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Begin your morning at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, a charming counter-service spot whose buttery stacks of flaky biscuits have earned a devoted following. At the Upper King Street location, you’ll probably find locals and visitors alike queuing before dawn—proof that some Southern traditions are worth the wait.
From there, set out on foot or by bicycle for a gentle glide along East Bay Street, where the iconic Rainbow Row unfurls in a painterly array of Georgian facades. Continue toward the Battery, where grand residences with sweeping piazzas overlook Charleston Harbor. For a deeper sense of place, join Charleston Strolls, whose expert guides offer rich context on the city’s layered architectural and cultural story.
When midday calls for sustenance, slip into Sorelle Mercato on Broad Street, where Sicilian sensibility meets Lowcountry charm. Browse the gourmet goods or savor a leisurely lunch—perhaps a mortadella sandwich on pillowy focaccia paired with something sparkling.
To stay immersed in the area's culinary spirit, check in to one of the city’s hotels where food is more than a feature—it’s a focal point. At Zero George, a tasting menu experience unfolds inside an impeccably restored early-nineteenth-century residence. The Charleston Place exudes grand hotel sophistication, complete with high-end shopping, a storied lobby bar, and destination dining. Or opt for Emeline, where boutique-style meets the convivial warmth of Frannie & the Fox, a eatery known for its seasonal dishes, such as watermelon salad with benne wafer crumble.
As evening sets in, make your way to one of the Lowcountry's acclaimed dining rooms. Try the effortlessly elegant Peninsula Grill, famous for its iconic coconut cake and refined service; the ever-evolving FIG, where market-driven cuisine honors the region’s farmers and fishermen; or Chubby Fish, a buzzing neighborhood spot where the day’s catch is elevated with unexpected flavors. In Charleston, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of taste, time, and tradition.
A Feast of heritage
For the
coastal wanderer...
History Loves Company
Culinary Curious
History Buff
Coastal Wanderer
Start your
Trace the flavor notes of the Charleston area in a single unforgettable day
For the hisotory buff...
The Charleston area invites you to lean into the rhythm of the coast—a place where nature feels expansive and the line between land and water blurs in the best possible way. Choose your home base with care: At the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, sea breezes drift through ancient oaks while bike paths wind past dune-covered beaches and fairways. Or settle into the Dunlin, a luxurious retreat set amid salt marshes and creeks, where curated experiences include everything from dolphin-spotting excursions to Lowcountry cooking classes.
If your idea of a perfect day includes a splash of adventure, head out with Coastal Expeditions for a guided kayak tour—whether you want to glide through blackwater swamps or scout seabirds on a barrier island. For a more leisurely outing, set sail aboard Schooner Pride, a three-masted ship that offers sunset views of Charleston’s steepled skyline.
The wetlands bloom at Cypress Gardens, about an hour's drive from downtown Charleston, where you can paddle beneath towering bald cypress trees and glimpse resident wildlife in a setting as cinematic as it is serene.
If you prefer to stay closer in town, spend the afternoon with a stroll through the Historic Charleston City Market, where artisans sell heirloom-quality goods like handwoven sweetgrass baskets. Or lose yourself in the city’s museums: the distinguished Gibbes Museum of Art, the illuminating Charleston Museum, or the powerful International African American Museum, where immersive exhibitions explore the region’s Gullah Geechee heritage and far-reaching diaspora.
Afterward, let the sea guide your appetite. At the Ordinary, a bank transformed into a seafood hall, pristine oysters and caviar service share the menu with riffs on classic shellfish towers. For something more intimate, 167 Raw blends coastal New England energy with Charleston flavor, offering standout crudo and one of the city’s finest lobster rolls. Its sister establishment, Bar 167 Bistro and Lounge, located just around the corner, serves Mediterranean-style fare with meze platters and house-made pasta. Meanwhile, Islander 71, on nearby Isle of Palms, pairs breezy Intracoastal Waterway views with fresh-catch fare and creative cocktails.
Paddle swamps, forage shorelines, and dine by the tide
Drift into the Lowcountry
For the curious traveler, the Charleston area offers a living archive of the American story
History You Can Touch
PRESENTED BY
In downtown Charleston, history is not confined to museums—it lingers in the air, etched into cobblestones, and echoed in wrought-iron gates and weathered facades. To begin your exploration, take a guided walking tour with Bulldog Tours, whose expert guides reveal the nuance and depth behind the city’s most enduring landmarks. Their themed strolls bring centuries to life with vivid storytelling and essential context.
For a deeper dive, head west across the Ashley River to Charles Towne Landing, the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina, established in 1670. Set within a verdant park, the grounds feature archaeological exhibits, costumed interpreters, and a replica seventeenth-century sailing vessel—a transportive glimpse into the area's colonial origins.
When it’s time to unwind, rest your head where the past meets present-day luxury. The Dewberry hotel, a refurbished 1960s federal building overlooking Marion Square, captures midcentury elegance with all the comforts of today. Or choose the John Rutledge House Inn, a meticulously preserved townhouse where ornate interiors and gracious balconies offer a more intimate view of Charleston’s historic charm.
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Map out your journey through historic Charleston
Charleston
adventure
For the culinary curious...
Plan your Charleston dining itinerary
Trace the flavor notes of the Charleston area in a single, unforgettable day
A Feast of heritage
Begin your morning at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, a charming counter-service spot whose buttery stacks of flaky biscuits have earned a devoted following. At the Upper King Street location, you’ll likely find locals and visitors alike queuing before dawn—proof that some Southern traditions are worth the wait.
From there, set out on foot or by bicycle for a gentle glide along East Bay Street, where Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row unfurls in a painterly array of Georgian facades. Continue toward The Battery, where grand residences with sweeping piazzas overlook Charleston Harbor. For a deeper sense of place, join Charleston Strolls, whose expert guides offer rich context on the city’s layered architectural and cultural story.
When midday calls for sustenance, slip into Sorelle Mercato on Broad Street, where Sicilian sensibility meets Lowcountry charm. Browse the gourmet goods or savor a leisurely lunch—perhaps a mortadella sandwich on pillowy focaccia paired with something sparkling.
To stay immersed in Charleston’s culinary spirit, check into one of the city’s hotels where food is more than a feature—it’s a focal point. At Zero George, a tasting menu experience unfolds inside an impeccably restored early 19th-century residence. The Charleston Place exudes grand hotel sophistication, complete with high-end shopping, a storied lobby bar, and destination dining. Or opt for Emeline, where boutique-style meets the convivial warmth of Frannie & The Fox, a wood-fired eatery known for its seasonal dishes, such as watermelon salad with benne wafer crumble.
As evening sets in, make your way to one of Charleston’s acclaimed dining rooms. Try the effortlessly elegant Peninsula Grill, famous for its iconic coconut cake and refined service; the ever-evolving FIG, where market-driven cuisine honors the region’s farmers and fishermen; or Chubby Fish, a buzzing neighborhood spot where the day’s catch is elevated with unexpected flavors. In Charleston, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of taste, time, and tradition.
Begin your morning at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, a charming counter-service spot whose buttery stacks of flaky biscuits have earned a devoted following. At the Upper King Street location, you’ll likely find locals and visitors alike queuing before dawn—proof that some Southern traditions are worth the wait.
From there, set out on foot or by bicycle for a gentle glide along East Bay Street, where Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row unfurls in a painterly array of Georgian facades. Continue toward The Battery, where grand residences with sweeping piazzas overlook Charleston Harbor. For a deeper sense of place, join Charleston Strolls, whose expert guides offer rich context on the city’s layered architectural and cultural story.
When midday calls for sustenance, slip into Sorelle Mercato on Broad Street, where Sicilian sensibility meets Lowcountry charm. Browse the gourmet goods or savor a leisurely lunch—perhaps a mortadella sandwich on pillowy focaccia paired with something sparkling.
To stay immersed in Charleston’s culinary spirit, check into one of the city’s hotels where food is more than a feature—it’s a focal point. At Zero George, a tasting menu experience unfolds inside an impeccably restored early 19th-century residence. The Charleston Place exudes grand hotel sophistication, complete with high-end shopping, a storied lobby bar, and destination dining. Or opt for Emeline, where boutique-style meets the convivial warmth of Frannie & The Fox, a wood-fired eatery known for its seasonal dishes, such as watermelon salad with benne wafer crumble.
As evening sets in, make your way to one of Charleston’s acclaimed dining rooms. Try the effortlessly elegant Peninsula Grill, famous for its iconic coconut cake and refined service; the ever-evolving FIG, where market-driven cuisine honors the region’s farmers and fishermen; or Chubby Fish, a buzzing neighborhood spot where the day’s catch is elevated with unexpected flavors. In Charleston, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of taste, time, and tradition.
When midday calls for sustenance, slip into Sorelle Mercato on Broad Street, where Sicilian sensibility meets Lowcountry charm. Browse the gourmet goods or savor a leisurely lunch—perhaps a mortadella sandwich on pillowy focaccia paired with something sparkling.
To stay immersed in Charleston’s culinary spirit, check into one of the city’s hotels where food is more than a feature—it’s a focal point. At Zero George, a tasting menu experience unfolds inside an impeccably restored early 19th-century residence. The Charleston Place exudes grand hotel sophistication, complete with high-end shopping, a storied lobby bar, and destination dining. Or opt for Emeline, where boutique-style meets the convivial warmth of Frannie & The Fox, a wood-fired eatery known for its seasonal dishes, such as watermelon salad with benne wafer crumble.
As evening sets in, make your way to one of Charleston’s acclaimed dining rooms. Try the effortlessly elegant Peninsula Grill, famous for its iconic coconut cake and refined service; the ever-evolving FIG, where market-driven cuisine honors the region’s farmers and fishermen; or Chubby Fish, a buzzing neighborhood spot where the day’s catch is elevated with unexpected flavors. In Charleston, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of taste, time, and tradition.
To stay immersed in Charleston’s culinary spirit, check into one of the city’s hotels where food is more than a feature—it’s a focal point. At Zero George, a tasting menu experience unfolds inside an impeccably restored early 19th-century residence. The Charleston Place exudes grand hotel sophistication, complete with high-end shopping, a storied lobby bar, and destination dining. Or opt for Emeline, where boutique-style meets the convivial warmth of Frannie & The Fox, a wood-fired eatery known for its seasonal dishes, such as watermelon salad with benne wafer crumble.
As evening sets in, make your way to one of Charleston’s acclaimed dining rooms. Try the effortlessly elegant Peninsula Grill, famous for its iconic coconut cake and refined service; the ever-evolving FIG, where market-driven cuisine honors the region’s farmers and fishermen; or Chubby Fish, a buzzing neighborhood spot where the day’s catch is elevated with unexpected flavors. In Charleston, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of taste, time, and tradition.
A Feast
of heritage
In Charleston, history is not confined to museums—it lingers in the air, etched into cobblestones, and echoed in wrought-iron gates and weathered facades. To begin your exploration, take a guided walking tour with Bulldog Tours, whose expert guides reveal the nuance and depth behind the city’s most enduring landmarks. Their themed strolls bring centuries to life with vivid storytelling and essential context.
For a deeper dive, head west across the Ashley River to Charlestowne Landing, the site of the original English settlement established in 1670. Set within a verdant park, the grounds feature archaeological exhibits, costumed interpreters, and a replica 17th-century sailing vessel—a transportive glimpse into Charleston’s colonial origins.
When it’s time to unwind, rest your head where the past meets present-day luxury. The Dewberry Hotel, a refurbished 1960s Federalist building high-rise overlooking Marion Square, captures mid-century elegance with all the comforts of today. Or choose the John Rutledge House Inn, a meticulously preserved townhouse where ornate interiors and gracious balconies offer a more intimate view of Charleston’s historic charm.
For the curious traveler, Charleston offers a living archive of the American story
HISTORY YOU
CAN TOUCH
The Charleston area invites you to lean into the rhythm of the coast—a place where nature feels expansive and the line between land and water blurs in the best possible way. Choose your home base with care: At The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, sea breezes drift through ancient oaks while bike paths wind past dune-covered beaches and fairways. Or settle into The Dunlin, a luxurious retreat set amid salt marshes and creeks, where curated experiences include everything from dolphin-spotting excursions to Lowcountry cooking classes.
If your idea of a perfect day includes a splash of adventure, head out with Coastal Expeditions for a guided kayak tour—whether you’re gliding through blackwater swamps or scouting seabirds on a barrier island. For a more leisurely outing, set sail aboard the Schooner Pride, a three-masted ship that offers sunset views of Charleston’s steepled skyline.
The wetlands bloom at Cypress Gardens, where you can paddle beneath towering bald cypress trees and glimpse resident wildlife in a setting as cinematic as it is serene.
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Charleston
Start your
For the
autumn aficianado...
As autumn drapes the Lowcountry in crisp breezes and burnished light, there’s no better time for a trip to the Holy City. Charleston’s calendar overflows with ways to embrace the seasonable weather, but to narrow your options, we’ve outlined a handful of favorite stops and local pastimes.
Start by booking a waterfront stay—perhaps at the storybook Cottages on Charleston Harbor, where screened porches frame postcard-worthy views, or the refined Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, located just steps from the soft sand. From either perch, the allure of spending time on the water is undeniable. Glide past dolphins and shorebirds with Barrier Island Eco Tours, or cast a line with RedFin Fishing Charters before refueling dockside at Island Cabana Bar just off the Seabreeze Marina.
Come afternoon, lean into Lowcountry tradition by attending an oyster roast. Middleton Place and Drayton Hall serve up shucking with a side of history at each of their annual events (in November and early December, respectively). Or for an extra dose of seasonal magic, plan your trip around Bloom Charleston (October 18), which celebrates the debut of the Idea Garden at Colonial Lake—three acres of restored public spaces designed to inspire and empower gardeners of every skill level.
Beyond the peninsula, wander West Ashley’s Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with a glass of wine in hand during the site’s Autumn on the Ashley stroll (October 25). Or head to Johns Island County Park for a fresh-air fix amid lush meadows and moss-draped trees (and if it’s November 1, for the lively Harvest Festival with bluegrass music and kids’ hayrides).
As day turns to dusk, get a taste of Charleston’s coastal bounty with elegant seafood plates at Anson Restaurant, Costa, and other beloved restaurants that reimagine the region’s foodways. And before you go, secure tickets to February’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), on sale October 1. Because in Charleston, one visit is never enough.
Golden light, garden blooms, and oyster shells—the Charleston area proves fall shines brightest outdoors
A Scenery-Soaked Autumn in Charleston
Autumn Aficionado
History Loves Company
Discover the best Charleston area fall events
Begin your morning at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, a charming counter-service spot whose buttery stacks of flaky biscuits have earned a devoted following. At the Upper King Street location, you’ll probably find locals and visitors alike queuing before dawn—proof that some Southern traditions are worth the wait.
From there, set out on foot or by bicycle for a gentle glide along East Bay Street, where the iconic Rainbow Row unfurls in a painterly array of Georgian facades. Continue toward the Battery, where grand residences with sweeping piazzas overlook Charleston Harbor. For a deeper sense of place, join Charleston Strolls, whose expert guides offer rich context on the city’s layered architectural and cultural story.
When midday calls for sustenance, slip into Sorelle Mercato on Broad Street, where Sicilian sensibility meets Lowcountry charm. Browse the gourmet goods or savor a leisurely lunch—perhaps a mortadella sandwich on pillowy focaccia paired with something sparkling.
Trace the flavor notes of the Charleston area in a single unforgettable day
A Feast
of heritage
As autumn drapes the Lowcountry in crisp breezes and burnished light, there’s no better time for a trip to the Holy City. Charleston’s calendar overflows with ways to embrace the seasonable weather, but to narrow your options, we’ve outlined a handful of favorite stops and local pastimes.
Start by booking a waterfront stay—perhaps at the storybook Cottages on Charleston Harbor, where screened porches frame postcard-worthy views, or the refined Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, located just steps from the soft sand. From either perch, the allure of spending time on the water is undeniable. Glide past dolphins and shorebirds with Barrier Island Eco Tours, or cast a line with RedFin Fishing Charters before refueling dockside at Island Cabana Bar just off the Seabreeze Marina.
Come afternoon, lean into Lowcountry tradition by attending an oyster roast. Middleton Place and Drayton Hall serve up shucking with a side of history at each of their annual events (in November and early December, respectively). Or for an extra dose of seasonal magic, plan your trip around Bloom Charleston (October 18), which celebrates the debut of the Idea Garden at Colonial Lake—three acres of restored public spaces designed to inspire and empower gardeners of every skill level.
Beyond the peninsula, wander West Ashley’s Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with a glass of wine in hand during the site’s Autumn on the Ashley stroll (October 25). Or head to Johns Island County Park for a fresh-air fix amid lush meadows and moss-draped trees (and if it’s November 1, for the lively Harvest Festival with bluegrass music and kids’ hayrides).
As day turns to dusk, get a taste of Charleston’s coastal bounty with elegant seafood plates at Anson Restaurant, Costa, and other beloved restaurants that reimagine the region’s foodways. And before you go, secure tickets to February’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), on sale October 1. Because in Charleston, one visit is never enough.
Plan your Charleston dining itinerary
Coastal Wanderer
adventure
Charleston
Start your