For the History Buffs
Whether by foot or by carriage, take a step back in time as you tour the historic district. Don't miss the picturesque live oaks and fragrant camellias at Middleton Place Plantation, one of America's oldest landscaped gardens, or learn more about Gullah culture at Boone Hall Plantation, one of America's oldest working farms.
Book a tour of Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, or set sail around the harbor to see the Holy City from a different perspective. Founded in 1733, The Charleston Museum is celebrated as America’s first. See the link below for highly rated tour companies, museums and attractions.
For the Wanderers
Roam the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter where you will be immersed in 18th century architecture. Grab a Holy Spokes bike and pedal down Rainbow Row, past the beautifully worn pastel plaster homes, as you head for The Charleston Battery. Here you will find stunning antebellum mansions overlooking the Charleston harbor.
For the Art Lovers
Peruse local art galleries along Broad Street or check out the current exhibitions at the Gibbs Museum of Art.
For the Shopaholics
Take a stroll down King Street and you'll be sure to come across all the best boutiques and shopping that Charleston has to offer. Stop in The Charleston Preservation Society for a Brackish Bowtie and other Charleston charms or chose your favorite scent from the candle library at Candlefish. Get handmade local products, fresh produce and tasty treats at the Marion Square Farmer's Market every Saturday morning!
For the Beach Bums
Keep an eye out for dolphins as you explore the Lowcountry by paddleboard. Catch some rays surfside at Folly Beach or for a quieter and more laid back beach experience, visit Sullivan's Island. Enjoy elevated southern cuisine at The Obstinate Daughter or grab a burger at Poe's Tavern nearby.
For the Day Drinkers
Breweries & Taprooms: Grab a cold beer and check out the rooftop at Revelry Brewing. For more funky flavors visit The Hold which features some of Revelry's boldest sours. Find food trucks, board games, live music and axe throwing at Palmetto Brewing Co.
Distilleries: Don't miss out on a tour and tasting at High Wire Distilling or Charleston Distilling Co. two of Charleston's top producers of premium, hand-crafted, small batch spirits.
Bottles & Boards: Goat. Sheep. Cow (North) is a must for the wine and cheese enthusiast. Splurge on the large charcuterie board! For Spanish wine and tapas check out Malagón on Spring St.
For the Foodies
An abundance of fresh, local ingredients, rich culinary traditions, and award-winning chefs makes Charleston a foodie's dream destination. Charleston staples such as Husk, FIG and Magnolias are known for their elevated Lowcountry cuisine. Don't miss out on the shrimp and grits at Slightly North of Broad or the she-crab soup at 82 Queen. Indulge in the triple-decker shellfish tower at The Ordinary - not for the faint of heart!
For less traditional Charleston cuisine, enjoy a PB&J brew (or one of their other 40 beers on tap) and burger under the bower at Edmund's Oast. For a hip and eclectic, mediterranean-inspired menu, hop over to Butcher & Bee next-door. If Italian is your thing, you'll love the fresh-made pasta and vintage charm at Melfi's!
For the Drunkards
If 1920's-inspired handcrafted cocktails are your thing, Charleston is the place for you! Order a punchbowl at The Cocktail Club or a Moscow Mule on draft at The Rarebit. Catch a black-and-white film while you sip your Old Fashioned at The Belmont. If you're feeling daring, give the mixologist at The Gin Joint a couple of tasting notes and they will create a surprise concoction sure to please!
For amazing views of the city check out the rooftop bars at The Watch, Élevé, and The Vendue.
Brunch - The Daily, Mercantile & Mash, Miller's All Day, or Herd Provisions Lunch - 167 Raw, Little Jack's Tavern, Goat Sheep Cow or Franie & The Fox, Pink Bellies Dinner - Xiao Bao Biscuit, Melfi's, Estadio, Renzo, Edmond's Oast Restaurant Cocktails - Gin Joint, Belmont, Proof, The Watch, Little Palm Dessert - Carmella's or Jeni's Ice Cream
Charleston Travel Guide:
www.afar.com/travel-guides/united-states/south-carolina/charleston/guide
Getting Around Charleston:
www.charlestoncvb.com/travel-support/
First Timer's Guide:
www.charlestoncvb.com/itineraries/first-timers-guide/
Additional Itineraries:
www.charlestoncvb.com/itineraries/