Charleston, SC Vacation: History, Culture, and Southern Hospitality

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Visiting Charleston, South Carolina, is like stepping into a living museum where history, charm, and Southern hospitality blend seamlessly.

Known for its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and vibrant culture, Charleston offers rich experiences that cater to every traveler. Whether strolling through historic districts, indulging in savory seafood, or exploring the scenic waterfront, Charleston captivates with its timeless beauty and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Our family visited Charleston for the first time during the summer. The atmosphere was charming, the history intriguing, and the food mouthwatering! If you plan a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, feel free to steal my itinerary below! We enjoyed many different experiences, from guided carriage rides and plantations to ghost and harbor tours. Our group of four absolutely loved this city and all that it had to offer.

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Where to Stay in Charleston, SC

There are many different lodging options in and around Charleston, from chain hotels and Airbnb to historic inns and waterfront resorts. You won’t find many chain hotels, if any, in the historic district as the city doesn’t allow buildings taller than a certain height. Instead, you’ll mostly find historic inns and bed and breakfast stays, which I prefer for a romantic getaway.

However, we loved our stay at The Cottages on Charleston Harbor! It was the perfect accommodation for a family vacation. Our cottage, “Sweet Blessings,” had two large bedrooms with three beds, three full bathrooms, a full kitchen, a large living area, an oversized screened-in porch, a community pool, free bike rentals, and gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor!

The location at Patriot’s Point was perfect for exploring the area. One morning, we even saw dolphins swimming in the harbor. Skip the separate hotel rooms and vacation together instead! I highly recommend it.

Things to Do in Charleston, SC

Palmetto Carriage Works in Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC, is a great vacation destination because it seems to have it all. Beaches, unique experiences, museums, historic parks, nature trails, and a good amount of free things to do. Here are some things our family did during our August vacation in Charleston.

Visit One of Charleston’s Beaches

Charleston has five different beach communities to choose from. Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms are perfect for sunny beach days, shelling, and water sports. While Kiawah and Seabrook Islands are known for their championship golf resorts and outdoor adventures like kayaking and birdwatching.

We spent most of our time between Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms Beach. Crowds were minimal, shelling was plentiful, and the sunset at Isle of Palms was gorgeous.

Take a Guided Carriage Tour

A unique way to get to know The Holy City is by taking a guided carriage tour. Our tour was through Palmetto Carriage Works, and we loved it. The tour guide was extremely well-versed in all things Charleston past and present. Not only was it a unique experience, but it was also very educational. I’d recommend taking a guided carriage tour at the beginning of your trip– it’ll help you figure out everything you may want to see and do later.

Visit Charleston’s Colorful Rainbow Row

One of the top free things to do in Charleston is to visit Rainbow Row. These colorful row-style homes are a great example of Charleston’s architecture between the 1700s and 1800s.

These homes were once waterfront properties; therefore, they primarily housed shops on the bottom floor because retrieving goods via the harbor was easy. The merchants themselves would live on the top floors.

Across the street, there you will find a small piece of the original seawall with more information on the area’s history.

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

The pineapple, a cherished symbol of Charleston, represents hospitality. You can see pineapples all over the city, particularly within the ironwork of many historic homes.

When sailors returned from sea, families would put a pineapple through one of the spears on their iron fence. This signified the community of their return and that you were welcome for a meal and to listen to stories of their travels.

Visit Plantations and Gardens

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens near Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, is rich in history and natural beauty, and its historic plantations and gardens offer a glimpse into the region’s past. We visited the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens during our visit. The general admission ticket includes the grounds and the tram ride but doesn’t not include touring the inside of the home.

You can get lost for hours wandering the beautiful romantic-style gardens and live oaks with Spanish Moss. If you want to dive deeper into the plantation’s history, tickets are available for additional guided tours like the “From Slavery to Freedom Tour.” Here are other plantations and gardens you can visit in and around Charleston.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Magnolia Plantation, established in 1676 by the Drayton family, is one of the oldest plantations in the South.
Middleton Place: Middleton Place is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens, dating back to 1741. This plantation offers a mix of formal gardens, a historic house museum, and an interactive stable yard.
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens: Boone Hall, one of America’s oldest working plantations, is known for its iconic Avenue of Oaks, a breathtaking approach lined with moss-draped oak trees planted in 1743.
Drayton Hall: Established in 1738, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America, and it is still open to the public. Unlike other plantations, Drayton Hall has been preserved rather than restored, offering a unique and authentic historical experience.
Cypress Gardens: Located just outside of Charleston in Moncks Corner, Cypress Gardens offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The gardens are set around a large blackwater swamp, where visitors can explore via flat-bottom boat tours.
Charleston Tea Garden: The garden’s history dates back to the 1960s, and today it produces American Classic Tea, which is sold nationwide. Visitors can take a free tour of the factory to learn about the tea-making process, stroll through the picturesque grounds, and enjoy a narrated trolley tour through the fields. The gift shop offers a variety of teas and souvenirs, making it a perfect stop for tea enthusiasts.

Ghost Tours of Charleston

Charleston ghost tours offer a spooky and intriguing way to explore the city’s rich history and legends, taking visitors through its haunted streets, historic cemeteries, and eerie old buildings. These tours often recount tales of pirates, Civil War soldiers, and restless spirits, with guides sharing stories of supernatural occurrences linked to Charleston’s past.

Popular stops on these tours include the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, the Unitarian Church graveyard, and the historic homes believed to be haunted by former residents.

We chose the Charleston Old City Jail tour with Bull Dog Tours. The guide told us that the energy in the jail is very active and that one tourist even came out with scratches on their back! We highly enjoyed the tour, and I may have even come home with a photo of an orb!

Shopping at the Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market, established in the early 19th century, is one of the oldest public markets in the United States and a major cultural landmark in Charleston, South Carolina.

It spans four city blocks and features vendors selling local crafts, foods, and souvenirs, including the famous sweetgrass baskets handcrafted by Gullah artisans.

There is also a Night Market on the weekends with an entirely different set of vendors. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs to take home with you.

Fort Sumter National Historical Park

History lovers shouldn’t miss visiting Fort Sumter while vacationing in Charleston.

Fort Sumter, in Clocatedharleston Harbor, South Carolina, is famous as the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. The fort remained under Confederate control for most of the war until it was reclaimed by Union forces in 1865.

We used Fort Sumter Tours, a 30-minute guided ferry ride to/from Fort Sumter with beautiful views of Charleston Harbor. Once we arrived, we were greeted by National Park Rangers with a bit of history about the fort. Then, we had about an hour to wander the fort and visit the museum and gift shop.

We visited in August when it was hot and humid. I highly recommend sunscreen and a water bottle if you visit during the summer. The only air-conditioned areas are the gift shop and the museum. Concessions are also sold on the ferry.

Historic Homes You Can Visit in Charleston

Heyward-Washington House in Charleston, SC

Charleston is known for its well-preserved historic homes, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, showcasing its architectural beauty and the lifestyles of its former residents. Here are some of the most notable historic homes you can visit in Charleston:

Nathaniel Russell House: Built in 1808, is one of Charleston’s most significant examples of neoclassical architecture. Located in downtown Charleston, this grand mansion is known for its elegant free-flying spiral staircase, intricate plasterwork, and beautifully restored period furnishings.
Aiken-Rhett House: Dating back to 1820, offers a unique preservation experience, as the house has been maintained in a “preserved-as-found” state rather than fully restored.
Edmondston-Alston House: Perched on the Battery with sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, the Edmondston-Alston House is a classic example of early 19th-century Greek Revival architecture.
Heyward-Washington House: The Heyward-Washington House, built in 1772, is the home of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. This Georgian-style house also famously hosted President George Washington during his Southern tour 1791.
Joseph Manigault House: Built in 1803, is a striking example of Federal-style architecture designed by Gabriel Manigault, one of Charleston’s most prominent architects.
Calhoun Mansion: Built in 1876, it is one of Charleston’s most impressive Gilded Age homes. Known for its opulent design, the mansion features 35 rooms filled with intricate woodwork, Tiffany-style stained glass, and a vast collection of antiques.

Where to Eat in Charleston, SC

Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, Southern Carolina-style barbecue, a hearty steak, or southern comforts, Charleston has plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. From unique locally owned restaurants to waterfront dining, the culinary scene in Charleston is fantastic! Here are a few restaurants we thoroughly enjoyed during our visit.

Church and Union Charleston

Church and Union Charleston is a unique spot open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It is co-owned by Top Chef competitor Jamie Lynch. The ceilings are inscribed with the text from The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

The atmosphere was very relaxed, and the chef-inspired plates were delicious. We had everything from avocado toast to sausage biscuits smothered in gravy. If you are looking for a brunch spot in Charleston, I highly recommend Church and Union!

Tavern and Table

Tavern & Table in Shem Creek near Charleston, SC

Tavern & Table is a popular waterfront restaurant in Mount Pleasant, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston, SC.

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic views of Shem Creek, the restaurant offers Southern-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. It also serves a variety of craft cocktails, seafood, and wood-fired specialties.

We enjoyed our Sunday brunch at Tavern & Table very much. The House-Baked Bread Board was the perfect appetizer for four, served with a variety of items. We had shrimp and grits, a breakfast burrito, and hot smoked salmon toast—it was all mouthwatering!

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

We had a huge Food Network and Rodney Scott fan with us on the trip, so we most certainly had to stop for some South Carolina-style whole hod barbecue! The pitmaster strives to keep the “live coal direct heat” barbecue method alive, a family tradition. The barbecue was to die for, and the portions were very generous!

After your meal, ask about their Rodney Scott’s BBQ merch (we bought a signed cookbook) and a pit tour! The tour is free, and you can see where all the magic happens. Also, be on the lookout for Rodney himself. We missed his presence by about 20 minutes, dang!

Shem Creek Crab House

Dining at Shem Creek Crab House is a quintessential Lowcountry experience with stunning views of the Shem Creek waterfront. The restaurant specializes in fresh, locally caught seafood, including blue crabs, shrimp, and oysters, served in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere.

We visited Shem Creek Crab House for dinner, just in time for fantastic sunset views! Most of our group had the Lowcountry boils filled with different types of crab, shrimp, mussels, sausage, and all the fixin’s!

Stars Rooftop & Grillroom

Stars Rooftop and Grillroom in Charleston, SC

Stars Rooftop & Grillroom is a trendy dining spot known for its rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of the city’s historic skyline.

The Grill Room downstairs features an open kitchen and serves a menu focused on wood-fired cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and Southern-inspired dishes. We enjoyed the apple-glazed pork belly, scallops, and filet, among other things.

The rooftop bar is popular for enjoying craft cocktails and small plates while watching the beautiful Charleston sunset.

Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar

Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar is a popular dining spot located in Isle of Palms, just outside Charleston, SC. The restaurant offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with picturesque views and specializes in fresh seafood, including a variety of raw bar options, along with Southern-inspired dishes and creative cocktails.

The restaurant is quite large, with multiple stories of indoor and outdoor seating. It also has a stage for live music and hosts trivia nights. We enjoyed two different types of oysters, the crab dip and ceviche. We were also there for dinner and caught a gorgeous sunset!

Saltwater Cowboys

Saltwater Cowboys is a lively waterfront restaurant on Shem Creek, known for its laid-back vibe and water views. The menu features a variety of Southern coastal cuisine, including fresh seafood, smoked BBQ, and creative cocktails.

The restaurant is large, has multiple stories, and has plenty of outdoor seating. On a Saturday night when it was quite busy, we enjoyed a variety of seafood plates for dinner.

A Charleston, South Carolina Vacation

Vacationing in Charleston, South Carolina, was an absolute delight! The city has everything you need for the perfect vacation, including beaches, shopping, historic sites and landmarks, museums, unique experiences, and modern amenities. Enjoy your trip! We certainly did!

Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States.

Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.

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