Charleston, South Carolina, is a city rich in history, culture, and charm. From its cobblestone streets and stunning architecture to its world-renowned cuisine and picturesque waterfront, Charleston offers a plethora of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to relax and soak up the Southern hospitality, Charleston has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will explore the top things to do in Charleston, South Carolina, to help you plan your next visit to this beautiful and historic city.

If you love history you will love Charleston, an old city that has been referred to as a living museum.

Named in honor of England’s King Charles II, Charles Town was originally founded in 1670 along the banks of what is now known as the Ashley River. In 1680 the settlement was moved to the current peninsular location, and in 1783 was incorporated with the name Charleston.

For the last nine years Charleston has been ranked number one in their Best Small Cities category by the magazine Conde Nast Traveller.

Must do

It was a terrible action that led to a tragic period in American history, but the first shots of the Civil War were fired in Charleston. The target of the cannon fire was the Federal fort located in the harbor and known as Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter is part of the National Park Service, and you can get there by boat. The best way to do this is to buy a ticket. This tour will include a boat trip on the harbor with some wonderful views of the city, and a visit to the fort where you will find exhibits that will provide information on the history of the fort.

What do I like best about Charleston?

Charleston has endured the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, a great fire, an earthquake, and Hurricane Hugo. None of these destroyed the city. For generations Charlestonians have made a great effort to preserve the historical residences and buildings of Charleston.

The result of this effort has made walking the streets of Charleston like being taken back in time. You can see the history and you can feel the history.

Some of the historical homes and buildings are museums open to tourists.

Best Walk

There are a multitude of walking tours in Charleston. Some are guided and some are self-guided.

Some are generalized and some are specialized in such characteristics as ghost tours that take you to haunted places. Pirate tours typically include the true story of Blackbeard blockading the city and demanding ransom.

You can also take horse-drawn carriage tours and bus tours. There is no need to limit yourself. There is so much to see and hear about in Charleston that taking several tours is recommended.

When you do not want to take a tour, just stroll about the city. Charleston is a safe place to do that.

Best Restaurants

Charleston is home to the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College. Until its relocation to Charlotte in 2006, Charleston was home to Johnson & Wales University, a school that offered programs in food service and hospitality.

As one would imagine, a city with a high number of graduates in the culinary arts would have a plethora of restaurants.

There are fine dining restaurants, there are pubs, there are cafes. There are places to eat that will accommodate a wide range of budgets.

I will list just a few below.

Fine Dining:

• 82 Queen – The food is excellent and the setting, which includes an interior garden courtyard, is truly outstanding.

• Magnolias – Everyone in Charleston knows about this restaurant. You do need to make reservations several days in advance.

• Slightly North of Broad – Broad Street runs from river to river across the Charleston peninsula. People living south of Broad are considered to be the wealthy among us. The restaurant is known as SNOB.

Moderately Priced:

• Tommy Condon’s – This is an Irish pub. They have live Irish music on some nights.

• Fast & French – Here you will find a bistro owned by French folks who serve French food.

• Pane e Vino – You will discover an Italian trattoria owned by an Italian serving Italian food. They have courtyard dining available.

Best Hotels in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina is a charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and Southern hospitality. If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay. In this article, we will explore the best hotels in Charleston, South Carolina.

1. The Spectator Hotel – This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the historic district and offers luxurious accommodations and personalized service. The hotel has a charming and elegant atmosphere, with beautiful furnishings and decor. Amenities include a rooftop bar, complimentary breakfast, and nightly turndown service.
2. The Dewberry – This stylish and modern hotel is located in the historic district and offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a spa, rooftop bar, and fine dining restaurant. The hotel has a retro-chic design, with mid-century modern furnishings and decor. Amenities include complimentary bicycles, valet parking, and a fitness center.
3. Belmond Charleston Place – This grand and luxurious hotel is located in the heart of the historic district and offers an opulent and refined atmosphere. The hotel has a beautiful lobby with a stunning chandelier, and amenities include a rooftop pool, spa, and fine dining restaurant. The hotel also features a shopping center with high-end retailers.
4. The Vendue – This boutique hotel is located in the French Quarter and offers a range of eclectic and art-inspired accommodations. The hotel has a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, with beautiful artwork and decor. Amenities include a rooftop bar, complimentary bicycles, and an art gallery.
5. Zero George Street – This charming and intimate hotel is located in the Ansonborough neighborhood and offers a range of elegant and historic accommodations. The hotel has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and fire pit, and amenities include complimentary breakfast, bicycles, and a wine and cheese reception.

In conclusion, Charleston offers a range of luxurious and beautiful hotels to suit all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel with personalized service, a grand and opulent hotel with fine dining and shopping, or a charming and intimate hotel with a beautiful courtyard, there’s something for everyone in this charming and historic city. So, book your stay at one of these top hotels in Charleston and experience Southern hospitality at its finest.

Best Music/Festival in Charleston

In 1958 composer Gian Carlo Menotti established Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds) in Spoleto, Italy. This festival was a celebration of music, opera and theater.

In 1977 Gian Carlo established the same festival in Charleston. Known as Spoleto, this festival is held every Spring and has gained international fame.

The festival lasts for about 17 days, and the city comes alive with the fine arts.

Best Nightlife

Charleston, South Carolina is a charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and Southern hospitality. But after the sun sets, Charleston transforms into a vibrant destination with a bustling nightlife. In this article, we will explore the best nightlife spots in Charleston, South Carolina.

1. The Cocktail Club – This rooftop bar is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike, offering a range of handcrafted cocktails and stunning views of the city skyline. The bar has a chic and trendy atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options and often hosts live music events.
2. The Commodore – This bar is located in the trendy and up-and-coming neighborhood of Park Circle and offers a range of cocktails, beers, and spirits. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere and often features live music performances and trivia nights.
3. The Belmont – This bar is located in the historic district and offers a range of classic cocktails, beers, and wines. The bar has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a beautiful courtyard and often features live jazz music.
4. The Royal American – This bar is located in the upper King Street district and offers a range of drinks, including local craft beers and cocktails. The bar has a lively atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options and often features live music events.
5. The Pour House – This music venue and bar is located in the nearby town of James Island and offers a range of drinks and live music performances. The venue has a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options and often features local and national acts.

Best Day Trip

Charleston is located right next to the Atlantic Ocean. There are three beaches within a short driving distance from Charleston:

• Folly Beach – We might call Folly elegantly shabby. There is a little town at the entrance to the island where you will find bars, restaurants and shops.

• Isle of Palms – There is a commercial area where most parking and beach access is found. The rest of the island is residential with limited beach access.

• Sullivans Island – There are a few restaurants and bars, but Sullivans Island is mostly residential. Beach access is fine. Historic Fort Moultrie is located on Sullivans and is open to visitors.

A trip to one of these beaches can be a relaxing way to take a break and breathe the sea air.

10 interesting facts about Charleston South Carolina

1. Charleston is often referred to as the “Holy City” because of the large number of churches in the city, particularly in the historic district.
2. The city of Charleston was founded in 1670, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States.
3. Charleston was once the largest city in the southern United States and was a major center of commerce and culture.
4. The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor.
5. Charleston is home to the oldest public gardens in America, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which date back to 1680.
6. The first golf course in America was established in Charleston in 1786.
7. The famous novel “Gone with the Wind” was written by Margaret Mitchell while she was living in an apartment in Charleston.
8. Charleston has a rich history of pirates and privateers, including the infamous Blackbeard, who blockaded the city in 1718.
9. Charleston is known for its distinctive architecture, particularly the colorful homes along Rainbow Row and the antebellum mansions in the historic district.
10. Charleston is a foodie’s paradise, with a thriving culinary scene that includes Lowcountry cuisine, seafood, and a wide range of international flavours.

Something that not many travelers would know about Charleston

The old area of the city is designated by the U. S. National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark District and is listed on their National Regional Register of Historic Places.

Charleston is a unique place. So if you would like a unique experience, Charleston may be a good choice for you.