Charleston Guide

This quaint little Southern town has so much to do and see. Surrounded by water and charm, it is truly a gem in the United States. This guide will cover some helpful tips and recommendations before visiting.

When is the best time of year to visit?

That depends on what you are looking to do! During the summer months, Charleston experiences tourists everywhere. The temperatures can also be exceedingly hot. If you don't like humidity, this would not be the place to visit in the summer. If you're seeking a more relaxed vibe, including some sun at the beach, the summer is the perfect time to visit.  

If you're looking to explore downtown Charleston, the best times to visit are the spring (mid-March to May) and fall (September to November). It will still be warm, but not as humid and hot. It is more enjoyable to walk around without the beating sun.

Pitt Street Bridge

How should I get there?

The most popular choice is to fly into the Charleston International Airport, CHS. Several airlines fly into the airport, such as Breeze Airways, Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines. The airport is in North Charleston, so I'd be prepared for a pretty pricey Uber or Lyft if you didn't rent a car. Depending on traffic, it's generally around a 20-minute drive into the downtown area. The airport is larger than I had suspected, so I would keep that in mind while planning your departure.

What should I do there?

Each of these attractions offers something different. There are a lot of parks and trails to walk or bike if you prefer being active. Charleston is most known for Rainbow Row, King Street, and The Battery, so you can always start with those. Depending on how long you are in the area and if you have access to a car or are simply staying downtown, the following are some of my top suggestions.

  1. Rainbow Row- This is one of Charleston's most iconic sites. It consists of a stretch of 13 colorful Georgian-style houses on Bay Street. These houses are vibrant pastel colors, and the buildings are rich with history. The city has an ordinance in place for the pastel colors to remain. It's worth the visit if you are in the area or fascinated with earning their unique story.
  2. King Street is the busiest street downtown, and shopping is prevalent. The Battery, located on the southern tip, is primarily residential until it leads to their shopping district. They have just about any store from high-end designers, Apple, and Lululemon. If it's a nice day, this area can get very congested. The upper part of King Street is predominantly bars and restaurants. If you're looking for a night out on the town, this is the place to be. There are several trending places to visit, from the Cocktail Club to Republic Garden & Lounge.
  3. The Battery- Located on the Southern tip of downtown, the Battery offers a great view of Charleston Harbor. Many people walk, jog, and enjoy the scenic views. This area is known for its historic mansions, oak trees, and beautiful gardens. We have even seen dolphins in the harbor, so make sure you pay attention!
  4. Shem Creek- Shem Creek offers a charming and relaxed environment, making it popular for visitors and locals. The creek flows through Mount Pleasant, offering a picturesque waterfront, restaurants, and water activities. A boardwalk takes you to the water's edge, a great place to watch the sunset.
  5. Palmetto Islands County Park- This park is gorgeous for $2 a person gate admission. It is kid-friendly, has a playground, and even offers a waterpark in the summer. There is an additional fee to enter the Splash Island Waterpark, and I'd check their hours before your visit. If you decide to bring your dog, there is an enclosed space for small and large dogs at the dog park. There are plenty of walking trails to explore, and you can rent a bike. It's a great place to spend an afternoon if the weather permits.
  6. Waterfront Park is famous downtown for its scenic views, relaxing environment, and beautiful landscaping. Some of the key features are the pineapple fountain and walking paths. It's a serene place to enjoy a picnic or read a book on a bench. Depending on the time of year, events take place here also.
  7. Pitt Street Bridge- This historical site connected Mount Pleasant and Sullivans Island. Now, it offers a scenic overlook, and the views are breathtaking. You get a full panoramic view of the marshes and see the infamous Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and downtown Charleston in the distance. If that interests you, this spot would be an excellent place for running, walking, or bird watching. Some signs will help you identify wildlife in the area, too. I would recommend this spot on any nice day, but if it's windy, I may stay away.
  8. City Market- The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. It consists of several buildings and open-air sheds. The vendors sell a wide range of goodies, from local art to jewelry. Only one or two buildings offer air conditioning or heat, so be mindful of the temperatures when you visit; it can get stuffy. It's always busy, but make sure you take your time. There are some unique gems that would make great souvenirs!
Waterfront Park
     

Where should I stay?

This answer could vary for many reasons. I've visited Charleston on three occasions, each for a different purpose. I'd suggest downtown if you're flying into the area for a weekend and didn't rent a car. If you're driving for a family vacation, I'd recommend Mount Pleasant or Isle of Palms, depending on the time of year. There is no wrong answer to this question because Charleston and the surrounding areas are lovely. West Ashley is more up-and-coming, so I'd keep that in mind if you're uncomfortable with gentrification. North Charleston offers several breweries and parks but can also be in a rough area. Whether it's an Airbnb or a hotel, many options are available in Charleston and surrounding areas. 

The first time was a couple's trip, and we stayed at The Belmond Charleston Place. It was a perfect central location to see the city's main attractions. We had no car, so we mostly explored the quarters close to the hotel. The room was uniquely decorated, and I loved the pool and rooftop views. It is on the pricier side, but our stay was perfect.

The second time was a quick get-together for someone's birthday. We were a group of seven and stayed at the Francis Marion Hotel downtown. The rooms were small and dated, but we wanted an excellent location to walk to Upper King Street, so the décor and size weren't a priority. Overall, for the visit, it suited us fine.

My husband and I recently stayed in Mount Pleasant for five weeks. We decided to bring our dog and work remotely from a new area. Since we brought our dog, our options for accommodations were limited. We came across an Airbnb in Mount Pleasant, which was everything we could've wanted. We fell in love with the area, a quick drive to the SeasideFarms and Mount Pleasant Town Centre. If you plan on staying in the area for some time, I highly recommend the house we rented.   

How do I get around Charleston?

Downtown Charleston is highly walkable. Most attractions and events are within walking distance when staying in the historic district. In some instances, I have taken a ride share, but if you're up to the challenge, the area is very pedestrian-friendly 

What should I pack?

The most common dress code is dressy casual, meaning people tend to dress up more than most other places I've visited. It's common to see people dressed up for dinner, a shopping day, or even just out and about. The actual dress code will likely depend on what you have planned. If you're doing a tour, I'd recommend comfortable shoes; if you have a reservation at a fine-dining restaurant, dress appropriately. I always recommend overdressing rather than underdressing, but that's my opinion.  

What are the best beaches?

Charleston has plenty of beaches to offer. Some of the most common are Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island. They each offer a unique experience, but can't go wrong with any of them.

Isle of Palms Beach

What is the local cuisine in Charleston?

When visiting Charleston, you must embrace everything it offers, including its Southern Cuisine. Some favorite Lowcountry dishes are shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, gumbo, and traditional Southern barbecue. You can view all my local recommendations in my Charleston Eateries blog post.

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