Folks think of Charleston as a small town, and that’s true if you’re just looking at the numbers. But when you consider history, culture, food, and charm, this city punches like a giant. You’ve heard of the eats scene, no doubt—the city’s biggest draw these days, and one that routinely exceeds the hype. Not only can you get world-class barbecue, seafood, and regional Lowcountry classics; you can get them done extraordinarily well in both traditional and modern interpretations. And in extraordinary settings. Everywhere you look, the city has a gorgeous mansion or cobblestone street to explore—the most elegant version of Southern charm, juxtaposed with contemporary art and snappy street fashion. The city's roots may be its rich Southern history, but Charleston stands fully in the now.

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Charleston Travel Guide
Plan Your Charleston Trip

An Ethical Guide to Plantation Tours
Plantation tours range widely, from those that do nothing more than celebrate the slave-owners’ opulent house to those that center Black voices. This guide will help travelers find the tours that combat racism through education.

I Drove 300 Miles Through the Low Country for Life-Changing Food
At a low point in life, one writer sets out for Maine in search of a therapeutic lobster roll and instead finds food and friendship in the Low Country of South Carolina and Georgia.
Featured

Through Guided Tours, Chef Sallie Ann Robinson Is Preserving Daufuskie Island’s Gullah Geechee History
How one sixth-generation ‘Gullah Diva’ is building upon the foundation her ancestors laid to keep their legacy alive.

How a Charleston Guide Reckons with the City’s Past—and Celebrates Its Present
Toby Smith, who leads tours at the McLeod Plantation, shares the neighborhood she frequents and the sites of reflection she visits.

You Haven't Experienced the Lowcountry Until You've Been to a Charleston Oyster Roast
There's nothing like a pile of hot oysters to bring you into the fold.

15 Best Hotels in Charleston
The best rooms and suites in the charming Holy City, from King Street to Kiawah Island
Editor Hotel Recommendations
The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel$$ | United States, Charleston, 68 Wentworth St.This is a top notch, Marriott branded, completely refurbished hotel with all the technological perks you would expect.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Loutrel$$ | United States, Charleston, 61 State StA garden-forward hotel concept, with orchids in every room, and a lush rooftop terraceRead full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Ryder Hotel$$ | United States, Charleston, 237 Meeting St.Locals and newcomers mix at this stylishly modern boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Charleston.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Mills House, Curio Collection by Hilton$$ | United States, Charleston, 115 Meeting St.Those of you in love with the throwback opulence of the old Mills House might be jarred by its contemporary makeover, but let's face it: we are never too old to reinvent ourselves.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town$$$ | United States, Hilton Head Island, 7 Lighthouse Ln.Palm tree-lined gardens give way to this modern-looking country club-hotel hybrid, where three world-class golf courses are the main attraction.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
Wentworth Mansion$$$ | United States, Charleston, 149 Wentworth St.No doubt this mansion was a bit ostentatious in its 19th-century heyday, but you won't find guests complaining about the regal splendor.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Charleston Place$$$ | United States, Charleston, 205 Meeting St.Understated opulence with all the perksRead full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina$$ | United States, Mt. Pleasant, 28 Patriots Point Rd.Powered By: Expedia
Hotel Bennett$$ | United States, Charleston, 404 King St.Old world grandeur and good ol' Southern charm make this Marion Square hotel irresistible.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
Zero George$$ | United States, Charleston, 0 George St.A refined retreat in the Holy City: zero stress, zero gimics, Zero George.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Dewberry Charleston$$$ | United States, Charleston, 334 Meeting StA reimagined midcentury federal building turned glamorous pied-à-terre—channel your inner Jackie O.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Nickel Hotel$ | United States, Charleston, 529 King StThe Charleston hotel within steps of everything that will nevertheless keep you lingering on-propertyRead full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Ansonborough$$ | United States, Charleston, 21 Hasell StreetA recent top-to-bottom redesign has given this historic factory new life.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
John Rutledge House Inn$$ | United States, Charleston, 116 Broad St.Guests feel at home in this national historic landmark originally built by a signer of The United States Constitution.Read full reviewPowered By: Booking.com
The Best Things to Do in Charleston
15 Best Things to Do in CharlestonFor a small city, there's an outsized number of options. Here's where to start.
3 Best Day Trips from CharlestonTake the city's easygoing vibes on the road.
The Best Beaches in Charleston for a Little R&RSun, sand, surf, trails—in this city, you're never far from a shoreline.
10 Best Historic House Tours in CharlestonThe city is rife with them; check this list out first.
Editor Recommendations
The Charleston MuseumUnited States, Charleston, 360 Meeting St.A relaxing stroll through Charleston historyRead full reviewPowered By: GetYourGuide
Sea Turtle Care Center at the South Carolina AquariumUnited States, Charleston, 100 Aquarium WharfHands-on dedication to the protection of South Carolina's endangered sea lifeRead full review
Charleston Sailing ChartersUnited States, Charleston, 17 Lockwood Drive
Nathaniel Russell HouseUnited States, Charleston, 51 Meeting St.A portal into the lavish, then-“new money” Early Antebellum lifestyle of Mr. Russell, and an arresting meditation on the enslaved people caught in his wake.Read full review
Preservation Society of CharlestonUnited States, Charleston, 147 King St.Full of authentic Charleston souvenirs.Read full review
Sullivan's Island BeachUnited States, Charleston,One of Charleston's most family-friendly beachesRead full review
Gibbes Museum of ArtUnited States, Charleston, 135 Meeting StreetTells a Charleston story.Read full review
Cypress GardensUnited States, Moncks Corner, 3030 Cypress Gardens RoadWildly picturesque and well-managed, you'll recognize it from films such as The Notebook.Read full review
Center for Birds of PreyUnited States, Awendaw, 4719 N. Highway 17Where the record for bald eagle sightings in a single day is forty! If you don't spot at least a dozen, you're doing something wrong.Read full review
Sullivan's IslandUnited States, Charleston,Though it's pretty quiet in the off-season, Sullivan’s Island—once home to Edgar Allan Poe—is a hive of activity come spring and summer.Read full review
Bulls IslandUnited States, Charleston,You'll feel as though you're totally adrift on Bulls Island, as opposed to just a few miles off the coast of prim Charleston.Read full review
Capers IslandUnited States, Charleston,This undeveloped barrier island is one of the most dramatic spots along the entirety of the South Carolina coast.Read full review
Seabrook IslandUnited States, Seabrook Island,What this residential beach lacks in amenities, it makes up for in soft sand and relative silence.Read full review
Isle of PalmsCharleston, 1 14th Avenue, Isle of PalmsWith its seven miles of crystalline shores and close seaside community, Isle of Palms is one of the area's most family-friendly beaches.Read full review- Edisto BeachUnited States, Edisto Island, 8377 State Cabin RdEdisto Beach's beach's four-and-a-half miles of mostly untouched coastline make it an absolute must.Read full review

How Charleston's Black Residents Have Shaped the City
The Black residents of Charleston have always shaped the city's identity, and their influence today is as palpable as ever, from food to art.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Charleston
31 Best Restaurants in CharlestonSome of the highest quality eats in the Lowcountry
15 Best Bars in CharlestonThe best kind of Southern comfort
10 Best Rooftop Bars in CharlestonWhen you want a view that's as inspired as your drink.
10 Best Brunches in CharlestonIn this town, when a griddle calls, you leave your diet at the door.
10 Best Seafood Restaurants in CharlestonIn this water-adjacent town, lightly fried filets and smoked oysters are practically an art form.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
Lowland$$ | United States, Charleston, 36 George StreetWalk into an elegant tavern inspired by 19th century England, but reinterpreted for the Carolina Lowcountry.
Sushi-Wa$$$ | United States, Charleston, 1503 King Street ExtensionA stellar sushi experience where all you have to do is trust the chefs
Jackrabbit Filly$$ | United States, North Charleston, 4628 Spruill Avenue #101A diner for the 21st century
Husk$$ | United States, Charleston, 76 Queen St.The first stop for experiencing a vision of "new South" cuisine
Tutti Pizza$ | United States, Charleston, 700 King Street Suite AAlmost anytime is a good time at this neighborhood pizza joint.
Sullivan's Fish Camp$$ | United States, Sullivan's Island, 2019 Middle Street, Unit AA choose-your-own-adventure menu in the Southern fish camp tradition
Cane Pazzo$$ | United States, Hanahan, 1276 Yeamans Hall RoadItalian food that encourages its diners to dress to impress
XO Brasserie$$ | United States, Charleston, 1090 Morrison DriveA love letter to Cantonese and Sichuan classics
Indaco$$ | United States, Charleston, 526 King StreetPull up a stool at this warm pizza restaurant made for gathering 'round.
Marbled & Fin$$$ | United States, Charleston, 480 East Bay StreetA place to smear just a little more caviar atop that lobster bite
goat.sheep.cow.United States , Charleston, 106 Church StreetA Charleston cheese institution that's been doing consistent business since 1747.
Seahorse$ | United States, Charleston, 254 Coming StHands down, some of the best drinks you'll down in Charleston
Last Saint$ | United States, Charleston, 472 Meeting St BThe coolest place to be on a Saturday night in Charleston

Exploring Charleston Through Its Hotels
Produced by Condé Nast Traveler for Explore Charleston | From the architectural details at Wentworth Mansion to the golf course at Kiawah Resort and the delicious food at Charleston Place—follow along as we explore the history, hospitality, and uniqueness of Charleston through the places that portray it best—its hotels.
More from Charleston

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11 Best Bachelorette Airbnbs in Charleston for Every Group’s Vibe
These chic rentals offer easy access to Upper King Street, local beaches, and popular restaurants.

Shopping
A Charleston Place-Inspired Packing List for Touring the Lowcountry in Style
This perennial Readers' Choice Awards favorite embodies effortless Southern charm.

Readers' Choice Awards
2025 Readers’ Choice Awards: The Top Hotels in Charleston
The top hotels in Charleston, South Carolina, as voted by our readers.

Food & Drink
Now More Than Ever, Charleston Is in Charge
How Charleston’s new hotels, restaurants, and urban projects are upping the ante in one of the most exciting cities in the American South.

Places to Stay
19 Best Airbnbs in Charleston, South Carolina, With Plenty of Southern Charm
Start planning your next getaway with these top vacation rentals on King Street, Spring Street, and in Folly Beach.

Destination Weddings
How to Throw a Perfect Bachelorette Party in Charleston
Including moonlight kayaking, funky cottages, and can't-miss meals.

Inspiration
In Charleston, Leaving Nostalgia Behind
The Holy City's complicated history has sometimes been eclipsed by its myriad Southern charms. But now, Charleston is taking steps to confront—and honor—the difficult parts of its past.

Destinations
What to Do in Charleston This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.

Places to Stay
What Happens When a Hotel Loyalist Tries Airbnb
Millions of travelers use the popular online rental marketplace, but it's not a hit with everyone.

Sponsored Content
Five Things You Should Absolutely Eat and Drink in Charleston
Charleston might be considered a small-ish city, but it’s easily one of the most phenomenal food destinations in America right now. Here’s what you can’t miss on that food crawl you should definitely be planning here already.

Inspiration
10 Unmissable Restaurants in the American South
Matt Lee and Ted Lee are the Charleston-bred hosts of *Southern Uncovered With the Lee Bros.*on Ovation TV. Here, they share their favorite new and classic restaurants in five of the best Southern-food cities in the country.
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