Charleston, South Carolina, has earned its spot as Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite U.S. city in the World’s Best Awards survey year after year—and for good reason. Sure, this Southern port city charms with its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, but don’t let the historic facade fool you. Charleston pulses with energy, from its top-notch food scene to its ever-growing lineup of shops, museums, and must-visit spots.
You’ll always find the classics—browsing King Street, strolling Rainbow Row, scoring a table at FIG or The Ordinary, or hitting up the nearby beaches. But the city also keeps things fresh with exciting new additions that quickly become local staples. Swing by Babas on Cannon for European-inspired bites, espresso, and maybe an aperitif. Or head to Sorelle, where Southern Italian meets Lowcountry charm in a two-story restaurant, bar, and market at 88 Broad Street. Food is a big deal here (no surprise), but there’s plenty to do between meals. When you’re stuffed beyond belief, escape to Mount Pleasant for local art at the Charleston Artist Collective or a breathtaking sunset over Charleston Harbor from Pitt Street Bridge.
Top 5 Can’t-Miss Spots
- Folly Beach – A gorgeous white-sand beach with restaurants and bars just steps away.
- Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Run by a James Beard Award-winning pitmaster (who even starred in Netflix’s Chef’s Table: Barbecue).
- Charleston Sailing Adventures – Offers some of the best views of the Battery and the stunning Ravenel Bridge.
- Spoleto Festival USA – A yearly event with 100+ performances, from opera and ballet to jazz and bluegrass.
- Sorelle – A fantastic new Italian spot with housemade bread, pasta, an antipasti counter, and a wine room.
Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, this Travel + Leisure Charleston guide will help you make the most of your visit—no matter when you go.
Best Time to Visit
Charleston draws visitors year-round, but the vibe shifts with the seasons—weather, events, and even downtown decor change monthly.
Spring brings occasional rain, but it’s also one of the best times to visit, with temps between 60–80°F and blooms like wisteria, jasmine, and azaleas in full swing. Mid-March kicks off “wisteria hysteria,” right after the Charleston Food + Wine Festival, where the Lowcountry flaunts its world-class food scene. April brings the Charleston Jazz Festival and the opening of the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square. The beloved Festival of Houses and Gardens wraps up mid-month, followed by Spoleto, a 17-day performing arts takeover from late May to early June. Just brace for crowds, traffic, and scarce parking.
Fall is another favorite, with mild days and crisp nights. Oyster season starts in October, and historic house tours return after summer’s heat. Check social media for local oyster roasts, but book ahead for the Preservation Society of Charleston’s Fall Tours—choose from guided home tours, garden strolls, or historic walks.
Winter stays mild (snow is rare), but December is pure magic. Historic homes along King, Meeting, Legare, Church, Broad, and South Battery Streets dazzle with magnolia garlands, wreaths, and candlelit windows. Don’t miss the Holiday Festival of Lights, a three-mile drive through James Island County Park. By February, festival season revs up with the Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition (SEWE), a weekend celebrating outdoor life—art, sports, and the unmissable dock dog competition.
Summer? Hot (high 80s/low 90s), humid, and stormy—but beach lovers won’t mind. Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach are just 15–30 minutes from downtown. For a quieter escape, add Kiawah Island to your list.
How to Get There
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about 20 minutes from downtown. Renting a car is optional—Ubers/Lyfts are easy to find, but parking can be tricky, especially near beaches or downtown.
Best Hotels & Resorts
The Loutrel
Travel + Leisure readers crowned this newcomer (opened November 2021) Charleston’s best hotel—and for good reason. With its upscale Lowcountry vibe, rooftop cocktails, prime downtown location, and killer amenities, it’s a standout. Step outside, and you’re minutes from The Battery, Waterfront Park’s Pineapple Fountain, and Rainbow Row.
The Pinch
If you love boutique hotels with thoughtful touches, The Pinch in Ansonborough is your spot. Beyond its 22 rooms, it offers three long-stay residences, a spa, daily breakfast, and The Quinte, a 40-seat oyster bar.
The Ryder Hotel
Bright, airy, and Instagram-famous, this “boutique escape-meets-experience hotel” nails that breezy coastal vibe.
The Dewberry
This downtown charmer blends old-world elegance with modern edge. Sip coffee or cocktails in the cozy Living Room, then head upstairs to Citrus Club for rooftop views and photogenic tropical drinks.
Emeline
Set in historic Charleston, this hotel’s Frannie & The Fox draws crowds for wood-fired pizza and outdoor dining. Borrow one of their custom bikes to explore the neighborhood.
Post House Inn
A 10-minute drive from downtown, this Mount Pleasant gem oozes Southern hospitality. Think bright spaces, waterfront proximity, and serious photo ops.
Zero George
Sixteen luxurious rooms spread across historic homes and carriage houses. Cruise the neighborhood on complimentary bikes, then unwind with courtyard cocktails before dinner at Zero Restaurant.
Best Restaurants
Sorelle
A 2023 standout, this Italian hotspot wows with housemade bread, pasta, an antipasti counter, and a wine room—all under the Mina Group’s acclaimed chef umbrella.
FIG
A Charleston institution for 20+ years, Chef Mike Lata’s seasonal dishes (especially the fresh fish) keep tables packed. Snag a bar seat if you can’t score a reservation.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
James Beard winner Rodney Scott serves up Southern classics—collards, hush puppies, banana pudding, and crispy pig skins—in a lively spot with picnic tables and a drive-thru.
167 Raw
No reservations, but the line’s worth it for crispy oysters, scallop po’boys, and ever-changing “frozie” cocktails.
Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop
Housed in a former body shop, this casual spot dishes out top-tier fried chicken, char-grilled oysters, and soft-serve. Outdoor patio seating eases the wait.
Chez Nous
Daily-changing European-inspired menus (two appetizers, two entrees, two desserts) keep this intimate spot fresh. Check Instagram @cheznouscharleston for the day’s offerings.
The Ordinary
Book ahead for this buzzing King Street raw bar, where peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters, and creative seafood shine in a historic bank building.
Best Things to Do
Beach Hop
- Sullivan’s Island: Local favorite, with great eats a block from the sand.
- Isle of Palms: Family-friendly with calm waters.
- Folly Beach: Drive further down E. Arctic Ave to escape crowds.
Walk & Talk Charleston
Guided tours dive deep into LGBTQ+ history, Charleston’s equestrian past, or Lowcountry ecology.
Charleston Sailing Adventures
Sunset sails offer unbeatable views of The Battery and Ravenel Bridge.
Coastal Expeditions
Kayak or paddleboard Shem Creek with dolphins, then refuel at nearby restaurants.
Angel Oak
This 400+-year-old tree (free to visit!) shades 17,200 square feet—a surreal Lowcountry icon.
Palmetto Carriage Works
Touristy? Maybe. But clip-clopping through historic streets on a horse-drawn carriage is pure Charleston.
Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie
Boat to Fort Sumter (Civil War landmark) or drive to Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island.
Neighborhoods to Know
- Downtown: The peninsula’s heart, with distinct areas like South of Broad (home to The Battery) and the artsy Cannonborough/Elliotborough.
- Mount Pleasant: Cross the Ravenel Bridge for shops, Pitt Street Bridge’s sunset views, and Old Village charm.
- Sullivan’s Island: More than a beach—think bike paths, dreamy cottages, and Poe’s Tavern.
- Johns Island: Where the ancient Angel Oak and golf courses reign.
- Folly Beach: Lively bars, taco shacks, and golf cart rentals define this laid-back spot.
- Kiawah/Seabrook Islands: Gated luxury, with The Sanctuary’s oceanfront splendor.
Shopping & Nightlife
King Street
Shop local (Old Whaling Company, Berlin’s) or big names (J.Crew, Brooks Brothers). Don’t miss:
- Croghan’s Jewel Box: Antique lockets, diamond rings, and Southern heirlooms.
- Lake Pajamas: Striped PJs, robes, and kids’ styles.
Beyond King Street
- Cigar Factory: Historic spot with Fritz Porter textiles and Mercantile & Mash gourmet foods.
- Burbage’s Grocery: A Broad Street deli/grocery for local beer and sandwiches.
After Dark
College crowds hit Uptown Social and Prohibition, but for lowkey sips, try:
- Bar Rollins (cocktails)
- Babas on Cannon (wine + aperitifs)
- The Bar & Patio at Husk (elevated Southern vibes)
Final Tips
- Getting Around: Walk, bike (rent from Bilda Bike), or use CARTA’s free DASH shuttles.
- Packing: Breathable fabrics, sunscreen, bug spray—and always an umbrella.