Travel Guides > Charleston, SC

Charleston Travel

Pretty Charleston, South Carolina is one of those genteel Southern towns. The gardens are pristine, the buildings clean and sparkling, and the people are among the friendliest anywhere. Everyone smiles and says "good morning" and, even if you are a Yankee, they'll take good care of you, give you directions to their favorite restaurant, and make sure you have everything you need for a pleasant stay in their elegant city.

Though Charleston indeed has the feel of a small southern town, it boasts the amenities of a major city and tourist area. There's a lot to do and see here, from visiting landmarks of Southern history to enjoying the best music and arts offerings in the southern portion of the U.S.

Most guests begin with a stop at the Charleston Visitor Center, located in the downtown portion of the city. One stop here allows you to grab maps, pick up discount tickets, schedule tours, and view a short movie on the history of Charleston.

Just across the street from the visitor center, you'll find the fascinating Charleston Museum, full of interesting artifacts that tell the story of the city and the surrounding South Carolina Low Country.

An ideal way to see the city, its historic homes and businesses, landmark churches, and other important sights, is by hopping aboard a Charleston carriage tour. There are so many carriage tours operating in the city that they all need to travel different routes in order to avoid causing major traffic jams! The guides are humorous and knowledgeable and the slow trip through the Palmetto-lined cobblestone streets is delightful.

A must-see for Civil War buffs is the Fort Sumter National Monument. This is where it all began on April 12, 1861. National Park rangers relate the history of the fort, which is reachable by private boat or ferry. Also visit Fort Moutrie, a Revolutionary War attraction that was the site of the first American victory over the British Navy in 1776.

Each May and June, Charleston is home to one of the finest arts events in the country, the Spoleto Festival. For 17 days, the city comes alive with the best in music, theater, dance, and much more. From stunning classical concerts to puppet shows for the kids, nearly every venue in the city, from concert halls to churches, is full.

Being near the coast, Charleston is also close to a number of beaches, great for enjoying a little time away from the sometimes busy downtown area. The Folly Beach County Park offers a nice swimming area for families, with rest rooms and changing facilities available. The county park at Isle of Palms offers similar amenities.

If you're a golf fanatic, you'll no doubt want to head south for a chance to enjoy a number of wonderful courses. Charleston and the surrounding areas are home to dozens of award-winning courses, designed by the best in the field.