Two days is a little short, especially if you are not staying downtown. Three full days would be better, but you could easily enjoy at much longer stay. If you plan to visit any of the plantations or beaches, allow at least four full days. Nonetheless, any time spent in Charleston is better than none.
What do I need to know before going to Charleston SC? Must-Dos During Your First Time Visiting Charleston, SC
- Hit the Beach. …
- Try Our Local Cuisine. …
- Visit Shem Creek. …
- Walk Through the Historic Charleston City Market. …
- Go on a Plantation Tour. …
- Take a Tour Downtown. …
- Go Shopping on King Street. …
- Visit the Spot Where the Civil War Began.
Consequently, What is the best month to visit Charleston SC? The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild u2013 but not stifling. Hotel rates, however, will be high, especially around Easter.
Is Charleston SC a safe place to visit? Downtown Charleston near the Historic District is generally safe and best known for its Southern hospitality. However, it’s still a busy city and visitors should use common sense when exploring. Avoid walking alone at night (especially in the city’s many alleyways) and keep valuables close to you.
FAQ
Is Charleston a walkable city?
Charleston has an average Walk Score of 40 with 120,083 residents. Charleston has minimal public transportation and is somewhat bikeable. The most walkable Charleston neighborhoods are Radcliffeborough, Cannonborough – Elliottborough and Mazyck – Wraggborough.
Is Savannah or Charleston better? However, that does make Charleston more popular and more touristy- so if you’re looking to relax and escape bigger crowds, Savannah is your best bet. Both have an extensive history, beaches nearby, and plantations to visit (though Charleston has more beaches and more plantations).
Does Charleston SC have a downtown? Now covering a total area of around five square miles, Downtown Charleston encompasses James, Johns and Daniel’s Islands as well as the Cainhoy Peninsula and the neighborhood of West Ashley. Downtown Charleston is steeped in history, but it has a modern side too.
Do you need a car visiting Charleston? Charleston is known for its slow pace. That means that many Charlestonians choose to walk or bike around the city instead of hopping in a car — especially in the historic downtown area. Luckily, most of our tourist attractions are also accessible without a car.
Is there a free shuttle in Charleston?
Charleston operates a free shuttle bus, the DASH Downtown Shuttle, around the Historic District and lower Charleston peninsula. The service operates daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days.
Why is Charleston so popular? With its cobblestone walkways, incredible historic sites, world-class restaurants and miles of stunning beaches, hundreds of new residents are moving to Charleston, S.C.—and for very good reason. Charleston has been named Travel & Leisure’s top city in the entire U.S. for many years in a row.
Which is better Tybee Island or Jekyll Island?
Jekyll is a quieter island with an older population. I find that Tybee police are only strict if they have a reason to be. They can be very helpful and especially to tourists. They tend to give the tourists the benefit of the doubt but feel like the locals « should know better ».
Is Savannah cheaper than Charleston? Savannah is 25.4% less expensive than Charleston. Savannah housing costs are 58.4% less expensive than Charleston housing costs. Health related expenses are 8.8% less in Savannah.
What is the main street in Charleston?
With its remarkable history and eclectic mix of fashion, art, antiques, home décor, and extraordinary food, King Street is the most vibrant and distinctive downtown in America. King Street is a perfect blend of local, regional, and national shops that remains the place to be for retailers of all types.
Does Charleston SC have a French Quarter?
Charleston’s historic French Quarter is a small neighborhood on the Southeastern corner of the peninsula, with Broad, Meeting, East Bay, and South Market streets acting as perimeters.
What is downtown Charleston called? When many speak of Charleston, they are referencing its Downtown, otherwise known as The Peninsula. However, it officially includes areas that are outline on their own throughout the website: West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island and Daniel Island as well as the Cainhoy Peninsula.
What’s the best way to get around Charleston? The best way to get around Charleston is on foot . That said, you’ll probably enjoy the use of a car too. You can rent some wheels at Charleston International Airport (CHS) – or bring your own – and leave it parked in one of the garages that pepper the city.
…
Taxi
- Charleston Cab Company.
- Uber.
- Lyft.
Is it easy to get around Charleston?
The Charleston Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) is the most convenient way to get around downtown Charleston. The city recently replaced the DASH Trolley’s (pictured at top of page) with buses. These buses are free to everyone and operate in the Downtown historic area.
Is there public transportation in Charleston? While not a major city with a massive subway network, Charleston does offer public transportation for those who don’t want to navigate the Holy City and its many attractions by car or on foot.
What is the best way to get around Charleston SC?
The best way to get around Charleston is on foot . That said, you’ll probably enjoy the use of a car too. You can rent some wheels at Charleston International Airport (CHS) – or bring your own – and leave it parked in one of the garages that pepper the city.
…
Taxi
- Charleston Cab Company.
- Uber.
- Lyft.
How much is a cab ride from Charleston airport to downtown? The quickest way to get from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Historic District is to taxi which costs $5 – $7 and takes 15 min.
Does Charleston have a trolley tour?
The City of Charleston prohibits hop-on, hop-off trolley tours. For a more interactive tour in downtown Charleston, consider a walking tour. If you are embarking on a self-guided tour downtown, then remember to stop by the Charleston Visitor’s Center for a complimentary city map.
Is Charleston or Myrtle Beach better? If you are into history, culture, architecture, art, music, and a truly comfortable and friendly city, than Charleston is where you want to be. If being at a wide, superb beach with resort amenities and tons of golf is your thing, than Myrtle Beach is better. Charleston has the slight edge with restaurants.
How far is Charleston from the beach?
Charleston has three public beaches, each of which is about a 20-minute drive from downtown: Folly Beach, the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Each beach has a different atmosphere and amenities but all offer a relaxing day with the sand and surf.
What food is Charleston SC known for? 20 Iconic Charleston Dishes and Drinks and Their History
- She Crab Soup. She crab soup is a crab soup that has a “little something extra.” Orange roe tops this soup to make it specifically a soup made of female crabs. …
- Shrimp and Grits. …
- Cornbread. …
- Planters Punch. …
- Hush Puppies. …
- Frogmore Stew. …
- Fried Green Tomatoes. …
- Okra Soup.
What is the prettiest beach in Georgia?
11 Best Beaches in Georgia
- Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island.
- Main Beach, Little St. Simons Island.
- East Beach, St. Simons Island.
- Glory Beach, Jekyll Island.
- St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island.
- Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island.
- Back River Beach, Tybee Island.
- Robin Lake Beach, Callaway Resort & Gardens.
Why is the water so dirty at Jekyll Island? The seawater at Jekyll Island is typically brown with churned-up sediment and tannins washed offshore from the swamps and marshes. The sea floor near the shore is muddy, rather than sandy, due to sedimentary deposition from the two large rivers that flow into the ocean nearby.
Which is better Amelia Island or St Simons Island? Amelia Island has better beaches. I would ordinarily say St. Simons but October is a busy month, with the McGladrey Golf Tournament mid-month and Georgia/Florida week at the end of the month. Prices go up for that and lots of crowds.
