• Fort Sumter Tours
• Carriage Tours
• History or Ghost Walking Tours
• Nathaniel Russell House
• Boone Hall Plantation
• Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
• Old Slave Mart Museum

There is never a bad time to visit Charleston, however it is much more hot and humid in the summer season of course.

Most consider spring (March – May) and fall seasons (September – November) to be the best because of the more temperate climate.

Charleston, SC is known for many things such as: 

• History: from Colonial times to Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Fort Sumter along with it’s unfortunate connection to the Slave trade.
• Food, culinary experiences.
• Amazing tours
• Beaches (Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Folly Beach and Kiawah)
• Kiawah Island and the championship golf course.
• Amazing weather and climate
• Charleston Harbor and water activities
• Manners: Charleston has won awards for the most mannerly city in the U.S. 
• The Ports: Charleston has one of the busiest ports on the east coast. 

You can certainly visit a handful of Charleston’s famous sites in 1-day, however the general consensus is that a minimum 3-days is the optimal time to really experience the city.

Yes Charleston is walkable. We recommend parking near the historic district in Charleston or at this parking garage (25 Prioleau St, Charleston, SC 29401). Start walking east, towards the Battery. There you’ll find antebellum mansions, rainbow row and a network of very walkable historic streets.

TV Shows & Movies filmed in the Charleston, SC area:

• The Notebook
• North & South
• The Patriots (featuring Mel Gibson)
• Ace Ventura
• Cold Mountain
• Halloween
• Outer Banks
• Army Wives
• Southern Charm
•  Vice Principals
• The Righteous Gemstones
• Die Hard with a Vengance
• The Legend of Bagger Vance
• The Inspectors

That all depends on what your budget allows. If budget or cost is not an issue then we recommend the following in order: 

1. Downtown Historic District: This area allows for easy walking to all the top attractions, restaurants and nightlife. (20 minute drive from airport).
2. The Beaches: There’s nothing better than staying on or near the beaches. There are 4 beaches to choose from: Isle of Palms, Folly, Sullivans and Kiawah, with Kiawah being the furthest away from downtown. 
3. Mount Pleasant: safe area just minutes away by driving across the picutresque harbor to downtown…and close to the Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island beaches.
4. West Ashley: safe area as well that’s closer to Folly Beach.
5. North Charleston: fairly safe and located within minutes of the airport. We recommend staying near Tanger Outlets in this area. 
6. Summerville: safe and newer properties, however almost 30 minutes away from downtown and the beaches.

Yes, Charleston is known as a safe city. The historic district is extremely safe along with Mount Pleasant and the beach area. As in every metropolitan area there are areas that are not recommended for Visitors, however you would have no reason to visit since attractions and hotels are not located in those area. 

It’s always best to be “street-smart” and be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are in an unfamiliar city. Don’t get overly intoxicated or walk alone at night and ask hotel staff of areas to avoid if concerns persist.

Yes, Charleston has the following beaches nearby: 

• Isle of Palms: 15 minutes from downtown.
• Sullivans Island: 10 minutes from downtown.
• Folly Beach: 25 minutes from downtown.
• Kiawah Island: 40 minutes from downtown.

Not necessarily since downtown Charleston has a free trolley that transports visitors around the Historic District. If you would like to visit the beaches or plantations then transportation will be needed. Charleston does have Uber and Lyft service.

For more information read this article which includes printable maps

Charleston, SC isn’t more or less expensive than most other popular tourist destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head or Savannah. To save money on the top tours and attractions, buy a Charleston TourPass which includes the best Charleston SC things to do