When visiting Charleston South Carolina, you quickly fall for its charm. Founded in the 1600s, this port city is historically known as the place where the first shots were fired on Fort Sumter during the Civil War. More recently, visitors are likely to walk away talking about its French Quarter, The Battery, beaches, and burgeoning food scene.
A Charleston SC vacation is one I highly recommend. This city is one of my favorites in the southeast joining the likes of Austin, New Orleans, and Nashville. The ability to visit the Charleston SC beaches during the day followed by world-class restaurants at night is reason enough to book your next vacation to this gem of a city.
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Best Credit Cards to Use in Charleston
Image Credit: Citi
Some of my favorite cards to bring with me on our trips include the Amex Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Citi Premier Card. Each of these cards earns valuable points in their respective award programs.
You earn 4x points at restaurants and US grocery stores with the Amex Gold Card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on travel and dining. With the Citi Premier Card, you earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels.
What is the best month to visit Charleston SC?
April and October give you the best of both worlds when visiting Charleston South Carolina. These months average 76/53 and 77/57 respectively and have relatively low amounts of precipitation.
If April and October don’t work out for you, March, June, and September should treat you right. Generally speaking, Charleston South Carolina weather is mild and the amount of precipitation is low. It’s important to note that the historical averages noted here come from US Climate Data.
How to Fly to Charleston
Flights to Charleston South Carolina fly through Charleston International Airport. It’s actually a joint civilian-military airport with Joint Base Charleston sharing the runway. In addition, Boeing has a manufacturing facility next to the airport where the 787 Dreamliner is built. With that said, here are the the major US airlines that fly nonstop to Charleston:
- Alaska Airlines <> Seattle/Tacoma
- American Airlines <> Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago–O’Hare, Miami, New York–LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Washington–National
- Delta Air Lines <> Atlanta, New York–JFK, Boston, Detroit, New York–LaGuardia
- JetBlue <> Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Newark, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia
- Southwest <> Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Houston–Hobby, Nashville
- United Airlines <> Chicago–O’Hare, Newark, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, Washington–Dulles
Where to Stay When Visiting Charleston?
Hyatt and Marriott are well represented with boutique properties when visiting Charleston South Carolina. While IHG and Hilton each have properties, neither offer Charleston South Carolina hotels in its premium brands.
Marriott Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel and Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston are Marriott properties to consider booking. Check out Charleston Historic District/Hotel Bella Grace, Wentworth Mansion, and Wild Dunes Resort if you’re looking for a Hyatt property.
What is there to do in Charleston SC in 3 days?
Charleston is a relatively mid size city so you likely won’t feel like you’re running all over the place. With that said, here’s an itinerary to consider following when visiting Charleston South Carolina.
Day 1
Snag coffee at one of the tasty spots in 13 Essential Coffee Shops in Charleston. After your caffeine fix, head north of downtown Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. The Historic Charleston City Market is next, which puts you back downtown. When you’re finished exploring the market, pick your lunch of choice from 18 Standout Dining Destinations in Charleston.
Walk off lunch by making your way to Ravenel Waterfront Park. This park would also be an ideal place to take pictures as the sun is setting. History buffs will want to check out Fort Sumter National Monument, also known as the place where the civil war began. Prior to grabbing dinner, create your own urban brewery tour. Closeout day 1 by choosing a restaurant from 18 Standout Dining Destinations in Charleston.
Day 2
A coffee shop from 13 Essential Coffee Shops in Charleston is where to start day 2. Next, head to South Carolina Aquarium where you can find the deepest tank in North America. With an exploration of the depths of the sea complete, a restaurant from 18 Standout Dining Destinations in Charleston is your next stop.
Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed places in Charleston. It’s thirteen Georgian row houses that sure can make for a good picture. A horse-drawn carriage tour after Rainbow Row shows you the historic sites of the city while you kick back and relax. Before heading to dinner and closing out day 2, see the city from a different angle by booking a sunset harbor sail.
Day 3
Start day 3 at a coffee shop in the 13 Essential Coffee Shops in Charleston list. For those of you needing a shopping fix, King Street shopping is your first stop after coffee. Visiting Charleston South Carolina isn’t complete without tasting the delicious seafood the city has to offer. When you wrap up your seafood tour, call it a day by heading to Sullivan’s Island to relax at the beach to close out day 3.
Common Questions
Is Charleston SC worth visiting?
With a doubt yes! Food, history, the outdoors, and beaches are a few of the many things the city has in store.
Is Charleston South Carolina safe to visit?
Just like any city, there are areas you want to avoid. Having visited countless times, I never felt unsafe walking around downtown Charleston.
What do you think of this visiting Charleston South Carolina travel guide? What other US cities do you recommend visiting? Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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