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Charleston is a historic city in South Carolina. It is renowned for its magnificent architecture and rich history. This charming city has beautiful plantations and gardens, lively arts and culture, appealing and tranquil churches, delicious lowcountry cuisine, scenic waterfront parks and harbors, and of course, the pretty beaches. It is also one of the oldest cities in the US, founded in 1670 and was historically significant in both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. It’s a wonderful city that has something for everyone and makes you feel welcome and inspired. This is the right place where you can enjoy history, culture, nature, cuisine and more.
These photos are from our visit to Charleston on 15th March, 2023.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Best time to Visit: March through May, September through November
- March to May: Peak season, Pleasant weather with low humidity, blooming flowers, high hotel rates, more crowds
- June to August: Hot and humid, hurricane season, most crowded
- September to October: Peak season, comfortable temperature, plenty of events and festivals, more crowds, pricy hotels
- December to February: Off season, Cold temperature, less expensive hotels, less crowds
- Fly Into:
- Nearest Airport: Charleston (CHS) Airport which is 12 miles away from Charleston downtown
- Other Major Airports: Myrtle Beach International Airport which is about 100 miles away. Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina are about 200 miles away can also be considered for better deals
- Regional Airports: Florence Regional Airport, South Carolina about 130 miles away, Wilmington International Airport, North Carolina about 170 miles away, Fayetteville Regional Airport, North Carolina approximately 190 miles away
- Clothing
- Spring to Fall: Lightweight casual t-shirts, light pants and shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes/footwears, rain gear and a sweater, light jacket for the cool evenings.
- Winter: Dress in layers. Jeans, Long sleeved shirts, sweaters, coats, scarfs and hats, and comfortable shoes/boots.
- Accommodation: Though there are many great hotels in Charleston, it is highly recommended to book in advance. Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and North Charleston are the best places to stay. Book the appropriate hotels of your interests that fit your needs and budget best. Make a note that downtown hotels are expensive.
- Make reservations in advance for restaurants if you are planning to visit during spring or summer
- How many days: 2 to 3 days are enough to cover the majority of the highlights.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as there will be a lot of walking in Charleston.
- Charleston can be hot, humid, and very sunny during the summer, so stay hydrated and do not forget to apply sunscreen.
- Be prepared for rain. Always bring a raincoat.
- Flash floods are common, so keep an eye on roads and road closures. Avoid going through flooded areas.
- Best things to do
- White Point Garden: Start early and watch the sunrise at White Point Garden and walk through several Civil war cannons, monuments, and statues in the beautiful park on the Battery. Admission is free and free street parking is available along the park. The park is located right by the Battery and the address is 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, South Carolina.
- The Battery: Take a relaxed stroll by the seawall while enjoying the cool breeze and beautiful sunrise/sunset at the Battery. The Battery serves as the defensive landmark and it is the southernmost tip of Charleston peninsula and offers scenic views of Charleston harbor. It is a fortified seawall that stretches through the Charleston peninsula lowers shores where Cooper River and Ashley River meet. Take a walk through the beautiful antebellum homes and enjoy reading the brief historical description on the plaques on the homes. The Battery is one of downtown Charleston’s most visited sports and a great place to enjoy some fresh air and history. Admission is free and free street parking is available along the battery wall or near Waterfront Park. Most street parking requires a parking pass as it is designated for residential parking. Note that there are no public bathrooms here and restrooms in Charleston City Hall are the closest ones. The address is 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, South Carolina.
- Rainbow Row: Visit the lovely cluster of historic colorful homes at Rainbow Row. This is unique and is renowned as Rainbow Row because the 13 houses are painted in the colors of the rainbow. They are one of Charleston’s most iconic and photographed points of interest. Of course it is hard to capture great photos with no cars parked by the roadside. Try to visit Rainbow Row during Sunrise or around sunset to avoid crowds and get better lighting for photos. The best address for Rainbow is 83-107 East Bay Street between Elliot and Tradd Streets, this is where you can see all thirteen houses.
- Pineapple fountain and Waterfront Park: Enjoy leisure walk on a wooden pier and covered swings at Waterfront Park located along the Cooper river. This park is a beautiful park that offers wonderful views of the Charleston harbor and the copper river bridge. Don’t forget to stop and capture a picturesque Pineapple fountain. The park is free and open daily. Just note that metered street parking is available and is free on Sunday and from 6pm to 9am on other days. The address is 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
- St. Philip Church: Visit the beautiful and historic St Philip’s Church. Its appealing tower and spire can be seen from many parts of the city. St. Philip’s steeple is one of the most recognizable and is the oldest European-American religious congregation in South Carolina. Tour the church and the cemetery grounds for free. The address is 142 Church St, Charleston, South Carolina.
- Charleston City Market: Shopping or just window shopping, it is always interesting to walk through the markets decorated with handmade crafts, jewelries, arts, sweetgrass baskets, souvenirs, food, and other goodies. The address is 188 Meeting St, Charleston. Note that there are public restrooms located in the middle section of the market by the Food Hall.
- Circular Church: Stop by at Circular Church, a historic building with a rich history. This Circular Congregational Church is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The address is 150 Meeting Street, Charleston.
- Marion Square: Appreciate a large green space where you can enjoy the historic statues and monuments, museums, fountains, farmers market and shops, and restaurants. The address is 329 Meeting St, Charleston, South Carolina
- Charleston City Hall : Stop and capture the impressive building Charleston City Hall. You can visit 80 Broad Street and see its elegant architecture and art collection.
- King Street: Take a walk through King Street, one of the 10 most famous streets in the US. It is the second most famous street historically, visually spectacular, and architecturally significant in Charleston’s downton. King street runs from Charleston Harbor to uptown and is more than 300 years old. You always find something different and interesting- either the Antiques District on Lower King Street, or the Fashion District on Middle King, or Design District on Upper King. It is a shopping and dining hub and a perfect place to experience the culture and charm of Charleston. King Street, Charleston, South Carolina
- Cathedral of St John Baptist: Relish the beauty of Roman Catholic church with stained glass windows and a neo Gothic style. It was designed by Brooklyn architect Patrick Keely in the Gothic Revival style, it opened in 1907, but it was not completed until 2010 when a steeple and bells were added. It is located at 120 Broad St, Charleston.
- Nearby Attractions
- Mount Pleasant. More Info here.
- Fort Sumter: Fort Sumter is a sea fort built on artificial island Charleston harbor. It is close to both charming cities Charleston and Mount Pleasant. It’s a historic site that played a significant role in the American Civil War. You can reach Fort Sumter by ferry from either location Fort Sumter Visitor Education center in downtown Charleston and Patriot Points Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant The ferry ride is 30 mins long each way and the schedule varies throughout the year.
- Boone Hall Plantation. More Info here.
- Pitt Street Bridge. More info here.
- Fort Moultrie National Historical Site. More Info here.
- Angel Oak Tree. More Info here.
