Charleston South Carolina Tourist Attractions | Charleston SC Attractions | Charleston Hotels
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| Charleston South Carolina Tourist Attractions | Charleston Hotels |
About Charleston, South Carolina:
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| Charleston South Carolina Tourist Attractions |
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location (Oyster Point) from a location on the west bank of the Ashley River (Albemarle Point) in 1680. It adopted its present name in 1783. In 1690, Charleston was the fifth largest city in North America, and remained among the ten largest cities in the United States through the 1840 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes only, Charleston is a principal city for the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Charleston-North Charleston urban area.
The population was counted by the U.S. Census in 2010 at 120,083, making it the second most populous city in South Carolina, closely behind the state capital Columbia. Current trends put Charleston as the fastest-growing municipality in South Carolina. The city's metropolitan area population was counted by the 2010 census at 664,607 – the second largest in the state – and the 75th-largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States.
America's most-published etiquette expert, Marjabelle Young Stewart, recognized Charleston 1995 as the "best-mannered" city in the U.S, a claim lent credibility by the fact that it has the first established Livability Court in the country. In 2011, Travel and Leisure Magazine named Charleston "America's Sexiest City", as well as "America's Most Friendly." Subsequently, Southern Living Magazine named Charleston "the most polite and hospitable city in America." In 2012, Travel and Leisure voted Charleston as the second best-dressed city in America, only behind New York City.
Fast Fact sheet of Charleston South Carolina:
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| Charleston SC Attractions |
Charleston, Berkeley, South Carolina (SC)
Coordinates:
32°47′00″N 79°56′00″W
Area:
City: 164.1 sq mi (405.5 km2)
Land: 147.0 sq mi (361.2 km2)
Population:
City: 120,083 (US: 210th)
Metro: 664,607
Language:
American English
Currency:
US Dollar (USD)
Time zone:
GMT - 5 hours Eastern Standard Time (daylight saving time is observed)
Country dialing code:
+1
Temperature:
Average daily January temperature: 13°C / 55°F
Average daily July temperature: 31°C / 88°F
Best time to Visit in Charleston South Carolina:
Best time to visit Charleston, SC is spring and early summer season (April-June) with temperature ranging from 53 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Charleston is at its romantic best during these months. To enjoy Charleston with fewer crowds, try to come on a weekday in early spring. The Spoleto Festival—a massive classical music, opera, theatre, dance and art celebration—brings Charleston's biggest crowds of the year in June and the hotels and restaurants are booked months in advance for this event.
Google Map Charleston SC:
View Larger Map
How to Reach at Charleston SC:
By plane:
By car:
Interstate 26 enters the city from the northwest and connects the city to North Charleston, the Charleston International Airport, Interstate 95, and Columbia, South Carolina. It ends in downtown Charleston with exits to the Septima Clark Expressway, the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge and Meeting Street. The Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge and Septima Clark Expressway are part of U.S. Highway 17, which travels east-west through the cities of Charleston and Mount Pleasant. The Mark Clark Expressway, or Interstate 526, is the bypass around the city and begins at U.S. Highway 17 North/South. U.S. Highway 52 is Meeting Street and its spur is East Bay Street, which becomes Morrison Drive after leaving the Eastside. This highway merges with King Street in the city's Neck area (Industrial District). U.S. Highway 78 is King Street in the downtown area, eventually merging with Meeting Street.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge:
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge across the Cooper River opened on July 16, 2005, and was the second longest cable-stayed bridge in the Americas at the time of its construction. The bridge links Mount Pleasant with downtown Charleston, and has eight lanes and a 12-foot lane shared by pedestrians and bicycles. It replaced the Grace Memorial Bridge (built in 1929) and the Silas N. Pearman Bridge (built in 1966). They were considered two of the more dangerous bridges in America and were demolished after the Ravenel Bridge opened.
Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority:
Rural parts of the city and metropolitan area are served by a different bus system, operated by Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Rural Transportation Management Association (BCD-RTMA). The system is also commonly called the TriCounty Link.
By train:
The Amtrak station, located in the City of North Charleston, is served by two Amtrak trains, the Palmetto and the Silver Meteor, operating between New York and Savannah, Georgia and Miami, Florida, respectively.
By bus:
The Greyhound station is in North Charleston. To get to Charleston/Downtown, cross the street from the Greyhound station and take the #11 Airport Bus (away from the airport). The last stop for this bus is one of Charleston's four visitor's centers, this one located downtown.
Cruises Charleston South Carolina:
Today Charleston boasts the deepest water in the Southeast region and regularly handles ships too big to transit through the Panama Canal. A next-generation harbor deepening project is currently underway to take Charleston's shipping channel deeper than 45 feet at mean low tide.
Union Pier also includes a cruise ship passenger terminal and hosts numerous cruise departures annually. In May 2010, the Carnival Fantasy was permanently stationed in Charleston, offering weekly cruises to the Bahamas and Key West, eventually to include Bermuda. With the addition of the weekly Carnival Fantasy sailings, Union Terminal hosted 67 embarkations and ports of call in 2010.
Terminals:
- Wando Welch Terminal – used for container cargo.
- Columbus Street Terminal – used for project cargo, breakbulk and roll-on/roll-off cargo.
- Union Pier Terminal – used for cruise ship operations originating in the city.
- North Charleston Terminal – used for container cargo
- Veterans Terminal – used for breakbulk and bulk cargo.
Charleston Weather:
Charleston South Carolina Attractions:
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| Charleston_South_Carolina_Attractions |
Plantations And Gardens in South Carolina:
Boone Hall Plantation:
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Boone Hall Plantation |
The plantation includes a large Colonial Revival plantation house (1933–35) that replaces the lost original house on the site, a number of slave cabins (which were occupied by sharecroppers well into the 20th century), several flower gardens, and the historic "Avenue of Oaks": a nearly one mile drive up to the house with live oaks on either side, originally planted in 1743. Boone Hall plantation sits on Wampacheeoone Creek in Christ Church Parish about 10 miles (16 km) from historic downtown Charleston.
Charleston Tea Plantation:
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| Charleston Tea Plantation |
Cypress Gardens:
Cypress Gardens was an American theme park near Winter Haven, Florida that operated from 1936 to 2009.
Drayton Hall:
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| Drayton Hall |
The house was built for John Drayton (c. 1715-1779) after he bought the property in the late 1730s. As the third son in his family, he knew he was unlikely to inherit his own nearby birthplace, now called Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site:
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Irvin-House Vineyards:
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| Irvin-House Vineyards |
There is nothing quite like a stroll through our vineyards and the surrounding property. A large pond stocked with fish. Walking trails. Abundant birds and wildlife scampering about. Old oak trees with Spanish Moss shading the property. This is the true character of South Carolina's Lowcountry hertitage.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens:
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| Magnolia Plantation and Gardens |
The plantation dates to 1676, when Thomas and Ann Drayton built a house and small formal garden on the site. (The plantation remains under the control of the Drayton family after 15 generations.) The historic Drayton Hall was built in 1738 by John Drayton on an adjoining property. Magnolia was originally a rice plantation, with extensive earthworks of dams and dikes built in fields along the river for irrigating land for rice cultivation. African slaves from rice-growing regions created the works. As time went on, the slaves developed a creolized Gullah language and culture, retaining many elements from Africa.
Mepkin Abbey and Gardens:
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| Mepkin Abbey Botanical Garden |
The grounds began as the Mepkin Plantation, home of American patriot Henry Laurens. The house itself was burned by the British and again by the Union Army in the Civil War. Today's garden was established as landscape gardens on the country estate of noted publisher Henry R. Luce and his wife Clare Boothe Luce (who are buried on the site). The grounds feature live oaks and a camellia garden designed by landscape architect Loutrel Briggs.
Middleton Place:
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| Middleton Place |
Historic Charleston Attractions:
Charleston boasts many historic buildings, art and historical museums and other attractions. The following are among those which are open to the public:
HISTORIC HOUSES AND BUILDINGS:
Aiken Rhett House:
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| Aiken-Rhett House |
A successful businessman, rice planter, distinguished politician and governor of South Carolina, William Aiken, Jr. was one of the state’s wealthiest citizens. Following a well-established tradition among Charleston’s elite, Governor Aiken and his wife, Harriet Lowndes Aiken, traveled in Europe and returned with magnificent fine art and furnishings. Today, visitors will find many of these objects in the same rooms for which they were purchased.
The Aiken-Rhett House remained in the family until 1975 and has been owned by Historic Charleston Foundation since 1995. The foundation has adopted a conservation approach to the interpretation of this important house and its outbuildings.
Avery Research Center For African American History And Culture:
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| Avery Research Center |
The Calhoun Mansion:
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| Calhoun Mansion |
The Edmondston-Alston House:
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| Edmondston |
The Heyward-Washington House:
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| Heyward-Washington House |
The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
The Historic Dock Street Theatre:
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| Dock Street Theatre |
Joseph Manigault House:
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| Joseph Manigault House |
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
The SC DAH summary is here.
There also is an architectural folly on the property.
In 1920, the house was threatened with demolition to make way for a gas station. In response, a group of Charlestonians organized a preservation group which would become the Preservation Society of Charleston.
Nathaniel Russell House:
.JPG "Nathaniel Russell House") |
| Nathaniel Russell House |
The house is widely recognized as one of America's most important Neoclassical houses and features three important geometric designs: a front rectangular room, a center oval room, and a square room in the rear. Other rooms of the house include: the turquoise-color First-Floor Oval Dining Room; the Second-Floor Drawing Room, where the women of the house retired to after dinner; and the Withdrawing Room.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
Old City Market:
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Old City Market |
Market Hall stands facing Meeting Street as the main entrance to four blocks of open-air buildings. Strolling through the Market you will encounter a wide assortment of vendors selling high quality products including paintings, pottery, Charleston's famous sweetgrass baskets, casual and fine dining & more!
An old shopping district at the foot of Market St. where vendors still sell wares. Contrary to popular legend, the Market was never a slave exchange. However, the remnants of an old slave market are located a few blocks away.
Old Exchange And Provost Dungeon:
Exchange and Provost, also known as the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Custom House and Half-Moon Battery, and The Exchange, was built in 1767.
The National Park Service describes: "...the structure has served as a customhouse, mercantile exchange, military prison and barracks, and brothel. In 1790, the State Legislature met here to ratify the new State Constitution. The building was badly damaged by Union artillery fire during the Civil War and the great earthquake of 1886; it was repaired after each occasion."
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
The Powder Magazine:
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| Powder Magazine |
Charleston Museum:
American Military Museum:
A museum celebrating the history of the American military, featuring uniforms and memorabilia from all the major wars.
The Charleston Museum:
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| Charleston Museum |
The main museum's exhibits include natural history and local history displays and decorative arts, including silver. One display features objects from the museum's origins in the late 18th century.
The museum also owns and operates two historic house museums:
Heyward-Washington House - late 18th century period home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence
Joseph Manigault House - Federal-style home decorated with American, English and French furnishing of the early 19th century
In addition to the two houses, the museum also maintains a piece of property called The Dill Sanctuary.
The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry:
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The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry |
The Gibbes Museum Of Art:
The Gibbes Museum of Art is an art museum in Charleston, South Carolina. Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, the museum moved into a new Beaux Arts building at 135 Meeting Street in 1905. Located in the Charleston Historic District, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works of fine art, principally American works, many with a connection to Charleston or the South.
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| Gibbes Museum of Art |
The museum's collections include the work of numerous artists with connections to Charleston; among them are Henrietta Johnston, Mary Roberts, and Jeremiah Theus.
The North Charleston And American Lafrance Fire Museum And Educational Center:
The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center houses the antique collection of firefighting vehicles belonging to American LaFrance, LLC. Enthusiasts and casual observers alike can learn about the history of fire fighting and marvel at the evolution of a most useful invention.Old Slave Mart Museum:
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| Old Slave Mart Museum |
The Old Slave Mart was originally part of a large slave market known as Ryan's Mart, which covered a large enclosed lot between Chalmers and Queen streets. The market was established in 1856 by Charleston sheriff Thomas Ryan after a citywide ban on public slave auctions made private markets necessary. Slave auctions were held at the site until the Union Army occupied Charleston and closed Ryan's Mart in 1865. The Old Slave Mart Museum has operated off and on since 1938.
Patriots Point/ Uss Yorktown :
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, at the mouth of the Cooper River on the Charleston Harbor, across from Charleston.South Carolina Historical Society:
Established in 1855, the South Carolina Historical Society is dedicated to expanding, preserving, and making accessible our invaluable collection, and to encouraging interest and pride in the rich history of Charleston, SC.HISTORIC FORTS IN CHARLESTON SC:
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site:
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| Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site |
Fort Moultrie:
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| Fort Moultrie |
Fort Moultrie is the only area of the National Park System where the entire 171-year history of American seacoast defense (1776–1947) can be traced.
Fort Sumter National Monument :
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| Fort Sumter |
Fort Sumter the island site of the start of the Civil War, is a National Monument. One must board a ferry for an additional fee at either Liberty Square in downtown or Patriot's Point in Mt. Pleasant. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes. Fort Sumter is in ruins, but there are markers telling you where things used to be, as well as a museum.
PARKS AND AQUARIUMS IN CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA USA:
The South Carolina Aquarium:
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| The South Carolina Aquarium |
Battery Park/White Point Gardens:
A park located at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula with beautiful views, especially along the Battery Promenade by the Cooper River. Don't miss the elegant historic mansions along the Promenade, some of which have sold for nearly $20M.
White Point Garden (often incorrectly referred to as "White Point Gardens") boasts many large southern live oak trees, a bandstand (1907), a few memorials, and pieces of artillery, some of which were used during the United States Civil War. A monument commemorates the hanging near that site of pirate captain Stede Bonnet and his crew in 1718, as well as the 1719 hanging of Richard Worley's pirates. The monument states that 29 of Bonnet's crew were executed close by. Although 29 of Bonnet's crew were sentenced to death, the evidence suggests that only 22 were actually hanged.
In popular speech and in a number of unofficial guidebooks and Web sites, The Battery and White Point Garden are sometimes referred to as "Battery Park," but the park and seawall promenade are not regarded by the City of Charleston as a single entity, and the term "Battery Park" is not an official designation.
The Center For Birds Of Prey:
Caw Caw Interpretive Center:
To help preserve and protect our natural resources and interpretive trails, dogs and bicycles are not permitted.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum:
Located right off the Ravenel bridge in Mt. Pleasant, this side of Charleston houses an impressive display of warfare including the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS Clagamore submarine, the USS Laffey and USCG Ingham destroyer as well as a coast guard cutter. There are also an aircraft and a reconstructed Vietnam era camp.
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site:
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| Charles Pinckney National Historic Site |
Pinckney fought in the American Revolutionary War and became one of the principal framers of the United States Constitution. He served as Governor of South Carolina, and as a member of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. He was President Thomas Jefferson's minister to Spain.
The main house on the farm was constructed in 1828, after Pickney's death.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site:
Charles Towne Landing preserves the original site of the first permanent English settlement in Carolina. Originally opened in 1970 to commemorate South Carolina's tricentennial, this 664-acre (269 ha) site is home to an award-winning exhibit hall, state-of-the-art rental facility, a natural habitat zoo, ongoing archeological excavations, miles of trails, dozens of picnic tables, a replica tall ship, six fireable replica cannon, and much more.Francis Biedler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary:
Visit us at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest—the ancient trees, the wildlife, and the quiet flow of blackwater all await you. Frequented by nature photographers from all over for its unique landscape and dynamic ecosystem, the swamp at Beidler Forest offers a beauty unsurpassed by any other nature sanctuary in the South Carolina lowcountry.
CARRIAGE TOURS IN CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA USA:
Carolina Polo And Carriage Company:
Carolina Polo and Carriage Company is the only carriage company in Charleston owned and operated by Charlestonians whose families have been here since the 1600's.
Old South Carriage Company:
Old South Carriage Company, owned and operated by the same family since 1983, features some of the finest tour guides, draft horses, and carriages in historic Charleston.Olde Town Carriage Company:
Olde Towne Carriage Company has been the leader in carriage tours in Charleston for over 25 years.Palmetto Carriage Works:
Palmetto Carriage Works is the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston, and has developed the greatest carriage experience in the city! A must on things to do in Charleston during your visit with us.
Other Attraction of Charleston South Carolina:
French Quarter
between S. Market and Tradd, Meeting and the waterfront, where the English colonial Walled Town once stood. Known for its art galleries, St. Philips Church, French Huguenot Church, and historic architecture.Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site:
Off US 171 on the west bank of the Ashley River, about 3 miles northwest of downtown.The Citadel:
Historic military college founded in 1842. Full dress parades generally occur every Friday afternoon while school is in session and are free to the public. The campus is typically open to visitors and tours can be arranged by calling the school or stopping by the Admissions Office located in Bond Hall.The College of Charleston:
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the oldest institution of higher education in the state of South Carolina and the thirteenth oldest in the United States.Randolph Hall:
at the College of Charleston Built in 1828. Popular civil war movie-making site.Longitude Lane (Longitude Lane):
off E Bay St. Colonial cobblestone lane built on a longitude line.Fort Moultrie:
Revolutionary and Civil War fort on nearby Sullivan's Island.Gibbes Museum of Art:
Since 1905, this striking Beaux Arts building has housed a premier collection of over 10,000 works of fine art, principally American works with a Charleston or Southern connection.Religion in Charleston SC:
Charleston, known as the "Holy City" has long been noted for its numerous churches and denominations. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, the seventh oldest diocese in the United States. The well noted Bishop John England, D.D. was the first Roman Catholic Bishop of this city, and the private Bishop England High School was named in his honor. The city's oldest Roman Catholic parish, Saint Mary of the Annunciation Roman Catholic Church, is the mother church of Roman Catholicism to North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. It is also the Seat of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. The city is home to one of two remaining Huguenot churches in America, the only one that is still a Protestant congregation. The city is home to many well known churches, cathedrals and synagogues. The churchtower spotted skyline is one of the reasons for the city's nickname, "The Holy City." The tallest church in South Carolina and the tallest building in Charleston is St. Matthew's German Evangelical Lutheran Church. Historically, Charleston was one of the most religiously tolerant cities in the New World. Recently, the conservative Episcopal diocese of South Carolina, headquartered in Charleston, has been one of the key players in potential schism in the Anglican Communion. Charleston is home to the only African-American Seventh Day Baptist Church congregation in the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference of the United States and Canada. The First Baptist Church of Charleston (1682) is the oldest Baptist church in the South and the first Southern Baptist Church in existence. It is also used as a private K-12 school.
Charleston also has a large and historic Jewish population. The American branch of the Reform Jewish movement was founded in Charleston at Synagogue Congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. It is the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the continental United States (after New York, Newport and Savannah).
Annual cultural events and fairs:
Charleston annually hosts Spoleto Festival USA founded by Gian Carlo Menotti, a 17-day art festival featuring over 100 performances by individual artists in a variety of disciplines. The Spoleto Festival is internationally recognized as America's premier performing arts festival. The annual Piccolo Spoleto festival takes place at the same time, and features local performers and artists, with hundreds of performances throughout the city. Other notable festivals and events include the Taste of Charleston, The Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the Cooper River Bridge Run, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), Charleston Food and Wine Festival, Charleston Fashion Week, and the MOJA Arts Festival, and the Holiday Festival of Lights (at James Island County Park).
Live theater:
Charleston has a vibrant theater scene, and is home to America's first theater. In 2010 Charleston was listed as one of the country's top 10 cities for theater, and one of the top 2 in the South. Most of the theaters are part of the League of Charleston Theatres, better known as Theatre Charleston. Some of the city's theaters include:
- The Dock Street Theatre – America's first theater. Home of the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater company.
- The Village Playhouse – A nationally recognized professional theater company east of the Cooper River.
- The Footlight Players – One of the leading community theaters in the South.[48]
- Theatre 99 – An improvisational theater company.
- Pure Theatre – A small professional theater that produces contemporary plays.
- Sottile Theatre, on the campus of The College of Charleston
Museums, historical sites and other attractions:
Charleston boasts many historic buildings, art and historical museums and other attractions. The following are among those which are open to the public:
- The Charleston Museum, America's First Museum, founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry.
- The Exchange and Provost was built in 1767. The building features a dungeon which held various signers of the Declaration of Independence and hosted events for George Washington in 1791 and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788. It is operated as a museum by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
- The Powder Magazine is a 1713 gunpowder magazine and museum. It is the oldest surviving public building in South Carolina.
- The Gibbes Museum of Art opened in 1905 and houses a premier collection of principally American works with a Charleston or Southern connection.
- The Fireproof Building houses the South Carolina Historical Society, a membership-based reference library open to the public.
- The Nathaniel Russell House is an important Federal style house. It is owned by the Historic Charleston Foundation and open to the public as a house museum.
- The Gov. William Aiken House, also known as the Aiken-Rhett House is a home built in 1820 for William Aiken, Jr.
- The Heyward-Washington House is a historic house museum owned and operated by the Charleston Museum. Furnished for the late 18th century, the house includes a collection of Charleston-made furniture.
- The Joseph Manigault House is a historic house museum owned and operated by the Charleston Museum. The house was designed by Gabriel Manigault and is significant for its Adam style architecture.
- The Market Hall and Sheds, also known as the City Market or simply the Market, stretch several blocks behind 188 Meeting Street. Market Hall was built in the 1841 and houses the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. The sheds house some permanent stores but are mainly occupied by open-air vendors.
- The Avery Research Center For African-American History and Culture was established to collect, preserve, and make public the unique historical and cultural heritage of African Americans in Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Avery's archival collections, museum exhibitions, and public programming reflect these diverse populations as well as the wider African Diaspora.
- South Carolina Aquarium
- Fort Sumter, site of the first shots fired in the Civil War.
- The Battery is an historic defensive seawall and promenade located at the tip of the peninsula along with White Point Garden, a park featuring several memorials and Civil War-era artillery pieces.
- Rainbow Row is an iconic strip of homes along the harbor that date back to the mid-18th century. Though the homes themselves are not open to the public, they are one of the most photographed attractions in the city and are featured heavily in local art
Charleston South Carolina Beach:
Folly Beach, SC:
Folly Beach, also known as "The Edge of America", is a beautiful barrier island only 15 minutes from downtown historic Charleston. The Folly Beach County Park is located at the east end of the island and includes outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas and more. Folly Beach is the home of sea, sand and surfing, historical and cultural sites; a maritime forest; Morris Island Lighthouse; gourmet food and southern hospitality.Sullivan's Island:
Casual, unhurried Sullivan's Island is one of the most relaxing and family-friendly beaches on South Carolina's coast. Year-round, visitors enjoy the island's inviting beaches, charming seaside neighborhoods and laid-back dining venues. Sullivan's Island is treasured by visitors and residents alike for its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and simple beauty.Beachwalker County Park:
Walking along this 10-mile stretch of undisturbed Atlantic beach, guests find it hard to believe that the City of Charleston is a mere 21 miles away. Kiawah Island is an idyllic, private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agencies. Public access to the beach is available at Beachwalker County Park, located on the west end of the island. The island abounds in natural beauty, from endless acres of marsh to thick forests of pines, magnolias and massive live oaks. Travel Channel called Kiawah's beach one of the nation's "Top Ten."Isle of Palms:
The Isle of Palms offers every activity imaginable. Isle of Palms County Park offers beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area. There is also a beautiful family-oriented park located directly on the beach! The Isle of Palms is conveniently located just 12 miles from historic Charleston. For an unforgettable vacation, come to the Isle of Palms...you won't want your first visit to be your last.Seabrook Island:
Seabrook Island, located on the Atlantic shore just 22 miles south of historic Charleston, is a private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agencies. A visit to Seabrook Island will be an experience you will recall with fond memories. It may even bring you back for permanent enjoyment of a quality of life that is rare and special.Popular Cities near Charleston, South Carolina:
Myrtle Beach, SC:
Myrtle Beach is a coastal city on the east coast of the United States in Horry County, South Carolina. It is situated on the center of a large and continuous stretch of beach known as the Grand Strand in northeastern South Carolina.
It is considered to be a major tourist destination in the Southeast, attracting an estimated 14.6 million visitors each summer.As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 27,109, with the Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway combined statistical area population of 329,449.
Myrtle Beach hosts a variety of special conventions, events, and musical concerts. The area's attractions include its beaches and many golf courses, as well as a number of amusement parks, an aquarium, Legends In Concert, an IMAX theater, retail developments and over 1,900 restaurants[19] including seafood restaurants, and a number of shopping complexes. The area also has dinner theaters, nightclubs, and many tourist shops. Myrtle Beach has an estimated 460 hotels, with many on the beachfront, and approximately 89,000 accommodation units in total. Also in the city is Myrtle Waves, one of the largest water parks on the eastern seaboard.
Hilton Head Island, SC:
Hilton Head Island or simply Hilton Head is a Lowcountry resort town located on an island of the same name in Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. It is 20 miles (32 km) north of Savannah, Georgia and 95 miles (153 km) south of Charleston. The island gets its name from Captain William Hilton. In 1663, Captain Hilton identified a headland near the entrance to Port Royal Sound, which he named "Hilton's Head" after himself. The island features 12 miles (19 km) of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular vacation destination. In 2004, an estimated 2.25 million visitors pumped more than $1.5 billion into the local economy. The year-round population was 37,099 at the 2010 census, although during the peak of summer vacation season the population can swell to 275,000. Over the past decade, the island's population growth rate was 32%.
Savannah, GA:
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important Atlantic seaport. It is Georgia's fourth largest city and third largest metropolitan area.
Each year Savannah attracts millions of visitors, who enjoy the city's architecture and historic buildings: the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America), the Georgia Historical Society (the oldest continually operating historical society in the South), the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (one of the South's first public museums), the First African Baptist Church (one of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in the United States), Temple Mickve Israel (the third oldest synagogue in America), and the Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse complex (the oldest standing antebellum rail facility in America).
Savannah's downtown area, which includes the Savannah Historic District, the Savannah Victorian Historic District and 22 parklike squares, is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States (designated by the U.S. government in 1966). Downtown Savannah largely retains the original town plan prescribed by founder James Oglethorpe (a design now famously known as the Oglethorpe Plan). Savannah was the host city for the sailing competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta.
Tybee Island, GA:
Tybee Island is an island and city in Chatham County, Georgia near the city of Savannah in the southeastern United States. It is the easternmost point in the state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,990. (The Georgia barrier island called Tybee includes the city of Tybee Island and has a total population of around 3,700. The entire island is a part of the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area.)
Officially renamed "Savannah Beach" in a publicity move at the end of the 1950s, the city of Tybee Island has since reverted to its original name. (The name "Savannah Beach" nevertheless appears on official state maps as far back as 1952 and as recently as the mid-1970s.) The small island, which has long been a quiet getaway for the residents of Savannah, has become a popular vacation spot with tourists from outside the Savannah metropolitan area. Tybee Island is also home to the first of what became the Days Inn chain of hotels, the oft-photographed Tybee Island Light Station, and the Fort Screven Historic District.
Beaufort, SC:
Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. The city's population was 12,361 in the 2010 census. It is located in the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan Area.
Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and Lowcountry. The city is renowned for its scenic location and for maintaining a historic character through its impressive antebellum architecture. The city is also known for its military establishments, being located in close proximity to Parris Island and a U.S. Naval Hospital, in addition to being home of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
The city has been featured in the New York Times, named "Best Small Southern Town" by Southern Living, named a "Top 25 Small City Arts Destination" by American Style, and a "Top 50 Adventure Town" by National Geographic Adventure
Beaufort is a romantic and popular tourist destination known for its history. Major festivals and arts events include the Water Festival, a two-week extravaganza in the middle of July; and the Shrimp Festival, celebrating the local and traditional industry, is in the first weekend in October. In 2007, The Beaufort Shrimp Festival was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events. The Beaufort International Film Festival held the first week of March screens independent films. A Taste of Beaufort, presented by Main Street Beaufort, is held on the first Saturday in May and features 20 local restaurants, fine wines, and live music. Historic Beaufort Foundation's Fall Tour of Homes and St. Helena's Spring Tour of Homes provide glimpses into the antebellum homes on the Point and local plantations. The town is also the home of The Kazoo Museum, which opened in October 2010 and is located in the Kazoobie Kazoos Factory. Hunting Island is nearby and the state's most visited state park. For more information on all events and visiting the area, please contact the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Surfside Beach, SC:
Surfside Beach is a small seaside town in Horry County, South Carolina, United States situated directly south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Its nickname is "The Family Beach". The population was 4,425 at the 2000 census. It is considered a part of the Grand Strand.
Pawleys Island, SC:
Pawleys Island is a town in Georgetown County, South Carolina, United States, and the Atlantic coast barrier island on which the town sits. The population was 138 at the 2000 census. The post office address also includes an unincorporated area on the mainland adjacent to the island, which includes a commercial district along the Ocean Highway (US Route 17) and a residential area between the highway and the Waccamaw River. The island is on the southern end of The Grand Strand and is one of the oldest resort areas of the US East Coast. The town of Pawleys Island, though, is only on the island. The island lies off the Waccamaw Neck, a long, narrow peninsula between the ocean and the river. The island is connected to the mainland by two bridges, the North Causeway and the South Causeway. At the southern tip of the island is a public beach access area.
Kiawah Island, SC:
Kiawah is a sea island, or barrier island, on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Located 15 miles (24 km) south of Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina, it is operated today largely as a gated beach and golf resort — the Kiawah Island Golf Resort — with spacious villas, beaches, large and acclaimed golf courses, and other attractions. In the 2000 census, Kiawah Island's population was 1,163; as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes, the island is included within the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area. Alternative spellings and variants of the name itself include "Kiawa," "Kittiwar" (in DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy), and "Kittiwah" (in George Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess).
Charleston Tourist Information:
Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Tourist Info: Charleston Visitors center is located at 375 Meeting St. and is open daily 8.30am-5.30pm
A good place to start a tour of Charleston is the Visitor Reception and Transportation Center (tel: 1-800-774-0006), located at 375 Meeting St. (and Ann St.), not far from the terminus of I-26 northwest of downtown. At the Visitor Center, a travellor can find maps and guides, tour a small museum dedicated to the history of Charleston, book sightseeing tours, and view an introductory film to Charleston ($2).
What to do in Charleston South Carolina:
Carriage Tours:
Consider taking a carriage tour of the city. Several groups operate horse-drawn carriage tours of the historical sites in the city. Most of these tours leave from stands on Market street, next to the Market itself. While reservations are not required for these tours, they are run on a first-come-first-served basis, so plan to wait during peak tourist season. Luckily, most of the tour services assign a departure time, rather than making customers wait in line, so tourists waiting for a carriage can take the opportunity to visit the Market shops. Discount coupons are available in free tourist maps and guides.Walking Tours:
Equally fun walking tours include guided history tours and scary ghost tours through the streets of Charleston. Because the historic downtown is relatively compact, self-guided walking tours can be found in many guidebooks. An interesting DIY walk is to do the Charleston Museum Mile along the Meeting Street corridor, which includes historic sites, historic places of worship, and related points of interest; a brochure can be found at the Visitor Center.Worship with the Locals:
If visiting over the weekend, attend a service at one of the historic places of worship and find out what the locals think.Beaches:
Outside downtown, there are numerous beach towns that are considered part of the Charleston area. Folly Beach is certainly the most casual. Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are more upscale. The warm waters and gentle surf make for a delightful swimming experience particularly during late spring and early fall when lower temperatures allow for a prolonged beach experience.Others:
For lovers of nature, Angel Oak, a magical and sprawling Live Oak purported to be over 1000 years old provides a great place for a picnic and a visit off the beaten path (John's Island). If you are looking for a laid back younger (surfer) crowd, check out events at the Daily Dose.Golf, Fishing & Boating:
Golf, Fishing & Boating This southern city is not without its share of recreational sports. Well known golf courses, including the Ocean Course on Kiawah (slated to host the 2012 PGA Championship), Wild Dunes and everywhere in between, all offer both solace and tribulation as you wind your way though the gorgeous Lowcountry greens. And where there’s water, there’s fishing and boating. One thing Charleston has lots of is water… so suit up!Charleston Culture:
Charleston is well-known across the United States and beyond for its unique culture, which blends traditional Southern American, English, French, and West African elements. The downtown peninsula is well known for its prominence of art, music, local cuisine, and fashion. Spoleto Festival USA, held annually in late spring, is one of the world's major performing arts festivals. It was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to establish a counterpart to the Festival dei Due Mondi (the Festival of Two Worlds) in Spoleto, Italy. Charleston's oldest community theater group, the Footlight Players, has provided theatrical productions of a high quality since 1931. A variety of performing arts venues includes the historic Dock Street Theatre. The annual Charleston Fashion Week held each Spring in Marion Square brings in designers, journalists, and clients from across the Nation. Charleston is well known for its local seafood, which plays a key role in the city's renowned cuisine, comprising staple dishes such as Gumbo, She-Crab Soup, Fried Oysters, Lowcountry Boil, Deviled Crab Cakes, Red Rice, and Shrimp and Grits. The culture in Charleston differs greatly even from the rest of South Carolina, with British and French elements heavily prevalent. Downtown, horse-drawn carriages share the cobblestone streets with cars. Tourism is among the main contributors to a strong local economy, as Charleston is annually among the nation's most visited cities, as well as being an enormously popular wedding destination. The city is the site of several significant historical sites pertaining to both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, including Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired by Charlestonian Confederate soldiers.
Charleston Hotels:
Anchorage Inn Charleston
Charleston Place Hotel
Harbour View Inn
Indigo Inn
Residence Inn Charleston Downtown River view
French Quarter Inn
Courtyard Charleston Historic District
Ansonborough Inn
Market Street Inn
Barksdale House Inn
Elliott House Inn
Charleston Airport Hotels:
Holiday Inn AirportHilton Garden Inn Airport
Aloft Charleston Airport & Conv Center
Radisson Hotel Charleston
Courtyard by Marriott Charleston
Quality Inn Coliseum
Best Western Charleston
Extended Stay Charleston
North Charleston Inn
Hampton Inn Airport
Homestead Charleston
Residence Inn by Marriott
Days Inn Charleston Airport
Pictures of Charleston SC:
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