135 Meeting St

Museum | Art |

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The harbor is rich in history, offers stunning views, and provides a unique perspective of the city’s architecture, landmarks, and natural surroundings. There are various types of harbor cruises to choose from, each offering a different experience.

Address varies

Nature | Family Friendly |

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Located in downtown Charleston, this well-preserved mansion provides a compelling look at the lives of both the wealthy elite and the enslaved individuals who lived and worked in the house.

48 Elizabeth St

Museum | History |

Click here to find other things to do

Travel Tips

01

Weather

Summer highs of 85 degrees F and winter highs of 50 degrees F. The best season being spring with highs of 70 degrees F.

02

Events and Festivals

Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Spoleto Performing Art Festival, Cooper River Bridge Run, Charleston Wine + Food Festival

03

What to pack

This will depend on when you plan on visiting. Make sure to check the weather before you go.

04

Best Time to Visit

Peak travel season is in the spring in fall with milder temperatures. Summer can be hot and humid. Low season is in the winter months.

07

Culture/Atmosphere

Charleston is the definition of southern charm and holds onto its historical past.

10

Must Get Souvenir

A handmade palmetto rose is a unique way to remember your trip. They are made from fronds from South Carolina’s state tree – Palmetto tree.

05

Trip Length

A long weekend should be enough to see all the sights but you could spend up to a week.

08

Accessibility

Most places have handicap parking spaces. Click the link above for the accessibility of different attractions.

11

If you only have time for one thing

If you only have time for a short visit, I would recommend taking a walk around the city to see the charming architecture.

06

Transportation

The city is very walkable and safe. The Charleston International Airport is north of downtown.

09

Traveling with Dogs?

There are different activities and places to eat that are dog friendly. Click the link above for more.

12

Fun Fact

Charleston is nicknamed the Holy City do the number of churches which is said to be over 400.

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