Susan Serven

I loved Charleston, South Carolina so much I went back twice in two years.

Charleston blends Southern charm, centuries of history, amazing restaurants, and pristine nearby beaches into an unforgettable travel escape.

Whether you’re seeking history, a foodie adventure, relaxing beaches, or luxury lodging, the city offers highlights for every kind of traveler.

There’s so much to love, here’s a summary:

Historic and Cultural Sights

Explore the iconic Rainbow Row, famous for its colorful 18th-century houses and perfect for photos.

Check out Philadelphia Alley – I saw ghost orbs in broad daylight.

Stroll along The Battery and White Point Garden, where antebellum mansions overlook Charleston Harbor and Civil War history comes alive amid cannons and oak-lined paths.

Discover King Street for boutique shopping, lively nightlife, and a taste of Charleston’s renowned hospitality.

Visit Boone Hall Plantation for its magnificent oak-lined drive and authentic Gullah cultural presentations. This site offers a complex look at both the beauty and the difficult history of the Lowcountry.

Don’t miss South of Broad, considered a photographer’s paradise for its stunning architecture and winding, historic streets.

Top Restaurants

Magnolias: Quintessential refined Southern cuisine with a beloved location in historic Charleston. Make sure to look up at the incredible original ceiling and down at the old plank floors.

Hall’s Chophouse: Famous for prime steaks and an energizing “Gospel Brunch”-reservations highly recommended.

Chubby Fish: Locals’ favorite for fresh, sustainable seafood in downtown Charleston.

Sorelle: Acclaimed for elevated Southern-Italian fare with a focus on local ingredients.

Park & Grove: Known for top-rated brunches and creative cocktails, equally enjoyable for dinner (ask for the Three Bees, it’s made with honey, amazing).

Obstinate Daughter: Sullivan’s Island hotspot lauded for inventive pasta dishes and a lively atmosphere.

Recommended Hotels

Note: we stayed at a VRBO one time and The Spectator the second time (the others are recommendations from friends).

The Spectator Hotel: Consistently gets rave reviews for boutique luxury and stylish modern amenities. Plus they offer you a cocktail when you walk up to check in and have a butler assigned (which came in handy when we encountered a freakish torrential rainstorm when we were out exploring – the butler had our clothes cleaned and dried in a couple of hours, including our shoes!)

Charleston Place: The city’s most iconic luxury hotel, centrally located for both exploring and unwinding.

Francis Marion Hotel: Elegant, historic, with lovely views of Marion Square.

French Quarter Inn: A deeply romantic getaway with exceptional service and a classic sense of place.

Best Beaches

Folly Beach: Known for its laid-back surfer vibe, broad sands, and diverse crowd—an all-ages favorite with great sunset views and access to the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Isle of Palms: Offers a more upscale, family-friendly atmosphere with amenities like a county park, playgrounds, and proximity to shops and restaurants.

Sullivan’s Island: Beloved for its quiet beauty, local charm, and close access to fantastic dining spots like Obstinate Daughter.

Go for 3 days and 2 nights or longer, it's iconic, historic, you'll have a blast.