CHARLESTON IS AN ARTIST'S MUSE · 4.LIFE IN THE LOWCOUNTRY IS A LITTLE SLOWER AND A. Charleston, South Carolina, has been consecutively named No. Are you curious to know why Charleston has the highest honors? Keep reading to learn the top 8 reasons why Charleston is America's favorite destination. Picturesque and exquisitely preserved, Charleston is a visual feast of antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and flickering lanterns and historic monuments.
Ready to explore? Check out the 21 places every history buff should visit in the Lowcountry. For more than 30 years, this classic Charleston restaurant has served the best of Lowcountry cuisine. What is Charleston known for? When it comes to fun, we have it all, including history, romance, drama and food. Check out our definitive list of the best activities that make the Holy City one of the best in the continental United StatesIf you love history, you'll love Charleston, SC.
Established in 1670, the Holy City (as it was called thanks to its more than 400 churches) is full of historic buildings, monuments and museums. The narrow streets of Charleston occupy spaces that blur the line between public and private areas and offer an extraordinary vision of the city's history. Charleston may be known for its natural beauty, first-class restaurants, shopping, and romantic appeal, but what people fall in love with is its general charm. Charleston, South Carolina, has been named the favorite American city of Travel+Leisure readers in our “The World's Best Awards” survey year after year for several compelling reasons.
While the southern port city is known for its centuries-old cobblestones and horse-drawn carriages, its dynamism and forward drive are evident in every aspect of the city, from its first-rate culinary prowess to its constantly evolving list of shops, museums and must-see attractions. In addition to its favorites and famous sights, shopping on King Street, strolling down Rainbow Row, getting a table at Fig or The Ordinary and venturing out to one of the nearby beaches, the city continuously has a variety of interesting openings and relatively newcomers that are quickly instilled in the culture of Charleston. Visit Babas on Cannon for European-inspired dishes, an espresso, and maybe an appetizer or two. Southern Italian classics are combined with Lowcountry at Sorelle, a restaurant, bar and market open all day that occupies two floors of 88 Broad Street. Food is often a popular topic of conversation in Charleston, as the dining scene is central to most visitors, but there's a lot to do between meals.
When you reach a point where you can't even think of eating another bite, head to neighboring Mount Pleasant, where you'll find a selection of local art at the Charleston Artist Collective and a spectacular sunset with views of Charleston Harbor from the Pitt Street Bridge. Whether you're planning your first trip to Charleston or are understandably still returning to the Holy City, this T+L Charleston travel guide will help you make the most of your visit when you want to go. Charleston attracts domestic and international tourists year-round, but you'll find different climates, events, and decor in the city center depending on the month you choose to visit. Rain is relatively common in spring, but it's arguably one of the best times of the year in Charleston, as temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees and southern blooms, such as wisteria, jasmine and azaleas, come out in full force.
The peak of the wisteria season (wisteria over wisteria) falls in mid-March, right after the Charleston Food + Wine Festival, where the Lowcountry showcases its diverse, world-renowned food culture on a larger stage. The Charleston Jazz Festival is held in April, a month that also marks the opening of the regular season of the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square. The popular Houses and Gardens Festival concludes in the middle of the month, followed by Spoleto, a 17-day performing arts festival held in the city from late May to early June. If you're going to Charleston in spring, be prepared for crowds, traffic, queues and parking difficulties. Fall is also a popular time to visit Charleston, as the weather is characterized by moderate days and cool nights.
Oyster season begins in early October and historic home tours return after a long, hot summer. Social media ads are the best tool for finding local oyster roasts, but you'll need to buy tickets in advance for the Charleston Preservation Society's fall tours. Choose between guided tours of private homes, self-guided walks through Charleston's most beautiful gardens, or walking tours through historic streets. While the coastal breeze eases a bit, the summer heat suggests 80-degree and 90-degree thunderstorms, and the humidity makes it not ideal for tourism, but there are still a few reasons to visit Charleston in June, July and August.
That is, the city's access to sand and salt water. Just a 15 or 30 minute drive from the city center, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach provide their own unique appeal to beach lovers. Add Kiawah Island to your list of beaches to visit in summer if you're ready to drive a little farther. Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about a 20-minute drive from most attractions in Charleston.
Renting a car is optional, as Ubers and Lyfts are easily available, and parking can be tricky, especially if you're heading to the beach or trying to find a spot downtown. If your favorite type of accommodation is a boutique hotel with thoughtful details around every corner, book a room at The Pinch, in the Ansonborough neighborhood. More than just a 22-room hotel, the hotel also has three furnished residences that can be reserved for stays of 30 days or more: a spa, free breakfast every day, and an oyster bar for up to 40 people, known as The Quinte. Considered a “boutique hotel where a getaway and an experience”, The Ryder Hotel may already have appeared once or twice on your Instagram account.
The bright, spacious rooms and common spaces provide a relaxed atmosphere, exactly the kind of environment you would expect when visiting a coastal city. The Dewberry, which describes itself as offering old-world charm with a modern and distinctive touch, is right in the center of the city, just one block from King Street. On the main floor, you'll find the cozy living room, where you can cool off with a coffee or cocktail or grab a bite to eat. Its rooftop restaurant and bar, Citrus Club, offers unparalleled views of Charleston and equally photogenic tropical drinks. Emeline is located in the heart of historic Charleston and is home to Frannie and The Fox, an Italian restaurant that has hotel guests and locals alike flocking to wood-fired pizza and outdoor dining options.
After brunch or before dinner, take one of Emeline's custom bikes for a tour of the neighborhood. Three restored historic houses and two brick carriages house 16 luxurious rooms that radiate rest and relaxation. After a long bike ride around the neighborhood (with free beach cruises, of course), start the evening with a cocktail on the outdoor patio before enjoying the seasonal food offered at the Zero restaurant at the hotel. With more than 20 years of experience in Charleston, FIG continues to fill its tables with both regular customers and those who want to try chef Mike Lata's fresh and seasonal fish main courses for the first time.
Reservations for this highly sought after restaurant can be hard to come by, and consider yourself lucky if you manage to sneak into the bar. They don't take reservations and you might see a line at the door, but don't let that stop you from trying fresh seafood at 167 Raw, one of the area's favorite restaurants. It's worth the wait to enjoy crispy oysters, scallop po'boys and the ever-changing iced cocktail menu. Charleston businessman and restaurateur Brooks Reitz is the mastermind behind Leon's (as well as Little Jack's Tavern, Monza Pizza Bar, Melfi's and Jack Rudy Cocktail Company).
Located in a former body shop, Leon's offers a relaxed atmosphere with premium fried chicken, grilled oysters, cocktails and mild ice cream. Reservations are recommended for larger groups, but last-minute diners and small groups often find space indoors or on the large outdoor patio. It is recommended to reserve a table at The Ordinary, as the raw produce bar and delicious drinks are in high demand. The old bank building, which is located right in the center of King Street, can only be described as “bustling”, as guests eagerly devour local shrimps that are peeled and eaten, raw oysters and other concoctions born of the sheer genius of The Ordinary's chefs.
Going to the beach when visiting Charleston is a no-brainer; South Carolina's pristine coastline is unbeatable. Most locals prefer Sullivan's Island, as it has access to a variety of restaurants and bars just a few blocks from the beach, while neighboring Isla de las Palmas is ideal for families). The crowds at Folly Beach can be intimidating, but keep driving lower heading towards E. Arctic Ave; you'll find more parking and more space on the beach as you move away from the city center.
You can explore downtown Charleston on your own, but you might miss some important facts, architectural curiosities, and historical viewpoints, such as those you'll find on a guided tour. Tyler Page Wright Friedman, founder of Walk & Talk Charleston, and her team offer a variety of fascinating tours, including one that explores Charleston's LGBTQ+ history, a walking tour focusing on the role of horses throughout Charleston's history, and a tour of Charleston and the natural history of the Lowcountry. Take in the Charleston skyline from the water by booking a sunset tour around the harbor. Don't forget your phone or a camera, you won't get better views of Battery or the majestic Ravenel Bridge anywhere else.
Across the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor is Shem Creek, where you can rent kayaks or paddleboards to paddle alongside the dolphins and explore the surrounding streams and swamps. When you're done with the day, continue your adventure with a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area. King Street is known as Charleston's shopping mecca, with stores ranging from local businesses like Old Whaling Company, Berlin's and Beau & Ro to renowned brands like YETI, J, Crew and Brooks Brothers. Croghan's family jewelry appears on nearly every Charleston list you'll ever read, and for good reason.
Walking into the King Street store is like stepping into another world: diamond rings, antique medallions and pewter souvenirs are just some of the treasures you'll find in the store. If you forget your pajamas or want to add another set of stripes to your wardrobe, the southern brand's store is open in Lower King. In the two-story store there are cozy robes, comfy, comfy, and even options for children. The Charleston Preservation Society brings you the best of local artisans and brands, such as Brackish Bow Ties, Smithey Ironware and J.
You can find them along with books by Charleston authors and other unique items that are memorable gifts for your loved ones or as gifts for yourself. Designer names abound in Hampden Clothing, a luxury store flanked by its sister stores, James and Small, on King Street. Go in with your wallet open and you'll leave feeling very elegant; Carolina Herrera, Mansur Gavriel and Golden Goose are just some of the well-known brands out there in Hampden. On Broad Street, just below Colonial Lake, is Burbage's Grocery, a specialized, family-run grocery store that locals return to time and time again.
You can go to lunch, there's a fully functioning deli in the back, or stop by for local beer, hot sauce, and freshly baked goods. Charleston establishments may not be as open late as in larger cities like New York or Los Angeles, but King Street is far from being a quiet place. A crowd of College of Charleston students and bachelor and bachelorette parties frequent establishments such as Uptown Social, Prohibition and The Cocktail Club. However, if you're looking for something more discreet, it's best to enjoy a cocktail, a glass of wine, or a quick glass at a variety of local favorites, such as Bar Rollins, Babas on Cannon, Bin 152, Graft Wine Shop, and The Bar & Patio at Husk.
Car services such as Uber and Lyft are common and relatively affordable in Charleston, but it's also a city where you can walk and bike. If most of your excursions and explorations take place in the city center, bring walking shoes or look for bike taxis, a fun way to return to the hotel after dinner or a round of drinks. If you like to explore on two wheels, rent a beach cruise on Bilda Bike, on King Street, which offers daily, weekly and monthly options. CARTA is Charleston's bus service with a variety of routes across the city, as well as several Park and Ride locations.
The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers three routes across the peninsula (free). A combination of beach equipment, appropriate walking clothing and shoes, and a few raised items should fit in your suitcase before going to Charleston. Breathable fabrics, such as linen and cotton, help keep heat and moisture a little more tolerable. No matter the season of the year, you'll want sunscreen, insect repellent, and an umbrella.
South of Broad, the area below Broad Street, is The Battery; Harleston Village is mostly filled with locals and College of Charleston students who frequent Colonial Lake. I-26 begins in downtown Charleston, with exits to the Seventh Clark Highway, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Immerse yourself in Charleston's thriving art scene at the recently renovated Gibbes Art Museum, which houses more than 10,000 works of Southern art, including regional collections and pieces from the Charleston Renaissance from 1915 to 1940. The Bank of South Carolina, the second oldest building in the country built as a bank, was established in 1798. The port of Charleston extends about 7 miles (11 km) southeast to the Atlantic with an average width of approximately 2 miles (3.2 km), surrounded on all sides except for its entrance.
It was felt as far away as Boston to the north, Chicago and Milwaukee to the northwest, as far west as New Orleans, as far south as Cuba and as far east as Bermuda. Much more important was the domestic slave trade, which grew as the Deep South converted to new cotton plantations. The Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church is the mother church of Catholicism in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Following the election of Abraham Lincoln, the South Carolina General Assembly voted on December 20, 1860 to declare secession from the United States, becoming the first state to do so.
As a result of trafficking, there was a forced migration of more than one million enslaved people from the Upper South to the Lower South in the years before the war. Other notable sports venues in Charleston include Johnson Hagood Stadium (home of The Citadel Bulldogs soccer team), the McAlister Field House (home of The Citadel Bulldogs basketball team), and the Toronto Dominion Bank Arena at the College of Charleston, which seats 5,100 people who watch the school's basketball and volleyball teams. The delegates to the Continental Congress were elected in 1774 and South Carolina declared its independence from Great Britain on the steps of the Stock Exchange. As you may know, the city of Charleston, like Panama City, is a historic port city that shares a proud and prosperous history. The city is located just south of the geographical midpoint of the South Carolina coast, in the port of Charleston, an entrance to the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper and Wando rivers.
In addition, Charleston is a popular film and television filming location, both in its own right and as a substitute for historic settings from the south.
