The Best Travel Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston

Provided by: Charleston Area CVB

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North America United States Charleston, South Carolina

Overview

Charleston, South Carolina The guide was updated: 2022-12-22

Charleston is a stunning vacation destination known for its celebrated restaurant scene, architectural treasures, historic wonders, and serene coastal landscapes. Visitors can experience the local culture through food and music festivals, enjoy Lowcountry cuisine, and shop for Sea Island crafts. The city's historic district is full of beautiful courtyards and gardens, and there are many tours available to explore the city's culinary hot spots, antebellum mansions, historic churches, breweries, and more. Visitors can choose to stay at a charming inn, a historic hotel, or a beach resort and discover the unique people, flavors, traditions, sights and sounds of Charleston.

Facts

Population:	151,612 (2021)
Currency:	US Dollar, $1 = 100 cents
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Post and Courier — www.postandcourier.com Charleston Gazette-Mail — www.wvgazettemail.com
Website:	www.charlestoncvb.com www.charleston-sc.gov
Opening hours:	Most stores are open seven days a week 10am to 5pm, or later. Bars and clubs tend to close around 2am.
Tourist information:	Charleston Visitor Center 375 Meeting Street Charleston Open daily 8:30am–5pm +1 800 868 8118

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Section in Charleston, South Carolina

Walking along King Street in the historic district, you will find great shopping. There are three distinct areas – the design and dining area, the fashion district and the antiques shopping area – so you can find everything you could possibly want, from garments to electronics and crafts.

Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation

The oak trees that line the entrance to Boone Hall Plantation took over 200 years to meet and create the corridor leading to the home. Multiple tours are available that showcase all that happened at Boone Hall Plantation when it was a working residence.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Open to the public since 1870, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens offers boat tours, train tours, a zoo and a nature center. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is America's last large-scale Romantic-style garden, and is the perfect place to host a wedding or other events.

Theatre 99

Theatre 99

Go out for a night of improv comedy and enjoy a hilarious show that will make you laugh all evening long. As a matter of fact, it's so popular it's recommended to buy tickets early in the morning before they are sold out.

Schooner Pride

Schooner Pride

A trip to Charleston must include a sail ride on The Schooner Pride. The pleasant and relaxing sailing boat offers a variety of events, both private and corporate, which are followed by a range of activities, from Afternoon Dolphin Sail to Moonlight Sail. The professional and courteous crew contribute to the great experience by narrating compelling stories about the area.

Charleston Food Tours

Charleston Food Tours

Charleston Food Tours is addressed to all food lovers by offering an array of culinary temptations. You have the opportunity to select among several tours depending on your food preferences. During each tour you visit a variety of local restaurants, bakeries and pastry shops characterized by distinctive food and warm hospitality.

On Purpose Adventures

On Purpose Adventures

On Purpose Adventures offers events for thrill seekers by creating a mixture of entertaining experiences and (future) memories with an adventurous tinge. Examples of activities include team building paintball, sailing, bubble soccer, paddleboarding and kayaking.

Splash Zone Waterpark At James Island County Park

Splash Zone Waterpark At James Island County Park

Splash Zone Waterpark is a fun, family-friendly waterpark located at James Island County Park. It is a perfect place for a pleasant and enjoyable experience for the whole family, where kids can explore the huge variety of spectacular water slides and adults revel in pools and on shaded sunbeds.

Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour

Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour

This 90-minute walking tour of the dark edges of the Charleston Historic Haunted District will include cemeteries, churches, and back alleyways. Hear narratives passed on through the years of all things haunted in Charleston. After all, a city established as part of the original Thirteen Colonies must have some great and terrifying stories to tell.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art has 7 exhibitions every year, including the permanent Charleston Story exhibit. The museum also offers lectures, tours, and classes. After its renovation the museum reopened again in 2016, transforming into an even more vivid cultural hot spot.

Dock Street Theatre

Dock Street Theatre

The Dock Street Theater is an irreplaceable part of Charleston's artistic life. In 1736, it was opened as the first structure to be built exclusively for performances. Even today, after almost 4 centuries in the heart of Charleston, the theater still hosts many plays like Annie and Charlotte's Web.

Palmetto Carriage Tour

Palmetto Carriage Tour

As the oldest carriage tour in Charleston, Palmetto has long been on the list of things to include in a visit. A one-hour tour in the carriage will show you around the historic highlights and things that most visitors don't get to see. If you want to see Charleston from a different perspective, experience this comprehensive tour.

Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter

As the site of the first shots fired during the Civil War, Fort Sumter has a strong place in American History. On a boat ride to Fort Sumter, hear about events that lead to the War between the states. After an hour to tour Fort Sumter the boat returns back to either of the two departure locations.

Castle Pinckney

Castle Pinckney

Located in Charleston Harbor, Castle Pinckney is one of the oldest forts still intact. Visit Castle Pinckney to discover a piece of America's history. Walk among the cannons, cobblestone paths and thick, fortified walls. Experience what it must have felt for one to sense the heat of the sun against their neck, carry a musket, and patrol up and down 24/7.

Middleton Place

Middleton Place

Middleton Place is home to America's oldest landscape gardens. Built in 1755, the House Museum features four generations of furniture, silver, porcelain, and books. You can admire the wonderful flora and fauna and learn about the history of the mansion. The silence and tranquility make this place a romantic one for wedding ceremonies.

South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium

With over 5,000 animals on display and in their care, the South Carolina Aquarium is sure to delight all ages. The 4-D theater includes sensory effects. The new Hurricane Simulator will provide the experience of being in a hurricane without ever leaving the aquarium.

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