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Charleston

United States

Pace: balanced Historic Charming Southern Scenic
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Charleston
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Charleston

Book direct on our own Charleston hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
English
Local currency
USD (USD)
Local time
(GMT-4)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
4 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Historic District
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
15-20% customary

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Shrimp and Grits She-Crab Soup Fried Green Tomatoes Lowcountry Boil

When to visit Charleston

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: April, October Busiest: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
  1. Jan
    60

    Cool, mild

  2. Feb
    65

    Cool, pleasant

  3. Mar
    85

    Mild, blooming

  4. Apr
    90

    Warm, sunny

  5. May
    88

    Warm, humid starts

  6. Jun
    75

    Hot, humid, storms

  7. Jul
    70

    Hot, very humid

  8. Aug
    68

    Hot, humid, storms

  9. Sept
    80

    Warm, pleasant

  10. Oct
    90

    Mild, crisp

  11. Nov
    85

    Cool, clear

  12. Dec
    70

    Cool, festive

Things to do in Charleston

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Explore Rainbow Row

Historic District 0.5 hrs

Admire the iconic pastel-colored historic houses along East Bay Street.

Outdoors Good for children

Tour the Historic District

Historic District 2 hrs

Take a guided walking or carriage tour through cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture.

Outdoors Good for children

Discover Fort Sumter National Monument

Charleston Harbor 3 hrs

Take a ferry to the historic fort where the Civil War began.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Mount Pleasant 3 hrs

Step back in time at one of America's oldest working plantations.

Outdoors Good for children

Experience the South Carolina Aquarium

Waterfront 2.5 hrs

Explore marine life from the mountains to the sea, including a sea turtle hospital.

Indoors Good for children

Indulge in a Lowcountry Culinary Tour

Historic District 3 hrs

Savor the unique flavors of Charleston's renowned Southern cuisine.

Outdoors

Any time of day

2 places

Stroll through Charleston City Market

Historic District 1.5 hrs

Browse local artisan crafts, souvenirs, and sweetgrass baskets.

Indoors Good for children

Relax at Folly Beach

Folly Beach 4 hrs

Enjoy sun, sand, and surf at this laid-back barrier island beach.

Outdoors Good for children

Charleston itineraries

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With the family

3 Days in Charleston — Family with Kids

Discover Charleston's charm, history, and natural beauty with engaging activities for the whole family.

This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families with children, blending Charleston's rich history with engaging, kid-friendly activities. Explore historic streets, splash in fountains, discover marine life, and enjoy beach adventures. It's designed to create lasting memories for all ages, offering a perfect mix of education and fun.

3 Days 12 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Charleston

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Shrimp And Grits 95 · Outstanding
She-Crab Soup 87 · Outstanding
Fried Green Tomatoes 78 · Very good
Lowcountry Boil 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Explore Rainbow Row 95 · Outstanding
Tour The Historic District 91 · Outstanding
Visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens 88 · Outstanding
Discover Fort Sumter National Monument 84 · Very good
Stroll Through Charleston City Market 81 · Very good
Experience The South Carolina Aquarium 77 · Very good
Relax At Folly Beach 74 · Good
Indulge In A Lowcountry Culinary Tour 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Families 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Luxury 80 · Very good
History 75 · Very good
Food 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Book popular tours and restaurants in advance. 95 · Outstanding
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the historic district. 83 · Very good
Hydrate well, especially during summer months. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Charleston

Straight-line distance from the centre of Charleston.

Getaways from Charleston

Places people from Charleston travel to, from our own travel research.

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