Plan a Visit to Charleston, SC
My husband and I fell head over heels for Charleston, South Carolina — and honestly, it’s hard not to. From the row of pastel-colored historic homes to the buzzing energy of King Street, this city wraps you in Southern charm the moment you arrive. Whether you’re browsing boutiques, savoring fresh seafood, or simply soaking up the history around every corner, Charleston is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Things to Do in Charleston
Strolling King Street & Downtown
No visit to Charleston is complete without a stroll down King Street. Lined with boutiques, galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants, it’s the beating heart of downtown and a wonderful place to spend an afternoon browsing and people-watching. We took an afternoon to stroll downtown Charleston and do a little shopping.
There are some cute shops to discover and some great bars and restaurants to stop at for a drink or a meal. We were there for Memorial Day Weekend and it was pretty hot, so it was nice to take breaks from the heat and check out the air-conditioned shops and restaurants.
It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon taking in the charming city.
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is a fantastic stop, especially if you’re traveling with family. The sea turtle exhibit was a highlight for us. You learn all about turtle rescue efforts and rehabilitation so they can be released back into the wild after they recover from injury or illness.
Keep an eye on the water just outside the aquarium, too, as dolphins are sometimes spotted from the waterfront. (We weren’t so lucky — they had just finished dredging — but the aquarium says sightings are common!)
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum offers a truly unique experience. We toured the historic battleships and came away with a deep appreciation for those who served aboard them. It’s the kind of attraction that stays with you, and one we’d highly recommend to history lovers and curious visitors alike.
If you like planes, there are a number of World War II fighter jets and other aircraft on exhibit on the USS Yorktown deck. You can also tour the USS Laffey, a World War II Destroyer that saw quite a bit of battle time. The stories of the battle ships and planes on display is fascinating. Plan on at least 2 hours here.
Friends of the Hunley
History buffs won’t want to miss Friends of the Hunley, home to the remarkably preserved H.L. Hunley, a Confederate submarine that sank in 1864. It was found 131 years later and has since been the source of preservation efforts and historical study. We ran out of time to see this exhibit, but engineers and history enthusiasts alike will find the story of this sunken submarine quite interesting.
The Center for Birds of Prey
One of our absolute favorite experiences in Charleston was visiting The Center for Birds of Prey. The flight demonstrations were incredible — watching these magnificent birds soar up close is something we won’t soon forget. What made it even more special was learning about the birds that had been rescued and rehabilitated at their on-site bird hospital. It’s a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your itinerary. We spent about 1.5 hours here, but you could easily spend more.
Beach Day
Folly Beach is Charleston’s beloved barrier island beach, and it’s well worth the short drive from downtown. Our tip: go early. It gets crowded quickly, and arriving in the morning means you’ll have the best pick of spots and the most peaceful version of this beautiful stretch of coastline. We stayed for a few hours in the morning to swim and catch some sun, and then headed to lunch as the beach started to get crowded.
Other notable beaches include:
- Sullivan’s Island Beach
- Isle of Palms Beach
- Seabrook Island Beach
- Edisto Beach
- Morris Island
Where to Stay in Charleston
When it comes to places to stay, Charleston has options for every type of traveler — from boutique luxury properties to reliable, budget-friendly hotels in the heart of the action.
The Vendue
The Vendue is a beloved Charleston institution known for its art-filled interiors and rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. It’s a beautiful and entirely unique hotel that offers a stay you won’t soon forget. Make your reservation and check out all the art this hotel has to offer!
The Lindy
The Lindy brings a stylish, modern energy to the historic district and is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. It has a boutique feel and lots of character. If you love Marriott (I personally, really like Marriott hotels) and you’re seeking an elevated stay, check out The Lindy.
The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry Charleston is a stunning luxury hotel housed in a beautifully restored mid-century federal building. With its sophisticated interiors, rooftop pool, and prime location near Marion Square, it’s one of Charleston’s most celebrated places to stay. It has a spa and other amenities you would expect with a hotel of this caliber, making it a truly luxurious option.
Zero George
Zero George is a charming, intimate property tucked into a quiet residential street in the Ansonborough neighborhood. Made up of a collection of restored antebellum cottages, it offers a serene escape and an easy way to unwind. I really like the concept of this hotel, which is also known for having a great restaurant. Whether you stay at this hotel or not, you can make a reservation at The Restaurant at Zero George, or enjoy cocktails and caviar at The Caviar Bar.
The Palmetto Hotel Charleston
The Palmetto Hotel Charleston is a boutique property that blends Southern hospitality with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, making it a lovely choice for those looking for something a little more personal than a larger chain hotel. I really like the interior design of this hotel and think it has a distinctly Charleston feel that will only add to your experience in this charming southern town.
The Mills House Hotel
Mills House Charleston is a landmark hotel with a rich history dating back to the 1830s. Beautifully restored and ideally situated in the heart of the historic district, it offers classic Southern elegance with all the comforts of a modern hotel. It’s iconic pink color makes it stand out in Charleston, and it has a rich history to explore. It also has the Iron Rose restaurant inside, which is a great option for a wonderful meal!
The Restoration Charleston
The Restoration Collection is a boutique hotel brand with a beautiful Charleston property that feels like a true escape in the heart of the city. It’s very chic and refined, with luxury amenities like a spa and a great restaurant. It’s actually a Michelin-Recognized Residential-Style Boutique Hotel, so you can expect an elevated stay.
My husband and I are actually staying at their Asheville location this May — I’ll update this article with our experience!
Marriott Hotels
For travelers watching their budget without wanting to sacrifice location or quality, Marriott Bonvoy hotels are always a solid choice. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Historic District and it suited us perfectly. Marriotts are consistently clean, reasonably priced, and almost always conveniently located — exactly what we needed as we explored the city on foot.
Best Restaurants in Charleston
Charleston’s food scene is serious business, and we were lucky enough to hit some real highlights during our visit.
167 Raw
Our first night in town, we headed straight to 167 Raw — and what a good way to start off our trip.
I had the oysters as an appetizer, naturally, and my husband and I both ordered lobster rolls for our main course. We finished with key lime pie and sipped on some excellent craft cocktails.
It’s a fun, lively spot with a devoted following, and they also have a location in Nantucket. If you love fresh seafood in a casual, unpretentious setting, this is a must.
I recommend going early, or making a reservation if they take them. When we went we hadn’t made a reservation and there was a line, but it moved pretty quickly. They also let you order drinks outside, so we sipped on a cocktail while we waited, and it was pretty relaxing.
The Gin Joint
One evening after dinner, we stopped in for cocktails at The Gin Joint — and they were outstanding.
I’m a fan of gin and floral drinks, and their craft cocktail menu is unlike anything I’ve seen. You choose your style — floral, fruity, smoky, and more — and the bartender creates a custom drink based on your preferences.
If you don’t like gin, they have other options, of course. But if you do like gin, you’ll love the selection.
It’s a truly unique experience and a Charleston gem. The interior is also very cozy and stylish, so it’s a nice atmosphere to relax in while you sip.
We had already eaten, so we didn’t grab a bit here, but their menu looks excellent. Given how high-quality the craft cocktails were, I would also imagine the food is of a similar caliber.
Halls Chophouse
No trip to Charleston would be complete without at least a peek at Halls Chophouse. We stumbled in for lunch after a morning of exploring downtown — slightly underdressed and a little unsure if they’d seat us. They did, without hesitation, and the service was impeccable.
This is a classic, old-school steakhouse experience: they bring the cuts of beef tableside so you can choose exactly what you want, then pair it with generous sides. It’s a splurge, but absolutely worth it.
If you decide to go for dinner, I recommend making a reservation, as even for lunch they were quite busy. They also appeared to have a wedding event going on, so they are a popular spot for special occasions if you’re looking to plan something like that.
The restaurant is large with multiple rooms, and it has an upscale but cozy interior. We really enjoyed our meal and our time here.
The Establishment
We didn’t make it to Establishment this trip — we simply ran out of time — but the menu looked fabulous and it has a wonderful reputation around town. It’s first on the list for our next visit. It specializes in seafood, so you can expect fresh catches on your plate. It’s also known for having a great wine bar.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
For a taste of the South in the most delicious way possible, Rodney Scott’s BBQ is a Charleston institution. Rodney Scott is a James Beard Award-winning pitmaster, and his whole-hog barbecue has earned fans from across the country. This is the real deal!
Iron Rose
Iron Rose offers a refined yet approachable dining experience with a menu rooted in Southern ingredients and Italian inspiration. It’s the kind of spot that feels equally right for a special occasion or a leisurely dinner after a day of sightseeing. It has a solid reputation and is located in the iconic pink Mills House hotel, so it provides a beautiful setting for a meal.
Cachita’s Kitchen
Cachita’s Kitchen brings Latin flavors and a warm, vibrant energy to the Charleston dining scene. With a menu full of bold, colorful dishes, it’s a wonderful change of pace and a local favorite worth seeking out. It’s a casual spot, ideal for a good lunch, offering tacos, sandwiches and more. It comes with an award-winning reputation as well.
Hyman’s Seafood
A Charleston seafood classic, Hyman’s Seafood has been feeding locals and visitors alike for generations. Known for its enormous portions and extensive menu of fresh-caught fish and shellfish, it’s a beloved institution that’s hard to miss — and even harder to leave hungry.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
And don’t skip dessert — Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has a scoop shop in Charleston, and it’s the perfect treat after a long day of exploring. With creative, unexpected flavors that rotate seasonally, it’s a fan favorite for good reason.
Why Visit Charleston, SC
Charleston has been a top destination in the South for a long time now, and for good reason. It has a lot of character and charm, and is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited thus far.
Charleston has an excellent food and cocktail scene, with a broad range of fancy, upscale restaurants and affordable, quick bites. It also has some beautiful hotels that will add to your experience here. There is also a long list of great things to do in Charleston, from family-friendly activities like the aquarium, to beaches for some outdoor time and more. It really does have something for everyone!
Pro Tips for Traveling Here:
- Charleston is among the more expensive destinations I’ve visited in the U.S. It’s not outrageously so, and we did splurge on some things, so you can budget more, but it’s easy to spend more than you’d expect here.
- We visited on Memorial Day Weekend in late May, and it was very hot. That worked well for us since we’d planned on some time at the beach, but if you struggle in the heat, go earlier in the Spring or in the Fall.
- Make reservations if you can. While we were able to get into everywhere we wanted, Charleston is very popular, some restaurants in particular, so I could see them getting booked up quickly in the busier months.
This article is part of my U.S. Cities Series. 🇺🇲
