20 BEST Hotels in Charleston, South Carolina [2023 UPDATED]

Charleston, South Carolina is a historic and beautiful city. Check out the sites where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, or stroll the elegant French Quarter. Visit museums and historical sites that exist nowhere else, or experience the chills and thrills of haunted Charleston. Charleston also boasts incredible natural beauty with a vast array of flora found in the city’s green spaces or hit the beach. Make your hotel stay a memorable part of your trip! Whether you want to try a luxurious stay at a resort-style hotel or a historic hotel, you can find it in this list of the Best Hotels in Charleston!

Best Hotels in Charlestone

 

1) Harbor View Inn

The Harbor View Inn is located in historic downtown Charleston. With gorgeous beaches nearby and a unique variety of boutiques, restaurants and museums, you won’t be too far from the action. The hotel itself offers some of the best views in Charleston.

Rent a bike from this beautiful hotel to tour the storied city. Enjoy the view of the harbor from the beautiful roof-top terrace and soak up the sun! Take in sweeping panoramas of the city skyline from your luxurious room and retire to a historic four-poster bed. When you wake, don’t forget to take in your complimentary breakfast! From historic architecture inside and out to incredible views, this hotel in Charleston is a great choice.

*Some amenities have changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843)853-8439
Address: 2 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
Website:  harbourviewcharleston.com

 

2) Market Pavillion Hotel

Market Pavillion Hotel would like to “welcome [you] to luxury” while you stay in Charleston! Enjoy your stay in this historic building and enjoy “the art of Southern Hospitality”. In the heart of downtown Charleston, you’ll have access to the best of “America’s favorite city”. Tour the waterfront or visit countless historic buildings, shops, and museums.

Return to the hotel to be truly taken care of. Dine at Grill 225 for an authentic taste of the South, or sip cocktails at the rooftop oasis Pavillion Bar. Retire to your well-appointed room to luxuriate in your beautifully adorned room worthy of royalty. Enjoy sweeping views from arched windows and ensuite bathrooms with marble tiling! If you want to stay in style then Market Pavillion Hotel is the choice for you!

*Some amenities may be changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843) 723-0500
Address: 225 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.marketpavilion.com

 

3) Grand Bohemian Hotel

Add some artistic flair to your stay with the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston. Located in downtown Charleston, you’ll watch the city unfold before you. This hotel boasts being the most unique of the downtown hotels. See if it’s true for yourself by taking in all the Grand Bohemian has to offer.

Enjoy Champagne at check-in, then tour the avant-garde art gallery. Bask under the stars around the outdoor fire pit and rekindle your energies. Check out the rooftop bar for handcrafted cocktails and socializing with like-minded artists. Make the most of your trip by hitting the Wine-tasting room with the best Southern wines. Retire to well-lit rooms with quirky art decor and luxurious beds. Drink in-room Starbucks coffee while taking in the view of the city or atrium. Pets are allowed at this artsy gem, so don’t forget to bring Fluffy. For a hotel in Charleston with flair, you want to stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

*Some amenities may be changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843) 722-5711
Address: 55 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website:  www.kesslercollection.com

 

4) Wentworth Mansion

Voted the number one hotel in Charleston by Travel+Leisure, this historic mansion lives up to the title. Retreat to the gilded age with beautiful surroundings. Italian crystal chandeliers hang overhead, and Tiffany stained-glass windows filter the golden Southern sun. Located directly on King Street, you are mere steps away from the city’s best restaurants and shopping spots.

Enjoy incredible dining at Circa 1886, where you can start your day with a traditional Southern breakfast or take in updated delicacies for supper. This fusion of past decadence and modern sensibilities has won the second best hotel restaurant by USA Today.  Unwind at the spa with massages and other rejuvenating therapies to renew yourself before taking on the city. Retire to your room and recline like Southern nobility in plush beds with decadent surroundings. Wentworth Mansion is truly a stay you will never forget.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843) 853-1886
Address: 149 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website:  www.wentworthmansion.com

 

5) Belmond Charleston Place

Belmond Charleston Place is a gorgeous Georgian with marble floors and a bronze fountain. In the heart of the historic district, you’ll be transported to a more elegant era before you set foot through the doors! Explore Charleston’s historic district, and take in the best of the city’s yesterday.

Grab a bite at the Charleston Grill with the best of jazz and Southern flavors! Don’t forget to treat yourself to a world-class spa treatment. Take a dip at the rooftop pool or get a workout in at the health center. All before retiring to your beautifully adorned Georgian room. If you want to live like 17th-century royalty, then Belmond Charleston Place is the hotel in Charleston for you.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid

Phone: (834) 722-4900
Address: 205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.belmond.com

 

6) Dewberry Charleston

Located on the edge of Marion Square, the Dewberry offers easy access to America’s favorite city! Stroll the historic streets in search of hidden Southern gems, or tour the harbor. Perhaps hop on a horse-drawn carriage to truly escape to another century. The Dewberry’s locale makes it all so easy. Rent a bike from the hotel to tour the city.

At this charming hotel in Charleston, there is much to do. Take in the best of Southern hospitality at the in-house restaurant, The Livingroom, or grab a cocktail at the Citrus Club. Get some R&R at the Spa and truly unwind. Check out the best souvenirs at Feildshop by Garden & Gunn, to find something to commemorate your trip. All before retiring to your expertly designed room and curling up in Irish linens. For a mix of contemporary and antique, Dewberry is a gem downtown.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid.

Phone: (834) 558-8000
Address: 334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.thedewberrycharleston.com

 

7) Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel

Located downtown, the city is ready for you to take! Explore the best shopping and historical spots, hop on a carriage or tour the harbor. Enjoy the unique mix of Southern charm and modernity that is Charleston’s historic district.

Enjoy southern cuisine at Lenoire with dishes expertly crafted by celebrity chef Vivian Howard. If you’re in a hurry, try experimental grab-and-go dishes with a craft coffee at Handy and Hot Cafe. Go for a dip in the outdoor salt-water pool for some fun in the sun without embarking on the beach! Get your workout in at their fitness center. Rest for the night in a room that expertly fuses old-world charm and chic style. Comfort is not compromised at any part of this luxury hotel. Book your stay at this hotel in Charleston for the best of Southern hospitality.

Phone: (843) 534-0300
Address: 68 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.marriott.com

 

8) The Ryder Hotel

An oasis in the heart of the city, this hotel in Charleston has everything. Rent a bike to explore the city the greenway! Get a taste of the tropics while downtown. After you’ve taken in the sites, tastes, and sounds of the city, embark on an elegant escape. Go for a dip in the outdoor pool encircled with palm trees, drink on its patio with a drink from Little Palm. Fancy a coffee? No problem, sip luxurious craft lattes and coffees at the Cafe. For those you don’t wish to escape, you can bring them with you as the Ryder is pet-friendly. Enjoy free membership to Pivotal Fitness just walking distance from the hotel. From a ten-minute drive to the beach to a tropical-themed get-away, the Ryder Hotel in Charleston is a great choice for your vacation.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid

Phone: 843-723-7451
Address: 237 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.theryderhotel.com

9) Governor’s House Inn

Rated the number one  Bed&Breakfast by Trip Advisor, this historic inn is one of the best in Charleston. Standing over the city since before the American Revolution. Over the past 250 years, the Governor’s House has been called home by politicians, religious leaders and visited by royalty.

Enjoy a stay at this historic inn and retire to luxurious rooms. Pine flooring, antique decor, beautiful windows and four-poster beds are only the beginning. Sip wine and sherry brought to your room in the evening, and suite guests can enjoy the piazza. For a stay you’ll remember, check out the Governor’s House Inn.

*Some amenities have changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843) 720-7020
Address: 117 Board Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.governorshouse.com

 

10) French Quarter Inn

A hotel should be a home away from home. French Quarter Inn takes this mantra to a new level. Pamper yourself in the beautiful rooms and suites. Enjoy ensuite marble bathrooms and furnishings that recall South Carolina’s genteel past! Enjoy the boutique lobby with a fireplace and cozy seating. Delicious Southern treats are served with champagne in the lobby and upon turn-down service. Relax on the terrace with a fresh cup of coffee or wine. Make the French Quarter Inn your home away from home while in Charleston.

Phone: (843) 722-1900
Address: 166 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: fqicharleston.com

 

11) Hotel Bennet

Hotel Bennett boasts “authentic Charleston hospitality” and makes good on its promise. Enjoy the best of Charleston dining with Hotel Bennet’s 3 in-house restaurants. Sample fine dining at Gabrielle either indoors or on the sunny balcony. Fiat Lux is a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers the best of spirits and cocktails while you view the city. Or try some champagne at Camillia’s. Pastries and hot drinks can be found at their cafe, La Patisserie. 

Unwind at the hotel’s spa and enjoy a variety of treatments worthy of royalty. All before retiring to your beautiful room with grand furnishings fusing chic modernity with old charm. Recline in your comfortable bed or take in sweeping views of Charleston downtown. If you want a taste of old meets new then this is the hotel in Charleston for you.

Phone: (843) 203-0922
Address: 404 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Website: www.hotelbennett.com

 

12) The Restoration

What do you get when you mix Old Southern charm and modern chic touches? You get the Restoration. A stay at this hotel in Charleston completes your Southern vacation. Rent a bike to tour the city or hit Pivotal Fitness with a guest membership. Enjoy organic meals from local farms at the Watch, a rooftop restaurant where you can eat in or on the stylish balcony. Crave a coffee first thing or need a midday pick-me-up? Get an expertly crafted coffee at the Rise. Bookworms need not fear. There is a library at the Restoration with an eclectic selection and cozy reading spots.

Bring the spa into your room. You can book luxurious treatments and pamper yourself without leaving your beautiful room. Enjoy the view from your beautifully adorned room with wine and cheese. You can also partake of late-night cookies before turning into your comfortable bed.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid

Phone: (843) 518-51000
Address: 75 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.therestorationhotel.com

 

13) Battery Carriage House Inn

Enjoy a stay in what was once a private mansion with a mix of old and new. Book a suite with a seating area or a room with garden access. The Battery Carriage House Inn offers a stay in dignity. Retire to your four-poster bed after taking in stunning views of the city. In the heart of the Historic District, you can tour the city in style with nearby carriage rides or simply walk the historic streets.

Enjoy nightly wine and cheese in the exquisite Ballroom or hit the cafe and lounge for a nice cuppa. Partake of the honor bar while you stay here. When you wake in the morning, enjoy a complimentary European-style breakfast! Step into history at the Battery Carriage House Inn. Though be careful, this is allegedly Charleston’s most haunted inn and the history may literally haunt the halls.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843)727-3000
Address: 20 South Battery Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.20southbattery.com

 

14) The Spectator Hotel

Jazz up your Charleston visit with a stay at The Spectator Hotel! Enjoy the glamour of Charleston’s jazz age at this glitzy hotel while taking in the Historic District. Rent a bike from the hotel to truly explore. Centrally located, Historic City MarketDock Street Theatre, and Gibbs art museum are within walking distance.

Stay like the wealthy of the roaring ’20s in rooms or suites decked out in gilded-age antiques with marble ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy a butler service that includes coffee and tea delivery! Take in a cocktail at check-in. Enjoy cocktails and wine at the Bar, a prohibition style-speakeasy with all the elegance and none of the danger. When you wake, enjoy a complimentary breakfast right in your room. Offering all the glamour of the Great Gatsby with none of the tragedy, Spectator is the classier choice of hotel in Charleston.

* Some amenities may be changed due to Covid

Phone: (843) 724-4326
Address: 67 State Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: thespectatorhotel.com

 

15) Elliott House Inn

Stay in this historic inn that was once a mansion in 1861. In the heart of the Historic District,  Elliot House Inn is a stone’s throw from the city’s most cherished historic sites. Rent a bike and take in old churches and cathedrals or ride a horse-drawn carriage through the old streets of the city. Consult the inn’s in-house historian for the details on Charleston’s most storied spots.

Enjoy a stay that fuses the simple elegance of a boutique hotel and the decadent charm of the Old South. Relax in the charming courtyard over a glass of wine. Pick-up historic tours ensure you get the most history out of your stay. After taking in all Charleston and Elliott House Inn has to offer retire to your room! With original flooring and restored walls step into a more elegant age before resting for the night.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid

Phone: (843) 518-6500
Address: 78 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.elliotthouseinn.com

 

16) The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel

Located on Museum Mile, you’re steps away from the Gibbes Museum of Art, Historic City Market and so much more. Explore Historic Charleston in style with a horse-drawn carriage or tour the gorgeous waterfront! For those who wish to venture a little further Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island are within reach.

After exploring all Charleston has to offer, return to Mills House to enjoy the best of old-world charm with modern convenience. Experience fine Southern dining in a lush courtyard with Barbados Room for dinner or breakfast. Before retiring to your room, sip a cocktail at The Best Friend Lounge, and take in the easy atmosphere. After-dinner drinks can be enjoyed in First Shot Lounge. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or simply lounge on the patio! You can also get your daily workout in at the 24/7 fitness center. Turn in for the night in gorgeous rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and charming views of the city or terrace. For luxury mixed with history, the Mills House is the hotel in Charleston for you.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid

Phone: (843) 577-2400
Address: 115 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.wyndhamhotels.com

 

17) The Vendue

Welcome to Charleston’s Art Hotel! The Vendue is adjacent to the Waterfront Park and is only blocks away from Historic City Market. Enjoy historic downtown Charleston with the best of shopping, food, and history only steps away. Hop on a rented bicycle to explore the city without a carbon footprint.

Lounge on the complimentary beach for fun in the sun. Enjoy an art reception with wine in the evening or independently check out the 300 piece rotating exhibition at the in-house gallery. Artists have more than art to admire at this beautiful hotel. Check out the Artist-in-Residence-Program and take advantage of the working art studio! Sip cocktails and wine at the Drawing Room or enjoy a casual dining experience at the Rooftop. Before turn down, enjoy cookies in the evening. Dog-friendly rooms are available for travelers of the four-legged variety. When waking enjoy complimentary breakfast! For a pet-friendly experience in the heart of the French Quarter, the Vendue is the best choice for a hotel in Charleston.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843) 577-7970
Address: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.thevendue.com

 

18) Francis Marion Hotel

In the heart of Marion Square, this luxury hotel rises 12 stories above the Historic District. Charleston’s beautiful gardens, best museums, and hottest shopping spots are all steps away. After taking in Charleston in the day, watch this district transform at night. Guests are within walking distance of the city’s best nightclubs.

Back at the hotel, there is plenty to do. Get your workout in at the on-site fitness center or unwind at Spa Adagio, the third best Spa in Charleston. Take in the best of Southern dining at the Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar made with sustainable ingredients. Retire to a room with commanding views of the city and harbor unlike any other. For a touch of history with modern flair, the Francis Marion Hotel is the hotel in Charleston for you.

*Spa, fitness center, and restaurant are operating at reduced capacity due to Covid.

Phone: (843) 722-0600
Address: 387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Website: www.francismarionhotel.com

 

19) John Rutledge House Inn

Once a home for John Rutledge, one signer of the declaration of independence, this bed & breakfast is woven in the fabric of America! Stroll the cobblestones steps outside the hotel and take in the sites of the old world. Charleston’s Historic District is a fusion of 17th-century regal scenery and modern boutiques. Consult the inn’s manual of places to see before you set off exploring to make the most of your trip.

Like Charleston itself, John Rutledge House Inn expertly fuses the elegance of a past era with modern sensibilities. Your room will maintain the appearance and majesty of upscale 17th-century chambers, with ensuite bathrooms boasting modern conveniences. Enjoy sweeping views of the historic city from beautiful paned windows. In the afternoon enjoy tea and hor louvers for a pick me up and wind down at night with port, sherry, or brandy before retiring to your Tempur-Pedic bed. When you wake in the morning, be sure to get your continental breakfast at the elegant ballroom or dine in the lush courtyard. Enter another era with this charming hotel in Charleston.

*Some amenities may be changed due to Covid

Phone: (843) 723-7999
Address: 116 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.johnrutledgehouseinn.com

 

20) Andrew Pickney Inn

The vibrant yellow and ivory buildings at the corner of Church and Pickney Street stood over the Historic District for centuries. This restored, historic building is placed perfectly for urban explorers to take advantage of. Only a block away from King Street, you can visit the city’s best historic houses, museums, boutiques, and restaurants in no time at all. The Andrew Pickney Inn is also a pick-up spot for historic tours, allowing you to make the most of your Charleston vacation.

Enjoy seasonal afternoon receptions on the rooftop Solarium with lush scenery and a commanding view of historic Charleston. Get an afternoon pick-me-up with gourmet coffees, teas, and artisanal cookies! Guest of the hotel will receive complimentary access to Pivotal Fitness, so you can maintain your workout routine. After an exciting day of exploration, winning, and dining, retire to your beautifully appointed room. Enjoy decor reminiscent of the 17th century and calming natural color pallets. Inspired by the West Indies, these well-lit soothing rooms demand luxury. When you wake be sure to take in your complimentary Southern breakfast in the Solarium. From beautiful surroundings to centrality, the Andrew Pickney Inn is a perfect hotel in Charleston for travelers of all Stripes.

*Some amenities may have changed due to Covid.

Phone: (843) 937-8800
Address: 40 Pickney Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: www.andrewpinckneyinn.com

 

Conclusion

When you make your way down to the beautiful city of Charleston, you will not find yourself, your family, or your group of friends bored; as there are so many amazing views and things to do in Charleston. While you are planning your itinerary of adventures in this beautiful city, don’t forget to book a stay at one of the 20 Best Hotels in Charleston.

 

20 FUN Things to do in Charleston, SC [2023 UPDATED]

Charming Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful port city with historic roots. Founded in 1670, this quaint city of the Southeast has been voted #1 Small City for ten years and counting. With incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, sprawling antebellum mansions, and oak trees that seem as old as time, you’ll fall in love with Charleston.

One of the longest existing and most diverse cities in America, Charleston has so much to offer. A vibrant community that includes a rich culture of arts and entertainment highlights Charleston, including strolling picturesque neighborhoods, taking a boat tour, or hitting the beach. Whatever your reason for coming to Charleston, you’re sure to discover hidden gems and delightful treasures in Charleston’s cobblestone streets. Read on to find all there is to in  Charleston today!

things to do in Charleston

 

1) Angel Oak 

A symbol of Charleston, this gorgeous oak branches out as if in reverie. A free and lovely way to spend an afternoon, a visit to Angel Oak will surely result in Instagram-worthy pics, as well as beautiful memories.

The tree is estimated to be between 400-500 years old, which may be why it feels like a sentient being. Angel Oak is located on St. John’s Island, which is about a twenty-five-minute drive from downtown Charleston.

Phone:  (843) 559-3496
Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Website: angeloaktree.com

 

2) Middleton Place 

Middleton Place is America’s oldest landscaped garden and was once home to the Middleton family and their enslaved help. The grounds now stand as a historic and botanic wonder, complete with a complex past. The estate includes the House Museum, Stableyards, shops, and Middleton Place Restaurant. It is also possible to stay on the grounds at the Inn at Middleton Place.

Phone: (843) 556-6020
Address: 4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
Website: middletonplace.org

 

3) Joe Riley Waterfront Park

The Joe Riley Waterfront Park is best known for its iconic pineapple-shaped fountain. Overlooking the Charleston Harbor, this beloved park of Charlestonians is a total of eight acres. Named after Mayor Joe Riley, this park pays tribute to one of the longest-serving mayors in American history. Take a stroll, people watch from a bench, or bring along a picnic to enjoy at Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

Phone: No Number Listed
Address: 
Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401-2129
Website: charlestonparksconservancy.org

 

4) Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

When constructed in 2007, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge became the longest cable-stayed bridge of its time. The bridge connects Charleston to nearby Mount Pleasant and is an incredible feat of infrastructure. Two-and-a-half miles long, adventurous souls may enjoy trekking the bridge by foot or bike on the safe pedestrian walkway. Check out Charleston’s view from the bridge, or catch ships coming and going from Charleston Harbor.

Phone: No Number Listed
Address:
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
Website:
hdrinc.com

 

5) Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter has layers of significant historical importance, ranging from the American Revolution to the Civil War. Perhaps it is best known for a 34-hour battle between Confederate and Union soldiers, in which the Confederates reigned victorious. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Sumter National Monument can only be accessed by boats, which operate through the National Park’s sister company, Fort Sumter Tours. The boat tickets are the only ticket you need to visit the park, and the tour lasts approximately two hours.

Phone: (843) 883-3123
Address: 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
Website: nps.gov

 

6) Battery & White Point Gardens 

Battery and White Point Gardens are not only green space but also a historic spot that was once used as a fortification for the city during the Civil War. Mortars and cannons line the park, giving it a military air. The area also overlooks the Atlantic at the spot where both the Ashley and Cooper Rivers feed into it.

Phone: No Number Listed
Address: 
East Battery & Murray Blvd., Charleston, SC 29401
Website: discoversouthcarolina.com

 

7) McLeod Plantation Historic Site

If you want to get real about Charleston’s history, then a visit to McLeod Plantation is in order. Located on James Island, this former slave plantation produced sea island cotton. Visit the former home of the McLeod’s as well as where the slaves lived, and imagine their day-to-day life. Additionally, learn more about the Lowcountry Gullah culture, which refers to black Creole-speaking communities inhabited the Southeast.

Phone: (843) 762-9514
Address: 325 Country Club Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
Website: ccprc.com

 

8) Nathaniel Russell House

One of the most prominent Neoclassical-style homes in America, the Nathaniel Russell House was built by slave trader Nathanial Russell in 1808. The home is a lavish display of the wealthy’s lifestyle at the time, with recognition of the fact that these luxuries were at the price of black slaves. The Russells themselves had 18 slaves who worked for their family of four! If you can get past the difficult history, the home itself has some marvelous architectural components.

Phone: (843) 724-8481
Address: 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: historiccharleston.org

 

9) Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

Built-in 1771, the Old Exchange was initially a commercial exchange. The house also became a holding place for pirates and later for Patriots during the American Revolution. The most historic building in South Carolina, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is where the Constitution was ratified. Open daily for tours; the admission is a modest $10 for adults and $5 for children (6 and under, free). Tours are self-guided, although docents are available to answer questions.

Phone: (843) 727-2165
Address: 122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: oldexchange.org

 

10) South Carolina Aquarium 

Learn more about the aquatic life off of South Carolina’s coast at the South Carolina Aquarium. Kids of all ages will love hands-on learning opportunities, the chance to see manta rays close up, as well as the Family Sea Turtle Recovery experience, which showcases rehabilitated sea turtles. You can also learn more about wildlife in non-coastal parts of South Carolina in exhibits such as the Mountain Forest and Coastal Plain exhibits.

Phone: (843) 577-3474
Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: scaquarium.org

 

11) Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are gorgeous gardens that are the oldest public gardens in the U.S. Learn more about the Lowcountry with your visit to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which includes not just stunning flora but also a historical past.

Open seven days a week, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a multifaceted experience with opportunities to visit the gardens, take a trip on the Nature Tram, learn more about the past of slavery at Magnolia Plantation, or head out on a Rice Field Boat Tour.

Phone: (843) 571-1266
Address: 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
Website: magnoliaplantation.com

 

12) Charleston City Market 

The Charleston City Market stretches for four blocks and has been a market since the 1790s when slaves went to buy goods for the plantation. It’s certainly on the tourist trail, however, it is worth visiting, as you can find crafts specific to the Lowcountry, such as woven baskets thought to have originated in West Africa. In non-Covid times, the market is open during the daytime and Night Market hours, great for an evening stroll destination.

Phone: No Number Listed
Address: 
188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: thecharlestoncitymarket.com

 

13) Morris Island Lighthouse 

Morris Island Lighthouse is to the southern side of Charleston Harbor and an iconic symbol of the city. On the National Register of Historic Places, Morris Island Lighthouse is no longer a working lighthouse, yet it still a proud part of Charleston culture. The road leads to a paved walking path, which is about half a mile long to reach the lighthouse.

Phone: (843) 270-4464
Address: 1750 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Website: follybeach.com

 

14) Rainbow Row 

Rainbow Row is a series of 14 colorful, historic homes in Charleston. Georgian row houses, the colorful homes make for beautiful pictures, or simply a sunny walk. Although the homes nearly fell into disarray following the Civil War, they were restored in the 1920s. The colorful homes serve a greater purpose than just eye candy. The light, bright colors help keep the homes cool in hot summer months.

Phone: (803) 528-8317
Address: 83-107 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: rainbowrowcharlestonsc.com

 

15) Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

A play-based museum, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is the perfect spot to let the kids burn off some energy while learning. Currently open only on the weekend in two-hour slots, register online to get your place. The hands-on exhibits are best suited for children under 10 years of age, and special events can be found on the website.

Phone: (843) 853-8962
Address: 25 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403
Website: explorecml.org

 

16) Old City Jail 

If you love to walk in a dark city, the Old City Jail is for you. The best way to see this jail, which once held pirates and soldiers of the Civil War, is to take a night tour. Tours can be arranged through many companies and punctuate the spooky ambiance that Old City Jail already provides. Hear tales of such notorious figures at the jail such as Lavinia and John Fisher, who were hotel owners who poisoned their guests.

Phone: No Number Listed
Address: 
21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: No Website Listed

 

17) Charleston Gaillard Center

A gem of a venue, the Charleston Gaillard Center is home to some of Charleston’s best live theater and music. Within walking distance to a variety of excellent restaurants, make an evening of your experience at the Gaillard Center. Whether you want to see jazz or dance, you’ll find it at the Gaillard Center, a theater known for perfect acoustics.

Phone: (843) 724-5212
Address: 95 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: gaillardcenter.org

 

18) Revelry Brewing

A fun place to unwind, enjoy your brew from the rooftop patio. The tasting room highlights Revelry’s beers, including Gaslight, their 5% Porter, or a lighter Early Evening IPA. Wednesdays are half-off sushi nights, and the menu includes a mixture of Asian and Mexican bites. Easy to stay socially distanced at, given the outdoor seating, Revelry Brewing is a great pick.

Phone: (843) 376-1303
Address: 10 Conroy St, Charleston, SC 29403
Website: revelrybrewingco.com

 

19) Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art brings an array of inspiring art to Charleston with permanent and rotating exhibits. Permanent collections include modern and contemporary art, miniature portraits, and a unique exhibit on 20th-century regionalism. The museum host a variety of ongoing classes, workshops, and events such as illustration workshops or the upcoming Gibbes’ Film Focus. The museum is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm, except for major holidays.

Phone: (843) 722-2706
Address:  135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: gibbesmuseum.org

 

20) Folly Beach County Park 

You can’t come to Charleston and not visit the beach, head to Folly Beach County Park. Folly Beach County Park is very beloved. It is on the west side of the island. In the summer months, lifeguards stand watch over swimmers.  On the other hand, visits at other times of the year are worth a walk along the shore. Check out Skimmer Flats, a major Eastern Brown Pelican rookery, which can be viewed from the west end of Folly Beach County Park.

Phone: (843) 762-9960
Address: 1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Website: ccprc.com

 

Conclusion

Charleston proves itself time and time again from historical attractions to live entertainment. Though comprehensive, this list is not exhaustive and shows the width and breadth of Charleston’s draw. With this list of things to do in Charleston, you’re well on your way to a memorable trip in Charleston, South Carolina!