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Plan Your Trip to Charleston: Best of Charleston Tourism

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Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston delivers small-town charm in spades, from the shady courtyards and old Victorian homes to the horse-drawn carriages and six—yes, six—gorgeous beaches. But while the classic southern backdrop is a huge draw, this coastal stunner has plenty of big city attractions. So go ahead and do the historic sites—Middleton Place, Fort Sumter National Museum, the French Quarter, to name a worthy few—but work in time for checking out the city’s contemporary side. There’s the International African American Museum, 30-plus art galleries, and a dynamic, ever-evolving food scene, serving everything from Lowcountry staples (hello, fried chicken) to modern tapas.

Essential Charleston

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Travel Advice

How to do Charleston in 3 days

Picturesque scenes, carriage tours, and so much to eat
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My favourite must-eats in Charleston

In the almost two decades I've called this city home, there's one thing I can say for sure: Charleston may have deep roots but its culinary scene is always evolving. From classic soul food spots to some of the best local seafood and Carolina BBQ, here's my rundown of top eats.
Jai Jones, Charleston, SC
  • Jackrabbit Filly
    19
    I always recommend to go beyond the usual tourist map. One of my favourite spots is Jackrabbit Filly, a heritage driven Chinese-American restaurant in Park Circle. Get the O.G. chirashi rice bowl for lunch, or go for dinner with friends and order the entire menu—seriously. Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and dumplings are always a good way to start off.
  • FIG
    2,406
    This neighbourhood bistro is run by Jason Stanhope, a James Beard Award-winning chef who uses locally sourced ingredients to create his menu. Don't miss the classic chicken liver pate, followed by the ricotta gnocchi alla Bolognese. And for your main, make sure to order at least one fish dish (I love the steamed snapper).
  • Rodney Scott's BBQ
    658
    The South is known for whole hog bbq, and this is a top stop for good reason. Pitmaster Rodney Scott’s team smokes entire pigs right behind the restaurant, serving pulled pork, ribs, and more to fans. My go-to order? The 2 Meat Combo with mac & cheese + collard greens. If you're coming with a group, go for the Pitmaster Combo (whole hog, pork shoulder, chicken, turkey, brisket and ribs, alongside four classic sides).
  • Chubby Fish
    91
    Chubby Fish has been a local favourite since it opened in 2018. Chef James London's focus is all about locally caught seafood. I always recommend the whole fish (usually a b-liner snapper), yellowfin tuna crudo, and oysters. Come early to put your name down for a table since they don’t take bookings.
  • Hannibal's Kitchen
    170
    Soul food is core to Charleston—and the south in general. The 40-year-old Hannibal’s may look small and unassuming, but this family-run kitchen turns out incredible dishes like pork chops and crab rice.
  • Sorelle
    79
    Sorelle opened a few months ago and was an instant hit. The multi-concept experience includes the first floor Mercado, where you can stop for a morning coffee and pastry; a main bar with a wine room tucked behind it; and a dining room, with Southern-Italian dishes like ricotta tortellini (lovingly referred to as “Pillows of Gold”).
  • Daps Breakfast And Imbibe
    37
    Daps is a laid-back breakfast spot in downtown. Some of your childhood (or current) cereal favourites make an appearance, but not in the way you might think. The berry French toast is griddled in Fruity Pebble batter. Cinnamon Toast Crunch is baked inside a Hawaiian roll. If you're looking for something a bit heartier, order the breakfast club sandwich with coffee-rubbed turkey and bacon whipped cheese.
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Charleston travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Historic Sites and Museums

According to forum posts, Charleston offers a rich selection of historic sites that are popular among visitors. Key attractions include the Historic Charleston City Market, Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Old Slave Mart Museum, Nathaniel Russell House, and the Aiken-Rhett House.

Outdoor and Family-friendly Attractions

Some travelers have highlighted Fort Sumter National Monument and Waterfront Park, which includes the iconic Pineapple Fountain, as must-visit locations. These spots are particularly appealing for their historical significance and scenic views.

Unique Experiences

For those interested in unique local experiences, walking tours are frequently recommended over carriage tours for a more authentic and informative exploration of Charleston's historic district. Walking tours are often led by locals with deep familial ties to the area.

Recommendations for Nature and History Buffs

Forum users suggest that nature and history enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit Battery & White Point Gardens. This location offers both natural beauty and a deep historical context, ideal for families who enjoy picturesque landscapes and learning about the past.

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Highly Recommended Restaurants

According to forum posts, 167 Raw is a favorite for seafood lovers, praised for its raw oysters and various seafood dishes. The Ordinary is also frequently recommended for exceptional seafood dining.

Popular Dining Experiences

Travelers have called out Fig and Halls Chophouse as memorable dining spots. Fig is noted for its memorable meals, and Halls Chophouse is popular for brunch.

Outdoor and Casual Dining

For outdoor dining, posts suggest Melfi and Tempest as great options. For more casual dining experiences, Fleet Landing and Poogan's Porch are frequently mentioned, offering a relaxed atmosphere with good food.

Unique Dining Suggestions

For a unique dining experience, R. Kitchen offers an intimate setting where diners can observe the preparation of their meals closely, providing an up-close culinary experience.

Diverse Cuisine Options

For those interested in trying various cuisines, Leyla Fine Lebanese and Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse are suggested for offering diverse culinary experiences, although reviews on Leyla's have been mixed regarding authenticity and price.

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Family-Friendly Attractions

According to forum posts, the Charleston Aquarium is recommended as a must-visit for families, offering educational experiences with local marine life. The Children's Museum in the historic district is also mentioned as a place catering to younger children, though specific feedback on the museum is limited.

Historical and Outdoor Activities

Some travelers suggested visiting Patriots Point and Fort Sumter for families interested in history. Additionally, activities like carriage tours and waterfront walks are highlighted as enjoyable for all ages. For outdoor lovers, the Angel Oak Tree and various beaches like Sullivan's Island offer spacious areas for children to explore.

Interactive and Educational Experiences

Travelers have called out Patriots Point for its interactive tours of battleships, which might require climbing but are engaging for older children. The Old Jail tour is another engaging historical option, though it might be better suited for older kids due to the nature of the content.

Leisure and Dining

For dining, some users noted that places like Husk and SNOB offer a sophisticated dining experience that can be fun for children during lunchtime, providing an opportunity to enjoy good food in a more relaxed setting.

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Kayak Tour Companies

According to forum posts, several companies offer kayak tours in Charleston. Coastal Expeditions, Charleston Outdoor Adventures, and Nature Adventures are recommended for guided tours. These companies provide essential equipment and have guides knowledgeable about local tides and ecosystems.

Self-Guided Rentals

For travelers confident in their kayaking skills and familiar with local conditions, renting kayaks to explore independently is an option. Some travelers mentioned the option to rent from local providers if you can transport the kayaks yourself.

Specific Tour Experience

Travelers have shared positive experiences with specific tours, such as the 2-hour Shem Creek tour, which was highlighted for its manageable duration and the inclusion of a guide to enhance the experience. This area is particularly noted for sightings of local wildlife, like dolphins.

Online Resources

For more information on specific tours and rentals, visitors can check websites like kayakcharlestonsc.com and coastalexpeditions.com, which offer a variety of kayaking trips and essential details.

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Beach Options and Characteristics

According to forum posts, Charleston area beaches such as Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island are family-friendly, and each has its own unique character. Travelers have noted that these beaches do not offer the typical commercial beach amenities like those found in Myrtle Beach, indicating a more natural and less commercialized environment.

Accommodation and Access

Some travelers mentioned specific beachfront hotels like The Tides on Folly Beach and options at Isle of Palms, including Wild Dunes and a few smaller hotels. It's highlighted that beachfront accommodations in Charleston are predominantly villas and condos, with few hotel options directly on the beach. Travelers looking for extensive hotel options might find limited choices and should consider vacation rentals or staying slightly inland.

Travel Considerations

Users also discussed the logistical aspects of visiting these beaches, pointing out the growing population and traffic issues, which can make travel between the city and the beaches challenging during peak times. This could affect day trips to the beach from Charleston.

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Parking Availability and Cost

According to forum posts, Charleston offers various parking options including street parking and garages. Street parking is available but can be competitive, especially around tourist areas like White Point Garden/The Battery. Garage parking is more readily available, with prices typically around $2 per hour, and some offering daily rates like $18 at 1 Cumberland garage.

Garage Recommendations

Some travelers have recommended specific garages for their convenience and location. The garage at 84 Cumberland is favored for its central location in the Historic District. The Visitors Center garage on Meeting Street is also popular, providing easy access to the free DASH shuttle service that navigates through the Historic District.

Additional Tips

For those visiting with RVs, it's advised to avoid bringing large vehicles into the Historic District due to narrow roads. Alternative parking options for RVs include areas near Joe Riley Stadium.

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Hotel Options in Mt. Pleasant

According to forum posts, several accommodation options are available in Mt. Pleasant, which is a more budget-friendly alternative to downtown Charleston. Some travelers mentioned the Cambria® Hotel, Tru by Hilton, Candlewood Suites, and DoubleTree by Hilton as viable options.

Price Range and Location

For many users, the prices in Mt. Pleasant range from $200-$250, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers. The area is noted for its proximity to the historic district, approximately a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic and exact location.

Hotel Amenities and Recommendations

Some travelers said that newer hotels like Hilton Garden Inn and Springhill Suites in Mt. Pleasant offer nice facilities but are not the cheapest. The Candlewood Suites, although a budget hotel, has received great reviews and provides good value for money.

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Dress Code Overview

According to forum posts, the general dress code for dining in Charleston varies by restaurant but leans towards business or resort casual. This attire is suitable for most dining places in the city, including popular spots like SNOB and Magnolia.

Specific Restaurant Guidance

For specific restaurants such as Hanks, Maya, Magnolias, and 82 Queen, users suggest that business casual or similar attire is appropriate. Some travelers noted that while some patrons dress up, others opt for casual outfits like jeans. However, items like shorts and t-shirts are generally discouraged, especially in upscale dining environments.

Holiday and Special Occasions

During special occasions, such as Mother's Day brunch or Christmas dinner, the expectation for dressier attire increases. Travelers have called out that locals might wear church clothes or suits, suggesting a slightly more formal approach during these times.

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