Destination guide
Charleston
United States
Charleston is the largest and oldest city in the state of South Carolina in the United States of America. Its historic downtown is on a peninsula formed by two rivers, the Ashley and the Cooper, flowing into the Atlantic, and protected from the open ocean by surrounding islands.
AI insights
AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page
Begin your trip at the Charleston Museum rather than the historic sites themselves; it provides the essential historical context needed to properly interpret the significance of the Old Slave Mart and the city's colonial architecture.
If you plan to visit Fort Sumter, remember that the site is only accessible via ferry services from Liberty Square or Patriot's Point, both of which require an additional fee beyond your initial travel planning.
Avoid the mistake of assuming the Market is the center of the city's history; prioritize a visit to the Old Slave Mart museum a few blocks away to engage with the city's actual, somber history regarding the slave trade.
Schedule your visit to The Citadel to coincide with Friday afternoons during the academic term to catch the full dress parades, which are open to the public and offer a unique look at the school’s long-standing traditions.
Stay on the peninsula if you want to explore the historic district entirely on foot, as the city's layout is highly walkable, whereas staying in surrounding areas may require you to arrange for CARTA buses or taxis for your excursions.
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Charleston - South Carolina Low Country Travel Guide
Charleston South Carolina 2024 - Full Travel Guide
Charleston, South Carolina - A Tour of the Most Beautiful City in The South
The Ultimate Guide to Charleston, South Carolina | Know Before You Go | Travel + Leisure
Best time to go
Best window: October–May
Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.
Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.
Getting around
By public transportation
The public transportation system in Charleston consists primarily of a fleet of buses run by the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and privately run taxi services.
By tour bus or carriage
Gray Line of Charleston offers a choice of guided mini-bus tours of the historic, charming city of Charleston, designed to give you a fun and informative look into the city’s well-preserved past.
By foot
Luckily for visitors to Charleston's peninsula, the historic district is accessible on foot. If staying in one of the many hotels on the peninsula, a visitor could easily explore most of the city's major historical sites without the benefit of a car, either…
Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What to see
Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.
Rainbow Row
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A string of pastel-colored Georgian rowhouses along East Bay Street.
Vetted sources
Fort Sumter
Sullivan's Island, 30-min ferry
The island site of the start of the Civil War, now a National Monument. One must board a ferry for an additional fee at either Liberty Square in downtown or Patriot's Point in Mt. Pleasant. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes.
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The Citadel
171 Moultrie St
Historic military college founded in 1842. Full dress parades generally occur every Friday afternoon while school is in session and are free to the public.
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French Quarter
Between S. Market and Tradd, Meeting and the waterfront, where the English colonial Walled Town once stood. Known for its art galleries, St. Philips Church, French Huguenot Church, and historic architecture.
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Old Slave Mart
6 Chalmers St
Built in 1859 and believed to be the last slave auction market still standing in South Carolina. Now a museum.
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Charleston Museum
across the street from the Visitor Center· Moderate
Start with this museum to learn about Charleston's history.
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The Market
An old shopping district at the foot of Market St. where vendors still sell wares. Contrary to popular legend, the Market was never a slave exchange. However, the remnants of the Old Slave Mart are a few blocks away.
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What to do
Angel Oak
For lovers of nature, Angel Oak is a sprawling oak tree estimated to be as much as 500 years old and provides a great place for a picnic and a visit off the beaten path (John's Island).
Vetted sources
What to eat
Husk
Worth itAlso recommended by James Beard Foundation and 1 other
Chef Sean Brock's menu built entirely from Southern-sourced ingredients that helped launch the New Southern food movement.
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FIG
Worth itAlso recommended by James Beard Foundation
Seasonal, locally sourced Lowcountry cooking from chef Mike Lata.
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Moe's Crosstown Tavern
714 Rutledge Ave
Good bar food and great venue to watch your favorite sports team. Also offers a Sunday brunch.
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39 Rue de Jean
39 John St
Refined French cafe in Upper King. Lunch and dinner served daily.
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Cru Café
18 Pinckney St
Small cafe in the Market Area serving upscale comfort food.
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Coast Bar & Grill
39 John St
Good seafood in Upper King. Dinner nightly.
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Shuang Xi
North Charleston
Excellent freshly cooked Chinese food. Eat in or take out.
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Where to stay
James Island County Park and Campground
871 Riverland Drive
This park has over 600 acres, walking and biking trails, a dog park with a lake, kayak and canoe rentals, a waterpark and a 124-site RV park that is first class.
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Barksdale House Inn
27 George St
A quiet, low-key bed and breakfast wonderfully close to the College of Charleston and the King Street shopping district, but still offers privacy and comfort.
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Creekside Lands Inn
off Savannah Highway (US 17) in West Ashley· Pricey
Rooms located along the peaceful Long Branch Creek, a tidal saltwater creek, teeming with shrimp and fish. Features include a private dock reaching into the creek, outdoor pool with barbecue grill, complimentary continental breakfast and…
Vetted sources
Hampton Inn Charleston Historic District
at John St, across the street from the Visitor Center
Features antebellum decor in a restored warehouse with original hardwood floors. Complimentary hot breakfast and high speed wireless internet connection.
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Comfort Suites West of the Ashley
Hwy 17 at I-526
All suite property with continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, indoor pool, fitness center and business center. 100% non smoking.
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Courtyard North Charleston
North Charleston, near I-26 and Montague Avenue
Free WiFi, but only in the lobby & large business center.
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Travel essentials
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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.