Visiting Charleston sometime soon? There are endless possibilities when it comes to touring and exploring the Holy City. From boutique hotels to haunted history tours via horse and carriage, boat excursions and more, Charleston has something to entice just about any traveler. Below are our top picks when it comes to where to stay, what to do, and everything in between.
- Accommodations. There are several hotels we could recommend in Downtown Charleston. From the classic, tried and true Charleston Place Hotel to a more quaint option like Meeting Street Inn, it’s hard to go wrong. However, if a boutique option in the true heart of the city is appealing, the Spectator Hotel is a fantastic choice. Widely recognized as one of Charleston’s premier hotels, the Spectator considers the needs and tastes of each individual traveler, offering customized experiences that will undoubtedly impress. The only hotel in Charleston that offers butler services to every guest, the Spectator goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences. Located just off of the City Market in the historic French Quarter of Charleston, the Spectator is an experience not to be missed.
- Sightseeing. Visiting Charleston is not complete without a guided tour led by some of the most knowledgeable guides in town. Palmetto Carriage Works staffs only the best Palmetto Guild Certified guides to take you and your family through the most exciting archives of Charleston’s past; and, they do it via horse and carriage. Experience the old world charm of a horse drawn carriage tour while learning about historic moments that have shaped what Charleston is today. Palmetto offers two different styles of tours: their daytime tour focuses solely on history and learning about what life was like in Charleston through the years. Their evening tour becomes a haunted history ride where the sinister side of the Holy City is explored and discussed while enjoying a leisurely horse and carriage ride. While famed hauntings are the focus, the evening tour is not widely considered scary and remains a family-friendly event; all are welcome to participate.
- On the water: Charleston’s beauty is not fully understood until you take the time to see it from the water. Whether that means a trip to the tip of Sullivan’s Island beach, where downtown Charleston can be observed from the sand, or you decide to take a guided harbor tour, you can’t go wrong by immersing yourself in the salty fresh air. SpiritLine Cruises offers one of the best options when it comes to harbor boat tours in town. Catch their tour from either Aquarium Wharf downtown, or from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant. Either way, you’ll get a lovely and refreshing tour of the harbor where the views of Downtown are breathtaking.Â
- Dining: If you’ve planned a trip to Charleston, you already know that the food scene is incredible. Whether you’re craving savory shrimp and grits, mouthwatering BBQ, or a fresh seafood feast, Charleston’s diverse eateries won’t disappoint. One of our favorite spots to dine is the Charleston Crab House, where you’ll find some of the best Lowcountry cooking in the area. Don’t forget to check out the CVB’s events calendar to explore any local markets or food festivals that might be going on for an authentic taste of Lowcountry cuisine.
- Nightlife: Downtown Charleston has plenty of fun nighttime activities to peak the interest of even the most tired of travelers after a long day. The rooftop bar scene in downtown Charleston is worth checking out, as each view is different than the next. The Rooftop at the Vendue boasts one of the most impressive lookouts, offering both water and city views from its top floor. A rooftop nightcap is the perfect way to end a long day in the Holy City. Once the views have been enjoyed, a cobblestoned stroll back to the Spectator Hotel is on the agenda to put a nice bow on the best day in Charleston, SC.Â
There are plenty of ways to make sure your next trip to Charleston, SC is enjoyable. These options offer a glimpse into the many possibilities, but you’re sure to enjoy your time if you take even one of our suggestions. Our best advice: make your plans early as things do book up depending on the time of year and various events going on at the time of your trip. We hope to see you out in Charleston sometime soon!