A perfect getaway doesn’t have to be far away-the beautiful city of Charleston is just a short drive from many southern cities so it’s no wonder everyone enjoys coming here! With so much history to explore and so many activities for families and friends alike, there is truly something for everyone during a visit to Charleston SC.
Many people are familiar with the beautiful coastal cities in South Carolina, but few know what a hidden gem of southern hospitality awaits them in nearby Charleston! Visitors will be delighted by charming cobblestone streets lined with historic antebellum architecture and famous landmarks. Charleston has so much to offer history including buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and more. When looking for a perfect getaway, this lovely city is a perfect place to think about. Whether you are traveling with friends or family, on a romantic, or even on a business trip, Charleston has the ideal activities for everybody! Therefore, there are a few useful tips to help plan your perfect trip to Charleston SC.
Arrive the right way
When you are visiting Charleston, it's important to start on the right foot. Before checking into your hotel room or heading out to explore the area, you should be thinking about how to best arrive in Charleston SC. One of the best ways is flying into the Lowcountry region's local airport, which is located just outside of downtown by approximately 12 miles. There is a shuttle available that will take you directly from the airport to your destination. You may also rent a car and drive into the city, but traffic around downtown can be pretty bad during rush hours. If you plan to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel or destination, they might not have an easy way of finding where you are staying so it's always helpful if you know the street address.
Where to stay
Once you have arrived in Charleston SC, it's time to check in to your hotel room. Fortunately, Charleston offers visitors a wide selection of lodging options to choose from with over 100 hotels within the city limits alone! Visitors can choose between luxury resorts with breathtaking ocean views, romantic beds & breakfasts located in old historic homes with antique furniture and unique décor that will pamper even the most discerning guest, or even more affordable motel chains that are conveniently located near major attractions. If you prefer staying in a vacation rental, Charleston has a great selection of furnished homes and apartments complete with fully equipped kitchens that are perfect for families or groups.
Getting around the city
Since parking downtown can be difficult, visitors may want to consider using the local trolley services. Also during times of heavy traffic, it's best to avoid driving through downtown as road closures may sometimes happen unexpectedly. Instead, you can walk or bike along the scenic city trails without worrying about getting stuck behind a stalled car.
Outside of downtown near boat landings and other tour departure points, there are also bicycle rentals that will allow you to visit Charleston at your own pace. Our boat tours are perfect for those who love spending time outdoors! Visitors that prefer taking guided tours rather than exploring on their own should check out our many sightseeing tours including historic boat cruises, guided walking tours by foot, or bus tours around popular destinations.
Charleston SC tours
With so much to see and do in Charleston SC, it's worth spending a little extra for a tour that brings the city's history to life. There are plenty of boat tours available where you can experience a different view of the area! Whether you're interested in going deep-sea fishing or boat rides on various rivers and inlets, you can find just about any tour here. If you're looking for boat tours that offer a historical tour of the city, then be sure to check out the extensive selection of many different boat tour routes.
During your boat tour, you will get the chance to see Charleston's most famous landmarks including Fort Sumter, which is where the first shots at the start of the Civil War were fired. You can also see beautiful antebellum mansions along with the Battery and learn all about life in those days from your awesome tour guide as they reflect on historic events that took place during this period. In addition to boat tours, there is a wide range of sightseeing tours as well as dinner cruises available if you are interested!
Be sure to eat authentic southern cuisine while here
There are plenty of restaurants throughout the city that serve southern cooking. If you're looking for somewhere to eat, then you should be able to find it here in Charleston SC. Since many people like to dine with an ocean view while on vacation, there is even more selection including seafood buffets and waterfront dining where you can enjoy delicious food served right at your table by the water's edge. There are even all-you-can-eat crab feasts available complete with live entertainment! Don't miss the chance to eat some traditional southern cooking and order a fried whole catfish or shrimp basket!
Photo by Emmy Gaddy on Unsplash
Charleston SC beach
Charleston's world-famous beaches have been a big draw for visitors from all over the country. Since there are so many lodging options to choose from, you're sure to find something that fits your needs and budget. Not only is it more affordable than other beach destinations, but you can also look forward to spending time outdoors, enjoying gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, swimming in the warm waves of the Atlantic Ocean, playing on soft sand with an amazing view of old historic homes lining the shoreline as far as the eye can see! With so much history around this place, who wouldn't want to spend their vacation at one of Charleston's premier beaches? So be sure to schedule some time to relax during your stay and take a little stroll along the shore!
Shopping on King Street
The King Street District is considered one of the most famous shopping destinations in the nation for its abundance of exclusive retail shops with designer labels found nowhere else but here! While you're here, be sure to stop by the Market and take a stroll through the beautiful area. You can also visit Ripley's Believe It or Not and marvel at some of the oddities found throughout the store! King Street is also home to many local shops and other popular stores so there definitely won't be a shortage of options when looking for places to shop.
A perfect getaway doesn't have to be far away-the beautiful city of Charleston is just a short drive from many southern cities so it's no wonder everyone enjoys coming here! With so much history to explore and so many activities for families and friends alike, there is truly something for everyone during a visit to Charleston SC. By following these tips while planning your net trip to Charleston, you will surely create memories that will last a lifetime!
Main photo by Emmy Gaddy on Unsplash
