Visit Charleston

Experience the magic of southern charm, historic beauty, and discover why Charleston is South Carolina's vibrant historic gem

Historic Architecture
Battery Park
Southern Cuisine

Welcome to Charleston

Charleston is South Carolina's historic gem city located on the Atlantic coast, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and southern charm. This dynamic city is known for its historic preservation, world-class cuisine, and unique "Holy City" personality that has shaped the region for generations.

From the iconic Battery Park and historic architecture to the beautiful Magnolia Plantation and Charleston Harbor, Charleston offers visitors a perfect blend of historic charm, coastal beauty, and southern hospitality. The city also boasts Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, and some of the best southern cuisine in America.

150,227 Population
20 ft Elevation
209 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Charleston adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Azaleas in bloom, historic tours, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Comfortable temperatures, outdoor recreation, cultural events
Peak Season March-May, September-November (Spring and Fall tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 39°F / 59°F
Apr 58°F / 75°F
Jul 75°F / 89°F
Oct 62°F / 78°F

Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters

Airports

Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Main airport, 12 miles from downtown Charleston

  • Major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue
  • Direct flights to major US cities
  • Rental car services available

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

Alternative airport, 95 miles from downtown Charleston

  • Domestic flights
  • Budget airline options
  • Shuttle services to Charleston

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 7+ million
Hotel Rooms 8,000+
Restaurants 800+
Cultural Attractions 30+
Average Hotel Price $220/night
Public Transit CARTA bus system

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 150+
Direct Destinations 30+ cities
Average Flight Price $280
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 5 carriers
On-time Performance 82%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 15+
Parking Spaces 3,000+
Rental Car Companies 8
Distance to Downtown 12 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Bus Routes 20+ routes
Bus Frequency 15-30 min
Fare $2.00
Operating Hours 6AM-11PM
Bike Share Stations 30+
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 30+
Historic Sites 100+
Historic Districts 5+
Movie Theaters 4
Museums 15+
Annual Events 80+

Outdoor Recreation

Charleston Harbor Waterfront activities
Bike Paths 30+ miles
Golf Courses 25
Beach Access Coastal recreation
Parks 50+
Weather Seasonal activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin New York
Top International Origin United Kingdom
Popular Airlines Delta, American
Average Age 39 years
Tourism Industry 35%
Average Stay 4.1 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 30+
Historic Sites 100+
Average Spending $580/person
Tourism Industry $8B annually
Tax Rate 9.0%
Popular Items Historic Souvenirs, Seafood, Culture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 4 major
Urgent Care Centers 15+
Pharmacies 30+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Charleston

Explore Charleston and the beautiful South Carolina coast at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Charleston

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in South Carolina's Historic Gem

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Experience Charleston's stunning historic architecture featuring antebellum mansions, Georgian townhouses, and beautiful churches that showcase the city's rich architectural heritage.

Year-round 2-4 hours Historic District
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Battery Park

Battery Park

Visit Battery Park, Charleston's iconic waterfront promenade featuring historic mansions, beautiful gardens, stunning harbor views, and the famous White Point Garden.

Year-round 1-3 hours Battery District
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Southern Cuisine

Southern Cuisine

Experience Charleston's world-famous southern cuisine featuring lowcountry specialties, fresh seafood, traditional southern dishes, and innovative farm-to-table dining experiences.

Year-round 2-4 hours Throughout Charleston
Explore Various prices Read More
Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation

Explore Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of America's oldest public gardens featuring beautiful azaleas, historic plantation house, nature trails, and stunning landscapes.

Year-round 3-5 hours Ashley River Road
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Charleston Harbor

Charleston Harbor

Experience Charleston Harbor featuring boat tours, Fort Sumter National Monument, beautiful waterfront views, dolphin watching, and historic maritime attractions.

Year-round 2-4 hours Charleston Harbor
Get Tickets Boat tour required Read More
Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row

Visit Rainbow Row, Charleston's iconic series of 13 colorful historic houses on East Bay Street, representing one of the most photographed locations in the city.

Year-round 30-60 minutes East Bay Street
Visit Free Free admission Read More

🍽️ Charleston's Southern Cuisine & Lowcountry Flavors

Savor the flavors of South Carolina's culinary heritage with Charleston's diverse dining scene

Southern Cuisine & Lowcountry Flavors

Experience Charleston's famous southern cuisine and lowcountry specialties with authentic shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and traditional southern fare that showcases the region's rich culinary heritage.

Top Southern Restaurants:

  • Husk Restaurant
  • FIG (Food Is Good)
  • Magnolias
Read More About Southern Cuisine & Lowcountry Flavors

Charleston Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Charleston's diverse food culture featuring seafood restaurants, historic taverns, and innovative dining experiences influenced by the city's coastal heritage and southern hospitality.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Seafood Restaurants
  • Historic District Dining
  • Waterfront Eateries
Read More About Charleston's Food Scene

🏨 Where to Stay in Charleston

Find the perfect accommodation for your Charleston adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Charleston

Search for the best flight deals to Charleston International Airport (CHS) or Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

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