The Ultimate Guide To Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a charming city in South Carolina on the coast. The city is home to preppy boutiques, amazing cafes and restaurants, tons of history, and the picturesque Folly Beach. The popular Charleston has so much to do an see, it is the perfect usa city break. This ultimate guide to Charleston, South Carolina has everything you need to plan the best trip ever!

Where To Stay In Charleston

Luxury Charleston Hotels

Hotel Bennett - The Hotel Bennett is easily one of Charleston's best hotels. Located in downtown, Hotel Bennett offers spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, four restaurants, a spa, bar, and more. The luxurious decorations at Hotel Bennett will make you feel like royalty.

Wentworth Mansion - If you are looking for a hotel with immense character, Wentworth Mansion is as good as it gets. Complete with comfy rooms, a top notch spa, a restaurant and more you will love your stay at the Wentworth Mansion.

The Charleston Place - Located in the heart of Charleston, The Charleston Place Hotel is probably the most popular luxury hotel in Charleston. The modern hotel has an impressive indoor/outdoor saltwater pool, four returanterants, spa, gym, and more.

Middle Range Charleston Hotels

Mills House - The Mills House hotel is a boutique hotel by Hilton. The clean cut modern hotel is located right in downtown Charleston and offers everything you need for a wonderful trip. (pool, bar, gym, restaurants, and more)

Emeline - Emeline is an adorable boutique hotel located in downtown Charleston. You will find stylish decor, two restaurants, a spa, and more at Hotel Emeline.

Planters Inn - Built in the 19th century the Planters Inn is located in downtown Charleston by the historic Charleston City Market. At the Planters Inn you will find two restaurants, a bar, and old timey decor thought the property.

Budget Charleston Hotels

Andrew Pinckney Inn - Built in 1840 the Andrew Pinckney Hotel is a dreamy boutique hotel that will make you feel like you have stepped into the 18th century. The affordable Andrew Pinckney Hotel is located in downtown Charleston.

The Ryder Hotel - Located a short walks away from the popular King Street, The Ryder Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel that is perfect for a weekend getaway in Charleston. At the Ryder Hotel you will find three restaurants, a fitness center, pool, and more!

Moxy - Moxy is a cute hotel that is perfect if you are on a budget! The hotel is in a great location in downtown Charleston. You will find a gym, two restaurants, a bar, and more at Hotel Moxy!

Going to Charleston this fall? Checkout our Top Charleston Hotels Perfect for a Cozy Fall Getaway.

What To Do In Charleston

Rainbow Row

This ultimate guide to Charleston would not be complete without the iconic Rainbow Row. Rainbow Row is easily the most noticeable place in Charleston. The pastel colored home lined up in a row is adorable to see and perfect for a photo. My pomeranian, Latte and I had quite the photo shoot at Rainbow Row last time we were in Charleston.

Just up the road from Rainbow Row you will find one of my favorite coffee shops in Charleston, Bakehouse Charleston.

Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market is a lovely place to walk around and shop a bit. The outdoor market is open daily and is perfect for a shopping spree or picking up some Charleston themed souvenirs! Not only is the market super fun to walk around in, but it is also historic. Opening in the 17oos, the Charleston City Market is a must visit while in Charleston, South Carolina.

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Charleston is located right on the water and the Joe Riley Waterfront Park is the perfect place to see the water while in Charleston. You can easily walk here from the city center. Make sure to walk the pier, along the water, and stop in front of the iconic Charleston Pineapple waterfall at Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

King Street

King Street is the most popular shopping streets in Charleston. There are all kinds of boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants on King Street. Most of the shops on King Street are quite preppy, but there is truly something for everyone wether you just like to window shop or spend thousands.

Wander The Streets

I could honestly wander the streets of Charleston for hours. The pastel colored homes, beautiful flowers, cobblestone streets, and plenty of coffeeshops to stop at along the way! Some of my favorite areas to walk around in Charleston is the South of Broad neighborhood and the French Quarter. You will find more residential homes in the South of broad neighborhood and more shops and businesses in the French Quarter.

My personal favorite is the South of Broad.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is an important historic site in Charleston. If you are looking to learn more about Charleston's history and slavery, be sure to stop by The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. It is best to take a tour at The Old Exchange because you will learn so much more this way. You can easily walk in a join a tour or book one online here!

Do a Walking Tour

Walking tours are always a lovely way to see a new place. Usually guided by locals, you can expect to learn and see so much on a walking tour of Charleston. Walking tours are usually quite cheap as well. I loved this walking tour of Charleston. We stopped by all of the main sites in Charleston including the French Quarter, Charleston City Hall, and more!

🩴Charleston Walking Tour

The Old Slave Mart

The Old Slave Mart is unique because it is the first African American slave museum and all of the staff has family members who were slaves, making them very knowledgeable. Built in 1859, The Old Slave Mart is believed to be the last of its kind in South Carolina. If you are interested in the slave trade or the history of the south you will love the Old Slave Mart in Charleston.

Walk Along The Battery

Located on the eastern tip of Charleston is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the water, The Battery, is a must visit while in Charleston. Enjoy views of the Charleston Harbor and plenty of gorgeous colonial homes while walking on The Battery.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Located in the middle of the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is a man made island that was used to protect Charleston from navel invitations. Built in 1812, Fort Sumter is a must visit in Charleston if you want to learn more about the history of the Civil War.

Fort Sumter is only accessible by ferry.

🛥️Book the ferry here

Angel Oak

The Angel Oak is a magnificent oak tree that stand sixty five feet tall and is considered to be the largest oak tree east of the Mississippi River. The Angel Oak Tree sits in Angel Oak Park just south of Charleston on John's Island. The tree is estimated to be five hundred years old. If you have extra time in Charleston the Angel Oak Tree in Angel Oak Park is a super cool thing to see in Charleston.

Folly Beach

Have a beach day a Charleston Folly Beach! Folly Beach is the best beach to go to while in Charleston. Located on Folly Island just south of Charleston, Folly Beach is lined with shops, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The Folly Beach Pier stretches 1,000 feet into the ocean, making for incredible views and a lovely place to fish.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Located in the stunning Mount Pleasant, just north of Charleston, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is one of America's oldest plantations still in operation. The beautiful plantation is listed on National Register of Historic Places and is known for its oak trees and original slave cabins.

⭐Tour of Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Best Tours To Take In Charleston

Wine Sippin', Tea Drinkin' & Tree Huggin' Tour: The Wadmalaw Adventure - If you are looking to get outside of Charleston for the day and see a bit more of South Carolina this Wadmalaw Adventure is perfect. Enjoy the Angel Oak, Charleston Tea Garden, and Deep Water Vineyard on this tour.

Charleston Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - This Charleston Pub Crawl is perfect if you are wanting to go out and learn more about the scarier side of Charleston. This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to meet like minded travellers.

Downtown Charleston Food Tour - The best way to get to know any city is through the food. This Downtown Charleston Walking Tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore Charleston and try some southern cooking.

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour - I mentioned this tour earlier in the article, but walking tours are such a great way to see any city. I had a blast on this Charleston walking tour and would definitely recommend, especially if you don't love to plan, you will see all of the best sites on this tour.

90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour - This Charleston Bus Tour is pretty much the same as the walking tour, except you will be driven around the city instead of walking. This bus tour is perfect if you are unable to walk.

Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse - If you are a fellow nature fanatic you will love this cruise. On this boat tour you will learn about the estuary, marshes, and other Lowcountry landscapes and you will have the opportunity to see sea turtles and dolphins!

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket - I mentioned this tour earlier in the article. Boone Hall Plantation is one of the most beautiful properties in the United States, known for its stunning oak trees and original slave quarters, don't miss it.

Kayaking Tour - Explore tidal creeks and saltmarsh on this kayaking tour of Charleston's interesting biodiverse wetlands! This tour is kid friendly.

Where To Dine In Charleston

Breakfast and Coffee

Miller's All Day - Miller's All Day is the best brunch and breakfast place in Charleston. To this day I still think about the biscuit I got at Millers. Millers gets quite crowded on weekends, so plan ahead.

Second State Coffee - The best coffee in Charleston has to be Second State Coffee. The hidden gem is perfect if you are looking for a specialty latte, a place to sit and chat, do work, or just need a coffee to - go.

Bakehouse Charleston - Located on the stunning Rainbow Row, Bakehouse Charleston is a local secret that serves delicious pastries and coffee.

Lunch and Dinner

Leon's Oyster Shop - Leon's Oyster Shop is a lovely place for either lunch or dinner. The aesthetically pleasing restaurant serves oysters, fried chicken, beer, salads, and more. The affordable restaurant is worth a visit while in Charleston.

Renzo - If you are looking for pizza, Renzo is the place to go. Perfect for either takeout or eating in, Renzo offers all types of pizza from classic cheese to a pie with dates on it.

167 Raw - 167 Raw is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. The high end 167 Raw serves seafood and traditional southern food. Be sure to make a reservation because they book up!

Bars

Felix - Felix is a adorable bar located in downtown Charleston. Serving up super cute cocktails and appetizers, consider stopping by Felix while in Charleston!

The Cocktail Club - The Cocktail Club is a bit more lively than the nearby Felix, but it is definitely one of the best bars in Charleston. You can find live music and lovely drinks at The Cocktail Club.

When To Visit Charleston

Charleston is best in the spring (March - May) and the fall (September - November). Overall Charleston is humid a warm year round. In the summer it can get unbearably hot and in the winter it can get chilly. I would say that the worst time to be in Charleston is summer.

I visited Charleston in October and in June both times were fine but, October was better.

Getting To and Around Charleston

The best airport to fly into while going to Charleston is the Charleston International Airport. You can find non-stop flights from all over the United States and Canada that go to Charleston. I flew Jetblue non-stop from Boston on my first trip to Charleston.

Some airlines that fly to Charleston International Airport include Air Canada, Jetblue, Delta, United, Allegiant, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Sun Country Airlines, and more.

The easiest way to get from the Charleston International Airport to the city center is by Uber, Taxi, or Lyft. Once you get into the city you wont need to pay for more transportation because Charleston is super walkable and small.