Charleston is a coastal city in South Carolina nestled along the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in America and is filled with rich history in every direction. As a peninsula, this city is surrounded by water offering breathtaking views and beaches. As someone who has lived in Charleston their whole life, I’m here to tell you why Charleston is worth visiting.
Many international visitors might consider the big cities like New York or Miami when touring the US. Although it is a smaller tier city in the United States, Charleston brings strong competition for those well-known cities. My friends visited us all the way from Denmark and they still talk about their trip to Charleston and how they enjoyed it more than New York. Or, maybe you are considering similar Southern cities on your itinerary and wondering if Charleston is worth visiting.
Everyone who visits simply falls in love with this charming destination. Read on to find out why you should plan a trip to the Holy City.
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Is Charleston Worth Visiting?
Yes, Charleston is absolutely worth visiting! With its peninsula location along the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston offers 5 area beaches for visitors and locals alike, and endless views of the marshes and waterways. Whether sailing, fishing, surfing, or kayaking, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in Charleston. Known as the “Holy City”, Charleston is famous for its skyline dotted with church steeples best seen from the water.
With its storied past and well preserved architecture, there are endless opportunities to visit historic sites, hear tales from long ago, and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. Visit Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, explore the all new International African American Museum, or wander the historic homes and gardens around the area.
There is something for everyone in Charleston whether you are planning a romantic getaway, babymoon, girls weekend, or family vacation. From the award winning culinary scene, to the art museums and festivals, to the charming architecture, you’ll find something to love in Charleston.
10 Must Know Reasons to Visit Charleston
Still wondering, is Charleston worth visiting? Here are 10 reasons why you should plan a vacation to Charleston, South Carolina.
1. Enjoy incredible Lowcountry cuisine in Charleston
Charleston is known for its incredible culinary scene and foodies will especially love this destination. With renowned chefs boasting James Beard Awards or nominations, the restaurants in Charleston are a big part of the reason to visit.
You must indulge in traditional Lowcountry cuisine that features ancient ingredients like Carolina Gold rice and fresh local seafood. Some beloved dishes are shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and she crab soup at iconic restaurants like Magnolia’s, Husk, and Slightly North of Broad. However, be sure to venture beyond to some new creative restaurants like the best Italian food at Sorelle, fresh seafood at Chubby Fish, oysters at Leon’s, and a taste of SC barbecue at Rodney Scott’s. Charleston has everything from fine dining to casual, but seafood always reigns supreme anywhere in this coastal locale.
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2. Learn the important history of Charleston as one of America’s oldest cities
Founded over 350 years ago in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in America known for its rich history. Thanks to its well preserved architecture, you can still visit many of the historic sites around the city from museums to old forts. Some of the most significant historical events in Charleston include:
- Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly became a major port city and a center of trade in the Southern colonies.
- Charleston was at the center of the Civil War and the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter.
- Charleston played a crucial role in the colonial economy, particularly in rice and indigo production. Growing these crops relied heavily on enslaved labor from West Africa.
- It played a key role for the struggle for independence in the American Revolution.
- Charleston was home to several signers of the Declaration of Independence who were crucial to the founding of our country including: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward Jr., Thomas Lynch Jr, and Arthur Middleton.
- South Carolina was the 8th state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston. It is one of the only three structures remaining in the US where this founding document was ratified.
- George Washington visited for his Southern Tour making stops at the Old Exchange Building and stayed at the now named Heyward-Washington House.
3. Admire the charming colonial architecture and cobblestoned streets at Rainbow Row
Charleston is home to charming colonial architecture often painted in bright pastel colorways. One of the most iconic representations of this style is called Rainbow Row – a row of pastel painted Georgian style homes along East Bay Street.
Adding to the areas unique landscape, the original cobblestoned streets in the city are still intact in many places, most notably along Chalmers Street.
These elements lend to the undeniable charm of Charleston. The town is so picturesque so be sure to bring your camera! My favorite way to see it is simply get lost on a stroll around the city or take a walking tour!
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4. Take in the unique Lowcountry landscapes in Charleston
The Lowcountry scenery of the southern United States is characterized by its unique natural beauty. Some of the most distinct characteristics include wildlife, marshes, oak trees, and barrier islands.
As a peninsula, Charleston is surrounded by water offering unique vistas. The marshes, creeks, and rivers make up this gorgeous landscape that people come from all over to see. These waterways and estuaries are home to oyster beds, marsh grasses, and various species of birds, fish, and turtles. The network of tidal creeks creates a mesmerizing view.
The land is dotted with majestic live oak trees some hundreds of years old draped in Spanish moss. These trees create a gorgeous atmosphere across the region and make the perfect elegant backdrop to a special event. Most notable is the Angel Oak tree. Located on John’s Island, this giant tree is thought to be over 500 years old with its massive branches held up by wire and poles.
Along the coast, you’ll find several barrier islands known for their maritime forests, prisitine beaches, and abundant wildlife like pelicans and loggerhead sea turtles.
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5. Spend a day at the beaches in Charleston
Charleston is home to five area beaches: Sullivan’s, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook. Each one has its own unique character making it so fun to visit them all. You will definitely want to visit in the summer to take advantage of the nice weather at these beaches.
6. View sunset from Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a small waterway with a promenade of restaurants and bars along each side. Back in the day, it was primarily where the shrimp boats docked and brought in their catch. While it’s still home to many shrimp boats, it has become a popular area for waterfront dining where boaters can pull right up to the docks. If you have watched Netflix’s Outerbanks, this is where many scenes are filmed for the show.
Shem Creek is a scenic spot for sunset where you can often spot dolphins. Watching the sun make its descent into the ocean as you sip a cocktail from the many bars on Shem Creek is the best way to end any day.
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7. Learn the contributions brought to America from West Africa at the new International African American Museum
In 2023, Charleston opened the all new International African American Museum set along Charleston Harbor in the spot where a large percentage of enslaved people originally entered the United States. While this history is dark, Charleston tries to tell the whole story of our country’s history. This museum tells the stories from the past all the way up to modern day times and features a center for family history to help trace your ancestry.
8. Tour the historic homes and gardens like Middleton Place, a national historic landmark
Located along the Ashley River, Middleton Place is America’s oldest landscaped gardens dating back to the 1700s when it was a rice plantation. The site has survived hundreds of years of wars, economic hardships, and natural disasters to now be named a National Historic Landmark. Visit the property to learn of the complex history of the people who lived and worked on the plantation. Middleton Place is as beautiful as it is historic, with immaculate grounds to stroll around the landscaped gardens and water views. It is easily my favorite plantation in Charleston to visit.
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9. Spend a day on the water in Charleston Harbor
No trip to Charleston is complete without spending time on the water. I always say that Charleston is best viewed from the sea. Thanks to its skyline dotted by church steeples and the facade of historic mansions along The Battery.
Fun Fact: There is a rule in Charleston that new buildings can not be taller than the church steeples.
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10. Shop on Charleston’s renowned King Street shopping district
Lastly, Charleston’s King Street is the area’s most renowned area for shopping and dining. King Street is lined with historic architecture making a unique home for the local boutiques and adding to the charm of the shopping experience. There is a large variety of shops from high end boutiques and designers to locally owned shops and art galleries. King Street offers plenty of options for menswear, women, kids, and gifts so it’s sure to please any shopper.
Once you work up an appetite, there are plenty of amazing places for lunch like 167 Raw, Millers All Day, The Watch, Basic Kitchen and more.
Some of our favorite places to shop in Charleston are Lake Pajamas, Croghan’s, Dumas, Rick Reinert Gallery, Copper Penny, and Candlefish.
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Charleston Basics: Must Know Before You Go
I hope I have convinced you to visit Charleston. Below, I’m sharing a few important things to know before planning your visit.
How to Get to Charleston
AIR: Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the primary airport for the Charleston area with numerous domestic flights plus one international flight. It is a small airport with ample nonstop flights on carriers like Delta, United, JetBlue, AirCanada, Southwest, and more.
CAR: Charleston is easily accessible via Interstate 26 (I-26) and Highway 17. If you are driving from nearby states, you can easily take Interstate 95 (1-95) to reach Charleston as well.
BOAT: If you’re traveling from sea, you can reach Charleston by boat. The city has several marinas and docking facilities for private boats and yachts.
Where to Stay in Charleston
In my opinion, the best place to stay in Charleston for first timers is the famed historic district near the Charleston City Market. You will have easy access the historic sites, shops, and restaurants on foot so you can forgo a rental car in Charleston. I have a roundup of my favorites hotels and areas if you would like an in-depth guide on where to stay in Charleston.
My absolute favorite boutique and luxury hotels in Charleston include:
Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC
In my opinion as a local, the best times to visit Charleston, South Carolina is in the spring and fall. April, May, September, and October each offer comfortable temperatures ranging from the 70s-low 80s making it ideal to walk around the city and also visit the area beaches. These months are marked by beautiful spring blooms and annual events to enjoy like the Wine & Food Festival, Spoleto USA, the Cooper River Bridge Run, the Fall Tour of Homes, and more.
The Verdict: Charleston is Worth Visiting
Charleston is absolutely worth visiting. It has been voted the #1 small city in the US by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, and Southern Living over the past decade. Charleston is worth visiting for the vibrant culinary scene, storied history, charming landscape and to enjoy living like a local. Spend a weekend exploring the waterways, seeing Rainbow Row, shopping on King Street, and dining at the top restaurants.
Read More from Leisurely Linds about Charleston:
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