Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina is a charming city with a rich history, vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. It’s a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience Southern hospitality and all the city has to offer. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do in and around Charleston, including activities, restaurants, bars, beaches, and hotels.

City

Charleston, South Carolina

Known for

Culture, Food

Popular Trip Type

Bachelor/Bachelorette, Beach

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Local Activities

Take a historical walking tour
Located on an island in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is the site where the Civil War began. You can take a boat tour to the fort and learn about its history.
Explore the Charleston City Market
The market is a historic landmark and one of the city's most popular attractions. You can find everything from handmade crafts to delicious food here.
Go on a horse-drawn carriage tour
Another popular way to see the city is on a horse-drawn carriage tour. You'll learn about the city's history while enjoying the scenery.
Visit the Charleston Museum
The museum has exhibits on the city's history, natural history, and decorative arts.
Take a sunset sail
There are several companies that offer sunset sails on Charleston Harbor. It's a beautiful way to end the day.


Restaurants

Rodney Scott's BBQ
Rodney Scott's BBQ is a casual spot that serves classic Carolina-style barbecue, including pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, as well as traditional sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
The Grocery
The Grocery is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect dishes like roasted beet salad, crispy chicken thighs, and homemade pasta.
Leon's Oyster Shop
Leon's Oyster Shop is a laid-back seafood spot that serves everything from raw oysters to fried chicken sandwiches. The restaurant has a fun, beachy vibe and a great patio for outdoor dining.
Xiao Bao Biscuit
Xiao Bao Biscuit is a popular spot for Asian-inspired cuisine, with dishes like mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and pork belly bowls. The restaurant has a cool, hipster vibe and a great cocktail menu.
Butcher & Bee
Butcher & Bee is a modern, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that serves creative dishes like harissa-spiced carrots, crispy fried chicken sandwiches, and lamb shawarma.
Husk
Husk is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in upscale Southern cuisine. The menu changes frequently to reflect the season and availability of local ingredients, but you can expect dishes like pan-seared scallops, rabbit and dumplings, and slow-cooked pork shoulder.


Golf

Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a world-renowned golf destination that features five championship courses, including the Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 PGA Championship. The courses were designed by top golf architects like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding marshlands. The resort also offers a range of amenities, including luxury accommodations, restaurants, and a spa.
Wild Dunes Resort
Wild Dunes Resort is another popular golf destination in the Charleston area, with two championship courses designed by Tom Fazio. The courses feature scenic views of the ocean and sand dunes, and offer challenging play for golfers of all levels. The resort also offers a range of amenities, including a spa, tennis courts, and multiple dining options.
Charleston National Golf Club
Charleston National Golf Club is a public course located in Mount Pleasant, just a short drive from downtown Charleston. The course was designed by golf architect Rees Jones, and features scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding marshlands. The course is known for its challenging layout and well-manicured greens, and is open to golfers of all skill levels.
Patriot's Point Links
Patriot's Point Links is another public course located in Mount Pleasant, with views of the Charleston Harbor and downtown skyline. The course was designed by golf architect Willard Byrd, and offers challenging play for golfers of all levels. The course also features a practice facility, pro shop, and clubhouse.


For Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Take a brewery or distillery tour
Charleston has several breweries and distilleries that offer tours and tastings. It's a great way to try some local beers and spirits.
Rent a boat
Renting a boat is a great way to see the city from the water. You can rent a pontoon or speedboat and spend the day cruising around Charleston Harbor. Some rental companies include Charleston Boat Rentals, AquaSafaris, and SeaQuest Boat Rentals.
Take a cooking class
Charleston is known for its food, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn how to make some Southern classics. Some popular cooking classes are Charleston Cooks, Coastal Cupboard, and The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette.
Go on a bar crawl
Charleston has a great nightlife scene, and going on a bar crawl is a fun way to explore the city's bars and clubs.
Take a group fitness class
If you want to stay active during your trip, there are several fitness studios in Charleston that offer group classes. You can try everything from yoga to boxing. A few options are Charleston Power Yoga, Redux Yoga, Barre, and Iron Tribe Fitness.


Hotels and Accomodations

The Spectator Hotel
The Spectator Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Charleston. It's known for its excellent service and stylish decor.
The Vendue
The Vendue is another boutique hotel located in the French Quarter. It has a rooftop bar and a great art collection.
The Dewberry
The Dewberry is a mid-century modern hotel located in a historic building in downtown Charleston. It features stylish rooms, a rooftop lounge, and a spa.
Airbnb or VRBO
There are many other options in the area through Airbnb or VRBO, that may be a better option for large groups or families.