Charleston SC Visitors Guide

Historic Antebellum Mansions, Civil War sites, year round festivals, pristine beaches, barrier islands, and mouthwatering Lowcountry cuisine are just a few of the reasons why Charleston SC is one of America's favorite destinations. Experience this diverse southern city which blends French, English, West African and traditional Southern American cultures into the music, art, food, and lifestyle. 

Why Visit Charleston SC?

• Frequently voted one of the most beautiful cities in America

• Ranked by the travel media as one of the top U.S. destinations

• Rich in history - The city where the first shots of the Civil War were fired

• Boasts over 1400 significantly historic buildings

• Stately mansions and vast plantations

• Moss draped tree lined streets 

• Emphasis on Southern Hospitality

• Mouthwatering Lowcountry cuisine

• Superior accommodations

• Multitude of shopping options including boutiques, antique shops, and malls 

• Nearby white sand beaches

• Year-round festivals and events

Things to do in Charleston SC

• Discover the beauty and character of this historic city by taking a narrated walking tour
  

• Take a walk or bike ride across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge
  

• Take a relaxing 30-minute boat ride through Charleston Harbor 
  

• Visit Middleton Place to tour the house museum originally built in 1755 and America's Oldest Landscaped Gardens
  

• Visit Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired

• Visit the world's largest naval maritime museum at Patriots Point and tour a massive aircraft carrier
  

• Visit the South Carolina Aquarium, home to more than 5,000 animals, at the edge of the historic Charleston Harbor

• Visit the funky, laid back Folly Beach where you can take a leisurely walk on the beach, shop or enjoy some fresh seafood

• Tour original slave cabins at nearby Boone Hall Plantation

• Visit the Edmonston-Alston House, originally built in 1825

• View the massive 400 year old Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island

• Shop for souvenirs, crafts, woven baskets, jewelry, clothing, sweets, and artwork at the historic Old City Market

• Learn about Charleston’s rich history by taking a horse drawn carriage ride

• Take an evening ghost walk to some of the most haunted places in Charleston
• Sit on the over sized swings and enjoy the views and the ocean breeze at Waterfront Park

Where to Eat, Sleep and Explore in Charleston SC

About Charleston

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• History
• Area Maps
• Local Weather Information
  
  Learn More >> Historic Charleston SC
  

Charleston Travel

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• Tips on getting around Charleston
  
• Travel Guide on getting to Charleston
• Visitor Center Information
  
  Learn More >> Charleston Travel Guide
  

Where to Stay

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• Historic Inns
• Luxury Hotels
• Full-Service Hotels
• Discount Hotels
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Campgrounds
  
  Learn More >> Where to Stay in Charleston 

Find top-rated hotels at the lowest prices on Tripadvisor

Restaurant Guide

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• Cheap Eats
• Moderately Priced Meals
• Fine Dining
• Best Restaurants in Charleston
  
  Learn More >> Charleston Restaurants

Fun Things to Do

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• Attractions
• Museums
• Plantations
• Beaches
• Events and Festivals
• Free Things to do in Charleston
  
   Learn More >> Things to do in Charleston 

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