Charleston (SC) trips and vacations

Once you’ve booked your vacation to Charleston get ready for a whirlwind of history. Ride the ferry to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Or visit The Dock Street Theatre, which traces its history to the early 1700s. To learn about Charleston’s darker past, visit the Old Slave Mart Museum.

Southern hospitality is a way of life in Charleston. Given its ranking as one of the friendliest cities in the US, expect warm smiles and cheerful hellos. Stop and chat with locals, whether you’re dining in one of the city’s restaurants, shopping in its boutiques or simply taking a stroll through its beautiful green spaces.

Lounge on nearby beaches, take a kayaking tour of the surrounding marshes, or go on a sunset cruise of the harbor. Whichever you choose, a holiday in Charleston isn’t complete without exploring its Atlantic coastline. Want to stay dry while admiring the scenery? Stroll across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge for harbor views.

Owing its name to the French merchants who once lived here, the French Quarter is where to stay in Charleston for historical charm. Expect cobblestone streets, historic churches and characterful sidewalk cafes. After visiting the Pink House Gallery, the Powder Magazine and the neighborhood’s many art galleries, refuel with a sweet tea from the Charleston City Market.

Good for: History, art galleries, cafes

Downtown’s Harleston Village is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Charleston. Home to the College of Charleston, Colonial Lake Park and Cannon Park, it offers the perfect combination of history and nature. Feel like treating yourself? Spend a relaxing day at Wentworth Mansion’s spa.

Good for: Architecture, history, parks

Think of Charleston and images of South of Broad likely spring to mind. Home to Rainbow Row and historic mansions, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Charleston for first-time visitors. After admiring the neighborhood’s architecture, stroll to White Point Garden for picture-perfect views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor.

Good for: Historic mansions, harbor views, waterside strolls

The several beaches near Charleston offer fun-filled days on the sand. Surf at Folly Beach, nicknamed ‘The Edge of America’, and explore Kiawah Island’s sand dunes and maritime forests. Or spend part of a beach day soaking up Revolutionary War history around Sullivan’s Island, or tee off at the Isle of Palms’ Links Golf Course.

Prepare to be tempted by the shopping in Charleston. With Calhoun Street’s boutiques and Lower King Street’s antique shops, the city is made for retail therapy. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip, drop by Charleston Specialty Foods, or pick up a handmade Gullah sweetgrass basket from Charleston City Market.

In a city anchored in history, it’s no surprise to find there are plenty of museums in Charleston. Visit The Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the US, or explore Museum Mile around Meeting Street. With the Gibbes Museum of Art, the International African American Museum and countless historic homes to discover, Charleston is a culture-seeker’s dream come true.

When the sun goes down, the party turns up in the city’s cocktail lounges, dive bars and live music joints. Most of the nightlife in Charleston is centered on the Upper King Street and Market Street areas. While here, choose from local favorites like The Cocktail Club or Proof.

Fresh seafood, okra soup and the best bowl of shrimp and grits you’re likely to find — the restaurants in Charleston are all about soul food. Try Lowcountry and Southern classics at Magnolias, Husk and Hannibal’s Kitchen. Or sample freshly caught fish at Sushi-Wa and Dave’s Carry-Out. In the mood for fine dining? Look no further than Circa 1886 and the Charleston Grill.

Lounge on the beaches, walk along The Battery seawall, and admire the pastel homes of Rainbow Row. Or spend an afternoon exploring the Postal Museum and Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. With the Charleston Tea Plantation offering complimentary tours too, you’ll find plenty of free things to do in Charleston.