From historic streets and pastel homes to waterfront views, Southern cuisine, and rooftop cocktails, Charleston, South Carolina, is truly one of the most charming destinations in the U.S. - and it’s no wonder it’s been ranked the #1 U.S. city by Travel + Leisure for 10 years straight. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a bachelorette party, this Charleston travel guide has everything you need for an unforgettable stay.

Getting To Charleston

Main Airport

Charleston International (CHS) - ~ 20 minutes from downtown

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 Charleston

Rideshare

Readily available in Downtown and surrounding areas

Walkability

Downtown Charleston is incredibly walkable

Car Rental

Only needed if you're planning to explore the beaches or plantations outside of the city

Where To Stay In Charleston

Downtown Charleston - The Heart Of The City

Staying downtown gives you walkable access to the city’s top restaurants, shops, and sights. These boutique and luxury hotels are our top picks:

The Dewberry: Mid-century style meets Southern charm. Don’t miss the rooftop Citrus Club or the chic lobby bar.

Hotel Bennett: Elegant and filled with history. Hotel Bennett used to be a library, and each room has stacked bookshelves as a nod to its history. Traditional Southern vibe and feel.

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

Allure Travel Co. Tip: At Allure Travel Co., we have partnerships with thousands of hotels around the world, including Hotel Bennett, The Dewberry, and The Charleston Place.

Booking a stay through us is a complimentary service, meaning no extra cost to you! Not only will you save valuable time, but you’ll also unlock exclusive perks (like hotel credits and complimentary room upgrades, if available) and experience VIP treatment throughout your stay.

Mount Pleasant

Just across the bridge, Mount Pleasant offers lower hotel rates with easy access to Downtown and the beaches.

Isle of Palms & Folly Beach

Looking for beachfront bliss? Both of these coastal communities offer laid-back vibes and vacation rentals just 20–25 minutes from the city (each on opposite sides of the peninsula)

Best Restaurants In Charleston

Brunch & Lunch

$$ | The Obstinate Daughter: Located on Sullivan's Island, great for brunch or dinner. 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. Be sure to try the Rutledge Pizza.

$$ | Leon’s Fine Poultry and Oysters: One of the most famous spots in Charleston. Known for fresh oysters, fried chicken, and great cocktails.

$$ | Poogan's Porch: Historic restaurant located in downtown Charleston, known for its classic southern brunch. Be sure to try the 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. Their burger is a must.

$$ | Indaco: Popular Italian restaurant located on King Street.

$$ | 167 Sushi Bar: Same owners as 167 Raw, but they DO take reservations (unlike 167 Raw).

$$$ | Chubby Fish: One of the best spots in Charleston, serving unique and fresh fish dishes. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. They don’t take reservations, and the line gets long quickly. Be sure to get there around 4:30p (they open at 5p) so you’re guaranteed a spot. If you end up having to wait for a table, grab a drink at Seahorse right next door.

$$$ | Husk: Located in a classic Charleston building, it feels like you’re having dinner on a Southern porch. If your table isn’t ready, grab a drink at the Bar At Husk right next door.

$$$ | Church and Union: A converted church with exposed brick walls and high ceilings. It’s a fun dinner spot before a night out. Their cocktails are delicious too.

$$$ | Chez Nous: Historic home turned into a restaurant. They serve 6 rotating dishes each night and have hand-written menus.

$$$ | 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. If you can’t get in for dinner, lunch is a great option too.

$$$ | 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 and octopus carpaccio are a must.

$$$ | Southbound: A cute atmosphere with a menu that changes daily. You can even be seated on their porch swings and enjoy your dinner overlooking the 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. It’s the epitome of southern hospitality. Oh, and the food is amazing too. They also have Gospel Brunch on Sundays.

$$$$ | Sorelle: Southern twist on Italian food, right in the heart of downtown. One of the most popular restaurants in Charleston, so be sure to 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. Be sure to try their Rosemary and Salt bagel with butter.

$$ | 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”. In the evening, they serve cocktails and snacks.

$$ | Harken Cafe: Quaint coffee/breakfast spot, right in the heart of Downtown. It’s a classic Charleston breakfast spot.

$$ | Caviar and Bananas: Another classic coffee spot in Downtown.

$$ | Island Provisions: Cute spot for grab-and-go breakfast (and lunch) in the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood.

Where To Drink In Charleston

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: Even if you don’t end up eating at Church and Union, be sure to come here for a cocktail.

The Bar @ Husk: Right next door to Husk. Delicious Southern-inspired cocktails.

Rooftop Bars

Vendue Rooftop: Located at the Vendue Hotel, with great views of the waterfront.

Citrus Club: Located @ The Dewberry Hotel with beautiful views of the city + great cocktails.

Pavilion Bar: Located @ Market Pavilion Hotel. A little quieter.

Little Palm: Located @ The Ryder Hotel. Cute, Instagrammable 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, and a cute outdoor seating area.

Henry’s: Great for live music.

Low Tide Brewing (Johns Island): Serving local brews with a great outdoor space and amazing food trucks.

Top Things To Do In Charleston

Downtown

Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain: Walk along the waterfront and see the pineapple fountain.

Rainbow Row: Instagram-able spot with colorful, pastel homes.

The Battery: Historic area filled with gorgeous, historic homes along 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" filled with food stands and cute handcrafted gifts.

Rooftop Bars: Grab a drink during golden hour at one of Charleston’s rooftop bars (Citrus Club, Eleve, Little Palm, or Vendue)

King Street: Lined with boutique 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: Historic landmark, if you are looking for some history.

Beaches

Sullivan's Island: Perfect if you're looking for a more "relaxing" vibe at the beach. There are also a few bars and restaurants in the area.

Folly Beach: Lively, walkable, and full of food & drink spots.

Isle of Palms: One of the most popular beaches and a bit more lively than Sullivan's Island.

Outside Of Downtown

Angel Oak Tree: A 400+ year old oak tree.

Cypress Gardens: Row through the famous Notebook swamp.

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.

Shem Creek: Dockside dining and bars on the water. The perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon when the weather is nice. You might even see dolphins!

Charleston 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown

Walk around the Battery (+ see the 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, 167 Raw or 167 Sushi Bar
Drinks: Blind Tiger Pub, Uptown Social

Day 2: Rent A Car/Explore Outside The City

See Angel Oak Tree, the oldest/largest oak tree
Sullivan’s Island (brunch/lunch at The Obstinate Daughter)
Isle of Palms
Cypress Gardens (where a scene in The Notebook was filmed!)
Shem Creek for sunset (dinner at Tavern and Table)
Restaurant Suggestions:

Brunch: The 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 (Note: Chubby Fish and 167 Raw are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly)
Drinks: Citrus Club, Little Palm, The Bar @ Husk, Church & Union

Want to book a trip to Charleston?

At Allure Travel Co., we don’t just plan trips - we curate experiences. We offer bespoke travel planning, luxury hotel bookings, and travel concierge services. If you’re looking for full-service planning or to simply elevate your experience, we’d love to help!

The Ultimate Charleston Travel Guide (2025)