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Charleston Visitors Guide

dennis walking tour best picture

No matter whether it’s your first time in Charleston or you’re a seasoned Lowcountry traveler, we have a few tips to help you plan your trip.

This Charleston visitors guide outlines what you’ll need to know before you book your flight or load the car. 

Find out when to visit Charleston, what to pack, and what to do once you get here.

 

Charleston Visitors Guide 

Just some of the information in this Charleston visitors guide includes:

 

  • Best times to visit Charleston
  • What to do in Charleston
  • Getting around the Holy City
  • How to dress to fit in with the locals
  • Where to eat Lowcountry food

When to Visit Charleston

There’s something to do in Charleston every season. 

Depending on your schedule and when you can get away, here are some tips on when to visit Charleston.

 

Spring and Fall: Charleston weather is very mild in both the spring and the fall. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, enjoying the city on foot, you may want to visit us in one of these two seasons.

The only caveat is that autumn is our rainy season in Charleston, so check out our “What to Wear” section and pack accordingly!

 

Summer and Winter: The summer is our busiest season so the city is full of other travelers at this time. The good news is that there’s plenty going on in Charleston in the summer, so you’ll find plenty to do.

Winter is a little quieter in Charleston, but don’t discount a trip to the Holy City during the months of November, December, January, and February — you’ll be able to enjoy a few Charleston festivals as well as the holiday celebrations in November and December.

Visit us for a long weekend in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Charleston has been named one of the most romantic cities for a reason.

A night scene of St. Phillips Episcopal Church decorated for the Holidays.

What to Do in Charleston

The city of Charleston has more than 155 square miles of history, culture, and fun in the sun. The best part? There’s something for just about everyone here.

Some of our favorite Charleston activities include the following.

 

Explore Downtown Charleston: If it’s your first time to Charleston, you may want to spend most of your vacation in Downtown exploring the French Quarter, Rainbow Row, the waterfront, and the Charleston Historic Market.

a person walking down a street next to a building

Enjoy Charleston by Boat: The best way to see the Holy City is by boat — and there are plenty of vessels that will fit any budget. 

Take the Water Taxi to Patriots Point or sail on a historic schooner to see the city from a different vantage point. 

 

Discover Charleston’s Rich History: Established in 1670, Charleston is one of the most historic cities in the U.S. 

If you want to learn about Charleston’s rich past, we recommend taking a walking tour. Both of our public tours, including our guided history tour and our hidden alleys and passages tour, cover the history of Downtown Charleston. 

Relax at the Beach: If you’re planning to visit Charleston in the summertime, your visit would not be complete without a day of relaxing at the beach.

Enjoy one of the nearby city beaches or take a day trip to one of Charleston’s islands. 

 

Getting Around Charleston

On Foot: You can walk almost anywhere in Downtown Charleston, so visiting the city on foot is the best way to see it.

You’ll be able to browse shops, pass through Charleston’s many narrow alleys and passages, and take plenty of photos.

a plant in a garden

Philadelphia Alley

 

By Boat: You can use the Charleston Water Taxi as a source of transportation — plus, there’s no better way to enjoy a view of the city.

 

By Bike: Charleston is a very bikeable city. You can bike most streets Downtown and even take a trip across the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant.

Bikes can be rented at local bike shops or using bikeshare apps.

 

By Carriage: While not an ideal primary mode of transportation, you’ll be able to see most of Downtown Charleston from a horse and carriage.

This is a great way to see the city if you have mobility issues or just want to get off your feet for a bit.

a man riding a horse drawn carriage on a city street

Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. Horse Drawn Carriage Tour

By Car: If you’re planning to visit anywhere outside Charleston’s city center, you may want to consider renting a car. 

Sullivan’s Island, Shem Creek, and the Charleston plantations are all accessible by car.

Or, you could always book a private tour if you want us to take you there and explain a little of each area’s history!

 

What to Wear in Charleston

Charlestonians are known for our upscale casual style. 

If you want to fit in with the locals, you can dress the part by shopping at one of the many stores on King Street or the boutiques in Mount Pleasant.

But you’ll also want to dress as comfortably as possible when you’re here — especially if you plan to do any walking.

You should definitely consider the season you’ll be visiting, as Charleston weather varies from month to month. 

Check out our tips on how to pack for Charleston if you need some inspiration.

a group of palm trees on the side of a building

King St. Shopping

 

Where to Eat in Charleston

Our Charleston visitors guide would not be complete without a list of our favorite Lowcountry foods and where to eat them!

Some of our favorite local restaurants include:

 

  • Husk
  • 167Raw
  • Sorelle
  • Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
  • Poogan’s Porch

 

You can also enjoy a variety of Lowcountry foods at the Historic Charleston Market. 

 

Charleston Visitors Guide: Final Thoughts

We hope this Charleston visitors guide offers enough information to help start planning your trip.

No matter what you want to do or how you want to get around, there are activities that fit any budget.

If you need more help planning your trip, you may want to consider booking a private tour. We can take you anywhere in Charleston — and beyond! 

Walks of Charleston offers public walking tours and guided private tours with private transportation. 

South Carolina has a rich history and is one of the country’s most beautiful states. We can’t wait to see you in the Lowcountry!

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