is charleston worth visitingis charleston worth visiting

There are a lot of parks in the city. There is a Pineapple Fountain: Nice Reason To Visit Charleston If You Like Special Sights, 9. Re: Is it worth visiting Charleston, SC in October? The majority of the must to do things on this guide are located downtown Charleston, including historic houses, hidden lanes and secluded gardens. The historic Charleston City Market is close to the Holy Citys cruise terminal and within walking distance of many downtown hotels. Today, it is open for visitors to learn more about those men and women who helped run and maintain the townhouse, as well as the Russell family. If youre asking is West Ashley, Charleston safe? then youll be pleased to know that West Ashley is one of the safest (and prettiest) regions in the area. Georgetown Courtesy of Discover South Carolina South Carolina has plenty of lovely coastal small towns, including Georgetown, located between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Another one of the reasons to visit Charleston is the food that you can find in the city. The Angel Oak is a 300 to 400-year-old live oak tree with a trunk nearly 25 feet in circumference and a shade canopy of approximately 17,000 square feet. The city has also been featured on many "cutest towns in America" lists (or some equivalent of that) in travel magazines, and many people I know who've been say it's a great place to visit. One of the best places for a day trip is Savannah. Should Charleston embrace its history of slavery and make it part of the experience for tourists? Rainbow Row without a doubt, is one of the most popular things to do and see in Charleston. This is an amazing and very interesting tree that makes the city worth visiting for sure! And getting there is easy. Many restaurants and attractions are open nowwhat that will look like in October is hard to say. The airport is around 19 kilometers northwest of downtown Charleston in North Charleston. Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and it is definitely a place that will take your breath away with its unique southern charm, colorful architecture and hospitality. Not us! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-107864653', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Savannah this summer, mid-Covid. Level Contributor 176 posts 45 reviews 45 helpful votes Mount Charleston, worth a visit? Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and it is definitely a place that will take your breath away with its unique southern charm, colorful architecture and hospitality. Broad Street is Beautiful: Reason To Visit Charleston If You Like Pretty Streets, 18. Wow, what a cool city. Several tour companies offer walking history tours in downtown Charleston. The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild - but not stifling. From here you can spot Fort Sumter. Frannie & The Fox (a wood-fired bistro with Italian sensibilities), Clerks Coffee Company (a more casual caf and eatery with a tinge of nostalgia), and Keep Shop are all located inside the hotel (an exceptionally well-curated gift shop). Charleston is best visited between March and May or September and November when temperatures are warm but not oppressive. Both cities are STUNNING and if you have the time, I will strongly suggest to visit both cities. Before you visit, check the political climate. 10 Popular Charleston Vacation ActivitiesShould You Go? While those are the 10 Charleston must dos that are on many vacationers to-do lists, there are many other things to do on vacation in Charleston as well. Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey! Visitors can explore historic landmarks, indulge in fun water activities, and experience its scenic wilderness in some of the best parks in the state . We visited the Charleston area this past summer and had a fabulous time! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-107611857', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Savannah are the lowest I have ever seen. Charleston has a crime rate that is higher than the national average, but it is a generally safe place to visit. At the park, you can go for a relaxing walk, while looking at the waters of the city! 2 bds. Why it's worth visiting Charleston, SC. The tap water from the Charleston Water System is safe to consume. So when you are walking around in the city, you might stumble upon some places you know! Waterfront Park is a great park that is wonderful to visit! The Essential Charleston Passport, published by the Charleston Heritage Foundation, is available online. Home North America United States South Carolina, We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our personal experiences. 3 Unique Charleston Plantations Worth Visiting. So yeah, there are plenty of reasons for visiting but how safe is Charleston to visit? Not only do you get to visit the historic fort where the American Civil War began, but you also get to take a boat ride to an island, and youll have the opportunity to photograph the Battery and South of Broad with the Ravenel Bridge in the distance. Its cobblestone street, colorful houses, stunning plantations will make your trip an unforgettable one. It now runs as a museum about its many uses including a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall and military headquarters. You can look at the sea from here, which is nice. Whether you spend half an hour or multiple hours browsing, a visit to the Charleston City Market is definitely worth it if youre in the area. You should exercise extreme caution here and watch your wallets and other valuables. You may either drive through or stroll along the walkways, stopping for activities like marshmallow roasting, train rides, and carousel rides, among others. When it comes to fancy hotels, fine dining, and private transportation, Charleston can be pricey. Keep an eye on the weather conditions to stay safe before planning your trip to Charleston, and be aware that if you travel during hurricane season, you may be forced to evacuate during your vacation. The best things to do in Charleston, SC include exploring historic sites and monuments and relaxing on local beaches like Folly Beach and the Isle of Palms. Also, there are many picturesque houses and other picturesque places. 1. There are many things that make the city worth visiting! It features a lot of historic buildings and there is a lot to do in the city. You have to visit Sticky Fingers restaurant while you are in this fabulous city. You should definitely explore the historic district of Savannah. Shopping at King Street is a lot of fun. We're about to tell you what makes this time of year so special in the Lowcountry. The weather is also why you should visit Charleston for sure! These include everything from daytime and sunset tours onboard catamarans to dinner cruises and cruises on the citys pedal bars. There are 212 all-king bed guest rooms in the boutique hotel, including 128 deluxe suites. Charleston, South Carolina has to be one of the worlds mostwalkable cities! For example, one of the special things in the city is Rainbow Row. There are many sights that are a lot of fun for kids. What are Charlestons crime rates? Located in Charleston, just a short drive outside the historic center, this state-run historic site was the birthplace of South Carolina. Charleston Museums Worth Visiting . And besides that, there are many historical theaters. I definitely recommend checking out the festivals in Charleston when you are in the city! And besides that, there are many more reasons to visit Charleston. Especially if you like history, this is very interesting. Last year, nine people were tragically killed by a lone gunman during a prayer meeting at the historical Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in downtown Charleston. That is why we have chosen the best things to do in one day in Charleston to help you plan your next vacation. Prepare several escape routes and have a full tank of gas and radiator fluid on hand! Lets get into the nitty-gritty! This is a promenade and seawall that is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Plus, youll get some swag to bring home with you. The Arthur J. Ravenel Bridge is Very Unique, 28. In Charleston, hurricane season lasts about from July 4th to Thanksgiving. Historic Charleston is not for the faint of wallet. Charleston is home to cutting-edge restaurants, intriguing stores, advanced art galleries, and the world-renowned Spoleto Festival USA. Also if you want to go for a relaxing run at this park, that's why you should visit Charleston for sure! - House for sale. Here are 10 more activities that are popular among locals that you can also enjoy on your Charleston vacation: While dining at one of downtown Charlestons famous restaurants is an experience not to be missed, so is having a waterfront breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hotel and restaurant reservations are cheaper in Charleston than in more popular warm-weather destinations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, or Scottsdale, and short-term winter rentals are abundant at lower prices. This plantation will surprise you with their rich history, beautiful gardens and elegant architecture. Do you love the film The Notebook? It also has a very complicated present. You find here the oldest public market in the country. But that's not the only cuisine you find in the city. I had the full slab of "Tennessee sauced" ribs with a side of smoked wings and didn't come close to finishing the huge portions. You Can Learn Water Sports in Charleston. It is also a very photogenic place. Its cobblestone walkways, incredible historic sites, world-class restaurants and miles of stunning beaches make Charleston a must destination to visit in the United States. From breathtaking landmarks to trendy boutiques, world-class gardens to cobblestone alleyways, this vibrant seaside . The plantation I visited while in Charleston, with its pretty live oaks, stable of horses and gorgeous home, housed almost 300 slaves. Whether or not this has had any effect remains to be seen. Especially if you love nature, this is a must-see in the city. Best Time to Visit: Come to Charleston from March to May, just before it gets sultry. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Some years, Charleston bears the brunt of hurricane season. Be aware that parking is also pretty pricey and scarce if youre driving downtown. Why You Should Definitely Do It: Charlestons most well-known restaurants like Husk and Basic Kitchen have certainly earned their reputations. Step back in time and discover the earliest colonial history of South Carolina. So, some families might prefer to visit the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center instead. Two days is just enough time to soak up Charlestons small-town charm and Lowcountry flavor. See Related: Where to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina. City is extremely easy to get around in by car. So if you are asking why you should visit Charleston, this tree is one of the reasons! The Battery is located at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula. For a small city like Charleston, there are a lot of events. Actually, my trip to Charleston overall was worth it. Charleston is a very comfortable place to explore. King Street is one of the reasons to visit Charleston. Why You Might Skip It: If youre in the area, there arent many reasons not to take a stroll past Rainbow Row. And also it is great to do a cruise in the city. For example, it is a great place to enjoy the nightlife of the city, as there are great bars and pubs here. According to statistics, 28 new individuals migrate to Charleston every day, making it the 47th fastest-growing metro area in the United States. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Their professional staff is always on hand to provide the best service possible and answer any questions you may have about finding the perfect vacation rental. Charleston and Savannah are both friendly cities with a lot of history and southern hospitality! Why You Might Skip It: If youre not in the area, it might not be worth planning a trip downtown just to go to the Charleston City Market (although many people would disagree). In fact, there are a lot of them in the city center. Charleston is a coastal city in the state of South Carolina. This makes going to the city a lot of fun! I found it to be a very beautiful city, full of colorful, graceful homes and an atmosphere of true southern charm. We also had the chance to explore some of the other neighborhoods of the city. For example, you can visit the South Carolina Aquarium. Why You Should Definitely Do It: Visiting the Angel Oak is free; and, if you are headed to the beach at Kiawah Beachwalker County Park, it is right on your way. Charleston still has a long way to go. While this is a Charleston must do for many outdoor enthusiasts, you dont have to be an expert to hit the water. Are the restaurants and attractions going to be open? Or, maybe youd rather use your vacation budget for other things. Charleston, South Carolina, has been named Travel + Leisure readers' favorite U.S. city in our "World's Best Awards" survey year after year for several convincing reasons. Save this post to Pinterest if you like it! In this guide will show you what you need to do and see on your next visit to Charleston. You Can Explore a Large Part of the City on Foot, 10. These tours pass through the Historic District and South of Broad, passing buildings and monuments from Charlestons historic pre- and post-Civil War era. All the more reason to stay just over the bridge in Mt Pleasant. Charleston is a city where you can easily spend several days and still run out of time. The best time to visit Charleston is during the Spring and Fall. Charleston is a city in South Carolina in the United States. I don't remember the tour company's name, but they have written a book about ghost stories and I hear they are the best and have been around the longest. It is the perfect destination for a romantic weekend getaway or as a family week long vacation. Here's another reason to travel to the city. Is It Necessary For Me to Get Travel Insurance for My Next Trip? In fact, it's truly a treat to enjoy a vacation in Charleston in December. 2,912 sqft. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We stayed in a local hotel above the restaurant called the Meeting Street Suites. In 1999, Hurricanes Dennis, Irene, and Floyd all hit Charleston within months of one other! Why You Might Skip It: Price is a factor for some families; and, if you are prone to getting seasick, the water in the Charleston harbor can get choppy on windy days. You can find souvenirs in plenty of other places, and you can spend your time (and money) on other activities instead of looking for a parking space or paying to park in a garage downtown. But there's much more! If you arent interested in going with a group, there are private charter options as well. By Alex Schultz. If so, that's also why you should travel here! The park also has several historic wartime monuments, and the waterfront sidewalk continues past the antebellum mansions in South of Broad. This sprawling park is full of amenities, including a 50-foot outdoor climbing wall. There are lots of running races in the Charleston area, from 5k races all the way up to ultramarathons. And at the theater, you can enjoy more than 100 shows a year! West Virginia State Capitol (Editor's Choice) 2. According to local crime figures, pickpockets are very common in touristy areas of Charleston, particularly on Market Street. Visit Fort Sumter to learn about the Civil War, Middleton Place to hear about the plantation owners and the enslaved Africans who toiled for them, and Emanuel AME Church to see where Martin Luther King Jr. made his historic speech. When you are in the city, you can do a lot of different water sports. You dont want to get out of hand (or even what can be perceived as out of hand), or youll find yourself in serious trouble with the trigger-happy police. Avoid strolling late at night on dimly lit streets and neighborhoods distant from the city center. Charleston is full of historic homes dating back over 200 years. (This is Charleston after all.) These parks also tend to be less crowded than the main beach areasespecially Folly Beach County Park, which is located on the southern tip of the island. 30 Reasons To Visit Charleston, SC: Why You Should Visit Charleston, 1. Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. The ghost tour was most memorable. Charleston, South Carolina will definitely surprise you and take your breath away. Besides that, the tree is also huge, which is incredible to see! These historic houses feature interesting architecture. It is great to see these houses, and the street is very popular because of the colors. There Are Amazing Luxury Hotels: Great Reason To Visit Charleston If You Like Nice Hotels, 13. Most people know about its historic colonial architecture, coastal seafood, and the old southern way of life. Because Charleston is at sea level, even a Category 1 Hurricane may inflict significant damage, particularly if you stay on Folly, Sullivans, Kiawah, or Seabrook Island. For example, you can go parasailing or waterskiing. The other things I knew about Charleston prior to going: it's in the south, so of course it had a part in slavery. If you arent sure where to go, you can do some quick research for self-guided walking tours of historic Charleston online, and youll find resources like this one from Cond Nast. The Waterfront Park is the main landmark in Charleston as it is home of thePineapple Fountain. Walking on the seawall with the waves crashing against it has a unique feel; and, with its Civil War monuments and palmetto trees, there arent many spots that feel more Charleston than the Battery. It is located in a small state park on Johns Island. We tried to visit as many plantations as we could, includingMiddleton Place, Drayton Hall, Charleston Tea Plantation, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Boone Hall Plantation. Rainbow Row is a very colorful street consisting of thirteen historic houses. Exploring Historic Charleston. The currentCharleston City Market has been serving as an open air market since the beginning of the 1800s. Many of the homes have been restored to their former glory, highlighting the lives and impact of the owners. 10 Reasons To Visit Charleston, South Carolina This Winter. Located seven miles south of the city, Kanawha State Forest is definitely worth visiting in West Virginia, packed with incredible things to see and do. Though I can't yet clearly decipher and articulate my feelings on the above, I do think Charleston is a place that's very much worth visiting. If you can get a reservation, you wont regret it, and your meal will almost certainly be one of the highlights of your stay. Spanning four city blocks, the semi-enclosed market has numerous local vendors, from artists and sweetgrass basket weavers to glass sculptors and stalls that sell Charleston souvenirs. You can have here Southern food, which is definitely why you should visit Charleston! More about me. Charleston is a city in South Carolina in the United States. You have no choice but to wear a mask when in town, it's not a matter of erring towards it. You can go here to buy something new, to taste something new, or do anything else. There is no way to experience Charleston and not see its past, which also informs some of its present. Outside of the city limits, though, taxis are tougher to find. Historic Charleston is not for the faint of wallet. One of the best historic theaters is the Dock Street Theatre. If you like luxury hotels, you'll love Charleston! Its also best not to spend too long at bars. Those seeking locally manufactured products can visit the Charleston City Market, where they may purchase sweetgrass baskets crafted in traditional Gullah patterns and other unusual mementos. Each of these houses has a different color, which makes the city look amazing! There are a lot of great streets, and there is beautiful architecture. When you go to the Waterfront Park of Charleston, you have to see the Pineapple Fountain for sure! In this metropolis, underprivileged regions are frequently the target of severe thefts. Not all of North Charleston is dangerous, and its mostly okay during the daytime. We are leaning towards going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The historic homes were wonderful and worth visiting. So, as much as I was excited to go to Charleston for its beauty and its food, I was unsure of what to expect less than a year after these occurrences. What's unique about the city is that it feels like a small town, but there are still a lot of things to do and see. Running (or walking) a race is a great way to see an area of the city that you might not see otherwise. I knew it was in South Carolina and that it's having an "it" moment right now because of its beautiful architecture and the amazing James Beard award-winning chefs who have made Charleston a culinary hot spot. Also, the cobblestone streets in Charleston are very charming. In Charleston, Uber and Lyft have a presence. Charlestonhas a bigger downtown, more variety of restaurants and shops, whileSavannahhas the beautiful Tybee Island. No predicting if the downward trends will continue. Our trip was in November, past the height of tourist season. Charleston is defined by centuries-old homes, Spanish moss-draped trees, creepy cemeteries, and cobblestone lanes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi there! To get to Rainbow Row you must walk along the seawall on Bay Street between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers until you see a row of traditional Charleston houses painted in bright pastel colors. Horse drawn tour was an excellent way to get to know the city. Whatever water sport you like, you can do it here! But, we recognize that not everyone has the time, or the budget, to fit everything in. Folly, Sullivans, Kiawah, or Seabrook Island. Close your car properly and park in a secured parking area if youre traveling by automobile. No doubt, their recommendations have helped countless visitors find the very best Charleston has to offer, all while avoiding potential pitfalls. If you like taking pictures, this is definitely why you should visit Charleston. These days many people know of it as the place where scenes from The Notebook were filmed. The Charleston Battery are a professional soccer team that plays at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. State Capitol State Capitol | Photo Copyright: Meagan Drillinger West Virginia's most recognizable building, the Charleston State Capitol, rises majestically above the banks of the Kanawha River, with a dome five feet higher than that of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. Why You Should Definitely Do It: Shopping (or even just window shopping) on King Street is another quintessentially Charleston experience. First of all, take a carriage ride! Charleston isn't the first place people think of as a winter getaway, but it can . We had a great trip in spite of the pandemic. Discover the Best Travel Tools One of the most significant segments of Charleston history to learn about and learn from is its role as the entry point into the United States for nearly 40% of African slaves until 1808. Its Also a Nice City To Visit For Families: Great Reason To Visit Charleston for Families, 26. The thing is, when friends ask me how my trip to Charleston was, I find myself saying "Great! But, if you only have a limited amount of time in Charleston, then making the drive to Johns Island might be another one that you save for another time. Even if you are renting a beach house for a week, you still probably wont be able to pack everything in. We recommend to at least spend two days, but ideally you should spend between 3 to 4 days, especially if you are not staying downtown. The historic district is a compact area crammed with structures that show how Charlestonians lived before the Civil War/War of Northern Aggressiondepending upon your viewpoint. The easiest way to explain why you should visit the Angel Oak is to say that you will understand once youre there. That said, its best not to risk it if youre unfamiliar with the area or if its after dark. This wonderful tree looks great together with the houses of Charleston. They offer world-class amenities, such as waterfront views, private pools, and beach access. That's what Charleston scored out of 100 on Walk Score's walkability meter, making it a "car-dependent" city. It is home to numerous shops and stores, including local businesses as well as well-known luxury clothing and home goods brands. The plantations are outside of Charleston, but they are well worth the visit. A smartphone app may be used to summon a car. You can find a lot of different art galleries in the center. At Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts, you can have delicious and unique donuts. When going to the city, the City Market is great to visit. While Charlestons crime rate is higher than the national average, its still a pretty safe place to visit. Our waitress was wonderful and the manager directed us on some great sites within easy walking distance from the restaurant. We thinktravel insuranceis always a good idea, even if youre traveling domestically! And I think, with the climate of our country today, it's hard for me to reconcile these two versions when someone asks me about my time in Charleston, and so I sum up my experience by simply saying, "Charleston is an interesting place.". Why You Should Definitely Do It: The Charleston City Market is popular among residents and visitors alike. Both the genre and the types of art differ at these places. Theres a Large Oak Thats More Than 400 Years Old, 4. Even if you dont go for the fine dining experience, you can still enjoy a Lowcountry meal you wont soon forget in downtown Charleston, on Sullivans Island, or on Shem Creek. On their website, you can choose either a 1, 2, or 3-day pass that admits you into over 30 of Charleston's tours, attractions, and restaurants. This is a beautiful street that's very colorful. While many vacationers drive across the bridge during their stay, far fewer walk up to the middle. The most serious issues are the theft of products, auto theft, burglary, and drug trafficking. Highway 52 is another option for escape. Your email address will not be published. Charleston City Market is a Great Place, 27. From the airport you can take shuttles that drop you off at different hotels, rent a car, take an Uber or taxi or ride the CARTA bus, which offers an express route between the airport and downtown Charleston for $3.50 each way. Why You Should Definitely Do It: Charlestons horse-drawn carriage tours are really quite good. There are, of course, things that happen in Charleston that happen in many other cities around the world, but these two events were particularly significant and heartbreaking and represented the worst of America today. Charleston is a lovely city in South Carolina that's amazing to visit. 5 Things to Know, Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, Where To Stay In New Orleans: 8 Best Neighborhoods and Areas, Savor South Beach: 16 Best Restaurants In South Beach, Miami, A Dream Getaway: 9 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica, 10 Best Hiking Apps for Your Next Adventure. There are numerous art galleries that showcase paintings, photography, and other exhibits of human geniusseveral times a year. You can see here so many animals! Capitol Market 6. If a storm threatens the region, have a backup plan in place. Visiting Rainbow Row in the French Quarter, Taking a History Tour in Downtown Charleston, Taking a Charleston Harbor Boat Tour or Taxi, 10 activities that might not be on your Charleston "must do" list (but maybe should be), Getting Ready for Your First 5k in Charleston. Charleston is one of the prettiest cities in the United States. The elegant 255-room hotel is the only Five-Star hotel in South Carolina. Rainbow Row is close to many other Charleston vacation must-visit locations as well (like Charleston City Market, King Street, and Waterfront Park), and its an easy one to check off while exploring the Holy City. That said, both police departments have been working for the last 3 years to improve how police officers serve their communities without racial bias. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is one of the most unique reasons to go to the city. Hello travelers! My wife had the barbecue pork dinner. West Virginia's capital city is a riverfront paradise with numerous attractions. It's free to visit and worth a stop on the way to the Charleston Tea Garden. TheSpectator Hotelon State Street has an Art Deco-inspired dcor that harkens back to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s.