Charleston

Travel Guide

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston

Steeped in history, this Southern town is an ideal spot for walking tours of antebellum mansions, beautiful gardens and fine restaurants.

Charleston is best explored on a walking tour or in a horse-drawn carriage with your driver telling stories about city landmarks. Learn about military history and the Southern way of life. Sample local foods of shrimp and grits, Lowcountry barbecue, collard greens and sweet pralines.

The American Civil War began here, when the seceding Confederacy fired upon and overtook federal Fort Sumter in the Charleston River. A later Union attack reduced the fort to rubble. Take a ferry to see the historic site, which also contains a complete timeline of U.S. naval activities along the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Across the harbor, walk along The Battery and White Point Garden to gaze at the fort, now a national monument. Reflect on this pivotal moment in U.S. history. Turn around to view pretty antebellum houses surrounded by flowers in this neighborhood known as South of Broad. The writer Pat Conroy lived here. Many of his popular novels reveal not only Charleston’s geography, but also its cultural nuances.

To the west, the brilliant white Romanesque architecture of The Citadel gleams against a bright blue Charleston sky. Watch military cadets in dress uniforms during weekly parades or competing in weekend football games against other Southern colleges in the fall.

Nearby visit Middleton Place, a 1755 plantation with one of the nation’s earliest landscaped gardens. Something blooms here at any time of year. You might see an alligator sunning itself next to the Ashley River.

To the east, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an impressive modern structure, especially with its triangular arches illuminated at night. Walk, bike or drive across for excellent views of the river and harbor or run across during the Cooper River Bridge 10K Run in early April.

Spring’s Spoleto Festival offers opera, theater, dance, music and artist talks. Throughout the year, visit the Charleston Historic Market to purchase locally made handicrafts. Famous hand-woven sweetgrass baskets, once used during rice harvesting, are still made by locals and treasured as artworks.

Where to stay in Charleston

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Charleston Historic District

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Charleston Historic District. Make a stop by Port of Charleston or Charleston City Market while you're exploring the area.

Charleston Historic District
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Downtown Charleston

Travelers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Port of Charleston and Charleston Music Hall.

Downtown Charleston
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West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site or Citadel Mall.

West Ashley
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Cannonborough Elliotborough

While visiting Cannonborough Elliotborough, you might make a stop by sights like Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
Charleston featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Harleston Village

If you're spending some time in Harleston Village, Marion Square and Colonial Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Harleston Village
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French Quarter

Travelers to French Quarter praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Port of Charleston and Dock Street Theater.

French Quarter
The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

4 out of 5
387 King St, Charleston, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,217 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P10,217
P11,648 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,799 reviews)
"I liked the interior design and room."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Francis Marion Hotel
Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St, Charleston, SC
The price is P8,119 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,119
P11,872 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,644 reviews)
One of a kind
"This by far has been the best hotel we have stayed at as a family. The staff was so professional, courteous, and we went above and beyond daily to make sure our stay wasn't just a "stay" but an experience. Ashley, the front desk associate, greeted us. She made sure my daughter's and I felt like royalty. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Emeline
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview

3 out of 5
11 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston, SC
The price is P3,543 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P3,543
P4,039 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the convenient parking and ...
6.4/10 (2,367 reviews)
"Property was great would recommend for good budget hotel!"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Quarters on King

The Quarters on King

3 out of 5
288 King Street, Charleston, SC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and concierge services. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (192 reviews)
Great Experience on King Street
"I had a great experience with the Check-in Charleston team and their 2 bedroom unit in Quarters on King. They, particularly Emily, couldn’t have been more prompt, helpful or friendly. The unit itself (202) exceeded my expectations. It has a large open family room/kitchenette space with 10’ or so ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

The Quarters on King
The Palmetto House

The Palmetto House

2.5 out of 5
99 Spring St, Charleston, SC
Stay at this aparthotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal and South ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"It was in a nice area. Unit was decent however. We where confused what unit we where in beings there is 4 units in the little complex. The dishes had dog hairs on them . Also for the price per night what you got was expensive."

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025

The Palmetto House
The Iris Charleston

The Iris Charleston

3 out of 5
84 Line St, Charleston, SC
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
We Will Be Back
"The Iris was exactly what I needed, except maybe the car carousel. Technically, my vehicle fits on the SUV carousel, but not really. That was frustrating, especially since I slightly damaged my door. User error. The location of The Iris is perfect. Just off the highway and a few blocks from the famous ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

The Iris Charleston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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