Charleston, South Carolina, is a popular tourist destination best known for its rich history, antebellum architecture and southern hospitality and cooking. Visitors will find plenty to do, whether they only have one day or a week or more in this inviting city. The city hosts festivals and events throughout the year celebrating holidays, music, the arts, classic cars, antiques, sports, architecture and more, so there's no bad time for a visit to Charleston.
Charleston, in the southeastern portion of South Carolina, is a city of many firsts in American history--theater, golf club, museum, free public library--and is famous for its friendliness and good manners. Charleston's long history is a boon for tourists, who can do a walking tour of its beautiful antebellum mansions or take a boat out to visit Fort Sumter. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as sister city and fellow tourist hot spot Savannah--a two-hour drive--means that tourists will never run out of activities. However, summers can be hot, so visitors should come prepared.
European settlers were living in Charleston--named for the British monarch Charles II--before the year 1700. It became an important port city and trading hub as goods flowed between the old and new worlds. After South Carolina seceded from the Union in late 1860, the Confederate bombardment and capture of Fort Sumter represented the Civil War's first real skirmish. It took many decades for the city to recover from the war's destruction, but by the 1920s it was again a center for the arts and commerce, and people all over the nation were dancing the Charleston.
Visitors will never be bored in Charleston. The Battery, with decorative cannons, overlooks Charleston Harbor, which tourists can cruise by boat and also visit Fort Sumter. A walking tour of the city is a good way to see the antebellum architecture in private homes, mansions and public buildings. The Old City Market is an outdoor shopping favorite, while churches, museums and art galleries are plentiful. Golf, swim or relax in one of the city's spas before enjoying the classic southern food served up in one of Charleston's fine restaurants.
Charleston is a fairly walkable city, and tourists who stay around the waterfront, the French Quarter and Broad Street will certainly be close to some of the city's best attractions. Standard hotels, as well as bed and breakfasts and historic accommodations are available. However, there aren't any bargains to be found in the best areas, so budget-minded visitors will likely have to stay farther afield in the Upper King Area, West Ashley or Hampton Park.
Those staying exclusively in Charleston can often get around without a car by using CARTA, the Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority, which runs buses throughout the city, or by walking. It is easy to rent a car at the airport or at a few downtown locations, but be aware that parking is at a premium in many parts of the city.
