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Southeast Appalachian
Road TripsCharleston Sports and RecreationWhile recreational facilities within the historic district of Charleston are limited, the surrounding area offers ample choices for the outdoors enthusiast. Nearby state and county parks and the Francis Marion National Forest provide a variety of activities such as picnicking, boating and hiking and are only a few minutes' to an hour's drive away. Camping is permitted at Francis Marion National Forest, Givhans Ferry and Edisto Beach state parks, and James Island County Park .
The barrier islands that line the coast are the focus of much of Charleston's recreational activity. Once favored as a summer retreat from the threat of yellow fever, many of these islands now sport major resorts. Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island, east of Charleston, and Edisto Island, Folly Island and Kiawah Island, south of the city, all have fine beaches for swimming, sailing and surfing.
The area is popular for both freshwater and saltwater fishing as well as crabbing. Some of the best fishing is in estuarine creeks. Surf fishing is permitted on many beaches. For information about fishing regulations contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries office; phone (803) 734-3886.
Golf can be played at a number of 18-hole courses: Charleston Municipal Golf Course, (843) 795-6517, and Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club, (843) 212-7316, in Charleston; Turtle Point Golf Course, (800) 576-1570, on Kiawah Island; Patriots Point Links, (843) 881-0042, in Mount Pleasant; and Wild Dunes, (843) 886-2164, on Isle of Palms.
Baseball fans can watch the New York Yankees' minor league team, the Charleston RiverDogs, in action at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, 360 Fishburne St.; phone (843) 577-3647. Charleston also is home to the Charleston Battery soccer team, a USL PRO team that plays at MUSC Health Stadium, 1990 Daniel Island Dr.; phone (843) 971-4625.
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For a quiet stroll in an urban setting, Charleston has several city parks, including White Point Garden on The Battery, Waterfront Park along the Cooper River, and Colonial Lake at Broad and Rutledge streets. Many of the parks have trails for bicycling. Rentals are available at The Bicycle Shoppe at 280 Meeting St.; phone (843) 722-8168.
Charleston, SC
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charleston North/Ashley Phosphate2540 N Forest Dr. North Charleston, SC 29420
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hampton Inn by Hilton Charleston North7424 Northside Dr. North Charleston, SC 29420
Book NowCity Population
130,113
Elevation
10 ft.
Sales Tax
The 9 percent sales tax rate in Charleston consists of 6 percent South Carolina state sales tax, 1 percent Charleston tax and 2 percent special tax. There is no applicable county tax. There is an admissions tax of 5 percent on most amusements and a 2 percent accommodations tax.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(843) 577-7434
Hospitals
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, (843) 402-1000; MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina), (843) 792-2300; and Roper Hospital, (843) 724-2000.
Air Travel
Most major airlines serve
Rental Cars
Hertz, (843) 767-4554 or (800) 654-3131, is at the airport and offers discounts to AAA members.
Rail Service
The Amtrak train station, (800) 872-7245, is at 4565 Gaynor Ave. in North Charleston.
Buses
Service is provided by Southeastern Stages and Greyhound Lines Inc., (843) 744-4247 or (800) 231-2222, at 4565 Gaynor Ave.
Taxis
Cab companies include Safety Cab, (843) 722-4066; and Yellow Cab, (843) 577-6565. The fare is $5 for all trips that pick up and drop off on the peninsula. A $2 surcharge is added for each additional passenger. Outside of the peninsula, the fare for the first 2 miles is $4 and 35c for each succeeding one-fifth mile. A $1 surcharge is added for each additional passenger. Cabs must be ordered by phone.
Public Transportation
Bus service is provided by Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA); phone (843) 724-7420 for information about routes and schedules.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
