Charleston, South Carolina

Copyright: Charleston Area CVB

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a stunning vacation destination known for its celebrated restaurant scene, architectural treasures, historic wonders, and serene coastal landscapes. Visitors can experience the local culture through food and music festivals, enjoy Lowcountry cuisine, and shop for Sea Island crafts. The city's historic district is full of beautiful courtyards and gardens, and there are many tours available to explore the city's culinary hot spots, antebellum mansions, historic churches, breweries, and more. Visitors can choose to stay at a charming inn, a historic hotel, or a beach resort and discover the unique people, flavors, traditions, sights and sounds of Charleston.

The City

Charleston has received a large number of awards for being an outstanding destination. For three consecutive years Charleston was been named "Top U.S. City" by Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards. Other awards have been given to Charleston by such distinguished travel companies as Travel + Leisure and Southern Living magazine. Its people are mannerly and welcoming, showing the very best of southern hospitality to Charleston visitors. Charleston is filled with early 20th century architecture that is renovated and perfectly maintained. Nowhere is this more evident than at Charleston’s historic King Street. This historic shopping, dining and design district is defined by three distinct areas: the Upper King Street Design and Dining District, the Middle King Street Fashion District and the Lower King Street Antiques District. So, you can find everything you could possibly want, from electronics to crafts. Stroll past many familiar brands along with dozens of unique local retailers. Many are housed in historically significant buildings – a Charleston convergence of old and new. Expect to see many familiar brands such as Anthropologie, Apple, Banana Republic and Gap. But also visit the many local establishments that offer a little piece of Charleston to take home with you. Blue Bicycle Books is a local favorite, offering new and used books and supporting local authors. At King Street’s Antiques District, check out notable George C. Birlant & Co., which has been selling upscale antiques from around the world since 1922.

Do & See

Walking along King Street in the historic district, you will find great shopping. There are three distinct areas – the design and dining area, the fashion district and the antiques shopping area – so you can find everything you could possibly want, from garments to electronics and crafts.

Dining

Charleston, South Carolina, is a culinary capital. So what are its secrets? First: an abundance of fresh, local ingredients that inspire rich culinary traditions and delicious signature dishes. Second: award-winning chefs – inspired, if not attracted by, that abundance and tradition – who have established landmark restaurants in the city. Finally, the expanding offering of craft beverages pairs beautifully with Charleston’s can’t-miss cuisine.

Cafes

Cafes in Charleston fit with the hospitality of this charming southern city and will delight both in the morning and at lunch. The cafes offer a wide variety of aromatic coffee drinks, fine cocktails, sweet and savory temptations, all in a relaxing ambiance and often accompanied by a spectacular view. Coffee at the dewy Charleston sunrise is a must!

Bars & Nightlife

Charleston nightlife offers live music at several venues across town. Bars and clubs pepper the area. Join in with the local crowd as you move from club to club, or take to a local bar and sample Charleston craft brews. There is no good excuse to leave out the excellent nightlife that Charleston has to offer.

Shopping

At the Charleston City Market, you can find a variety of local vendors selling handmade sweetgrass baskets and crafts among many other treats. Walking along King Street in the historic district, you will find great shopping. There are three distinct areas – the design and dining area, the fashion district and the antiques shopping area – so you can find everything you could possibly want, from garments to electronics and crafts. If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, King Street is also the place to find amazing restaurants ranging from fine-dining to authentic, local favorites.

Tourist Information