Exploring Historic Charleston
Consistently ranked among the country’s favorite cities, Charleston delights visitors who appreciate Southern charm, warm hospitality, and historic settings that effortlessly blend old and new. From breathtaking landmarks to trendy boutiques, world-class gardens to cobblestone alleyways, this vibrant seaside city offers up a world of fun for foodies, history buffs, beach lovers, and other adventurers.
History Buffs
Carriage rides
8 Guignard St. | .8 mi | (843) 853-6125
Take in Charleston’s legends and lore on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s Historic District with Palmetto Carriage Works.
Charleston Walking Tour
(843) 345-1130
For a more detailed tour, enjoy a private tour with one of the Holy City's best guides. Please contact the concierge to make a reservation.
Foodies
Circa 1886
Voted #9 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.
149 Wentworth St. | 154 ft. | (843) 853-7828
Enjoy a romantic, exquisitely prepared dinner at our own Circa 1886, set in the mansion’s former carriage house.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
698 King St. | 1.7 mi. | (843) 531-6500
Savor raw oysters, fried chicken, and hush puppies in the casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere of Leon’s, a one-time auto body shop.
Beach lovers
Isle of Palms
18.1 mi.
A sea turtle nesting habitat, this pencil-thin barrier island is known for its beautiful beaches and oceanfront park, complete with picnic spots and a playground.
Folly Beach
11 mi.
Fun and family-friendly, Folly Beach is a fave for surfing, fishing and socializing. Added bonus: It’s the beach to downtown Charleston.
Ghost hunters
Ghost and Graveyard walking tour
18 Anson St. | .8 mi. | (843) 722-8687
Slip into one of Charleston’s oldest graveyards after dark for a Bulldog Tours walking tour accompanied by spine-tingling tales of the city’s restless spirits.
The Haunted Jail tour
18 Anson St. | .8 mi. | (843) 722-8687
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old City Jail, Charleston’s most haunted building, and enjoy a look at still-intact prison cells.
Style icons
Charleston City Market
188 Meeting St. | 0.7 mi. | (843) 937-0920
Explore the epicenter of Charleston’s sweetgrass basket industry in this sprawling open-air market housing more than 50 resident weavers and artisans.
J. McLaughlin
212 King St. | 0.5 mi. | (843) 723-8840
Check out this clothing chain stocking classic fashions for men & women, plus accessories such as belts & bags.
Intercoastal adventurers
Sunset sail on the Schooner Pride
360 Concord St. | 1.4 mi. | (843) 722-1112
Enjoy awe-inspiring views on a sunset sail aboard the Schooner Pride, a replica of an 18th century coastal trading schooner and Charleston’s only three-mast tall ship.
Kayaking tours
514 Mill St., Mount Pleasant | 6.3 mi. | (843) 884-7684
Explore Charleston’s saltwater estuaries on a half-day kayak tour with an ACA-certified naturalist guide from Coastal Expeditions.