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Charleston

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Charleston South Carolina Skyline

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Overview

Full of old-world charm, Charleston is a window into the nation's tumultuous past but also nourishes your mind, heart and stomach in roughly equal measure.

Must-see attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

The city's historic district is always a delight, but new attractions are keeping the Holy City relevant. These are the top things to do in Charleston.

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Best Time to Visit

You’ve made the right choice in deciding to visit one of America’s most historic and preserved-meets-evolving cities – here’s how to nail the timing.

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Transportation

You can get around this South Carolina city relatively well on foot, but if you're venturing farther out, look at these other options.

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Free Things to Do

Charleston is a southern delight with lots to offer – and plenty of it is free! Here are the 14 best free things to do there on your next trip.

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Day Trips

Within two hours of Charleston, SC, you can be on a seaside boardwalk, at a town steeped in Gullah traditions or in the galleries of a top-notch museum.

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