Your guide to Charleston
Charleston highlights
Historic legacies
Once you’ve booked your stay in 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 trip 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: 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.
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
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.
Get ready for Charleston
Budget
As one of the more expensive cities in South Carolina, a budget trip to 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.
