Charleston, South Carolina
- Named the #1 City in North America by Travel + Leisure in 2015.
- Explore the picturesque sites of the Battery neighborhood and waterfront park.
- Go on a tour of the historic Nathaniel Russell house museum.
- Take in the vibrant Southern food scene at any one of the dozens of award-winning restaurants.
High Culture in Lowcountry
From preserved cobblestone streets and the stately columns of antebellum mansions to Spanish moss hanging from ancient oak trees and courtyards fragrant with jasmine, Charleston offers the true beauty and grace of the Old South. Yet for all its tradition, the city greets visitors with modern charm in its world-class cuisine, eclectic art galleries and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're roaming Civil War remnants in the Battery, browsing vibrant oil paintings or enjoying a bowl of rich She-Crab soup, you can be sure you'll be treated to the finest in Southern hospitality in this beautiful city.
Quick Facts
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World's Best City
Travel + Leisure's 2017 World's Best Awards -
Suggested Airport
CHS -
Rental Car
Not Needed -
AAA Four Diamond Winner
Boutique Hotel -
Spoleto Festival
May - June
Fresh Things To Do
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Horse Carriage Tour
For architecture buffs, Classic Carriage Works offers horse carriage tours down the rustic cobblestone alleys of Charleston. Pass the city's finest antebellum mansions and more than 300 years of history.
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Historic King Street Shopping
Historic King Street has it all and features some of the best shopping in the state with both men and women's clothing, award-winning art galleries, book stores, antique shops, coffee, desserts and gift shops.
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Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument is best known as the place in which the shots that started the American Civil War were fired. Today it offers self-guiding or ranger-led tours and opportunities to learn about this historic site.
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Charleston Farmers Market
From April to December in Marion Square, more than 25 farmers and growers from the Charleston area sell a variety of Lowcountry produce, seafood, meats, plants, herbs and freshly cut flowers.
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Battery Park
There's no better way to get a taste for Charleston than Battery Park. It sits on the waterfront and houses southern mansions, cannons, palmettos and incredible views of Fort Sumter and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse.
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Ghost Walk
If you enjoy a good spooking, try the Ghost Walk. This ghostly tour of haunted homes in the historic district of Charleston lasts an hour and a half in 18th and 19th century neighborhoods.
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Featured Activity
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Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Parks Conservancy protects and maintains Waterfront Park, a 12-acre coastal green space that runs along half a mile of the Cooper River. Visitors can watch sailboats on the horizon from the comfort of an old-fashioned bench on the harbor.
Swing on the pier. Swinging benches are positioned in various places along the waterfront. Stop to rest your feet and admire the view.
Take a stroll. Waterfront Park covers more than 1,000 feet of coast and is loved by locals and visitors alike for its walkways, ideal for a leisurely stroll with loved ones.
Splash fountain and Charleston Pineapple Fountain. Off of Concord Street, the young and young at heart beat the Lowcountry heat by splashing in this cool fountain. Nearby, the Charleston Pineapple Fountain is also a perfect place to dip your toes.
Get online. In a nod to technology, the entire park features complimentary access to WiFi courtesy of Google and the Charleston Digital Corridor. Upload your Instagram snaps of the beach in real time.
For more information about vacationing in this destination, contact your Care team.
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Charleston Travel Tips
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Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Completed in 2005 over the Cooper River, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is among the longest cable-stayed suspension bridges in the world at 13,200 feet long. This modern marvel connects Charleston with Mount Pleasant.
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Husk Restaurant
Avoid tourist traps with frozen seafood and ask your Destination Concierge to make reservations at Husk Restaurant on Queen Street, named one of 13 Best Restaurant in the South by Thrillist. Only the freshest ingredients drive Chef Sean Brock's daily menu.
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Belmond Charleston Place
At every Belmond property, you'll find exceptional service, fine dining and luxe accommodations that reflect the unique charm and aesthetic of their destination. The Belmond brand also actively supports environmental, educational and sustainability efforts of the local communities its properties call home.
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Folly Beach
Make time for a visit to Folly Beach, called the "Edge of America" by locals. Pack a picnic, rent bicycles or try your skills at kayaking and surfing. Charleston locals also describe the area as one of the most prime fishing spots in the region.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Charleston Vacation
Charleston boasts an enviable semitropical climate with temperatures that average in the high 80s in the summer and hover around 50 degrees during the winter months. Temperature variations between night and day are usually minimal.
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Map of Charleston, South Carolina
Google Maps satellite images are not always up-to-date, especially in non-U.S. destinations. Some Inspirato accommodations are located in developments built after images were last updated. Our pin placements represent our best location estimates, but actual locations may vary.