Curator’s statement
Charleston is my favorite city on this planet. No matter who you are, you can tailor your stay to be EXACTLY the vacation you're looking for. Whether you're a history buff, a beach bum, a night owl, a foodie or all of the above, Charleston is the spot for you! There are different pockets of town that have their own charm and personality. From soaking up the sun on a rooftop pool or a ghost tour through the haunted cemeteries, you'll never have a lack of options!
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Where to stay Charleston, SC
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Things do to Charleston, SC
Beaches
There are three different beaches to choose from. Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms all have their own unique personality. If you're looking for a vibrant town with a surfer-vibe you may want Folly Beach. If you want upscale dining at your finger tips, you may pick Sullivan's Island! IOP falls somewhere in between the two, with a beach-front bar that has live music but great restaurants nearby you cant go wrong!
There are tons of tours to choose form to learn about the area. From the water you can hop on a Boat Tours. Throughout downtown cemeteries you can learn about history on a Ghost Tours. If trying to cuisine is your thing, there are Food Tours as well!
History
If you're looking to learn about Charleston and the history we've had here, Museums and Monuments would be up your alley. The Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the Untied States! They have ancient artifacts, natural history and more. We also have Fort Sumter, where you can take a ferry to. You'll also find South Carolina Aquarium where you can pet stingrays! Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is also a huge fan favorite, where you can climb aboard the USS Yorktown, a historic WWII aircraft carrier.
There are also a ton of great sites you may want to check out to view the beauty of Charleston! Angel Oak is a Southern Live Oak tree that stands over 66 feet tall and is estimated to be over 400 years old! You also must check out the famous Rainbow Row. You can pretend to be in the movie The Notebook and take a small rowboat out on the water at Cypress Gardens.
Day Trip
Golfing at Kiawah Island, less than an hour away for those who love to golf!
Places to eat & drink Charleston, SC
Breakfast
Callies Hot Little Biscuit: A counter-serve spot which famous home-baked biscuits. Make sure you go a little early to beat the line out front!
The Daily: Whether you want fresh baked bread & pastries or a healthy smoothie, you can't go wrong here. Its a local favorite that is perfect to start your day.
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen: Walkable to the beach, this spot is great for ANY meal but their breakfast is elite! Come hungry & don't be shy with your orders.
Lunch
Lewis Barbecue: There are many great options for BBQ in CHS, but Lewis tops the list for me. Its a relaxed ambiance & the food is unreal.
Basic Kitchen: This downtown spot has a beautiful back patio that feels like a garden. This is a healthier (but delicious) option for in between those hearty southern meals.
The Royal American: This restaurant & bar brings vibrant beachy vibes. They have great food, frozen drinks & even better vibes. You'll often catch some live music while you're there!
Dinner
Stellas Charleston: Greek cuisine, plenty of shareable options to choose between. My requirement for you would be to get the Saganaki. It is FLAMING CHEESE!
Chez Nous: With the menu changing daily, the ingredients are always fresh & it makes it an exciting treat every time!
The Obstinate Daughter: Their braised beef gnocchi might be my favorite dish out of any restaurant in the world! Their oysters are great too & you are walkable to the beach.
Bars
The Cocktail Club: This upscale speakeasy vibe has great cocktails and a rooftop patio! They often have a DJ as well to liven up the lounge.
Red's Ice House: A casual water-front bar that is a local favorite! They often have live music but you won't be bored if they don't! Keep an eye out for the dolphins swimming by.
Little Palm: You'll almost feel like you went back in time to a retro Miami, sipping cocktails by the pool. They have great cocktails & food as well!
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Travel Advisor
Cassie Solaguren
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to City Travel.