From the amazingly good food to the beautiful beaches, to the well-preserved historic homes, to the pretty great weather, Charleston is a must-visit destination. It's also been the #1 destination in the US for the past 10 years. It’s the perfect destination for families, couples, foodies, history buffs, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. It's also great for a quick weekend trip or as a stop along a road trip to the South.

This is the ultimate Charleston travel guide - perfect for any trip type and filled with the best places to stay, restaurants, activities, travel tips, and sample itinerary.

Getting There

Main Airport: Charleston International (CHS)
Alternative Airports:

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV); ~2 hours, 20 minutes
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT); ~3 hours, 20 minutes
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL); ~5 hours

Getting Around

Rideshare: Available throughout Downtown/surrounding areas.
Walkability: Very walkable within Downtown.
Car Rental: If you’re planning on staying Downtown for the most part, you don’t need to rent a car. If you’d like to explore outside the city, you’ll want to rent a car for at least one day. It’s easy to get around if you do decide to rent a car.

Where To Stay

Downtown Charleston

Downtown is the heart of the city and offers a variety of accommodations, from boutique hotels to Airbnbs. Staying downtown puts you near all of the city's attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Downtown is the most convenient, central (and fun). These are our 3 hotel recommendations in Charleston:

Hotel Bennett: Great location. Used to be a library so each room has stacked bookshelves as a nod to its history. Traditional Southern vibe and feel.

The Dewberry: Also a great location, right across from Marion Square. Gorgeous and chic design (more mid-century). Rooms are light and bright. There is a great rooftop bar (Citrus Club) and a fun cocktail bar in the lobby.

The Charleston Place: Great for families, especially around the holidays! Larger, spacious rooms. Rooms were recently updated and have a more traditional, classic feel.

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Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston and offers a variety of accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals. Staying in Mount Pleasant gives you easy access to both downtown Charleston and the nearby beaches, and would be a more cost-effective option than Downtown.

Isle of Palms

This beachfront community is located about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston and offers a variety of beachfront accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals.

Folly Beach

This laid-back beach town is located about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston and offers hotels or vacation rentals.

Where To Eat

Brunch/Lunch

$$ | The Obstinate Daughter: Located on Sullivan's Island and great for brunch or dinner. They have amazing cocktails too. Head here if you plan on spending time at the beach on Sullivan's Island. You can make reservations up to 2 weeks out, but they fill up fast.
$$ | Leon’s Fine Poultry and Oysters: One of the most famous spots in Charleston. Known for fresh oysters, fried chicken, and great cocktails.
$$ | Little Jack's Tavern: Great spot for brunch or lunch serving bistro-style food. Same owners as Leon’s.
$$ | Poogan's Porch: Historic restaurant is located in downtown Charleston and is known for its classic southern brunch, including shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, and fried chicken and waffles.
$$ | Fleet’s Landing: Southern-style food right on the waterfront.
$$ | Rodney Scott’s BBQ: As seen on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown”. Be sure to get their famous whole hog!
$$$ | S.N.O.B: Classic Southern Brunch. Its menu changes regularly, but the French toast is delicious.

Dinner

$$ | Tavern and Table: Located in Shem Creek. Great spot on the water and offers lots of sharable options as well.
$$ | Indaco: Popular Italian restaurant located on King Street. Their menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
$$ | 167 Sushi Bar: Same owners as 167 Raw, but they DO take reservations (unlike 167 Raw). Great sushi and fish.
$$$ | Chubby Fish: One of the best spots in Charleston. Unique and fresh fish dishes. They don’t take reservations, so get there right when they open at 5p. Or get there a little later, put your name down, and grab drinks in the area (just be prepared to wait a few hours).
$$$ | Husk: In a classic Charleston building. It feels like you’re having dinner on a Southern porch. Grab a drink at the Bar At Husk right next door if your table isn’t ready. Or if you can’t make a reservation here, you can go to the Bar At Husk for a similar menu.
$$$ | Church and Union: Located in the heart of downtown Charleston. It’s a converted church with exposed brick walls and high ceilings and offers a great atmosphere for dinner before a night out. Their cocktails are delicious too.
$$$ | Bourbon 'n Bubbles: Bar and lounge specializing in bourbon and champagne (hence the name). The menu also features small plates and appetizers, including oysters, charcuterie, and artisanal cheeses - perfect for sharing. This is the perfect dinner spot before a night out on King Street.
$$$ | Chez Nous: Historic home turned into a restaurant, tucked in a neighborhood. 6 rotating dishes each night. Hand-written menus. Classic and cozy spot.
$$$ | Maison: Cute French spot and home to one of the best burgers you’ll ever have (only served on Wednesdays!).
$$$ | 167 Raw: Another one of the top spots in Charleston. They don’t take reservations, so try and get there when they open or go on a weeknight.
$$$ | Le Farfalle: Amazing Italian restaurant and the perfect date night spot. They serve great cocktails and have an extensive wine list too. Their whipped ricotta is a must.
$$$ | Southbound: Cute atmosphere with a menu that changes daily. You can even be seated on their porch swings and enjoy your dinner overlooking the cute neighborhood.
$$$$ | Hall’s ChopHouse: Hands down, one of the top 3 restaurants in Charleston. The restaurant is family-owned, so there’s a warm, welcoming feeling the second you walk in. The staff constantly comes by each table to ensure you’re having a perfect time. It’s the epitome of southern hospitality. Oh, and the food is amazing too. They have Gospel Brunch on Sundays - a super fun experience.
$$$$ | Sorelle: Southern twist in Italian food, right in the heart of downtown. One of the best restaurants in Charleston. Definitely make a reservation well in advance!

Coffee/Quick Bites

$ | Callie's Hot Little Biscuit: Delicious spot for sweet and savory biscuits. Order ahead to avoid a line.
$ | Holey City Bagels: Located in Charleston’s Upper King Street district, Holey City Bagels is known for its freshly baked, New York-style bagels and coffee bar. Order ahead is sometimes not available, so be sure to plan accordingly.
$$ | Babas on Cannon: Located in the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood, it’s the perfect spot for a coffee or quick breakfast. If you like iced coffee, be sure to try their “Very Cold Coffee”. It’s not on the menu anymore, but they’ll still make it.
$$ | Harken Cafe: Quaint coffee/breakfast spot, right in the heart of Downtown. It’s classic Charleston.
$$ | Caviar and Bananas: Another classic coffee spot in Downtown.
$$ | Island Provisions: Cute spot for breakfast or lunch in the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood.

Where To Drink

Club/Cocktail Bars

Republic: More of a "club" vibe and offers bottle service, dancing, and an outdoor patio area. FYI there is a dress code.
Cocktail Club: Speakeasy-type bar with delicious craft cocktails. Located on Upper King Street and central to other bars/restaurants.
Church and Union: If you don’t end up eating at Church and Union, definitely still stop by and enjoy a cocktail. Their drinks are delicious.
The Bar @ Husk: Right next door to Husk. Delicious Southern-inspired cocktails.

Rooftop Bars

Vendue Rooftop: Located at the Vendue Hotel. Great views of the waterfront.
Citrus Club: Located @ The Dewberry Hotel. Beautiful views of the city + great cocktails.
Pavilion Bar: Located @ Market Pavilion Hotel. A little more mellow.
Little Palm: Located @ The Ryder Hotel. Cute, Instagram-y spot.

Day Drinking/Breweries/Wineries

Red's Ice House (Shem Creek): A perfect spot for day drinking if you're planning a day out in Shem Creek (which is recommended, especially during the Summer).
Saltwater Cowboys (Shem Creek): Another great spot for day drinking in Shem Creek.
Palmetto Brewery: A popular brewery in Downtown Charleston.
Revelry Brewing Co: Has rooftop seating with great views.
The Griffon: Dive-ish bar decorated in dollar bills.
Uptown Social: Great for younger crowds. Usually has live music on the first floor and a DJ on the second floor. There’s also a rooftop area.
Blind Tiger Pub: “Old School” pub in an alehouse dating back to 1803. Delicious cocktails, a cute outdoor seating area, and live music - what more could you ask for?
Henry’s: Great for happy hour; has live music.
Low Tide Brewing (Johns Island): Brewery with a lot of great outdoor space and amazing food trucks.

What To Do

Downtown

The Battery: Historic area filled with gorgeous, historic homes along the waterfront.
Rainbow Row: Instagram-y spot with cute, colorful houses.
Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain: Walk along the waterfront and see the pineapple fountain. There are gorgeous trees and areas to relax on the grass looking at the waterfront.
**Start at Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain. Then make your way to Rainbow Row. From Rainbow Row, walk along the water and see all the houses in the Battery. You can walk this entire area easily.
Charleston City Market: Old school "farmer's market" type spot in the downtown area. Lots of food stands and cute handcrafted gifts.
Charleston Farmers Market: Every Saturday in the middle of Marion Square.
Old Exchange and Provost: Historic landmark, built in 1771 as a commercial exchange and custom house. You can take a quick tour to learn more about its history.
Rooftop Bars: Grab a drink during golden hour at one of Charleston’s rooftop bars (Citrus Club, Eleve, Little Palm, or Vendue)
King Street: King Street is lined with shops and restaurants. It’s great for a day of shopping (Sewing Down South is located on King Street if you’re a “Southern Charm” fan").
Ghost Tour: Charleston is a very historic city, making a ghost tour a fun way to learn more about the “haunted” parts of the city.
Fort Sumter: Cool to tour/explore if you want some history.

Beaches

Sullivan's Island: If you're looking for a more "relaxing" vibe at the beach, be sure to check out Sullivan's Island. There are also a few bars and restaurants you can head to before or after your time on the beach.
Folly Beach: If you're planning to spend time at Folly Beach, you can make a day of it. A block from the beach is a variety of great restaurants and bars.
Isle of Palms: One of the most popular beaches and arguably more lively than Sullivan's Island.

Outside Of Downtown

Sullivan’s Island: Cute little island outside the downtown area.
Angel Oak Tree: The oldest/largest oak tree (400-500 years old).
Cypress Gardens: Check out one of The Notebook filming sights in Cypress Gardens.
Boone Hall Plantation: One of the most famous plantations in South Carolina and home to a few filming locations in “The Notebook”.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Another famous plantation in Charleston, filled with beautiful gardens.
Mt Pleasant/Shem Creek: Cute little area over the Ravenel bridge. Shem Creek is right on the water and has great restaurants/bars (Tavern & Table, Red's, Saltwater Cowboy).
Pitt Street Bridge: Great place to watch the sunrise and/or walk around.
James Island: Cute little suburban town outside of Downtown. Near Folly Beach.

Charleston 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown

Walk around the Battery (gorgeous homes)
Rainbow Row
Pineapple Fountain
City Market
Walk along the Waterfront
Restaurant Suggestions:

Breakfast: Harken Cafe
Lunch: Basic Kitchen
Dinner: Indaco, Halls Chophouse, Church & Union, Sorelle, Le Farfalle, Raw or 167 Sushi Bar
Drinks: Blind Tiger Pub, Uptown Social

Day 2: Rent A Car/Explore Outside The City

Sullivan’s Island (brunch/lunch at Obstinate Daughter)
Isle of Palms
See Angel Oak Tree, the oldest/largest oak tree
Check out one of The Notebook filming sights in Cypress Gardens
Tour Boone Hall Plantation and/or Magnolia Plantation
Shem Creek for sunset (dinner at Tavern and Table)
Restaurant Suggestions:

Brunch: Obstinate Daughter
Dinner: Tavern & Table
Drinks: Reds or Saltwater Cowboys

Day 3: Enjoy The City!

Watch the sunrise at Pitt Street Bridge
Carriage ride
Shop on King Street
Walk around Colonial Lake
Go to Folly Beach (this is on the opposite side of the day 2 activities; it's a cute beach town if the weather is nice)
Rooftop (Citrus Club or Little Palm)
Restaurant Suggestions:

Breakfast: Babas on Cannon or Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
Lunch: Leon's
Dinner: Chubby Fish, Indaco, Halls Chophouse, Church & Union, Sorelle, Le Farfalle, 167 Raw or 167 Sushi Bar
Drinks: Citrus Club, Little Palm, The Bar @ Husk, Church & Union

Other Things To Keep In Mind

Best Time Of Year To Go: Spring & Fall

Spring & Fall: Charleston is lovely year-round, but the best times to visit are in the Spring (March-May) and Fall (September - November) when the weather is mild and pleasant
Winter: (December - February) is the least crowded but can sometimes be chilly
Summer: (June - August) can be hot and humid, but it's great for beachgoers

Currency: USD

Language: English

What To Pack:

Lightweight clothing for warm weather
Comfortable walking shoes (lots of cobblestone streets!)
Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
Umbrella or rain jacket for occasional showers, especially in Summer
Layers for cooler evenings, especially in spring and fall
Swimsuit for beach visits

Travel Requirements:

A valid ID or passport for domestic and international visitors
Depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa for entry into the US

Other Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Charleston's cobblestone streets
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially for popular spots
Be respectful of Charleston's history and culture, especially when visiting historic sites

**This post is not affiliated with any of the mentioned establishments.

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The Ultimate Charleston Travel Guide