Charleston Travel Guide 2025

Charleston, South Carolina’s Holy City, is a great place for a laid-back Lowcountry getaway. Charleston is a stroll down a cobblestone street lined with palms and rows of oak trees draped in Spanish moss; it features colonial homes with wraparound porches and blooming azaleas. The city’s soundtrack of live music, horse-drawn carriages and crashing waves transport you through time as you pass colorful local shops, restaurants and bars, breathing in the salty coastal breeze.

Exploring this South Carolina treasure is rewarding in many ways, with unique activities, interesting places to visit and world-class hotels. Dive into our Charleston travel guide and discover the top things to do in this Lowcountry city.

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA / Brian Stansberry

During your trip to Charleston, you can take advantage of a few different options for getting around. Public transportation, including buses and downtown trolleys, makes it easy to explore this walkable city if you’re not keen to do it all on foot or are staying outside the downtown area.

The famously walkable Charleston Historic District and downtown area is home to many of the sights and destinations you’ll want to check out while you’re in town. You’ll find roomy sidewalks and plenty of crosswalks to explore downtown that make the area pedestrian friendly.

Charleston is generally considered a bike-friendly city, with infrastructure for bicycles if pedaling is your preferred way to get around. Public transportation buses even have racks for bikes if you get tired or decide to venture further out.

Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) runs the free Dash Downtown Trolley along three routes in the Historic District. It’s a great option for getting around without worrying about traffic or arranging transportation ahead of time.

The Dash Downtown Trolleys pick up passengers every 15-20 minutes. Hop on any of the three routes from the Visitor Center on Meeting Street and loop through the Historic District:

Driving can be a great way to get around Charleston, especially if you’re looking for things to do that span beyond downtown. Traffic can be an issue when tourism is in full swing. You’ll find ample spaces for parking in garages around the city along with metered street spaces (competitive during the peak season).

Look for these parking garages and the destinations they’re conveniently located near if you want to drive and walk around to explore:

Charleston’s public transportation buses or CARTA, offer rides downtown, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island and Mount Pleasant.

Taking the Charleston water taxi can be a fun and unique way to enjoy some coastal views on your way to your destinations. Water taxis are available from Waterfront Park and the Aquarium Wharf to take you to places like City Market, King Street, The Battery, Fort Sumter and the Aquarium.

Taxis rideshare services are widely available throughout Charleston to take you anywhere you want to go. Prices vary and you may need to download an app to use some services.

Pedicabs, or bike taxis, can pedal you through the city with agility and are great options for heavy traffic days.

iStockphoto.com / WerksMedia

The best time to visit Charleston overall is between early April and early June, when crowds are smaller, the weather is balmy to warm with low humidity, the city’s famous azaleas, magnolias and purple wisteria are in bloom and springtime festivals and outdoor events are in full swing.

Make time to check out festivals like these during the mild spring season on your trip to Charleston:

It’s worth noting that spring can be a bit chilly to enjoy the ocean, but perfect for strolling downtown and enjoying the parks with average temperatures between 66 F and 79 F. Spring is the ideal time to enjoy places like Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and patio dining at Lowcountry restaurants.

Fall is another great time to visit Charleston, with similarly mild temperatures and the beauty of trees cloaked in fall color. However, because Charleston’s hurricane season runs from June to November, weather can be a concern this time of year.

Traveling to Charleston between September and November, you'll enjoy warmer temperatures than in spring with comfortable water temperatures well into September. Events like haunted Charleston tours, the Lowcountry Jazz Festival (September), MOJA Arts Festival (September-October), Follypalooza (October) and Taste of Charleston (October) make fall a nice time for a trip to Charleston.

Summer is generally the warmest, most expensive and busiest time to visit Charleston, while winter features lower prices at hotels with cooler temperatures that make outdoor attractions less appealing.

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No guide to Charleston is complete without a walk through the bustling downtown Historic District or exploring Waterfront Park and touring historic homes. This city might appear to move a little slower, but it offers nonstop fun.

You shouldn’t miss King Street in downtown Charleston—the main thoroughfare, it’s lined with every kind of shop, eatery, bar and venue you can imagine. Browse a local art gallery, pop into a boutique, sip cocktails in a sultry lounge or stop by a restaurant for fresh seafood and stay for the live music.

This buzzing hub is the soul of the city and it’s one of the best things to do in Charleston.

You have to take a horse-drawn carriage tour while you’re in Charleston. The city is famous for these tours and while you’re checking out King Street, seeing them in action will get you excited to take a tour of your own. Book a one-hour downtown historic horse & carriage tour to travel the cobblestone streets and feel like you’ve stepped backward in time.

With a knowledgeable guide pointing out historic homes, churches, gardens and landmarks around the city, you’ll get to know Charleston on a more intimate level. The clop-clop of horse hooves with the sound of carriage wheels on the cobblestones makes a horse and carriage tour so uniquely Charleston.

Getting acquainted with the Holy City means taking a little time to look into its past—still apparent in the decadent homes, meticulously maintained gardens and Lowcountry scenery that surrounds them. One of the most famous in Charleston is the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens tour, which brings you into the rich history of this 200-year-old home and its manicured estate.

Plan a full half-day to take the tour (around 4.5 hours) with a guide to string historical events, little-known facts and hidden gems around the property and gardens into a story that envelops you in Charleston’s past.

The Battery stretches along Charleston’s southern seawall, directly across the street from the famous Rainbow Row. It once served as a Civil War defense point, but today, the statues, trees and antebellum homes lining the walking path make it a place of reflection and beauty in this historic city.

Start your tour of The Battery & White Point Garden from Waterfront Park (look for the Pineapple Fountain.) and meander the path to White Point Garden (1 mile away) to see old oak trees with Civil War memorials and relics.

If you’re traveling to Charleston in search of historic sites or appreciate military history, take a self-guided Fort Sumter tour. Fort Sumter National Monument is where the Civil War’s first shot was fired, making it a cornerstone of U.S. history and one place you can’t miss when you travel to Charleston.

You’ll take a ferry from Charleston to reach Fort Sumter, where your self-guided tour involves wandering the fort’s stone caverns to see Civil War cannons and a museum. Keep an eye out for dolphins on the ferry ride over as you venture to and from one of the most iconic things to do in Charleston.

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To choose where to stay when traveling to Charleston, consider your planned activities, budget and preferred accommodation style. Focus your search on the best hotels in Charleston to get a taste of this city’s famed Southern charm.

Discover the magic of staying by the water’s edge at HarbourView Inn, where you’ll overlook the Charleston Harbor and enjoy a complimentary breakfast with the sound of gently lapping waves from your private balcony or the rooftop terrace. Luxurious touches, from craft cocktail service to high-end bath products and robes, make this hotel an indulgent place to stay near Charleston’s main downtown attractions.

The John Rutledge House Inn is a historic mainstay in Charleston, built in 1763 and visited by George Washington. It features timeless elegance that blends seamlessly with modern touches and comforts that make its downtown location irresistible. Enjoy breakfast in the courtyard, indulge in a classic nightcap by the Italian marble fireplace and use it as a comforting home base to return to after shopping King Street and exploring Charleston’s delights.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort boasts incredible views of the ocean and sophisticated amenities like a full-service spa, oceanfront pool and onsite dining to taste fresh Lowcountry flavors. Book a Charleston adventure with your concierge, take the free shuttle downtown, enjoy a stress-melting massage and relax by the fire pit at night to enjoy Charleston in style.

Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston is just feet away from the famed Liberty Square, offering contemporary accommodations in a beautifully green sector of this historic city. Come for a weekend or a longer stay with special touches, from silky-soft bedding and stocked kitchenettes or full kitchens. Hang out at the onsite cocktail lounge or café for hand-crafted cocktails and light fare that reflects the tastes of Charleston, then enjoy the courtyard to take in the striking views.

The Francis Marion Hotel sits in the heart of the action on King Street, putting you steps away from some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment Charleston has to offer. From museums and bakeries to bars and boutiques, it’s easy to plan your days with a quick walk from the hotel. Enjoy onsite dining with Charleston favorites, a fitness center and budget-friendly accommodations in the most popular part of the city.

Courtesy of Belmond Charleston Place

Savor the seafood and elevated Lowcountry flavors at the best restaurants in Charleston, from she-crab soup and seafood boils to fried chicken and red rice. To make the cut for our Charleston travel guide, we selected eateries with excellent reviews and a prestigious AAA Diamond Rating.

Like the name, the menu at Fig is simple, but changes regularly to rotate dishes starring the freshest seasonal ingredients. This elevated dining space is worthy of celebrating a major event or just to enjoy an iconic culinary experience. Stop in for dishes like fresh gnocchi, jumbo flounder en croûte and seared duck with sides like skillet-fried okra and buttery mashed potatoes bringing classic Southern flavor.

The Ordinary is far from status quo, operating in a historic bank building on bustling King Street and serving fresh, upscale takes on South Carolina seafood. From the oyster bar and cozy booths to patio dining and bird’s eye tables that peer down into the kitchen, this restaurant is famous for its seafood tower (clams, oysters, shrimp, snapper and more) and a fantastic caviar setup.

Chubby Fish is a highly-regarded restaurant in Charleston, offering bold, innovative takes on seafood dishes with rotating specials that highlight the freshest ingredients available. Enjoy the outstanding raw bar, delights like charred lamb ribs and unique dishes like cauliflower cacio e pepe.

Just outside of Charleston in Mount Pleasant, Tavern & Table is the place to fill up on Southern-style seafood like a seafood tower, shrimp and grits, or lobster ravioli. Views of a nearby creek add a special ambience to the restaurant and with yummy appetizers like smoked fish dib, it’s a spot you’ll want to visit again.

When you’re craving something tasty in a casual setting, EVO Pizzeria in North Charleston should be your choice. Wood-fired pizzas bake up fresh with local ingredients creating interesting topping combinations, like pistachio pesto with bacon added. Tasty panini, overflowing snack plates and salads round out the menu with something everyone can enjoy.

iStockphoto.com / Sean Pavone

The Holy City is packed with beautiful scenery and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, from the palm- and oak-lined cobblestone streets to famous landmarks and plantations. If you love capturing moments from your travels, these are the best Charleston photo spots to add to your list.

This park overlooks the harbor and stands as the symbol of the city (especially its iconic Pineapple Fountain). Snap a picture next to the fountain and grab beautiful coastal shots around Waterfront Park while you’re here.

Pastel-hued Georgian homes on the palm-lined East Bay Street serve as one of the most popular backdrops for Charleston photos, offering bright pops of color.

This famous cobblestone street is one of the most photographed in the city, just right to nail the perfect old-timey shot and capture memories of your time in Charleston.

This stately 200-year-old home is one of the oldest plantations in the South, featuring photo-ready romantic bridges, manicured gardens and mature oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

This notable oak tree on nearby John’s Island stands 65 feet high and spans almost 26 feet around, making it an incredible specimen to photograph during your travels.

Courtesy of Visit Savannah

In the Holy City, you’re close to some of South Carolina’s most picturesque cities, parks and beaches. You may not want to leave this charming city, but with lots of fascinating places nearby, the prospect of an exploratory day trip is tempting. In two hours or less, you can drive to any of the day-trip destinations in our guide to Charleston and be back in time for a world-class dinner.

Like Charleston, Savannah is a city steeped in history with many similarities: Spanish moss on oaks, plantation homes, historic fountain squares and abundant tour options for a day trip. Take a ghost tour, go sightseeing with stunning architecture and homes, enjoy delicious food and drinks and stroll the downtown historic district to travel back in time.

Located on Folly Island, come to swim, stroll the 6-mile beach to spot wildlife, watch amazing sunsets or lounge in the sand at one of the best beaches in South Carolina. A loggerhead turtle population and pelican rookery provide a glimpse into native wildlife, while the Morris Island Lighthouse can be spotted from an inlet. You may spot areas with mineral-heavy black sand and feel like you’re in Hawaii.

The most popular state park in South Carolina is a semi-tropical jungle on a barrier island with a fishing pier, lighthouse, hiking trails, dolphin cruises and 5 miles of wild, unspoiled beaches. It's best to visit for a day trip during the summer months, when the water is warmest and wildlife is active.

The state’s second-oldest city sits on Port Royal Island and features sprawling antebellum mansions-turned-museums, a scenic Waterfront Park and a number of shopping and dining options. You can even take an exciting boat cruise around nearby Morgan Island, known as Monkey Island, with a local population of Rhesus monkeys and a fascinating history.

Sculpture-filled botanical gardens and a zoo make Brookgreen Gardens an ideal place to explore Lowcountry nature with over 9,000 acres. Stroll through the butterfly garden, encounter wildlife and pose by the fountain for a memorable photo on this laid-back day trip from Charleston.

Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

While you can easily rack up the expenses when you’re enjoying all Charleston has to offer, it’s possible to visit Charleston on a budget when you have a plan. From free sightseeing and filling your days with interesting architecture and historic landmarks to beach trips and hunting for discounts at popular attractions, these are some of the best ways to save during your Charleston vacation.

Visit Waterfront Park, The Battery, White Point Garden and Charleston Tea Garden, to enjoy the city on a budget.

Enjoy the sunshine and saltwater without breaking the bank (park on Center Street to avoid parking fees).

Unlock vehicle rental discounts as well as member savings in benefits on attraction event tickets and hotels during your stay for extra savings all over the city.

Find lower hotel rates, but be sure to factor in transportation costs to make sure it’s worth it.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Charleston trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.