Travel Shop
Merch
Travel Tips
Photography
Points & Miles
Credit Cards
The Ultimate Charleston, SC Travel Guide
Charleston is one of the best getaways in the Southeast U.S.! The architecture, coastal waterways, fantastic food, and beaches make this city a perfect vacation destination. So I’ve created the ultimate Charleston, SC travel guide.
Charleston is also one of the Top Budget Destinations In The U.S.
When you visit Charleston, I urge you to educate yourself about the history of slavery in the U.S. Many of Charleston’s plantations, statues, and historic landmarks are dedicated to raising awareness about racism. So don’t ignore this history; learn from it.
Here’s Your Charleston, SC travel guide!
When To Go
Charleston is one of the Best Destinations To Visit In April. Temperatures will be pleasant in the 60s in March and 80s in May, but the humidity won’t be sweltering yet. Tourist numbers and prices will be on the rise, but still less than in the summer months. The magnolia trees will be blooming, and the Charleston Food + Wine Festival is held in March.
Charleston is hot and humid from June – August. So bring your hat and sunscreen, and always have water with you. The city has its highest prices and crowds of the year during these months, so you’ll want to book accommodation and tours in advance. August is the rainiest month of the year, so make sure you have rain gear and remember that rain in the Southeast in summer doesn’t make it cooler; it makes it more humid.
Fall brings pleasant weather in the 70s and significantly less humidity than in the summer months. If you’re a foodie, then Autumn is the time to visit. Charleston Restaurant Week is in September, and Taste of Charleston is in October. This is the shoulder season, so crowds and prices will be lower than in the summer, though the city can still be crowded on the weekends.
December – February is also a great time to visit. Temperatures usually don’t go below 50 in the day and 40 at night. The Holiday Festival of Lights happens in December, and the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is in January. As long as you avoid the holidays, Charleston is a very affordable destination during these months.
Must-Do Activities
Walking tour of the city that includes the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street
Walk along The Battery and marvel at the mansions facing Charleston Harbor
Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum
See Angel Oak Tree, the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River
Craft Brewery Tour
Browse the Charleston City Market
Tour Fort Sumter National Monument
The Nathaniel Russell House Museum
Visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Lounge on a beach in Isle of Palms County Park
Where To Eat
For Burgers: Poe’s Tavern, Husk, The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits
Brunch Places: The Macintosh, Chez Nous, The Obstinate Daughter
Seafood: Delaney Oyster House, The Darling Oyster Bar, Charleston Crab House
Rooftop Dining: The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue, Aqua Terrace Roof-Top Bar, Pavilion Bar
Where To Stay
My favorite Charleston hotels are the Hotel Bennett, French Quarter Inn, and 20 South Battery bed and breakfast. If you want to stay on the beach, I recommend Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms.
If you want to camp or bring your RV, I suggest the Campground at James Island County Park. Charleston also has some fantastic vacation homes to choose from.
Best Day Trips
Kiawah Island. This is a golf and spa paradise, so plan on doing them both. Plus, Kiawah Island has some great beaches.
Savannah. I highly recommend visiting Savannah, Georgia as its own trip. But it can easily be visited as a day trip from Charleston. Highlights of Savannah are Forsyth Park, Old Savannah Trolley Tours, City Market, and River Street.
Paddling Trip with Coastal Expeditions. Coastal Expeditions is a tour company that leads guided kayak and canoe tours of The Kiawah River, St. Phillips Island, Shem Creek, Isle of Palms, Bulls Island, and Blackwater. This is a great way to explore the Lowcountry, and you’ll have some great wildlife viewing.
Best Viewpoints Of The City
Best Viewpoints Of The City
A boat tour in Charleston Harbor
Wentworth Mansion
The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue
Folly Beach Pier
The Ravenel Bridge
Harbor Walk/Aquarium Wharf
If-You-Have-Time Activities
Visit Middleton Place
Stroll through the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The Charleston Museum
Lounge on Folly Beach
South Carolina Aquarium
Explore Sullivan’s Island
Shop My Travel Essentials
Is there anything you’d add to this Charleston, SC travel guide? If so, let us know in the comments!
Recommended Tours in Charleston
Plan The Rest Of Your Trip
-
The Ultimate Charleston, SC Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are Charleston and Savannah?
Savannah is about 100 miles south of Charleston, and it takes about two hours to drive between these cities.
What is the best time of year to go to Charleston, SC?
Charleston is one of the Best Destinations To Visit In April. Temperatures will be pleasant in the 60s in March and 80s in May, but the humidity won’t be sweltering yet. Tourist numbers and prices will be on the rise, but still less than in the summer months. The magnolia trees will be blooming, and the Charleston Food + Wine Festival is held in March.
Charleston is hot and humid from June – August. So bring your hat and sunscreen, and always have water with you. The city has its highest prices and crowds of the year during these months, so you’ll want to book accommodation and tours in advance. August is the rainiest month of the year, so make sure you have rain gear and remember that rain in the Southeast in summer doesn’t make it cooler; it makes it more humid.
Fall brings pleasant weather in the 70s and significantly less humidity than in the summer months. If you’re a foodie, then Autumn is the time to visit. Charleston Restaurant Week is in September, and Taste of Charleston is in October. This is the shoulder season, so crowds and prices will be lower than in the summer, though the city can still be crowded on the weekends.
December – February is also a great time to visit because temperatures usually don’t go below 50 in the day and 40 at night. The Holiday Festival of Lights happens in December, and the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is in January. As long as you avoid the holidays, Charleston is a very affordable destination during these months.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
The historic city center of Charleston is very walkable. One of my favorite things to do here is a walking tour of the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street.
But public transportation in the city is minimal. So if you want to visit the nearby beaches or islands, you’ll need to have a car or use a rideshare app or.
Is Charleston or Savannah better to visit?
Charleston and Savannah are both incredible destinations, and they will each give you very different experiences.
Charleston is usually more popular, expensive, and crowded than Savannah, and Charleston has a bigger city “vibe.”
Savannah is traditionally less-visited with a “chiller” vibe than Charleston. Both cities have fantastic foodie scenes, great outdoor activities, beautiful architecture, and fascinating histories, so I highly recommend visiting both of these places!
What is there to do in Charleston, SC in 3 days?
If you only have three days in Charleston, then prioritize these activities:
1. Walking tour of the city that includes the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street
2. Walk along The Battery and marvel at the mansions facing Charleston Harbor
3. Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum
4. See Angel Oak Tree, the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River
5. Do a craft brewery tour
6. Browse the Charleston City Market
7. Tour Fort Sumter National Monument
8. Visit the Nathaniel Russell House Museum
9. Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
10. Lounge on a beach in Isle of Palms County Park
What do I need to know before going to Charleston, SC?
When you visit Charleston, I urge you to educate yourself about the history of slavery in the U.S. Many of Charleston’s plantations, statues, and historic landmarks are dedicated to raising awareness about racism. So don’t ignore this history; learn from it.
How many days do you need to visit Charleston, SC?
Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore Charleston. This will give you plenty of time to experience the historic downtown, enjoy the food scene, hit the beach, and take a day trip.
What should I not miss in Charleston, SC?
Top Things To Do In Charleston:
1. Walking tour of the city that includes the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street
2. Walk along The Battery and marvel at the mansions facing Charleston Harbor
3. Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum
4. See Angel Oak Tree, the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River
5. Do a craft brewery tour
6. Browse the Charleston City Market
7. Tour Fort Sumter National Monument
8. Visit the Nathaniel Russell House Museum
9. Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
10. Lounge on a beach in Isle of Palms County Park
YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST
PIN THIS GUIDE!
This Charleston, SC travel guide is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Charleston, SC travel guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Charleston, SC travel guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
