Ah, Charleston! If you know anything about me, you know Charleston is my FAVORITE city in the world. My face lights up anytime I talk about Charleston and I try to incorporate Charleston into any conversation. I feel like I’m constantly sharing my ultimate Charleston travel guide with anyone who will listen.

When people ask me why I love Charleston so much, the one word I use to describe it is “charm”. Anyone who has never visited Charleston always asks “well what’s so special about it”, to which I say “you just have to experience for yourself”. Then they get there and they immediately say “WOW, I get it now.” It’s truly such a unique place. I first visited Charleston in 2017, and the city continues to get better and better every time I return.

From the amazingly good food, to the beautiful beaches, to the well-preserved historic homes, to the pretty great weather, Charleston is a must-visit destination. It's also been the #1 destination in the US for the past 10 years. It’s the perfect destination for families, couples, foodies, history buffs, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. It's also great for a quick weekend trip or as a stop along a road trip of the South.

SO, this is my ultimate Charleston travel guide, filled with where to stay, my top favorite restaurants and things to do.

Getting There

Main Airport: Charleston International (CHS)
Alternative Airports:

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV); ~2 hours, 20 minutes
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT); ~3 hours, 20 minutes
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL); ~5 hours

Getting Around

Rideshare: Available throughout Downtown/surrounding areas.
Walkability: Very walkable within Downtown.
Car Rental: We typically rent a car when we visit Charleston. That said, if you’re planning on staying Downtown for the most part, you don’t really need to rent a car. If you’d like to explore outside the city, I recommend at least renting a car for one day.

Where To Stay

Downtown Charleston

Downtown is the heart of the city and offers a variety of accommodations, from boutique hotels to Airbnbs. Staying downtown puts you near all of the city's attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Downtown is the most convenient, central (and fun). Here are my top 3 hotel recommendations in Charleston:

Hotel Bennett: Great location. Used to be a library so each room has stacked bookshelves as a nod to its history. Traditional Southern vibe and feel. Book through me and get:

Room upgrade, subject to availability
Daily breakfast credit for 2
$100 hotel credit
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Dewberry: Also a great location, right across from Marion Square. Gorgeous and chic design (more mid-century). Rooms are light and bright. There is a great rooftop bar (Citrus Club) and a fun cocktail bar in the lobby. Book through me and get:

Room upgrade, subject to availability
Daily breakfast credit for 2
$100 hotel credit
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Charleston Place: Great for families, especially around the holidays! Larger, spacious rooms. Rooms were recently updated and have a more traditional, classic feel. Book through me and get:

Room upgrade, subject to availability
Daily breakfast credit for 2
$100 hotel credit
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston and offers a variety of accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals. Staying in Mount Pleasant gives you easy access to both downtown Charleston and the nearby beaches, and would be a more cost-effective option than Downtown.

Isle of Palms

This beachfront community is located about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston and offers a variety of beachfront accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals.

Folly Beach

This laid-back beach town is located about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston and offers hotels or vacation rentals.

Where To Eat

Brunch/Lunch

$$ | The Obstinate Daughter: Located on Sullivan's Island and great for brunch or dinner. They have amazing cocktails too. Head here if you plan on spending time at the beach on Sullivan's Island. You can make reservations up to 2 weeks out, but they fill up fast! My order: Smash and Fried Potatoes, The Rutledge pizza, and The Old Danger pizza.
$$ | Little Jack's Tavern: Great spot for brunch or lunch serving bistro-style food. Same owners as Leon’s!
$$ | Poogan's Porch: Historic restaurant is located in downtown Charleston and is known for its classic southern brunch, including shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, and fried chicken and waffles.
$$ | Fleet’s Landing: Southern-style food right on the waterfront.
$$ | Leon’s Fine Poultry and Oysters: One of the most famous spots in Charleston. Known for fresh oysters, fried chicken, and great cocktails.
$$ | Rodney Scott’s BBQ: As seen on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown”. Be sure to get their famous whole hog!
$$$ | S.N.O.B: Classic Southern Brunch. Its menu changes regularly, but the French toast is delicious.

Dinner

$$ | Tavern and Table: Located in Shem Creek. Great spot on the water and offers lots of sharable options as well. My order: Crab and Artichoke Dip, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and the burger.
$$ | Indaco: Popular Italian restaurant located on King Street. Their menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. My order: The Bianca Pizza.
$$ | 167 Sushi Bar: Same owners as 167 Raw, but they DO take reservations (unlike 167 Raw). Great sushi and fish.
$$$ | Chubby Fish: One of my favorite spots in Charleston. Unique and fresh fish dishes. They don’t take reservations, so get there right when they open at 5p. Or get there a little later, put your name down, and grab drinks in the area (just be prepared to wait a few hours). My order: Everything on the menu!
$$$ | Husk: In a classic Charleston building. It feels like you’re having dinner on a Southern porch. Grab a drink at the Bar At Husk right next door if your table isn’t ready. Or if you can’t make a reservation here, you can go to the Bar At Husk for a similar menu.
$$$ | Church and Union: Located in the heart of downtown Charleston. It’s a converted church with exposed brick walls and high ceilings and offers a great atmosphere for dinner before a night out. Their cocktails are delicious too. My order: pimento cheese croquettes and the seared scallops.
$$$ | Bourbon 'n Bubbles: Bar and lounge specializing in bourbon and champagne (hence the name). The menu also features small plates and appetizers, including oysters, charcuterie, and artisanal cheeses - perfect for sharing. This is the perfect dinner spot before a night out on King Street.
$$$ | Chez Nous: Historic home turned into a restaurant, tucked in a neighborhood. 6 rotating dishes each night. Hand-written menus. Classic and cozy spot.
$$$ | Maison: Cute French spot and home to the best burger I’ve ever had (only served on Wednesdays!).
$$$ | 167 Raw: Some of the best oysters you’ll ever have. They don’t take reservations, so try and get there when they open or go on a weeknight.
$$$ | Le Farfalle: Amazing Italian restaurant and the perfect date night spot. They serve great cocktails and have an extensive wine list too. Their whipped ricotta is delicious.
$$$$ | Hall’s ChopHouse: One of my all-time favorite restaurants! The restaurant is family-owned, so there’s a warm, welcoming feeling the second you walk in. The staff constantly comes by each table to ensure you’re having a perfect time. It’s exactly what I envision when I think of southern hospitality. Oh, and the food is to die for too. They have Gospel Brunch on Sundays - a super fun experience. My favorites: You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I LOVE their crab cakes, creamed corn, and, of course, their steaks.
$$$ | Southbound: Really cute atmosphere with a menu that changes daily. You can even be seated on their porch swings and enjoy your dinner overlooking the cute neighborhood. We’ve been here a few times and the food never disappoints.
$$$$ | Sorelle: Southern twist in Italian food, right in the heart of downtown. One of the best restaurants in Charleston. Definitely try and make a reservation well in advance!

Coffee/Quick Bites

$ | Callie's Hot Little Biscuit: Order ahead to avoid a line. My order: Cheesy Chive biscuit with Savory Thyme Butter or plain biscuit with Carolina Honey and Homemade Jam.
$ | Holey City Bagels: Located in Charleston’s Upper King Street district, Holey City Bagels is known for its freshly baked, New York-style bagels and coffee bar. Order ahead is sometimes not available, so be sure to plan accordingly. My order: Blueberry bagel with plain cream cheese.
$$ | Babas on Cannon: My favorite coffee place! Located in the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood, it’s the perfect spot for a coffee or quick breakfast. My order: the “Very Cold Coffee” - it’s not on the menu anymore, but they’ll still make it.
$$ | Harken Cafe: Quaint coffee/breakfast spot, right in the heart of Downtown. It’s classic Charleston. My order: The biscuit breakfast sandwich.
$$ | Caviar and Bananas: Another classic coffee spot in Downtown.
$$ | Island Provisions: Cute spot for breakfast or lunch in the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood. My order: The Boss breakfast sandwich.

Where To Drink

Club/Cocktail Bars

Republic: More of a "club" vibe and offers bottle service, dancing, and an outdoor patio area. FYI there is a dress code!
Cocktail Club: Speakeasy-type bar with delicious craft cocktails. Located on Upper King Street and central to other bars/restaurants.
Church and Union: If you don’t end up eating at Church and Union, definitely still stop by and enjoy a cocktail. Their drinks are delicious!
The Bar @ Husk: Right next door to Husk. Delicious Southern-inspired cocktails.

Rooftop Bars

Vendue Rooftop: Located at the Vendue Hotel. Great views of the waterfront.
Citrus Club: Located @ The Dewberry Hotel. Super pretty views of the city + great cocktails.
Pavilion Bar: Located @ Market Pavilion Hotel. A little more of a mellow vibe.
Little Palm: Located @ The Ryder Hotel. Cute, instagram-y spot.

Day Drinking/Breweries/Wineries

Red's Ice House (Shem Creek): A perfect spot for day drinking if you're planning a day out in Shem Creek (which is recommended, especially during the Summer).
Saltwater Cowboys (Shem Creek): Another great spot for day drinking in Shem Creek.
Palmetto Brewery: A popular brewery in Downtown Charleston.
Revelry Brewing Co: Has rooftop seating with great views.
The Griffon: Dive-ish bar decorated in dollar bills.
Uptown Social: Great for younger crowds. Usually has live music on the first floor and a DJ on the second floor. There’s also a rooftop area.
Blind Tiger Pub: “Old School” pub in an alehouse dating back to 1803. Delicious cocktails, a cute outdoor seating area, and live music - what more could you ask for?
Henry’s: Great for happy hour; has live music.
Low Tide Brewing (Johns Island): Tons of great outdoor space as well as amazing food trucks.

What To Do

Downtown

The Battery: Historic area filled with gorgeous, historic homes. Along the waterfront.
Rainbow Row: Super Instagram-y spot with cute, colorful houses.
Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain: Walk along the waterfront and see the pineapple fountain. There are gorgeous trees and areas to relax on the grass looking at the waterfront.
**I would recommend seeing Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain, then walking by Rainbow Row, and then walking along the water after and seeing all the houses in the Battery. You can walk this entire area easily.
Charleston City Market: Old school "farmer's market" type spot in the downtown area. Lots of food stands and cute handcrafted gifts.
Charleston Farmers Market: Every Saturday in the middle of Marion Square.
Carriage Ride: A great way to see the downtown area/learn about the history. I’ve used this company.
Patricia’s House: For any Southern Charm fans, a walk by Miss Patricia’s house is always fun.
Old Exchange and Provost: Historic landmark, built in 1771 as a commercial exchange and custom house. You can take a quick tour to learn more about its history.
Rooftop Bars: Grab a drink during golden hour at one of Charleston’s rooftop bars (Citrus Club, Eleve, Little Palm or Vendue)
King Street: King Street is lined with shops and restaurants. It’s great for a day of shopping (Sewing Down South is located on King Street if you’re a “Southern Charm” fan").
Ghost Tour: Charleston is a very historic city, making a ghost tour a fun way to learn more about the “haunted” parts of the city.
Fort Sumter: Cool to tour/explore if you want some history.

Beaches

Sullivan's Island: If you're looking for a more "relaxing" vibe at the beach, be sure to check out Sullivan's Island. There are also a few bars and restaurants you can head to before or after your time on the beach.
Folly Beach: If you're planning to spend time at Folly Beach, you can definitely make a day of it. A block from the beach is a variety of great restaurants and bars.
Isle of Palms: One of the most popular beaches and arguably more lively than Sullivan's Island.

Outside Of Downtown

Sullivan’s Island: Super cute little island outside the downtown area. Go there to walk around and then walk along the beach.
Angel Oak Tree: The oldest/largest oak tree (400-500 years old).
Cypress Gardens: Check out one of The Notebook filming sights in Cypress Gardens
Boone Hall Plantation: One of the most famous plantations in South Carolina and home to a few filming locations in “The Notebook”.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Another famous plantation in Charleston, filled with beautiful gardens.
Mt Pleasant/Shem Creek: Cute little area over the Ravenel bridge. It's more of the "suburban" area, but Shem's Creek is the area right on the water and has some good restaurants/bars (Tavern & Table, Red's, Saltwater Cowboy). Shem's Creek is small, so more of a spot where you would go just for lunch and drinks.
Pitt Street Bridge: Great place to watch the sunrise or just walk around.
James Island: Cute little suburban town outside of Downtown. Near Folly Beach.

My Ideal 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown

Walk around the Battery (gorgeous homes)
Rainbow Row
Pineapple Fountain
City Market
Walk along the Waterfront
Restaurant Suggestions:

Breakfast: Harken Cafe
Lunch: Basic Kitchen
Dinner: Indaco, Halls Chophouse, Church & Union, Sorelle, Le Farfalle, Raw or 167 Sushi Bar
Drinks: Blind Tiger Pub, Uptown Social

Day 2: Rent A Car/Explore Outside The City

Sullivan’s Island (brunch/lunch at Obstinate Daughter)
Isle of Palms
See Angel Oak Tree, the oldest/largest oak tree
Check out one of The Notebook filming sights in Cypress Gardens
Tour Boone Hall Plantation and/or Magnolia Plantation
Shem Creek for sunset (dinner at Tavern and Table)
Restaurant Suggestions:

Brunch: Obstinate Daughter
Dinner: Tavern & Table
Drinks: Reds or Saltwater Cowboys

Day 3: Enjoy The City!

Watch the sunrise at Pitt Street Bridge
Carriage ride
Shop on King Street
Walk around Colonial Lake
Go to Folly Beach (this is on the opposite side of the day 2 activities; it's a cute beach town if the weather is nice)
Rooftop (Citrus Club or Little Palm)
Restaurant Suggestions:

Breakfast: Babas on Cannon or Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
Lunch: Leon's
Dinner: Chubby Fish, Indaco, Halls Chophouse, Church & Union, Sorelle, Le Farfalle, 167 Raw or 167 Sushi Bar
Drinks: Citrus Club, Little Palm, The Bar @ Husk, Church & Union

Other Things To Keep In Mind

Best Time Of Year To Go: Spring & Fall

Spring & Fall: Charleston is lovely year-round, but the best times to visit are in the Spring (March - May) and Fall (September - November) when the weather is mild and pleasant
Winter: (December - February) is the least crowded but can sometimes be chilly
Summer: (June - August) can be hot and humid, but it's great for beachgoers

Currency: USD

Language: English

What To Pack:

Lightweight clothing for warm weather
Comfortable walking shoes (lots of cobblestone streets!)
Sunscreen and hat for sun protection
Umbrella or rain jacket for occasional showers, especially in Summer
Layers for cooler evenings, especially in spring and fall
Swimsuit for beach visits

Travel Requirements:

A valid ID or passport for domestic and international visitors
Depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa for entry into the US

Other Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Charleston's cobblestone streets
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially for popular spots
Be respectful of Charleston's history and culture, especially when visiting historic sites

Have so much fun! ♥

**This post is not affiliated with any of the mentioned establishments.

The Ultimate Charleston Travel Guide