Being born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina I am a bit biased when I say Charleston is the best place to visit. But hey, I’m not the only one. The readers of Conde Nast, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living have all named us a number one city in America (and the world) for the past 10 years in a row. This Charleston South Carolina Travel Guide is filled with insider information as a local helps you plan an unforgettable vacation to the Holy City! Whether you are here for the beaches, history, or to eat your way through, you’ll find what you are looking for in Charleston.
I live in downtown Charleston, work in the local hospitality industry, and spend AMPLE time eating out and enjoying the city. I truly love and take advantage of where I live so this background definitely qualifies me to tell you what is actually the best to see and do. Here is my local’s travel guide to all the latest and greatest (and historic) in the one and only, Charleston!
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Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC
Charleston is a fabulous year-round destination with something fun to do during every single month. There are amazing annual events, delicious restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Charleston is fabulous for couples, honeymoons, babymoons, bachelor or bachelorette parties, weddings, girls weekends, and more. Whatever the reason you are visiting, you are guaranteed a good time.
My personal favorite months to visit are April & May and October & November. In April and May, the weather has started to warm up to the 60s-70s. The season kicks off with fun events, beach weather, and everything is blooming. In October and November, the weather starts to cool back off (again 60s-70s) for the fall season. Kids are back in school, hurricane season has typically calmed down by these months, and you can enjoy the great sunshine-y weather! Any of these months are great times for exploring the historic district where you will do lots of walking.
Climate in Charleston, SC
Charleston is beautiful year round as there is always something in bloom! Most people tend to gravitate to Charleston in the spring and summer, but the winter is sometimes my favorite. Although I live for summer, it doesn’t typically get too cold here and it is not uncommon to have sunny and 75 degree January days!
Here is a breakdown of the average monthly temperatures in Charleston:
- January: Average high of 59°F (15°C) and average low of 38°F (3°C)
- February: Average high of 62°F (17°C) and average low of 40°F (4°C)
- March: Average high of 68°F (20°C) and average low of 46°F (8°C)
- April: Average high of 75°F (24°C) and average low of 53°F (12°C)
- May: Average high of 82°F (28°C) and average low of 61°F (16°C)
- June: Average high of 87°F (31°C) and average low of 68°F (20°C)
- July: Average high of 90°F (32°C) and average low of 72°F (22°C)
- August: Average high of 89°F (32°C) and average low of 72°F (22°C)
- September: Average high of 85°F (29°C) and average low of 68°F (20°C)
- October: Average high of 77°F (25°C) and average low of 57°F (14°C)
- November: Average high of 70°F (21°C) and average low of 48°F (9°C)
- December: Average high of 62°F (17°C) and average low of 41°F (5°C)
How to Get to Charleston
FLYING:
Charleston International Airport has been voted a top airport in the country. The airport itself is small, but super nice, clean, and airy. It is small but mighty – CHS operates 61 direct flights to 40+ destinations with more constantly being added. Getting here is a breeze.
There are great local food outlets for coffee or sandwiches and salads at lunch time or beloved favorites like Chick-fil-A and Cinnabon. They have recently added a VIP lounge where you can enjoy a bard and light bites.
DRIVING:
The city is also easily accessible via US17, I26 and I95 if you are driving. We are about two hours from Myrtle Beach, 3 hours from Jacksonville, and 3 hours from Charlotte.
Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
If you are wondering where to stay in Charleston, SC, I would suggest anywhere in the downtown area for your first visit. You’ll be in walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
There are so many hotel choices when it comes to Charleston from large luxury properties to small boutique hotels and historic inns. The city is exploding with options! While there are many beautiful properties, here is where I would personally choose to stay in my own hometown.
The Dewberry
The Dewberry is my favorite with its mid-century decor style with a charming, modern edge to it. They even have their own floral print which you’ll find on the armoire in the rooms (I am obsessed with it). Speaking of the rooms, you’ll love the massive bathrooms with soaking tubs and marble everywhere. The Living Room is one of my favorite cozy places for a cocktail or head upstairs to the Citrus Club for an incredible view over the city. And, I’m a frequent visitor to their relaxing spa.
Zero George
Zero George is the most charming bed and breakfast style property. It is comprised of only 16 luxury suites throughout their several renovated historic buildings. It feels like you are staying at your Charleston friend’s house with the sweeping piazzas (porches) and twinkling gas burning lanterns.
The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and several restaurants and bars. It is the most iconic hotel in Charleston that really put the city on the map from a tourism standpoint. It is classic luxury and will be undergoing renovations over the next few years as it becomes a bit more modern thanks to its new local owners.
Hotel Bennett
Hotel Bennett is located on King Street overlooking beautiful Marion Square. It’s incredibly elegant with its southern take on a grand European hotel. Enjoy luxury rooms and amenities, a spa, rooftop pool, all pink bar Camellias and take in the Charleston skyline at rooftop bar, Fiat Luxe.
The Restoration
The Restoration is one of my favorite hotels in Charleston for its apartment style suites that are super spacious. It’s a great option if you are traveling with kids because you can have a living/kitchen area and separate bedrooms. The apartment style rooms feature high ceilings, multiple bed and baths, and full kitchen.
The Palmetto
The Palmetto is the newest hotel to the scene in Charleston as it opened in Spring 2023. It is located right on East Bay Street steps from some of the longest running restaurants in the city. You’ll be situated in Charleston’s famed historic district which is a short walk from the city market, waterfront, pineapple fountain, rainbow row, and the battery.
The Pinch
The Pinch is a super trendy and new hotel located along King Street, close to Marion Square and College of Charleston. It’s a great place to stay if you will be in town for a week or longer or have children with you. The rooms and suites all offer a king size bed or multiple bedrooms, kitchen area, live plants, sonos speaker, in room washer/dryer, and more allowing you to have all the comforts of home.
Take a deep dive with more of my posts on Charleston hotels:
Where to Eat in Charleston, SC
Charleston boasts the most award winning chefs with numerous James Beard Award nominees and winners. Our chefs reinvented traditional Lowcountry cuisine and added their own personalities to breathe new life into ancient flavors. There is no shortage on great places to eat in Charleston, SC. Here are a few restaurants that I love to visit regularly as a local, plus all of my guides for various cuisine types from BBQ to plant based!
The Ordinary
One of my top 5 faves in Charleston. The Ordinary is phenomenal, nothing ordinary about it! You have to get the oyster sliders and try a mix of small and large plates. If zucchini carpaccio is on the menu, it’s a must try.
Chubby Fish
For a seafood centric, coastal town, Chubby Fish is one the best places for fresh, sustainable seafood in Charleston. Tucked into the Elliotborough neighborhood, you’ll love the local vibe and nautical flare.
Obstinate Daughter (Sullivan’s Island)
Located on Sullivan’s Island, Obstinate Daughter is another all time favorite for pasta – try the short rib gnochhi. It is consistently good and I really love the atmosphere. Try the geechie frites – basically fried grits! And pop downstairs for ice cream sandwiches at Beardcat’s.
Sorelle
Sorelle is the hottest new Italian restaurant to open in Charleston. From an all star team, Chefs Adam Sobel and Nick Dugan have created a menu featuring Southern Italian cuisine created with the help of fresh, local ingredients. Go for dinner and be sure to try a few of my favorites: start with the arancini cacio e pepe, zucchini parmigiana, the Sorelle Spaghetti with crispy zucchini and burrata, and end with the limone dessert which is a citrus cream shaped like a lemon!
Edmund’s Oast
Edmund’s Oast is one of my absolute favorites for lunch or dinner with a group. I love sitting outside in the inviting courtyard for lunch or grabbing a spot at the inside bar for dinner or dessert. The dessert menu is often longer than the food menu.
Chez Nous
Chez Nous means Our House in French and is hands down the most romantic restaurant in Charleston. It’s set in a tiny Charleston single style home that has been renovated into a restaurant. The menu changes daily, but there are always two apps, two entrees, and two desserts – order the whole menu!
Leon’s Oyster Shop
You’ve likely heard of Leon’s already and it is truly so good. It’s very casual, set inside a former car repair shop with the best food. My order: fried oyster sandwich (ask for it on a bun – how it was served originally) with cucumber salad, siam salad, raw oysters, hush puppies with honey butter, and soft serve ice cream.
167 Raw and 167 Sushi Bar
167 Raw is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. They serve fresh seafood from their raw bar and beloved favorites like their lobster roll and tuna burger. Their sister restaurant, 167 Sushi, is the best sushi restaurant in Charleston offering rolls, sashimi, boa buns, noodles, and more.
More posts about dining in Charleston according to a local:
- My Personal Favorite Restaurants in Charleston – Ultimate List!
- Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly
- Best Rooftop Restaurant and Bars in Charleston
- Breakfast & Brunch In Charleston
- Kid Friendly Restaurants in Charleston,SC
- Best BBQ in Charleston, SC
- Where to drink Mocktails
Things to Do in Charleston, SC
Charleston was founded in 1670 – that’s 350+ years ago – and is beaming with historical sites. Take a stroll along the historic battery, admire the architecture, stand on the sites of the civil war, or taste the authentic Lowcountry cuisine based on old world ingredients. There’s so much to see and do in Charleston, you’ll want to plan a second trip! As a Charleston native, here are some of my personal favorite things to do in Charleston, SC that are non-touristy:
Visit The Battery for Sunrise
The Battery is a major landmark in Charleston. It’s a seawall and promenade that served as a defense artillery battery in the Civil War. It stretches around the Ashley and Cooper Rivers coming to a point at the Charleston Harbor.
Tour Middleton Place
Middleton Place is an English style garden with perfectly manicured plants, rolling green lawns and a lake. I love walking around to see the camellias, hydrangeas, and other flowers in bloom.
Shop on King Street
King Street is one of the best streets for shopping in the United States. There is a mix of local companies, art galleries, and national retailers. Grab a coffee and window shop as you explore Charleston.
Visit the Beaches
Charleston is known for its amazing coastal towns including Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. These beaches are always a great place to visit in any season.
Take a Boat Cruise
I always say, Charleston is best viewed from the water. I love the perspective it gives and lets you see Charleston in a different way. Plus, you will get to see all of the church steeples dotting the skyline. Go for a sunset sail aboard a tall ship and you may even be able to spot dolphins!
Try Local Oysters
You have to try oysters if you are in Charleston during any month with and “r” in it (September-April). One of my favorite spots is Leon’s Oyster Shop where you can have them raw, chargrilled, or on a fried oyster sandwich!
Look for Dolphins
Take a boat cruise, kayak or paddleboard to get up close views of Dolphins. If that’s not your speed, head over to Shem Creek and enjoy drinks dockside to catch a glimpse. I have lived here my whole life and seeing dolphins never gets old!
Sunday Farmer’s Market at Marion Square
On Sundays, you can visit the Charleston Farmers Market located at Marion Square to shop for fresh produce, local products, and grab breakfast.
Walk the Ravenel Bridge
The Arthur Ravenel is a suspension bridge connecting Mount Pleasant and Downtown. There is a nice walking and biking path that pedestrians can use to cross over. It’s a gorgeous place for a walk or run to see the holy city from above.
All of my posts with things to do in Charleston whether a babymoon, bachelorette party, holiday occasion, or guys weekend:
- My Favorite Things to Do in Charleston as a Local
- Isle of Palms
- Folly Beach
- Spend Christmas in Charleston
- Plan a Bachelorette Party in Charleston
- Annual Events in Charleston
- 4th of July in CHS
- Where to Shop on King Street
- Plan Your Babymoon to Charleston
- The Best Walking Tours
What to Wear in Charleston
Lastly, in this Charleston, SC Travel Guide we are covering what to wear. I wrote a whole post about what to wear in Charleston and navigating the weather for different seasons if you’d like further detail! Here is a quick guide of things that should be on your packing list by season:
- Spring – During the Spring, Charleston begins to have warmer days, but still cooler mornings and nights. Layering is key in the springtime. What to pack: white pants, dresses, maxi skirts, denim jacket, lightweight sweater for chilly evenings/morning, exercise sets, comfortable white sneakers
- Summer – Summer in Charleston is quite hot so you’ll want comfortable and breathable choices in your suitcase. What to pack: swimsuits, shorts, skirts, flowy dresses, breathable materials like linen, sandals, sunscreen, and hats – IT IS HOT & HUMID!
- Fall – By October, it starts to cool off to a very nice temperature where you can wear pants or throw on a light jacket with a dress. What to pack: jeans, dresses, wedges, boots, denim jackets, barbour jacket, sweaters, sneakers
- Winter – Winter in Charleston is very unpredictable so it’s best to check the forecast in the days before your trip. The days could be sunny and warm or very chilly. What to pack: cute trousers, jeans, boots, sweater dresses, long sleeve and maxi dresses, skirts, sweaters, heavier weight coats (wool coat, puffers, etc.)
I hope to see you in Charleston soon!