Are you planning a visit, but wondering if Charleston, SC is safe for tourists? Can you walk around Charleston at night? As a lifelong local, travel advisor, and mom of 2, I am here to help you stay safe when visiting Charleston by knowing which areas to avoid while exploring the Holy City.
I was born, raised and still live and work in downtown Charleston so I am your go to girl for answering the question of if it’s safe in Charleston.
Although Charleston is known for its southern charm and hospitality, like any city, there is always crime and places you should not go. In this guide, I’ll share a look at crime rates, the areas you should avoid, and several safety tips to keep in mind as a visitor to Charleston, South Carolina.
Like always, if you have questions please send me a note or leave a comment below. I would love to help!
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Is Charleston, South Carolina Safe for Tourists?
Let’s go ahead and answer the question: is Charleston, SC safe for tourists?
Yes, overall, Charleston is a very safe city for tourists to visit. However, in any city, you should exercise caution and know the best areas to explore and which ones to avoid.
Charleston has been voted the #1 Small City in the United States by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure for the past 12 years and counting. It would not achieve this level of acclaim if it weren’t safe for tourists!
In addition, Charleston is constantly ranked as one of the friendliest cities in the world. The city continues to garner these national and international awards because of its friendly and warm people. You’ll feel safe and welcomed in Charleston.
Is it Safe to Walk in Charleston at Night?
Yes, it is safe to walk around in Charleston at night, but you’ll want to stay in the tourist areas. The city is well lit and you’ll find many people wandering from restaurants and bars at night.
The popular ghost tours take place in the evenings so you’ll see plenty of tourists walking in Charleston at night.
The main area for nightlife in Charleston is along upper King Street. The city has actually closed a portion of this road to traffic on the weekend nights to keep party-goers and the college students safe.
Downtown Charleston is home to the College of Charleston and The Citadel so there’s plenty of police presence especially to keep these students out of harm’s way.
Like any city, there are places you will want to avoid as a tourist in Charleston at night. More on that below!
Crime Rates in Charleston
If you look at crime rates in Charleston, you might be confused whether or not it is safe. A quick Google search in 2026, reports that the crime rate in Charleston is 3% below the national average, which is pretty good. However, you have to understand the area.
While Charleston is known for its historic downtown area, the greater Charleston County is quite large. It spans from Edisto Beach to Summerville to McClellanville and includes areas such as West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach and North Charleston, among others. The crime number is averaging all of these diverse areas.
North Charleston itself actually has the highest crime rates which sits above the national average, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit! There are very safe areas in North Charleston like Park Circle, Tanger Outlets/Convention Center area, and Riverfront Park.
Crime has actually declined in North Charleston for 2026, with overall violent crimes (murder, assault, etc.) down 9% and non-violent crimes (petty theft, robberies, etc.) down 5%. DUI arrests were down 26% and narcotics arrests are actually increasing by 54 percent which likely means the police officers are being proactive and keeping us safer. They stated that traffic stops were up 31% from the prior period. You can see their year to date comparison report.
Overall, South Carolina’s crime rates are decreasing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) released the latest report in September 2024 stating that SC has seen a 5.8% decline in violent crimes. This has not been updated for 2026.
Areas to Avoid in Charleston, SC
As a tourist, Charleston is very safe for you to visit. You likely will not find yourself in any of these locations because they are not tourist oriented, but you should understand the area so you don’t wander in the wrong direction.
My guess is you are mostly focused on downtown Charleston, so I’m going to share the areas there that you will want to avoid as a visitor. Luckily, there is really only one!
I personally live and work in downtown Charleston, so I spend plenty of time walking around during the day and at night as well as dining at restaurants/bars. I’ve seen it change so much over my lifetime and know this city better than most. I say this so you know you are getting credible information.
Eastside
The Eastside neighborhood is a low-income residential neighborhood in Charleston. There is nothing for tourists so you likely will not find yourself here.
If you are exploring, you should avoid walking around here at night. The section to avoid in the Eastside of Charleston is Stuart Street to Line Street between Meeting Street and Morrison Drive. I’ve marked it on this map for reference.
When violent crimes do occur in Charleston, it is typically in this Eastside neighborhood. Incidents usually seem to be more targeted between people having a dispute vs a random act of violence.
East Central
I have seen other blogs recommend to avoid this area. I wanted to mention it here because I disagree and find it safe as a local.
There are great restaurants and bars here like Edmund’s Oast, Home Team BBQ, Lewis BBQ, Revelry Brewery and more. I spend ample time in this area and have friends that live on North Nassau Street with their child. This is where the younger 20-30s local crowd spends a lot of time. Most of these restaurants do close by 11pm so it’s not a late-night area by any means.
It has changed vastly over the past decade with new housing and dining options. A brand new apartment complex just opened on Romney Street called The Atlantic which brings in tons of new residents. Average rent for just a studio apartment is $1,760/month so it’s certainly a higher earning demographic. There is some low income housing in this area, but that doesn’t deem it unsafe in my opinion.
I still wouldn’t walk around alone at night as a female, but again I wouldn’t really do that anywhere. I have walked with other people at night from these restaurants to my house and have always felt safe.
Safest Places in Charleston, SC for Tourists
Charleston itself is a peninsula surrounded by the Cooper River and the Ashley River. The whole area is quite walkable and most visitors will spend a considerable amount of time in the Historic District. In this section, I am sharing all of the safest places in Charleston from the charming streets of downtown to the beach resorts.
Historic District
The Historic District is the main area that brings visitors to Charleston for its charm and walkability. This area is deemed a National Historic Landmark District and consists of everything South of Calhoun Street. It is where you’ll find the main attractions, historic sites, iconic restaurants, and picturesque antebellum architecture.
The Historic District is the safest area in Charleston for visitors. Within the Historic District, there are two notable areas: French Quarter and South of Broad. I’ll go over each in the following two sections.
French Quarter
The French Quarter area is within the historic district where a portion of Charleston’s original walled city was located. Specifically, this area is the few blocks in and around the Charleston City Market from North Market Street to Broad Street between Meeting Street and the harbor.
It’s an area filled with history and home to one of my favorite cobblestone streets, Chalmers Street, the historic Dock Street Theater, St. Philip’s Church, and the iconic pineapple fountain at Waterfront Park.
Tourists will feel very safe in the French Quarter area during the day or at night.
South of Broad Street
South of Broad Street is a very safe residential area that is within the historic district of Charleston.
This neighborhood is where you’ll find the best examples of antebellum architecture and historic homes. It’s filled with charming streets like Tradd Street, Rainbow Row, White Point Gardens and The Battery. If you look out from The Battery, you can see Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
A portion of this area was within the original walled city of Charleston from Broad Street to Water Street between Meeting Street and East Bay Street.
Some of my favorite things to see in Charleston in this area include the Nathaniel Russell House, St. Michael’s Church and Edmondston Alston House.
You can feel safe walking around South of Broad anytime of day or night, even alone.
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Cannonborough-Elliotborough is a neighborhood in Charleston that is located off of King Street around Cannon Street and Spring Street.
This area has grown drastically over the past 20 years and is incredibly safe now. When I was in high school in Charleston, Spring Street was definitely a bit sketchy, but you don’t have to worry these days.
This is actually on of my top recommendations for where to stay in Charleston. You’ll find some cute boutique inns and vacation rentals. Some of my favorite places to eat and shop are in this neighborhood.
If you are out at night, stay south of Spring Street and within the boundaries of Rutledge Avenue and Meeting Street. The other side of Meeting Street is where the Eastside Neighborhood is that I recommend avoiding.
Folly Beach
If you are looking to explore outside of the peninsula of Charleston, there are many great places to discover. First, Folly Beach is one of the barrier islands in Charleston just a 20 minute drive from downtown.
Each of the 5 beaches in Charleston offer a different vibe. Folly is your very laid back, surfer, hippie beach that is so much fun. There are many great vacation homes here and good restaurants and bars.
Folly Beach is a safe place for visitors to spend time. On the West side of the island, there is a county park with facilities, parking and lifeguards to keep you safe while enjoying the beach.
Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island
Mount Pleasant is a residential area located East of the Cooper River which separates the area from downtown. A short 5 minute drive over the Ravenel Bridge will put you in the suburb of Mount Pleasant and another 10 minutes will connect you to Sullivan’s Island.
Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s are some of the most upscale places to live in Charleston with some of the highest home prices in the state. It’s an incredibly safe area of Charleston and highly desirable place to buy a home.
There are many great things to do in Mount Pleasant like tour Boone Hall, catch sunset on Shem Creek, or you can head to nearby Sullivan’s Island for a beach day!
Sullivan’s Island is residential so you can’t stay there, but they have a great beach with a local vibe and some amazing restaurants like Obstinate Daughter.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is located past Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island about 30 minutes from downtown. It is one of the best beaches for visitors with a long coastline, great dining options, and a fabulous resort, Wild Dunes.
It is a super safe beach to stay at or visit in Charleston. Like Folly Beach, IOP has a County Park area with lifeguards, parking, and facilities.
Charleston Map: Areas to Avoid & Where to Explore Instead
This map can be toggled into a larger view by clicking the button on the top right corner. The map includes safe areas to stay in Charleston and the black box indicates the areas to avoid. You can explore pinned items with my top hotels, restaurants, and more.
How to stay safe in Charleston, SC
Now that you know Charleston is a very safe place for tourists to visit, here are some of my top ways to stay safe in Charleston. These are some must know tips to protect you from the elements in addition to any crime!
1. Stay in the tourist areas
As mentioned, visitors should remain in the tourist areas to stay safe in Charleston. See the areas listed above including South of Broad, Historic District, and the area beaches.
2. Don’t walk alone at night
As in any city, don’t walk around alone at night. Always be aware of your surroundings, have a friend, or take an Uber if you are alone. There are plenty of drivers on Uber or Lyft who can offer you a safe ride. You can also take a pedicab on the peninsula!
3. Stay hydrated in July/August
The real danger in Charleston lies in the heat that July and August bring. Summers in Charleston are brutally hot with temperatures reaching the high 90s with high levels of humid. It’s best to visit Charleston’s beaches this time of year and avoid walking around downtown too much. People do have heat strokes, so it’s serious and you should stay hydrated especially if not used to the weather.
4. Watch out for poor drivers
If you are walking around, pay attention and stay on the designated sidewalks. There are plenty of bad drivers (or drunk drivers sadly) who don’t know where they are going or aren’t familiar with the one way streets so you need to pay attention. I say this because there have been a few instances lately of drivers running into buildings downtown! Thankfully it’s been late at night and nobody was hurt, but still.
5. Don’t ride bikes near King Street
Sadly, Charleston does not have the infrastructure to make biking a safe choice. If you do want to bike, go early morning and do so around South of Broad or Sullivans Island. Avoid high traffic areas like King Street, Meeting street and Calhoun street.
6. Wear comfortable shoes
It’s also a good idea to wear a comfortable shoe in Charleston. The streets are historic (read: uneven or cobblestone) and you can easily trip and hurt yourself. Heels are fine – just opt for a block heel or wedge that you can walk in! Even the cobblestone streets usually have a normal sidewalk you can use.
7. Lock Your Car
If driving to Charleston, make sure your car is locked especially if parked on the street at night. Most car break-ins occur because someone left their car unlocked.
The Wrap Up: Charleston is a Safe and Friendly City
So, Is Charleston, SC safe for tourists? Overall, Charleston is a very safe and friendly destination that tourists love to visit time and again. Stay in the main tourist areas and out of harm’s way.
Now that you know how to stay safe in Charleston and which areas to avoid, you might be wondering the best parts of town to stay in Charleston. Check out these posts for all of my favorite areas to stay and a few of my favorite boutique hotels in Charleston.
- Where to Stay in Charleston
- Best Boutique Hotels in Charleston
- Charleston Foodie Guide
- My Charleston Bucket List
- Best Times to Visit Charleston
- How to Spend One Day in Charleston, SC
- What to Pack for a Weekend in Charleston
Save it for Later! | Is Charleston, SC Safe to Visit
Hi Lindsey, we have a house rented for a group of 11 that is slightly north of Spring (but between Rutledge Ave and Meeting Street.) Just east of Charleston Candle Co. between St. Philip St. and King. Are you familiar with this area (and this particular block?) Safe generally and safe to walk to bars and restaurants?
Hi Ellen – Thanks for asking! Yes, I would feel safe in that area near Charleston Candle Co (they have the best candles, btw!). It sounds like you are close to some great spots like Chubby Fish, Island Provisions, By The Way, Chez Nous, and The Tiny Tassel. This is a popular area and you’ll see lots of people out and about day or night given the close location to King Street. Of course, always use caution and stay on the main, well lit roads like King, Spring, and St. Philip Streets. Hope that helps! Have a great trip!
This is great information, thank you! We rented a house for this summer but I may have to rethink it now. It is in North Charleston, north of Ashley Shores off of I26. Not familiar at all with the area and booked due to price and new listing. Any thoughts?
Hi! Thank you, I’m glad it has helped! That has historically not been the nicest area of town. I personally do not spend time there. I would definitely read the reviews of any rentals in the area to make sure you are comfortable! If you want to stay in North Charleston, I would suggest anywhere near Park Circle which is the cute downtown area with restaurants and things to do. Hope that helps!
HI Lindsey,
I am heading to Charleston Coliseum for the Kelsea Ballerini concert with my 8-year-old daughter. I, of course love Downtown Charleston and staying in the boutique hotels and being able to walk around town ( that is always my preference. I am not as familiar with North Charleston and so am hoping to get some insight of whether I should still stay in downtown or stay in North Charleston near the venue so we can walk and avoid parking issues etc. I see plenty of hotel options around the convention center but do you recommend staying around there? DO you have any specific hotels you would recommend there? Thank you so much for any insight. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Kristi! That will be so fun – love Kelsea Ballerini! If you are planning to spend a couple days, I would personally still stay downtown so you can explore! Then, I would just uber or schedule a car for the concert if you prefer not to drive. If you’re only in town for the concert, staying nearby would definitely be convenient. There are a ton of hotels over there. The Embassy Suites at the Convention Center is the closest walking distance and is just finishing a complete renovation – I’ve toured it and the whole place was completely redone! There’s also the Doubletree right across the street that’s a nice option. Hope that helps! Have a great time with your daughter 🙂
Hi Lindsey,
We are planning to visit Charleston for the first time in early October. Is 7 days too long of a visit? Will there be plenty of things to keep us busy? Looking to stay at a VRBO in the Cannondale area. Thank you for your informative post!
Scott
Hi Scott,
Thanks for reading! I think a week in Charleston sounds great depending on your interests. Early October is still warm enough for spending time at the beaches and it’s ideal for exploring the historic areas. It should give you great weather that allows you to see and do so many different things! Let me know any other questions or if you need more specific itinerary suggestions.
Lindsey