Plan Your Trip to Charleston: Best of Charleston Tourism
Charleston, South Carolina
Essential Charleston
Things to do
Food & drink
Trip ideas from our community
My favorite must-eats in Charleston
Jackrabbit Filly18I always recommend to go beyond the usual tourist map. One of my favorite spots is Jackrabbit Filly, a heritage driven Chinese-American restaurant in Park Circle. Get the O.G. chirashi rice bowl for lunch, or go for dinner with friends and order the entire menu—seriously. Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and dumplings are always a good way to start off.
FIG2,402This neighborhood bistro is run by Jason Stanhope, a James Beard Award-winning chef who uses locally sourced ingredients to create his menu. Don't miss the classic chicken liver pate, followed by the ricotta gnocchi alla Bolognese. And for your main, make sure to order at least one fish dish (I love the steamed snapper).
Rodney Scott's BBQ653The South is known for whole hog bbq, and this is a top stop for good reason. Pitmaster Rodney Scott’s team smokes entire pigs right behind the restaurant, serving pulled pork, ribs, and more to fans. My go-to order? The 2 Meat Combo with mac & cheese + collard greens. If you're coming with a group, go for the Pitmaster Combo (whole hog, pork shoulder, chicken, turkey, brisket and ribs, alongside four classic sides).
Chubby Fish88Chubby Fish has been a local favorite since it opened in 2018. Chef James London's focus is all about locally caught seafood. I always recommend the whole fish (usually a b-liner snapper), yellowfin tuna crudo, and oysters. Come early to put your name down for a table since they don’t take reservations.
Hannibal's Kitchen165Soul food is core to Charleston—and the south in general. The 40-year-old Hannibal’s may look small and unassuming, but this family-run kitchen turns out incredible dishes like pork chops and crab rice.
Sorelle74Sorelle opened a few months ago and was an instant hit. The multi-concept experience includes the first floor Mercado, where you can stop for a morning coffee and pastry; a main bar with a wine room tucked behind it; and a dining room, with Southern-Italian dishes like ricotta tortellini (lovingly referred to as “Pillows of Gold”).
Daps Breakfast And Imbibe37Daps is a laid-back breakfast spot in downtown. Some of your childhood (or current) cereal favorites make an appearance, but not in the way you might think. The berry French toast is griddled in Fruity Pebble batter. Cinnamon Toast Crunch is baked inside a Hawaiian roll. If you're looking for something a bit heartier, order the breakfast club sandwich with coffee-rubbed turkey and bacon whipped cheese.
Browse collections
Full of charmPhoto ops, eats, and more of Charleston's best spots
Fall in CharlestonSee what makes the city so magical this time of year
Get immersed in Gullah cultureEssential tours, restaurants, and shopping
Drinks with a viewRooftop bars with cocktails to write home about
Charleston on a dimeEats and activities that won't break the bank
For the kids—and kids at heartFam-friendly adventures, outings, and more
Best-kept secrets and hidden gemsIf you know, you know
Feeling fancy-ishLuxury experiences that are totally worth it
The best of King Street shoppingFrom local finds to big brands
History buffs, uniteGuided tours and iconic attractions you can’t miss
When in CharlestonUnique experiences that set the city apart
Head to the waterBeach days, boat tours, and waterfront strolls
More great cities to soak up Southern charm
Charleston Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Charleston
kiawahvilla
The Charleston CVB website is a great source of information.
KatieC
Charleston is the personification of Southern gentility, and the dress here reflects this. Leave your sweats and grungy tanks at home, and instead don dresses and skirts (ladies) and khakis with polo or button-down shirts (gents).
Laura M
The Annual Festival of Homes and Gardens runs mid-March to mid-April each year and is NOT to be missed.
KatieC
To get more bang for your buck, consider eating your big (expensive) meal at midday. Many swanky restaurants offer reduced-price midday menus.
KatieC
Charleston is a city that appeals to many different types of travelers. From exploring historical sites or strolling along the waterfront, to savoring gourmet southern cuisine or enjoying a cruise on the water, there's so much to enjoy.
angelaa
Charleston, South Carolina, is a gorgeous destination for a long vacation or even a quick weekend getaway. With its beautiful coastal location, the great outdoors just beg to be explored, boasting activities for the daring solo traveler and the adventurous family alike.
KatieC
Charleston is one of the most romantic cities in the South. You can stroll hand in hand through a park while cool breezes blow in from the water, cuddle on a carriage ride, and enjoy each other's company over dinners at some of the city's many wonderful restaurants.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Charleston International Airport is around 12 miles northwest of downtown.
car
Drivers usually approach Charleston via the U.S. Highway 17.
train
Amtrak’s Palmetto and Silver Meteor lines between New York and Miami stop at The North Charleston Intermodal Transportation Center, 10 miles north of downtown.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Charleston from overseas, use the State Department’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
The most popular times to visit are spring or fall. Average highs are 61°F (16 °C) in September to 78°F (25 °C) from March through May and 82°F (27 °C) and 60°F (15 °C) from September through November. However, you should also consider a visit in the winter; it's less crowded and the temperatures (between 40 and 60 °F (4 and 15 °C)) are still very comfortable.
Get around
by foot
Charleston’s historic downtown area is very walkable.
car
If you are planning to venture farther than downtown, a car is a good idea. Parking, however, can be expensive.
bus
CARTA is the city’s bus network but it is little-used by residents and not especially useful for visitors. It also runs the DASH Trolley network of free streetcars that make three loops around downtown from the visitor center.
For more information, see here.
taxis
Taxis are generally inexpensive in Charleston but are often difficult to find outside of the downtown area. Call ahead of time.
bicycles
Holy Spokes is Charleston’s bike-share scheme, with 27 locations downtown.
For more information, see here.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern Standard Time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in the United States is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.
What is the currency?
The U.S. Dollar.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not obligatory in Charleston, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.
How much do I tip?
Bartender
$1 a drink or $2 for a more labor-intensive cocktail
Restaurant
15-20%
Bellhop
$1 to 3 per bag
Housekeeper
$2-$3 per night
Taxis/rideshare
15-20%
Shuttle driver
$1-$2 per person
Tour guide
10-20%
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old.
Smile
Southern charm is alive and well in Charleston. When people smile, smile back.
Mind your manners
Charleston still maintains classic southern manners, so be sure to mind yours. "Please" and "thank you," "ma'am" and "sir" all go a long way.
Public Transport
Let passengers off before boarding. Offer your seat to elderly and pregnant people and to those with disabilities.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions or want to take in a view.
Spitting
Spitting is considered rude in any public setting.
FAQ
Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the United States generally here.