The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Charleston

Located on South Carolina’s coast, Charleston is often lauded as being one of the top destinations in the country. Whether you’re looking to visit the historic city for a vacation, to experience its thriving culture or both, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll answer the question – “what’s the best way to explore Charleston?” – and provide helpful tips to ensure your visit is as amazing as possible.

Getting to know the city

The first step to exploring Charleston is getting to know the city. Founded in 1670, making it one of America’s oldest cities, Charleston has plenty of historic charm and old-fashioned Southern appeal. The city is known for its stately homes and its unique culture, which blends African, European, Caribbean and American influences that result in vibrant community of colorful neighborhoods, creative cuisine and its ever-growing list of innovative businesses.

Exploring Charleston

When it comes to exploring Charleston, you’ll have plenty of options. Start by strolling around downtown, where you can begin in one of the four main squares in the city – Waterfront, East Bay, King and St. Philip. As you tour the area, be sure to take in the sites like Rainbow Row (a series of 13 colorful row houses that date back to the 1700s), take a horse-drawn carriage ride around White Point Gardens and learn about the history at the Old Slave Mart Museum.

Then, be sure to check out Charleston Farmer’s Market at Marion Square on Saturday mornings. It attracts dozens of local farmers, vendors and artisans who sell everything from produce, seafood, honey and locally-made crafts. Plus, it offers food stalls and live entertainment that are a great way to get a taste of Charleston culture.

Attractions outside of downtown

Outside of downtown Charleston you’ll want to check out other popular attractions like Folly Beach, Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. All three offer gorgeous beaches — Folly Beach has a lively boardwalk with pizza joints and two popular beach bars— adding try windsurfing and kayaking to your visit. In Mount Pleasant, you can walk around Shem Creek and get a look at its harbor followed by dinner at Vivastreet or visit the Pitt Street pharmacy for freshly scooped ice cream. And Sullivan’s Island is just up the road — this is among the nation’s best beaches with wide stretches of sand in a picturesque setting. Additionally, check out nearby places like Awendaw Green and Irvin House Vineyards for musical events amid the rolling hills and fragrant vineyards.

Ways to explore beyond sightseeing

If you are looking for ways to explore beyond just sightseeing, then you might consider a Shem Creek Bar Tour. This is a unique tour that takes you upriver to Shem Creek, taking in regional wildlife and famous landmarks while enjoying a refreshing cocktail on board. Along this tour you will have the opportunity to learn more about the area from a knowledgeable guide and taste some delectable cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients. This is a great way to truly experience Charleston as you observe all its beauty from the water. To book this activity online ahead of your trip, click here for Charleston Shem Creek Bar Tour and receive a big discount on your booking.

Tips and tricks

To make your trip even smoother here are few tips that are useful when visiting Charleston:

1. Research ahead – Before you go on a trip researching the location can help save time since you will already have ideas of what you want to see and do.
2. Bring layers – The coastal climate in Charleston means there’s likely to be a significant drop in temperature in the evening so it’s best to dress in layers so you can take them off or add them accordingly.
3. Have cash on hand – Cash is accepted at many of Charleston’s local businesses and sights so make sure you have plenty on hand.
4. Get local advice – There’s no better recommendation than from local people who know the city well so be sure to ask for advice from your hotel or restaurant staff.
5. Experience the nightlife – Charleston is home to some of the best nightlife in the country with plenty of bars, pubs and establishments offering live entertainment.

Overall, visiting Charleston is a truly unique experience since it’s steeped in an unparalleled level of history. From its cobblestone streets and antebellum mansions to its unique culture and lively nightlife scene,Charleston is one of America’s must-see destinations that appeals all generations of travelers. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for more exploration and adventure, there is something completely special about this southern city that continues to draw people from around the world.