The Ultimate Travel Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

March 29, 2022

Carolina, Charleston, Destinations, going out, North America, South, South Carolina

This year, when Conde Nast took on the daunting task of naming “the Best City in the World”, the prestigious award wasn’t granted to London, Paris or Tokyo. Taking many people by surprise (but not anyone who’s been there), it was the one and only Charleston, South Carolina.

From the sweeter-than-sweet-tea South Carolina locals, to the stately and historical old Southern colonial homes, Charleston is the absolute charm of the South. The only shame in visiting the city is that so much of its magic comes in its pace and way of life – something that’s hard to grasp in a short trip.

Whether you’re there for a weekend or a week or more, I promise you won’t be able to get enough of this city. Going to school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill left me a short 4 hours away from Charleston, so I got there quite a few times in college, and each time had a different experience. Since those trips to Charleston in college, I’ve been to Charleston bachelorette parties, family getaways to South Carolina, and on romantic weekends with my husband. With groups of friends, I love experiencing the nightlife and the beaches on the coast. With my girls, I can’t get enough of the King Street shopping. And with my family, I love the top-notch southern dining and taking in all the history & beauty of the city. Charleston has so much to offer for everyone, and every group – so let’s talk about what y’all should do when you get there.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Charleston

Hotel Bennett

The location is impossible to beat (directly on Upper King, surrounded by all the shopping and restaurants of your dreams), and the rooms are SO beautiful. They each feature a glam standalone tub, and charming-but-contemporary furnishings that will make you feel like it’s your home away from home in the South.

The Hotel Bennett building used to be a public library and was just opened this year as Charleston’s newest luxury hotel. It’s grand, but quaint at the same time… in true Charleston fashion. And my favorite part is there’s a great rooftop pool on the top floor. It gets HOT in Charleston, and having this oasis in the middle of the city to come back to after a long day of walking and sightseeing was the ultimate luxury. There’s also an incredible spa with the nicest staff. I had a facial with Kelly and I think I’m going to need to plan a trip to Charleston every few months just to see her. She worked wonders on my jet-lagged face.

And, even if you’re not staying at Hotel Bennett, make sure you pop in for a meal at their restaurant (Gabrielle, a Parisian style outdoor/indoor eatery started by an acclaimed chef from New Orleans), or their ultra-instagrammable Patisserie (which has some of the best pastries & coffee around).

The Loutrel

One of Charleston’s newest and cutest hotels is the Loutrel, with an IDEAL location, an amazing rooftop, and everything you could want for a Charleston getaway. Located in the heart of historic Charleston, you’ll have all of the Holy City at your doorstep.

Photo via The Loutrel

Planter’s Inn – Relais & Chateau

Located in Charleston’s historic district (aka walking distance to all the best things to do in Charleston), Planter’s Inn is an absolutely charming 64-room boutique hotel in a restored building from the 1800’s. The guest rooms and suites feature a king or two queen four poster beds, 10-foot ceilings, a gorgeous fireplace. Complimentary coffee and tea can be found in the lobby in the morning, followed by iced tea and fruit in the afternoons. The onsite restaurant, Peninsula Grill, is absolutely incredible, and serves up Southern cuisine for dinner and breakfast.

Check rates for your dates here

French Quarter Inn

The French Quarter Inn is consistently ranked as one of the best places to stay in Charleston. Perfectly poised in Charleston’s historic district, you can expect a welcome champagne toast and spacious Italian marble bathrooms, and an amazing pampered experience.

Check rates for your dates here

Zero George

Zero George’s mantra is “Historic elegance meets sophisticated chic,” and the hotel embodies that at every corner with its commitment to upscale hospitality. Zero George’s immaculately restored 1804 buildings and private courtyard are the ideal ground zero for exploring Charleston. You can stroll around town on their complimentary bikes; indulge in their award-winning dining; or just simply relax with a cocktail in hand on their courtyard.

The Dewberry

The dewberry is a bigger hotel compared to the rest on this list (at 155 rooms) but still worth a mention. Its mid-century modern, understated elegant design is straight out of Mad Men – in the best way. Design lovers will rejoice in the minimalist, yet exquisite, design throughout and everyone will appreciate the 5-star spa (my favorite in Charleston!) and amazing rooftop with some of the best views of the city.

Check rates for your dates here

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Resort

Located about 30-45 minutes outside of the city is the gorgeous Kiawah Island Resort located on a secluded little beach town called Kiawah Island. This Santuary lives up to its name, feeling like a relaxed, quiet oasis outside of the city. Golfers will love the award-winning PGA Championship golf course, and beach-lovers will flock to their picture-perfect Carolina coastline. Rent bikes from their rental center just off of the lobby, and ride them all along the beach and around the island. That’s right you west-coasters, the beaches in the South are famous for their sand hard and flat enough that you can ride a bike right on the edge of the waves. It’s beautiful! Just try not to go too far into the water.

Where to stay in Charleston with a group:

If you’re a smaller group looking for a hotel in downtown Charleston that’s good for a bachelorette party, I absolutely love the chic rooftop pool at Hotel Bennett. But if you’re a bigger group, or going to Charleston for a bachelorette party or bachelor party, I’d recommend staying in a house on the beach. I’d rent a villa in Isle of Palms like this one – or Sullivans Island (I looove this one,or this one).

Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Islandhave some really beautiful VRBO’s and vacation homes in Charleston with private pools just steps from the beach.

Recently Renovated Luxury Oceanfront Group House in Isle of Palms

Oceanfront Isle of Palms with Fire Pit, Amazing Views

Folly Beach Beautiful New House Steps from Beach – 10 beds!

This beautiful 5-level Villa is centrally located just a 3-min walk from super-fun Folly Beach, 2 blocks to Center Street restaurants/shops & a block to Bert’s Market, so you get all the convenience of all Folly has to offer while having your own private oasis! Extensively renovated in 2021, this piece of Folly history provides luxury southern lifestyle living & large group entertaining!

Check rates here and let them know Jetset Christina sent you!

Isle of Palms Sunset View on the Golf Course

This super cute, colorful house sleeps 15 guests in 11 beds and is located right on the world-renowned Wild Dunes golf course and only a half mile from the beach! This luxurious villa is a perfect bachelorette pad in Charleston, especially given the prime Isle of Palms location (my favorite area to stay in Charleston when you want to be near the beach!)

Beachfront Mansion with a pool in Isle of Palms

Find a hotel in Charleston:

Booking.com

What to do in Charleston

Charleston is jam-packed with activities for everyone… whether you’re here on a bachelor or bachelorette party, a girl’s getaway, a romantic couples’ weekend, or a family vacation. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in and around the city:

The Historic Charleston City Market

Head to this famous flea market is in central Charleston and you’ll find anything and everything to bring back for all your loved ones. It’s open 365 days a year, and features everything from handmade pottery, to Charleston’s famous sweetgrass baskets, to gorgeous paintings, jewelry, souvenirs and more. Definitely worth checking out.

Shopping on King Street

Oh, King Street. The beautiful street where my wallet goes to cry. This expansive shopping area is one of the very best in the world – and has everything from big brands to small and super stylish women’s shops and Charleston men’s boutiques full of beautifully-curated collections. You can’t go wrong spending a day shopping on, or just strolling down, King Street.

Rainbow Row

If you’re looking for the top Instagram spots in Charleston, this is it. This stretch of charming, colorful houses (running from 83 to 107 East Bay Street) is one of the most beautiful and historic areas in all of Charleston. Located in an area known as South of Broad Street, the famous 14 houses in a row are painted in bright pastels all of the colors of the rainbow, and have been ever since about 1740. It’s one of my favorite places in all of Charleston, and a must for any trip to the city.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Beautiful and historical plantations are a must for your first time visiting the South. The Boone Hall Plantation is one of America’s oldest working plantations, continually growing crops for over 320 years – and has been made famous in more recent years for it’s starring roles in movies like The Notebook (yep… it’s THAT house) and Forrest Gump (the Run, Forrest, Run! scene), and was also the site of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds wedding. This plantation tour is not only stunningly beautiful, but you’ll learn all about slavery and southern history as you tour the grounds, and have a whole new appreciation for the rich history that underlies the city of Charleston.

The famous Charleston Ghost Tours

Charleston has a lot of haunted history, and the famous Charleston ghost tour is the only way. The true tales of intrigue, tragedy, and lost love reveal the dark side of Charleston’s character that isn’t apparent during the day. The highlight of this tour is our exclusive nighttime access to the 18th century Unitarian Church Graveyard, where you will experience “something magical”… DUN DUN DUN

Historic Horse-drawn Carriage Tours

There’s no better way to learn about the history of Charleston than on one of its famous horse-drawn carriage rides. Experience all the beauty and history of downtown, learning all about “The Holy City” and its Civil War history. If history’s not your thing – don’t worry, you get to see all the gorgeous mansions in the city, too.

Where to eat & drink in Charleston

Check out my post The Foodie Guide to Charleston

Husk

James Beard award-winning HUSK features an ever-changing seasonal menu of locally sourced Southern dishes served in a gorgeous restored Victorian-era home. At Husk, there are some hard-and-fast rules about what can go on your plate – if it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door. While supper at the iconic Husk is unbelievable and a destination dining experience for travelers worldwide, it can be hard to get a reservation, which is why it’s recommended to just head across the street to the Bar at Husk, which features a similar ingredient-driven food menu, and a drink menu full of beautiful cocktails and 50+ bourbon choices that will knock you right off your rocking chair.

Leon’s Oyster Shop

Fried chicken and oysters – does it get more Charleston than this? This outdoor and indoor rustic-chic restaurant is a locals favorite hangout for fresh oysters, crispy fried chicken, delicious cocktails, and its cozy patio – Leon’s is a must on any trip to the Holy City… it’s so good you’re going to want to go two times in one weekend.

My order: A frozen G&T, a half dozen of the chef’s choice oysters, a fried chicken sandwich, and the brussels sprouts.

Chez Nous

This romantic little house-turned restaurant is a MUST on any trip to Charleston. The menu consists of just six rotating dishes each night, but every single one is sooo delicious. I love to sit out on their adorable patio. And the handwritten menus every day are just a DREAM.

Tavern & Table

Located in Shem Creek (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, in the hip, family-friendly suburb of Mt. Pleasant), Tavern + Table is a great spot to grab lunch on the water in Charleston. It’s gorgeous and the food is so good! Get a table outside for the best atmosphere, but the inside is great too. HIGHLY recommend the peel & eat shrimp and the crab and artichoke dip. So delicious.

Maison

This adorable French bistro is one of Kenny and my go-to date night spots in Charleston. You’ll feel like you’re in France and the food is INCREDIBLE. Highly, highly recommend.

JETSET TIP: Go on a Wednesday for their burger special – the best gourmet burger you’ve ever had in your life.

Bar 167

By the same people who did 167 Raw, this mediterranean-inspired tapas bar is one of my favorite spots to go when people visit us in Charleston. It’s bustling and busy (not a quiet date night spot, but fun with a group!), and the food is great. Their menu places you off the coast enjoying fresh fish, house made cheese, and cold G&T’s! I love the housemade foccacia and the caeesar salad here – it’s one of my favorites in all of Charleston (and I’m picky!). You’ll love the cocktail list, too, and I highly recommend sitting upstairs on the patio if you can! So fun. And, this spot takes reservations (unlike 167 Raw) which is a big win!

via 167 bar website

Longboard – Sullivan’s Island

I love Longboard for their delicious cocktails and food!! This is one of the best group dinner spots in Charleston, and one of the best brunch spots in Charleston as well, great for eating on Sullivan’s Island before hitting the beach. But don’t sleep on the dinner menu, too! I had some of the freshest catch of fish the last time I went – it was SO good. It’s family friendly, too!

Via The Longboard Instagram

Indaco

For the best pizza, pasta and Italian in Charleston, and a great date night spot, look no further than Indaco. I’m obsessed with their neopolitan-style pizzas, delish pastas, and their fresh caesar salad (that is authentic zesty caesar dressing, not creamy-mayo-wannabe-caesar!)

Little Jack’s Tavern

THE. BEST. BURGER in Charleston, hands down. This cozy bistro gives me all the old school tavern vibes and it is one of the most hyped restaurants in town – for good reason! Same owners as Melfi’s and Leon’s – all three are three of my favorite places in Charleston to eat, you can’t go wrong!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Little Jack’s Tavern (@littlejackstavern)

Mex1 Coastal Cantina

Come for the Mexican, fresh ingredients, and homemade tortillas, stay for the house-infused Tequila list. Mex1 only uses 100% Agave Tequila and then infuses it in house with delicious things like fresh pineapple, strawberry cucumber, jalapeño and pineapple habanero. The signature Mex 1 margarita uses a combination of fresh lime, lemon and orange juice with just a touch of sugar to balance it out.

If you have a group or are in town for a Charleston bachelorette, this is a great casual brunch spot! Their Mexi-Cali Brunch highlights things like breakfast tacos and different types of huevos rancheros. The cocktail list will keep your group buzzed and happy, with drinks like ‘the Hydrator’ made with Tito’s, coconut water and passion fruit, or the Pineapple Ranch Water, made with house-infused pineapple Tequila, Topo Chico, and served right in the bottle with a lime, sugar, salt rim. YUM.

Mex1 has 3 Locations – Sullivan’s Island, West Ashley, Park West. Brunch is every Sunday from 10:30-3pm.

Slightly North of Broad (SNOB)

This contemporary Southern American bistro is a Charleston staple. From scallops, to Carolina flounder, to lamb, to shrimp and grits, SNOB is one of the best restaurants in Chucktown. But wait- you haven’t even heard the desserts, yet. Sour cream apple pie? Banana cream pie? Creme brulee? You’re already dialing the restaurant to get a reservation, aren’t you?

Poogan’s Porch

This place is so good – I’m talking finger-lickin’ down-home-country-cookin-on-the-cutest-southern-porch-y’all-have-ever-seen good. Fried chicken, biscuits, sweet tea glazed salmon, fried pimento cheese, local seafood, filet mignon …. this menu has everything you could ever want and more that you’d ever thought you’d try (fried alligator salad? Only in the south). Check it out for brunch, lunch or dinner – you won’t be disappointed.

Home team Barbecue

With three locations across the city (in West Ashley, Downtown Charleston, and Sullivans Island), Hometeam barbecue has become more than just a barbecue staple – it’s a Charleston meat empire. Their addictive smoked wings, their delicious pulled pork nachos, and their signature frozen gamechanger cocktails are just what the doctor ordered after a long day on the beach or out exploring Charleston.

Goat Sheep Cow

For the most charming (and most DELICIOUS) wine and cheese shop in Charleston, head straight to Goat Sheep Cow. This is the perfect place to pick up a charcuterie board for a dinner party (or just for yourselves), I literally dream about their cheese selection. The charming little shop also has gorgeous two-hundred-year-old brick walls and hand-hewn exposed beams, you guys have to check it out!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by goatsheepcow (@goatsheepcow)

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

If you’re walking down King Street past 1am, you’re likely to see a long line of partiers lining up outside a small storefront labeled with a simple “HLB”. Hot Little Biscuit, which started as a local counter selling Callie’s world-famous flaky buttermilk biscuits has quickly turned into the best late night available in all of Charleston. So, whether you want to make your morning way better with a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast biscuit, or soak up a long night of partying on King Street with a late night assortment, Callie’s is a must-do. Open until 2pm on all days, and reopens from 10pm-2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Photo via Charleston Mag

Butcher & Bee

I’m obsessed with Butcher & Bee’s food – it’s fresh, local contemporary American and always so delicious. I love brunch and dinner. Note that it is a bit out of the way from downtown Charleston (still located near downtown, but an uber from most of downtown!). It’s located in barnyard-chic building that’s covered with aluminum siding and opens up to the patio via several sliding glass doors.

Renzo

This adorable date night hot spot is a new gourmet wood-fired pizza & wine spot and is quickly taking over Charleston’s foodie scene. Not only does stepping into the restaurant feel like you could be some chic restaurant in Florence, New York City, or San Francisco, but each and every one of their inventive wood-fired pizzas was so good. They’re small which makes them perfect to share amongst a group when you want to try all the different kinds. Make sure to head there on the early side, or be prepared to wait, as it’s a small restaurant (only about 12 tables), and they don’t take reservations (you can sit at the bar, though!).

My order: The Montepulciano wine, the Shabazi pizza, and the Rocco pizza. (Holy cow you guys these both were easily some of the best pizzas I’ve ever had).

For more tips on where to eat in Charleston, check out my Foodie Guide to Charleston here

The Best Coffee Shops in Charleston

Harken Cafe

This vintage-inspired cafe in the heart of downtown is one of my absolute favorite spots for coffee in Charleston. Their oat milk latte (my order) is DELISH and add in the fact that their baked goods are second-to-none, and they have a wheat-crust quiche with different, and always mouthwatering, fillings every day, and you’ve got yourself an ideal spot for your morning coffee + quick breakfast, or an afternoon break and a pastry.

The Rise Coffee Bar

This super-chic coffee bar is located in the Restoration hotel. It’s modern and has an awesome patio that is a good spot to have a meeting with someone in downtown Charleston, or set up your laptop there for the day.

Vintage Cafe

It’s all the way in Mount Pleasant, so a 15 min drive from downtown, but still worth a mention. In addition to delish coffee, Vintage Cafe’s menu has a bunch of great breakfast and lunch bites, tapas in the evening, and an amazing toast bar full of more than just your classic avo toast.

Photo via Carolinas Eater

Nightlife in Charleston

Being a college town and a young professional haven, the nightlife in Charleston is awesome. Lots of live music, sporty pubs, upscale bars, and a lot of good-looking people looking to have a good time. Although it’s easy to just walk King Street and find a number of hotspots, here are a couple of my favorites to get your night started:

RITUAL rooftop

This chic, brand new rooftop has one of the best views in all of Charleston, and won’t be too crowded given it’s new to town. I love this spot with a group! You can also eat here!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge (@ritual.chs)

Citrus Club at the Dewberry:

One of the hardest rooftops to get into (there’s alwaaaays a wait), but I think it’s the best views and vibes for rooftop cocktails in Charleston.

STARS rooftop:

The Stars rooftop – located on the top level of Stars restaurant – is a hot spot at night or in the mornings for their frozen Bellinis, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. This place is particularly great for groups, with it’s number of large tables and couches set up lounge-style outside on the rooftop. Be sure to get there early in the night, though! It’s an extremely popular spot in town, and you don’t want to be waiting in a ridiculous line just to get in (and then again for your drinks).

Revelry Brewery

The only rooftop brewery in Charleston’s NoMo neighborhood, Revelry Brewing has become a popular destination for the after-work set looking for award-winning beers and and breezy views.

Republic Garden & Lounge

Republic is a must-do for any bachelorette party going to Charleston. It’s more of a club than you would ever expect on King St. (think: chic bottle service & a dress code) and is always filled with beautiful people (don’t be surprised if you run into the Southern Charm cast here!)

Photo via TripAdvisor

Cocktail Club

When I was last in Charleston, we posted up here every night! It was SUCH a fun spot for great cocktails and an outdoor patio. It’s the second floor of a restaurant and seems like a Speakeasy when you’re climbing the stairs. It’s sophisticated, cute, and a perfect spot to go with your girls.

Vendue Rooftop

Great views & a great spot. Gets rowdy after sunset and is a popular spot among bachelor and bachelorette parties in Charleston.

Blind Tiger Pub

When a bunch of friends and I went to this historical bar, we were expecting a small pub… but walk further into this seemingly neighborhood pub and you get to the most beautiful (and packed) outdoor patio area that truly makes this bar the gem it is. It feels kind of like an old historical English courtyard mixed with a jungle. Check out their Sunday brunch for $3 mimosas, bellinis (my favorite) and Bloody Mary’s until 3pm!

5Church Charleston

“Great service” takes on whole new meaning at this one-of-a-kind bar and restaurant that is actually a transformed church! Complete with original windows and gorgeous sky-high ceilings, this unique space makes for a great nighttime hang. They have great food & delicious drinks – as if you need more convincing to be able to say you got drunk in church.

Beaches in Charleston

While you won’t find sandy beaches in downtown Charleston, there are multiple islands just off of the city, accessible by bridges, that offer some of the most beautiful coastlines in the Carolinas, each with their own unique vibe. Check out Folly Beach for a low-key, casual beach town (check out Juice Joint for acai bowls, and Chico Feo and Taco Boy for delicious mexican), Isle of Palms for a lively escape (check out Coda del Pesce for dinner, and Windjammer bar at night for great live music), or Sullivan’s Island for an upscale tucked away oasis (Check out Obstinate Daughter or Fish Camp for dinner, and be sure to get Sullivan’s Island local Kenny Powers’s favorite -a gamechanger drink at Hometeam BBQ).

Know before you go

Do I need a car in Charleston?

Yes and no. Charleston is extremely walkable, and you won’t find yourself needing a car during the days exploring the city. It’s small, and you’ll find yourself walking all around it, getting lost in the magnificent architecture and cobblestone streets. But, if you want to head out to the beaches and islands like Kiawah or out of town to sites like the Boone Plantation, it helps a lot to have a car.

What time of year is best for visiting Charleston?

Spring and fall are the best times for Charleston, but there really is no bad time to travel to this charming city. It is absolutely stunning year-round.