Charleston holidays

With its cobbled walkways and antebellum mansions, South Carolina’s oldest city looks like it stepped out of the pages of history. But holidays to Charleston, South Carolina, reveal a town in flux. From horse-drawn carriages to modern cocktail lounges, golden beaches to an ever-expanding lineup of hotels, restaurants and art galleries, see why Charleston is one of the American South’s most colourful cities.

Charleston holiday highlights

Charleston
Bill Barley

Historic legacies

Once you’ve booked your holiday to Charleston, get ready for a whirlwind of history. Ride the ferry to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Or visit The Dock Street Theatre, which traces its history to the early 1700s. To learn about Charleston’s darker past, visit the Old Slave Mart Museum.

Southern hospitality

Southern hospitality is a way of life in Charleston. Given its ranking as one of the friendliest cities in the US, expect warm smiles and cheerful hellos. Stop and chat with locals, whether you’re dining in one of the city’s restaurants, shopping in its boutiques or simply taking a stroll through its beautiful green spaces.

Coastal adventures

Lounge on nearby beaches, take a kayaking tour of the surrounding marshes, or go on a sunset cruise of the harbour. Whichever you choose, a holiday to Charleston isn’t complete without exploring its Atlantic coastline. Want to stay dry while admiring the scenery? Stroll across the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge for harbour views.

Charleston, South Carolina: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

March – May and September – October

Low season

December – February

Find the best time to go to Charleston

Weather in Charleston

March – May: Spring temperatures are pleasantly warm, and the flowers are in bloom. Explore the South of Broadneighbourhoodfor azaleas, magnolias and more.

June – August: Southern summers are hot and humid, with average highs of 30°C. Short afternoon thunderstorms cool things off. Head to Sullivan’s Island for perfect sea breezes.

September – November: Autumn is bright and clear with warm, sunny days. Make the most of the conditions — and the seasonal produce — at the Charleston Farmers Market.

December – February: January is the coldest month, with an average low of 6°C. But much of the winter weather is mild. Get into the Christmas spirit with some King Street shopping.

Events in Charleston

Lowcountry Oyster Festival (February): Ready to shuck? This epic shellfish celebration has been going strong at Boone Hall Plantation for over 40 years. Don’t miss eating contests, family-friendly activities and 50,000 pounds of steamed oysters.

Spoleto Festival USA (May and June): Charleston is known for its arts scene thanks to this popular festival that’s been showcasing operas, plays and music for nearly 50 years. You’ll see everything from Americana artists to acrobats, plus a spectacular fireworks show.

MOJA Arts Festival (September and October): For 11 days, the city honours the endless variety of Caribbean and African American culture with dance, drumming, gospel, reggae, poetry and storytelling.

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The best neighbourhoods in Charleston

French Quarter

Owing its name to the French merchants who once lived here, the French Quarter is where to stay in Charleston for historical charm. Expect cobblestone streets, historic churches and characterful cafes. After visiting the Pink House Gallery, the Powder Magazine and the neighbourhood’s many art galleries, refuel with a sweet tea from the Charleston City Market.

Good for: History, art galleries, cafes

Harleston Village

Downtown’s Harleston Village is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Charleston. Home to the College of Charleston, Colonial Lake Park and Cannon Park, it offers the perfect combination of history and nature. Feel like treating yourself? Spend a relaxing day at Wentworth Mansion’s spa.

Good for: Architecture, history, parks

South of Broad

Think of Charleston and images of South of Broad likely spring to mind. Home to Rainbow Row and historic mansions, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Charleston for first-time visitors. After admiring the neighbourhood’s architecture, stroll to White Point Garden for picture-perfect views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor.

Good for: Historic mansions, harbour views, waterside strolls

Things to do in Charleston

Charleston
Chris M. Rogers

Beaches

The several beaches near Charleston offer fun-filled days on the sand. Surf at Folly Beach, nicknamed ‘The Edge of America’, and explore Kiawah Island’s sand dunes and maritime forests. Or spend part of a beach day soaking up Revolutionary War history around Sullivan’s Island, or tee off at the Isle of Palms’ Links Golf Course.

Shopping

Prepare to be tempted by the shopping in Charleston. With Calhoun Street’s boutiques and Lower King Street’s antique shops, the city is made for retail therapy. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs to commemorate your holiday, drop by Charleston Specialty Foods, or pick up a handmade Gullah sweetgrass basket from Charleston City Market.

Take in the culture

In a city anchored in history, it’s no surprise to find there are plenty of museums in Charleston. Visit The Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the US, or explore Museum Mile around Meeting Street. With the Gibbes Museum of Art, the International African American Museum and countless historic homes to discover, Charleston is a culture-seeker’s dream come true.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the party turns up in the city’s cocktail lounges, dive bars and live music joints. Most of the nightlife in Charleston is centred on the Upper King Street and Market Street areas. While here, choose from local favourites like The Cocktail Club or Proof.

Places to eat

Fresh seafood, okra soup and the best bowl of shrimp and grits you’re likely to find — the restaurants in Charleston are all about soul food. Try Lowcountry and Southern classics at Magnolias, Husk and Hannibal’s Kitchen. Or sample freshly caught fish at Sushi-Wa and Dave’s Carry-Out. In the mood for fine dining? Look no further than Circa 1886 and the Charleston Grill.

Free things to do

Lounge on the beaches, walk along The Battery seawall, and admire the pastel homes of Rainbow Row. Or spend an afternoon exploring the Postal Museum and Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. With the Charleston Tea Plantation offering complimentary tours too, you’ll find plenty of free things to do in Charleston.

Plan your holiday to Charleston

Budget

As one of the more expensive cities in South Carolina, a cheap holiday in Charleston requires some planning. Opt for soul food restaurants, where you can find a simple meal for around 25 US dollars ($). A domestic beer usually goes for about $7. A short taxi ride costs around $10, but the downtown shuttle is free.

Day trips from Charleston

Drive through the Lowcountry to Beaufort on Port Royal Island. About 90 minutes down the coast, it’s a laid-back town where antebellum mansions blend with Gullah culture. Just 30 minutes farther is Hilton Head, one of South Carolina’s top beach towns. For nature, head north to the sand dunes of Pawleys Island, a 90-minute drive away.

Getting around Charleston

Explore Downtown on foot or take the free DASH trolleys and buses, which run on three routes around the peninsula. They operate from early morning to evening on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends. If you’re visiting the beach or plantations, hiring a car is a good idea.

FAQs about Charleston holidays

Most people you meet will likely be speaking English. Mastering a few local phrases and greetings can be a good way to start conversations and make connections during your city break in Charleston, South Carolina.
The hottest month in Charleston, South Carolina is July, when temperatures peak at 32ºC (90ºF).
You'll never be far from exciting things to do in Charleston, South Carolina. From Rainbow Row to Fort Sumter National Monument and more, this city is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
January brings the coolest conditions. Set off on your Charleston, South Carolina trip then and you can expect lows of 4ºC (39ºF).
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for purchases during your trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Pay with your card whenever you can, but keep a small amount of cash on you for places where card payments aren't an option.
With an average rainfall of 20 cm, August is the wettest month to go on a Charleston, South Carolina holiday. When the weather shifts, head indoors and make the most of the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.
Plan a short break to Charleston, South Carolina of three or four days to explore the city’s sights. If you’re keen for ample time at the nearby beaches, extend your holiday to five days.
The cost of your city break in Charleston, South Carolina will differ depending on factors like where you're travelling from, when you want to go, and your preferred hotel. Charleston flights and hotels are usually more expensive during peak periods, but you can score savings by travelling in the off-season.
Generally, Charleston, South Carolina is a low-risk, tourist-friendly city. Just keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded areas like Market Street and King Street, and try to avoid walking alone at night in less-visited neighbourhoods.
For mild temperatures, plan a visit between March and May or from September to November. These are peak tourist seasons, however, so if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Charleston, South Carolina, consider visiting between December and February when prices are generally lower.