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Charleston
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.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Charleston
The only surviving urban town-house complex, this 1820 abode gives a fascinating glimpse into antebellum life on a 45-minute self-guided audio tour. The…
Guardians of Charleston Harbor
Charleston
The first shots of the Civil War rang out at Fort Sumter, on a pentagon-shaped island in the harbor. A Confederate stronghold, this fort was shelled to…
Charleston
Formerly called Ryan's Mart, this building once housed an open-air market that auctioned African American men, women and children in the mid-1800s, the…
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Charleston
As the name hints, this 1772 Georgian-style town house is kind of a big deal because George Washington rented it for a week, and visitors can stand in…
Charleston
This 500-acre plantation, which has been owned by the Drayton family since 1676, is a veritable theme park. Enjoy a tram tour, a petting zoo and a guided…
Charleston
This 1738 Palladian brick mansion is the country's oldest preserved plantation house open to the public. Yep, it's older than the nation. Drayton Hall was…
Charleston
Designed in 1741, this plantation's vast gardens are the oldest in the US. Countless slaves spent years terracing the land and digging the precise…
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Charleston
If you've ever wondered what the wealthiest, fanciest, most well-traveled hoarder's house might look like, visit the Calhoun Mansion. With 35 rooms and 24…
Top picks from our travel experts
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Charleston
Founded in 1773, this is the country's oldest museum. It's helpful and informative if you're looking for historical background before strolling through…
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Charleston
Probably the hippest of the Northern Peninsula breweries. It's hard to beat knocking back a few artfully crafted cold ones on Revelry's fairy-lit and fire…
Charleston
The only surviving urban town-house complex, this 1820 abode gives a fascinating glimpse into antebellum life on a 45-minute self-guided audio tour. The…
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Charleston
Ooh la la. Locals crowd around the shared tables at this tiny spot, known as 'Fast & French,' to nibble on Gallic cheeses and sausages, fondues or nightly…
Charleston
Occupying a gutted former hardware store in gentrifying NoMo, Charleston's highest-brow brewpub got a fancy new executive chef, Bob Cook, in 2017. The new…
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Charleston
A spectacular, self-supporting spiral staircase is the highlight at this 1808 Federal-style house, built by a Rhode Islander, known in Charleston as 'King…
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Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Charleston
Kids love the creepy dungeon, used as a prison for American patriots held by the British during the Revolutionary War. The cramped space sits beneath a…
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Charleston
This rooftop bar has sweet views of downtown and the crowds to prove it. Enjoy craft cocktails, and live music on Sundays from 2pm to 5pm.
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Charleston
FIG is a longtime foodie favorite, and it's easy to see why: welcoming staff, efficient but unrushed service and top-notch, sustainably sourced nouvelle…
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Charleston
Inside a cavernous 1927 bank building, this buzzy seafood hall and oyster bar feels like the best party in town. The menu is short, but the savory fare is…
Charleston
Formerly called Ryan's Mart, this building once housed an open-air market that auctioned African American men, women and children in the mid-1800s, the…
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Charleston
A showcase of South Carolina's wildlife, with creatures hailing from the mountain forest, piedmont, salt marsh, coastal and undersea habitats. Although…
Charleston
The only way to get to Fort Sumter is by this boat tour. Departure times vary throughout the year; check the website to plan your trip.
Guardians of Charleston Harbor
Charleston
The first shots of the Civil War rang out at Fort Sumter, on a pentagon-shaped island in the harbor. A Confederate stronghold, this fort was shelled to…
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Charleston
The Battery is the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula, buffered by a seawall. Stroll past cannons and statues of military heroes in the gardens,…
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Charleston
Excellent new-and-used bookstore with a great selection on Southern history and culture.
Charleston
Designed in 1741, this plantation's vast gardens are the oldest in the US. Countless slaves spent years terracing the land and digging the precise…
Cheap and cheerful Charleston: the best free things to do in Chucktown
Curated by Lonely Planet Editors
Charleston
With its 13 candy-colored houses, this stretch of Georgian row houses on lower E Bay St is one of the most photographed areas in Charleston. The…
Charleston
With more than 300 vendors hawking everything from sweetgrass baskets to piping-hot biscuits, this vibrant, open-air market is one of the nation's oldest,…
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Charleston
Stop by Charleston's terrific farmers market on Saturdays for local produce, homemade food and drinks, art, music, boiled peanuts and more.
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Charleston
An Episcopal church erected in 1835, considered all-important by the first city residents. Lots of famous people were buried in the church cemetery and…
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Charleston
A lovely, eight-acre park on the Cooper River, notable for its landscape architecture and eye-catching, pineapple-shaped fountain. During summer it's a…
Charleston
Spread over a few city blocks at the center of Charleston's downtown, this university was founded in 1770 and is the oldest in the state. The campus is…
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Charleston
The Battery is the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula, buffered by a seawall. Stroll past cannons and statues of military heroes in the gardens,…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Day Trips
Charleston is a captivating city to explore, but nearby coastal islands, historic sites and vast gardens and parks complement the city's charms.
Read articleTransportation
You can get around this South Carolina city relatively well on foot, but if you're venturing farther out, look at these other options.
Read articleFree 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.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Charleston
- HistoryWhat to expect when Charleston's International African American Museum opens in 2023
Feb 1, 2023 • 4 min read
- Festivals & EventsWhy Charleston is a top destination for the holidays (and other good times to come)
Dec 7, 2021 • 6 min read
Road TripsThese 5 day trips from Charleston capture the best of South CarolinaOct 28, 2021 • 6 min read
PhotographyCheap and cheerful Charleston: the best free things to do in ChucktownSep 21, 2021 • 6 min read
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