Stroll through America's most charming historic city, a preserved world of antebellum architecture and gas-lit cobblestone streets. Easy to love, even easier to explore.
Quick Facts
Weather Range
52-81F (11-27C)
Currency
USD
Language
English
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5)
Overview
Charleston drips with Southern charm, history, and humidity in equal measure. The antebellum architecture along Rainbow Row creates those postcard-perfect pastel facades, while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, sits in the harbor and makes for a powerful half-day tour. But Charleston isnt stuck in the past—the food scene is exploding with James Beard Award-winning chefs reimagining Lowcountry cuisine in restaurants from fine dining to oyster bars. King Street delivers shopping from high-end boutiques to local artisans, and the French Quarters galleries and cafes invite slow wandering. Plantation tours outside the city (Boone Hall, Magnolia) provide context for the regions complex history. Charleston balances its difficult past with progressive present, wrapping it all in hospitality that feels genuine, not performative.
Top Sights
The Battery & White Point Garden
Antebellum mansions face the water along this defensive seawall turned promenade, while the adjacent park features. Civil War cannons and harbor views. Sunset here is quintessential Charleston.
Rainbow Row
Thirteen colorful Georgian row houses create Charlestons most photographed street, painted in pastels that pop against the historic districts earth tones. The Danish merchant who started the trend in the 1930s sparked a preservation movement.
Historic City Market
Operating since the 1790s, the covered market stretches four blocks with Gullah sweetgrass basket weavers, local artisans, and souvenir. vendors. The basket-weaving tradition connects directly to West African craft brought by enslaved people.
Neighborhoods
French Quarter
Local eats and photo spots
South of Broad
Local eats and photo spots
Harleston Village
Local eats and photo spots
North Morrison
Local eats and photo spots
Shore Things Excursions
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Hiking in the Francis Marion National Forest
Explore Sewee Center's Red Wolves, hike I'ON Swamp Trail, see wildlife, and learn about rice culture and Wythewood Plantation.
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator
Hiking in the Francis Marion National Forest
Explore Sewee Center's Red Wolves, hike I'ON Swamp Trail, see wildlife, and learn about rice culture and Wythewood Plantation.
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