The ultimate travel guide to Charleston, SC
Defined by far more than sweet tea and southern food, Charleston — the unofficial capitol of Lowcountry — is bursting with southern charm and hospitality second-to-none. From historic landmarks, to cobblestone streets and winding alleyways, to a wealth of delectable bakeries and award-winning restaurants, it’s easy to fall in love with this port city steeped in culture.
Click on any bullet point below to open that section in a new window, or scroll through our entire personally-curated, up-to-date Travel Guide to the Lowcountry to learn:
Charleston's Best Boutique Hotels
THE RYDER HOTEL
Previously known as King Charles Inn, The Ryder Hotel is a design-forward hotel with an approachable bohemian style inspired by Charleston’s coastal beauty. Located on Meeting Street, it’s just 20 minutes from Charleston International airport and a quick stroll to the best part of the city. While self-parking is not offered, and street parking is limited, valet parking is available for $40 a day with in and out privileges. Just a short walk away is Pineapple Fountain in Joe Riley Waterfront Park, and conveniently located just behind the hotel is King Street, which is ideal for window shopping. Near the valet station, public bicycle rentals are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Vibrant energy abounds at The Ryder, evident as soon as you open the door. Entering the lobby, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff behind a pale wood reception desk that sits to the right, and offered a complimentary welcome beverage — a pomegranate cocktail with strong notes of green pepper and lime. Each of the 91 guest rooms reflect coastal leisure at its finest. The Traditional King is 270 square feet, which feels simultaneously spacious and cozy. Spread among four floors are organic earth-toned hues and hand-crafted, solid, white-oak furniture. Above the cane headboard are large-scale, steam-bent wooden sculptures by artist Katie Gong — a beautiful and unique design aspect that reminds us of the sun and sea! Across the bed is a 55” flatscreen TV, underneath of which sits an ice bucket and handmade stoneware tumblers by MMclay Ceramics. Free wifi is available for guests of The Ryder. Rum-scented bath amenities from Malin + Goetz add to the luxury experience. There are no microwaves or fridges, but we suggest taking advantage of the culinary scene nearby! If you’d rather stay at the hotel, back on the second floor you’ll find the outdoor pool and on-site restaurant, Little Palm Bar & Swim Club, where tropical vibes and a carefree ambiance have no end in sight. Order poolside drinks for a Good Time State of Mind. For a flavor-forward menu featuring fresh, seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes, sit inside the teal, peach and gold-hued dining area, where floral wallpaper makes a bold statement.
86 CANNON HISTORIC INN
Situated in the heart of downtown Charleston, in the vibrant Elliotborough/Cannonborough neighborhood, 86 Cannon is a former 19th-century residence that has been fully restored into a three story luxury boutique hotel elegantly updated to convey a sense of Southern luxury. This adult-only establishment is perfect for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet escape. In each of the five sunlight-drenched rooms, you’ll find coveted Farrow & Ball wallpaper and pine flooring. The spacious Loft King offers beautiful exposed beams, brickwork, and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in marble shower, or opt for the Piazza King which opens to a private balcony. If you can manage to pull yourself away from your room, explore all the charm Charleston has to offer with complimentary use of on-site Linus Bicycles, or put on your comfiest footwear and wind your way through historic cobblestone streets, secret alleyways, and lush gardens. Room rates include a continental breakfast with assortments of pastries, fresh fruit, granola, quiche, and more. In the afternoon, head back for a daily wine and cheese pairing. Take advantage of this food-focused location by taking a short drive to King St, home to world-class restaurants and a bustling night scene.
EMELINE
More an experience than simply a place to stay, Emeline was transformed from a DoubleTree into a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Emeline is curated towards soulful sojourners and curious travelers alike, and there you’ll discover layers of surprise which await you throughout your visit. At Emeline, past and present merge to create a compelling, authentic, slightly masculine, spirited atmosphere with considerable comfort. Dark blue walls are dotted with black and white photographs taken at Folly Beach and vintage posters from Spoleto Art Festivals. Mustard yellow blackout drapes pop in contrast. Before you settle in to one of the 212 all-king rooms, slip one of the custom-picked vinyl records or the signature Emeline Travel Edition Volume 1 out of its sleeve to spin on the Crosley turntables available in each suite. Restrooms have large walk-in rain showers, and signature toiletries scented with amber and spice. For breakfast, call the front desk to have Clerks Coffee, serving Charleston’s Second State Coffee, deliver complimentary coffee to your room. Frannie & The Fox, sister to beloved Hanks Seafood Restaurant, is a wood-fired eatery led by Chef Tim Morton. Complimentary limoncello toast at 8 pm in Frannie’s bar and lounge area.
Charleston's Best Coffee Shops and Restaurants
If you’re like us, it’s not unusual to base your trips around where to eat! Charleston has an amazing food scene, and narrowing down our recommendations was no easy task. Find a few of our top picks below — but if you’re visiting for more than a day or two, or simply want to explore more dining options, we highly recommend checking out The Ultimate Foodies Guide To Charleston — it’s full of our favorite culinary experiences, and organized by meal!
Harken
Harken is conveniently located on Queen St. in downtown Charleston. This small cafe has limited seating inside, with additional robins egg blue cafe seating on the side patio just outside. Their creative menu, served on beautiful East Fork Pottery for those that dine-in, has several options for vegans and vegetarians, but you can’t go wrong with an iced mocha latte (with oat milk) and spiced vanilla bean scones. Actually, the latter is a must. Trust us! During peak season, be prepared for a wait, as the line can go out the door. If you’re a coffee-aficionado, pick up a beautiful bag of whole-bean Methodical Coffee (Colombia, Frontera De Planadas)!
MAGNOLIAS
With a menu full of mouth-watering delights, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one. You can’t come to Magnolias, serving upscale Southern cuisine, without ordering the Down South Egg Roll appetizer, stuffed with collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper purée, spicy mustard, and a delectable peach chutney. It’s so good that after the first bite, you’ll question whether you can make a meal out of it. For your entrée, go classic with their Buttermilk Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn, cracked pepper biscuit, and sausage herb gravy. If there’s room, though we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re too stuffed to eat another bite, end your meal with a slice of their famous Pecan Pie, enhanced with bourbon caramel, vanilla bean ice cream, and a praline lace cookie.
THE LONGBOARD
The Longboard is an island-inspired restaurant and bar located on Sullivans Island, not far from downtown Charleston. The second iteration of the Longboard concept, the first is based in Cruz Bay, St. John, part of the US Virgin Islands. Offering light fares and creative craft cocktails, on their seafood-focused menu you’ll find fresh and innovative cuisine found throughout the Caribbean. Our favorite are the Dressed Oyster (truly, a can’t-miss!), Grill and Chill Shrimp (perfect for sharing), and mouth-watering Pork Belly.
LEWIS BBQ
Sit at a picnic table in the dappled sunlight under a South Carolina oak tree. While you eat, you’re engulfed in the aroma of smoking meats, carried by a light breeze. For two adults, we recommend sharing half a pound each of pork ribs and smoked turkey, and a single serving of mac ‘n cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw. Take up the cashiers offer of sampling each BBQ sauce — a tomato base, vinegar base, and chili/mustard base. Wash it down with soda in glass bottles made with real sugar instead of sticky corn syrup. The entire experience is pulled together with classic country music playing over the speakers.
LA PATISSERIE
Step through the doors, of La Patisserie, a Parisian-inspired bakery serving authentic French pastries and rich coffee, and immediately your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful tiled floors and glass display case packed with colorful, decadent sweets. Located on the side of Hotel Bennett, you can’t leave without trying one of their famed Camellias Cakes – a lemon and almond sponge cake with strawberry maramalade and lemon cheesecake mousse. Other favorites include the Almond Pain au Chocolat, and the Royal.
Things To Do In Charleston
It’s no secret that Charleston can be an expensive city. Named the #1 city in the US by Travel + Leisure for ten years running (as of 2022), and also holding the same position with Conde Nast Traveler for ten consecutive years (2011-2020), Charleston’s charm has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide, and we’re lucky to call this destination our home. But with its popularity, comes a high price tag. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy all that Charleston has to offer! While some the sights and experiences below are premium, if your budget has been blown on boutique hotels and delectable eats, not to worry — there are a ton of free (and worthwhile!) experiences in the holy city!
Rainbow Row
Adjacent to Waterfront Park, take a stroll along iconic Rainbow Row. The 13 pastel-painted picturesque townhouses, which were severely run down after the Civil War, were slowly restored after one owner painted homes 99-101, and her neighbors followed suite. It’s no surprise this is one of the most photographed spots in all of Charleston.
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HAUNTED TOUR
Take a night-time ghost tour and walk around Charleston’s creepiest sights. Bulldog Tours knowledgable and theatric guides will take you inside Old City Jail and nearby cemeteries. Of all the ghost tours we’ve been on, this was definitely the scariest.
FORT SUMTER NATIONAL MONUMENT
History Buffs will want to take the 30 minute Ferry ride to Fort Sumter National Monument, where you can take a self-guided tour and learn the role this landmark played in the Civil War. Plan to spend roughly one to two hours here. Park Service Rangers are there to answer any questions you have.
PINEAPPLE FOUNTAIN
Just a short walk from Rainbow Row is Joe Riley Waterfront Park, where you can stroll along the sidewalks dotted with numerous seating areas, fountains, and piers. Bring a picnic lunch to eat in one of the green patches on either side of Pineapple Fountain, a local landmark and photo-op. From here, you’ll also have a view of the USS Yorktown and Shutes Folly Island, across the Cooper River.
PATRIOTS POINT
A memorial to veterans of many wars, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is a must-stop on your trip to Charleston. With exhibits featuring military hardware over the decades, the highlight is the USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier. USS Yorktown is in a state of constant renovation, preservation and exhibition. Explore the many decks and rooms, each exhibiting life on an aircraft carrier. On the flight deck, you can walk amongst several planes. After disembarking, be sure to explore the USS Laffey (destroyer), USS Clamagore (submarine), and Vietnam Experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, from this location you can also take a helicopter tour of the area or board the ferry to Fort Sumpter.
HUNLEY
Take the opportunity to experience the mystery and adventure Clive Cussler writes about in real life. Founder of NUMA (yes, it actually exists), an organization that searches for some of history’s most famous shipwrecks, after searching for 15 years, Clive Cussler and his team found and raised the USS Hunley, which vanished in 1864. You’ll be able to view the submarine in a preservation tank, while a 20 minute docent-led discussion on preservation techniques and discoveries takes place. During the week, scientists continue their work on the Hunley, so tours are limited to Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm.
BOONE HALL PLANTATION*
As you drive into Boone Hall Plantation, you’ll be greeted by two rows of spectacular oak trees, planted in 1743. Once there, learn about the Gullah culture through live presentation. The Black History in America Exhibit features nine slave cabins, built between 1790 and 1810. Take a guided tour that walks you through living quarters, historic relics, and the lifestyle of enslaved people that previously lived on Boone Hall. The mansion, reconstructed in 1936, holds guided tours of the first floor, recreated to show visitors the atmosphere of a Coastal Carolina planter’s family and his guests, complete with antique furnishings.
FOLLY BEACH
Folly Beach is small island beach town with laid-back vibes. The only surfing beach in the area (most of Charleston’s beaches are dangerous to swim in due to strong rip tides and sudden deep spots — be sure to always follow the signs), head to The Washout or grab your longboard to surf at The Pier, which stretches over 1,000 feet into the ocean. Go parasailing, ride bikes, or dine at one of the several restaurants and bars in the area.
ANGEL OAK TREE
Perhaps one of the oldest living things in our country, the Angel Oak tree on Johns Island is thought to be between 400-500 years old, with a circumference of 28 feet. 17,000 square feet of shade is provided by its canopy. Depending on who you ask, the name comes from either the Angel Estate, or local legend, which says ghosts of former enslaved people appear as angels around the tree. A popular stop and humbling experience, you’ll naturally pass it if you visit Kiawah Island.
SPOLETO FESTIVAL
Since 1977, Spoleto Festival has occurred during last two weeks of May for a vibrant 17-day musical celebration in Charleston. Renowned and emerging artists — opera, jazz, theater, and dance performers — gather during this internationally recognized premier arts festival. Contributing to the cultural experiences are over 100 vendors and events.
Tips For Traveling The Lowcountry
HORSE AND CARRIAGE TOURS
While traveling, it’s important to us — and we’re sure many of you — to be as responsible as possible. Just as we would not ride elephants in Thailand (instead, visit an elephant sanctuary) it’s our personal opinion that the horse and carriage tours frequently seen around Charleston and other cities are inhumane. Busy streets crowded with tourists and vehicles aren’t the place for such animals, especially in hot weather, and we believe it’s cruel to have them pull such oversized loads while pounding pavement. Sadly, accidents and injuries are possible, including collapses and falls, crashes, or cases of spooked/run away horses. For this reason, we recommend finding alternative tours that still allows you to see the sights, learn the history, and immerse yourself in all that Charleston has to offer. One of our favorites is Walk and Talk Charleston (we highly recommend starting with the Classic Charleston History and Historic Gossip Tour — a two hour walking tour focusing on Charleston’s architectural character, and stories of past and present inhabitants, which meets at The Hat Man mural below). Others include the Two Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour by Walks of Charleston, Charleston's Alleys & Hidden Passages Guided Small-Group Walking Tour by Lowcountry Walking Tours, Free Tours By Foot (offering four options: Civil War, Haunted Charleston, History, Architecture), or for those that are unable to walk, Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour by Adventure Sightseeing.
CHARLESTON CITY MARKET
You’ll probably find Charleston City Market on nearly every Charleston travel guide you come across, but we can confidently tell you it’s a tourist trap. While at some markets you can expect to find handcrafted, artisan-made pieces that support small businesses, instead you’ll primarily find imported souvenirs that are likely end up shoved in a drawer or thrown away. To support local, walk inside some of the numerous independent shops and art galleries spread out among East Bay, Meeting, and King Street.
WHEN TO VISIT CHARLESTON
The best time of year to visit Charleston is in Spring, when temperatures are mild, and the return of the sun means the magnolias, azaleas, and jasmine are in bloom. In the Summer, it’s hot and muggy, which could be problematic if you’ll be spending the whole day walking around the city.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
A subtropical climate, summers here are hot and sultry, with winters on the mild side, which means you’ll want to stay away from synthetics and instead opt for natural, breathable fabrics like linen. Also, be prepared for rain, which is more likely than you might expect.
TRANSPORTATION
Parking in Charleston can be difficult during peak tourist season, but it’s an extremely walkable city so be sure to pack your comfiest shoes. We recommend finding a parking lot or leaving your car with the Valet if you’re staying downtown, and planning for a day on foot!
Many hotels downtown also offer complimentary bicycles for their guests, though they’re first-come-first-serve. If you manage to snag one, it’s a wonderful way to get around, see the sights, and go further than if you were walking.
If you’ll be visiting plantations or beaches, then you’ll need to drive, Lyft, or Uber.
MAKE RESERVATIONS
During busy season, you’ll quickly come to learn that nearly all the best restaurants have filled their time slots during dinner hours. Call ahead or use an app like OpenTable to secure reservations ahead of time.
