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Charleston City Guide
Charleston, South Carolina is a popular coastal vacation destination. It is located where the Cooper and Ashley Rivers meet and flow into the Atlantic Ocean. More than four million people are drawn each year to this beautiful historical area’s charisma and year-round mild weather. Charleston, also known as “The Holy City,” is located on the southern coast of South Carolina and boasts a wide variety of things to do during your visit.
There are many activities and attractions in Charleston to keep you occupied during your vacation on the coast. Historical tours, shopping, carriage rides, bicycling, and swimming are just a few of the local interests offered. Year-round events including a fishing tournament, summer concert series, and culinary tasting festivals are offered in and around the Charleston area. The historic Downtown District is considered to be a living museum.
A variety of dining options can be found in Charleston including southern-style, five-star, and anything else your heart desires. No matter what your taste buds crave, there’s something for everyone here. Shopping here is as diverse as the dining with antique shops, craft stores, specialty stores, and larger department stores such as Sears and Dillard’s.
Whether you enjoy a more energetic vacation or a relaxing getaway, Charleston has just what you desire! This charming southern city will leave you breathless with it’s beauty, history, and culture. When you visit Charleston, you’ll find out why it was named the 6th “Top City in the United States and Canada” by Travel and Leisure Magazine! Let us help you plan your next visit to Charleston.
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Charleston Museum
360 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-722-2996
Explore the coastal region of South Carolina through cultural and regional exhibits ranging from Civil War artifact, ancient fossils, an enormous whale skeleton, Charleston silver and elegant costumes.
Aiken-Rhett House
48 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-1159
The sprawling Aiken-Rhett House has remained virtually unaltered since 1858. It is the most intact urban villa illustrating life in pre-Civil War Charleston. Many items and furnishings are still found in the rooms for which they were purchased.
Nathaniel Russell House
51 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-724-8481
Built in the 1808, the Nathaniel Russell House is the grand Federal style townhouse of Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. The elaborate interior boasts a free-flying staircase and period antiques. Set among gardens, this home is a fine example of how the Charleston’s elite lived in the 19th century.
The Citadel Museum
Citadel Campus
Charleston, SC
843-225-3294
For military history, visit The Citadel Museum on The Citadel Campus. It illustrates the history of The Military College of South Carolina and Corps of Cadets from 1842 to the present. Exhibits feature photographs, uniforms, archival documents and more.
Fort Sumter National Monument
1214 Middle Street
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843-883-3123
A chain of economic, political and social events sparked the Civil War. Today Fort Sumter stands as a reminder and powerful symbol of our National’s history and strength.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
112 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-727-2165
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon was built in 1771 and was a public building open to all citizens and also housed prisoners. Today it serves as a museum, focusing on historical items from South Carolina and the area’s role in history.
American Military Museum
360 Concord Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-9620
The American Military Museum features uniforms and artifacts from all branches of service, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Also on display are antique toy soldiers, war toys, miniatures, weaponry and more.
The Powder Magazine
79 Cumberland Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-722-3767
The Old Powder Magazine was built in1712 with a masonry roof and 36-inch brick walls. It was used during the Revolutionary War to store gunpowder. Today it is a museum featuring costumes, armor and other artifacts from 18th-century Charleston.
Joseph Manigault House
350 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-722-2996
A National Historic Landmark and designed in 1803, the mansion features carved-wood mantels and elaborate plaster work. Many Charleston antiques are on display in the home, as well as British and French furnishings.
The Confederate Museum
188 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29402
843-723-1541
Built in 1841, the Market Hall’s design was influenced by the Temple of Nike in Athens. Today it houses the Confederate Museum, which features flags, uniforms, swords and other Civil War memorabilia.
Drayton Hall
3380 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29414
843-769-2600
Take a tour through history as you browse through the oldest plantation house in America open to the public. This amazing structure is still nearly in original condition despite seven generations, two great wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes.
Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Road
Charleston, SC 29461
843-553-0515
170-acres of beautiful gardens and walking trails. The cypress swamp is toured in a flat-bottom boat and native species can be found in the aquarium and butterfly house and the reptile house contains exotic snakes, turtles, and more.
Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club
20 Dunvegan Drive
Charleston, SC 29414
843-556-8251
This course is carved from an original Charleston plantation with features like Bermuda fairways and a mosaic of ponds. Playable for all golfers. Call for tee times.
The Links at Stono Ferry
4812 Stono Links Drive
Charleston, SC 29449
843-763-1817
Unique Revolutionary War historic elements make this course unforgettable. Call for tee times.
Citadel Mall
2070 Sam Rittenburg Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-766-8321
More than 90 stores including Dillard’s, Sears, Target, Ann Taylor Loft, Charlotte Russe and many more as well as several eateries and a 6-screen cinema.
Northwoods Mall
2150 Northwoods Blvd., #60
North Charleston, SC 29406
843-797-3062
More than 130 stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and a food court. Stores include JCPenney, Belk, Gymboree, Yankee Candle, Victoria’s Secret, and many more.
Charleston Tea Plantation
6617 Maybank Highway
Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
843-559-0383
This is a true treasure to see! This commercial tea farm offers visitors a unique way to learn how tea is made, offers samples to taste, and long strolls through the Live Oaks.
Middleton Place House Museum
4300 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29414
843-556-6020
Bask in the beauty of the grounds of this 18th century plantation offering more than 60 acres of landscaped gardens, house museum, and craftspeople in the Stableyards.
Irvin House Vineyards
6775 Bears Bluff Road
Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
843-559-6768
Stroll through the property, partake of the wines and tour the vineyards.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
3550 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29414
843-571-1266
17th century estate offering gardens, a plantation house, antebellum cabin, nature train, nature boat, wildlife observation tower, gift shop, and more!
The Audubon Swamp Garden
3550 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29414
843-571-1266
Browse through the serenity of 60-acre blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp with wildflowers, bog plants, shrubs, boardwalks, bridges, alligators, waterfowl and other wildlife!
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-2727
Explore the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the Destroyer Laffey, Coast Guard cutter Ingham, submarine Clamagore, the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, and the Cold War Submarine memorial.
Postal Museum
Corner of Meeting and Broad Streets
Charleston, SC 29401
843-868-8118
Learn about the area’s postal history and view the oldest continuously operated post office in the Carolinas.
Splash Zone Waterpark
871 Riverland Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-PARK
A wet and wild adventure is just around the corner with a 200-foot tube slide, a 200-foot open slide, a children’s area and the 500-foot lazy river.
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark
8888 University Blvd.
North Charleston, NC 29406
843-572-PARK
Float you way in for a splashing good time with over 15-acres of wet fun including a toddler play area, kiddie pool, slides, interactive features and a wave pool.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
25 Ann Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-853-8962
The museum’s hands-on exhibits are specifically designed for children ages three months to twelve years, and their families. Kids will love the Children's Museum of the Low Country, where they can explore a shrimp boat, race golf balls, discover castle life and more.
Patriots Point
40 Patriot Points Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-2727
Patriots Point is the world’s largest naval & maritime museum. Tours are available of the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the World War II submarine Clamagore, the destroyer Laffey, the nuclear merchant ship Savannah, and the cutter Ingham.
Palmetto Islands County Park
444 Needlerush Parkway
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-0832
Looking for a full day without the hustle and bustle? Explore Palmetto Islands with big toy playground, nature island, open meadow area, fishing and crabbing docks, paved trails for walking, biking and skating along with nature trails.
Kiaweh Beachwalker Park
One (1) 14th Avenue
Kiawah Island, SC 29451
843-768-2395
Beachwalker Park is a cozy area with 300 feet of beach frontage and several facilities including a boardwalk, restrooms, snack bar, picnic area, and more.
Folly Beach County Park
1010 W. Ashley Avenue
Folly Beach, SC
843-588-2426
Folly Beach County Park boasts 4,000 feet of ocean frontage and 2,000 feet of ocean frontage. Beach facilities are plentiful, and the pelican watch shelter is available for group picnics.
South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-FISH
The South Carolina Aquarium features thousands of aquatic animals, including sharks, moray eels, loggerhead turtles and fun river otters. The Secrets of the Amazon exhibit features piranha, electric eels, poisonous dart frogs and an anaconda -- one of the world’s largest snakes.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
5200 Savannah Highway
Ravenel, SC 29470
843-889-8898
The Caw Caw Interpretive Center is a 643-acre park where visitors can learn about Charleston's natural, historical and cultural heritage. Learn about the technology that Africans brought to this country that led to successful rice cultivation. In addition, eight miles of nature trails and boardwalks wind through the park’s cypress swamp, oak forest and salt and fresh water marsh.
Edisto Island Serpentarium
1374 Highway 174
Edisto Island, SC 29438
843-869-1171
Reptiles of many kinds are represented here in indoor and outdoor facilities. Alligator and turtles find their home in large outdoor ponds while other reptiles bask in the large indoor solarium.
Charleston River Dogs Baseball
360 Fishburne Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-7241
Fun and affordable family entertainment in the downtown ballpark!
Blackbeard’s Cove Family Fun Park
3255 Highway 17 North
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
843-971-1723
An exciting pirate themed adventure is just around the corner with mini golf, go-carts, and climbing wall. Jumpland, arcade, Animaland a restaurant and ice cream.
Splash Island Waterpark
444 Needlebrush Parkway
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-0832
Get ready to get soaked with a thrilling 200-foot waterslide, a 16-foot otter slide, sprays, waterfalls, geysers and the swirling cyclone.
Affinity Charters
1741 Ladt Cooper Street
Charleston, SC 29412
843-762-0295
Explore the deep sea and see what you might catch. With an experienced Captain you can hop aboard and experience the wonders that lie beneath the waters surface.
January
Annual Charleston Comedy Festival
843-853-6687
Experience sidesplitting laughter with some of the hottest improv, sketch and stand up-artist tickle your funny bone.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
843-577-4030
Wow, 65,000 pounds of oyster all in one location. Oysters will be sold to the crowd by the bucket and will be served with cocktail sauce and crackers. The were be live entertainment, an oyster shucking contest, an oyster eating contest, beer and soft drinks.
February
The Chocolate Affair
843-720-2346
Mmmm…chocolate…this annual; gala features catering, spirits, live entertainment, a silent auction and delicious chocolate desserts
March
Charleston Food and Wine Festival
843-722-5547
Sample the best culinary treats Charleston has to offer, view demonstrations and sip the wine. The event also features a Kids’ Village where children can watch, cook and create.
Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens
843-723-1623
Enchantment abounds as you tour through interiors and exteriors of prestigious private residences and experiences their southern charm.
April
Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
843-884-8517
In honor of the shrimping industry this fun filled event features the blessing of the fleet, face painting, seafood treats provided by local seafood restaurants, shrimp-eating and shagging contest, live music, 40 exhibitors displaying various marine, maritime history and wildlife exhibits.
May
Charleston Maritime Festival
843-722-1030
Entice the family with floating thoughts of a classic wooden boat show, maritime art, a pirate camp, live music, family boat building and a large children’s village.
Annual Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival
843-225-5288
Sample a piece of tradition with local Mexican foods and relax with a Mexican beer or margarita.
June
Spoleto Festival USA
843-720-1137
Several historic venues in the city will host a multitude of performances by renowned artist ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music as well as the visual arts.
July
Annual Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival
843-814-0577
Largest beach music and shag festival ever and they help preserve the music in South Carolina.
September
ChazzFest
843-554-6060
Celebrate the roots of Charleston and the Carolina’s with an eclectic mix of music on 4 stages such as funk, jazz, alternative, rock, country, gospel and R&B.
October
Annual Taste of the Town
843-873-2931
Explore the historic town square in Summerville as you browse through quaint boutiques, sample delicious foods, listen to live music and entertain the children at the kid’s zone.
Annual Confederate Ghost Walk
843-406-1436
Tour guides, actors, and other participants are dressed in period clothing and the living history skits are performed under candlelight or oil lanterns only. Fun and educating event!
Annual Festival Hispano
843-853-8000
Journey through the world of the Hispanic people with thrilling performances, live Latin music, authentic foods, crafts and children’s activities.
November
Harvest Festival
843-795-4386
As the harvest ends the fun begins with a crafters market, country food, hayrides, children’s activities, live bluegrass and other down-home delights.
December
Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
800-724-7305
Join the community on Marion Square as they light their glorious 60-foot t
Population:
115,000 +
Time Zone:
Eastern
Climate:
Charleston’s summertime highs can top out in the 90s, but the evenings cool into the 60s and 70s. Winter highs stay above 50, usually close to the low 60s, with evening lows falling into the upper 30s and low 40s. The most rainfall occurs in early summer and early fall.
Airport:
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
5500 International Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29418
843-767-1100
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Charleston:
Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)
City Bus
843-724-7420
DASH Trolley Services
Downtown Charleston City Transportation
843-724-7420
Taxis:
Safety Cab Company
843-722-4066
Yellow Cab Company
843-577-6565
Charleston Water Taxi
842-343-1442
Visitor Information:
Charleston Visitor Center
375 Meeting Square
Charleston, SC 29403
843-853-8000
Kiaweh Island Visitor Center
22 Beachwalker Drive
Kiaweh Island, SC 29455
843-853-8000
Dining:
Toucan Reef
360 Concord Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-853-5752
The place to go for a quick upbeat lunch or a quiet romantic dinner atmosphere serving seafood, steak, salads, soups, and wraps.
Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-2337
This historic landmark offers southern hospitality and cuisine and is a popular place for celebrities, tourists, politicians and locals.
Sticky Fingers Ribhouse
235 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-863-7427
Finger-licking good barbecue, Memphis style, features hickory-smoked ribs, chicken, burgers dinner salads and a kids' menu.
A.W. Shucks Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar
70 State Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-1151
Charleston's original raw bar and restaurant with award-winning stuffed shrimp entree, the she-crab soup, seafood casserole and fresh-off-the-boat fish specials.
California Dreaming
#1 Ashley Pointe Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
843-766-1644
Waterfront dining on the Ashley River with affordably priced menu featuring American cuisine such as steaks, seafood, prime rib, signature salads, chicken and ribs.
Nightlife:
Joe Pasta
428 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-965-5252
Joe Pasta offers great food and entertainment all in one spot. The menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, lasagnas, seafood and tempting desserts. A full service bar will satisfy your thirst, and the upstairs Living Room features couches, TV's, a pool table, DJ music, live bands and dancing.
The Have Nots! Comedy Improv
Theatre 99
280 Meeting Square
Charleston, SC
843-853-6687
The funniest show you’ll ever attend and actually be a part of! Bar serves beer and wine.
Music Farm
32 Ann Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-853-3276
A high-energy club that tends to draw a 20 something crowd, but welcomes everyone host local, regional and national acts.
Pavilion Bar and Café
225 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-0500
Up on the rooftop complete with amazing view of the harbor and skyline and a swimming pool. Sip on champagne, wine or a fine cocktail and bask in the twilight.
