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Charleston, SC

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City
—°21
Charleston, SC (United States)
ℹ️

Practical info — Charleston, SC

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Make use of the free DASH shuttle buses to easily get around the historic downtown area.
  • Wear flat shoes, as the cobblestone streets in the Historic District are very uneven.
  • Make dinner reservations at popular restaurants several weeks in advance.
  • Summers are very hot and humid; spring and fall offer much more comfortable weather.

🍽 Food

🍽
Shrimp and Grits

A quintessential Southern dish. Try it at the seafood restaurants near the waterfront.

🍽
She-Crab Soup

A rich, creamy crab soup best enjoyed in the traditional eateries of the Historic District.

🍽
Lowcountry Oysters

Indulge in fresh, local oysters at one of the city's dedicated raw bars.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Charleston City Market

The go-to spot to buy traditional, hand-woven sweetgrass baskets directly from local artisans.

🛍
King Street

The premier destination for high-end fashion boutiques, antiques, and local shops.

🧘
The Battery

A pretty waterfront promenade lined with historic Southern mansions and old cannons.

🧘
Waterfront Park

Sit near the famous Pineapple Fountain and enjoy the cool harbor breeze.

🧘
White Point Garden

A peaceful park shaded by massive oak trees at the very southern tip of the peninsula.

Founded in 1670 as Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England, Charleston is one of the most historically significant and well-preserved cities in the United States. Initially located on the west bank of the Ashley River, the settlement was moved in 1680 to its present location on the peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers. Charleston quickly grew to be a major port in the North American colonies and a center of wealth based on rice cultivation, indigo, and the slave trade. The city played a pivotal role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War; the first shots of the Civil War were fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston's harbor in 1861. Following a period of post-war economic decline, the city experienced a renaissance in the 20th century, focusing on preserving its unique architecture, rich history, and lively culture. Today, Charleston is a major tourist destination, renowned for its antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and acclaimed culinary scene.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91114192327282725201411
Rain mm61858482921401471711191056992

Geography

Population
132,609 (2024)
Coordinates
32.77650, -79.93110

Facts

  • By 1800, Charleston was the fifth-largest city in North America.
  • The first golf course in the United States, Harleston Green, was established in Charleston in 1786.
  • The Dock Street Theatre, opened in 1736, was the first building in America built exclusively for theatrical performances.
  • A devastating earthquake struck the city in 1886, damaging thousands of buildings.
  • Approximately 40% of African slaves brought to the US entered through the port of Charleston.
  • Charleston is often called 'The Holy City' because of its many church steeples.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Charleston, SC (21)

Mace Brown Museum of Natural History🏛 museum

Natural history museum at the College of Charleston showcasing fossils and minerals.

🕒 Mo-Tu 11:00-16:00; Th-Su 11:00-16:00🆓

Postal Museum🏛 museum

The Postal Museum is a museum housed in the historic post office in Charleston (South Carolina).

The Best Friend Train Museum🏛 museum

The Best Friend Train Museum is a museum dedicated to a historic locomotive in Charleston (South Carolina).

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-14:00; PH closed💶

Castle Pinckney🛡️ fortress

Castle Pinckney is a historic fort located in Charleston (South Carolina).

Confederate Defenders of Charleston🏺 historical

Dedicated in 1932 and designed by Delano & Aldrich, this monument in Charleston honors Confederate defenders.

Sottile Theater🎭 culture

Opened in 1927 and designed by C.K. Howell, the Sottile Theater in Charleston.

Dock Street Theatre🎭 culture

Originally built in 1809 and redesigned by Douglas D. Ellington, the Dock Street Theatre in Charleston.

Memminger Auditorium🎭 culture

Opened in 1939 and designed by Simons and Lapham, the Memminger Auditorium in Charleston.

Unitarian Church in Charleston⛪ religious

The Unitarian Church in Charleston is a historic place of worship located in Charleston (South Carolina).

First (Scots) Presbyterian Church⛪ religious

First (Scots) Presbyterian Church in Charleston was built in 1814.

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church⛪ religious

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church is a notable place of worship in Charleston (South Carolina).

Rainbow Row (South End)📍 landmark

Rainbow Row (South End) is an attraction in Charleston (South Carolina), famous for its colorful historic houses.

Preservation Society of Charleston📍 landmark

The Preservation Society of Charleston was founded in 1920.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Model of the Civil War Submarine, H.L. Hunley📍 landmark

This attraction in Charleston (South Carolina) features a model of the historic Civil War submarine, H.L. Hunley.

Marion Square🌳 park

Marion Square in Charleston was established in 1882.

Brittlebank Park🌳 park

Brittlebank Park in Charleston was established in 1975.

Martin Luther King Jr. Pool🎡 recreation

A public swimming pool in Charleston, South Carolina, named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., suitable for families.

Herbert Hasell Pool🎡 recreation

A swimming pool in Charleston, South Carolina, named after Herbert Hasell, for families.

Scott Park Pool🎡 recreation

A swimming pool in Scott Park, Charleston, South Carolina, great for kids and families.

Animal Forest

Animal Forest is a zoo in Charleston with native and exotic animals, first-rate for family outings.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-16:00

Frequently asked questions

What is the best thing about Charleston?
The historic charm, cobblestone streets, and excellent Southern cuisine.
How many days should I stay?
Three days are well-suited to see both the center and the nearby plantations.
When should I visit Charleston?
Spring and fall are first-rate, as the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom.
Are there beaches nearby?
Yes, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are just a short drive away.
What is the parking situation like?
Parking is difficult in the center; use parking garages or the free shuttle buses.
Charleston, SC: where is it located?
Charleston, SC is located in United States.
Charleston, SC: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, Postal Museum, The Best Friend Train Museum.
Charleston, SC: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Charleston, SC: why is it worth visiting?
Founded in 1670 as Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England, Charleston is one of the most historically significant and well-preserved cities in the United States.
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