The Complete Charleston Travel Guide

Destinations

Apr 2

King Street - Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a coastal city in South Carolina, marked by colorful, centuries-old houses, palm trees, and a rich history. Wander through the gorgeous historic district or take a walking tour to learn more about one of the oldest cities in America. Feeling hungry? Refuel at one of the amazing local restaurants! Want to relax? Visit one of the sprawling, sandy beaches nearby. This U.S. city is truly a hidden gem with a little something for everyone.

This complete Charleston travel guide will take you through what to expect, where to stay on a budget, the best things to do, and where to eat vegan during your time in Charleston!

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What to Expect

How to get there: You can fly into the Charleston International Airport (CHS) or take a road trip and drive there!

When to go: If you want to avoid the crowds (and heat) that the summer months bring, I would suggest visiting during the shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November). Charleston is a great spring break destination, too!

Language: Located in South Carolina, USA, the primary language spoken is English with a sweet southern accent.

Currency: US Dollar

Safety: I stayed in the Historical District of Charleston and I felt safe walking around during the day. Like many cities, there are areas to avoid at night so be aware of where you going and trust your instincts.

Packing: Compared to other tourist destinations in the US, you will find that people in Charleston tend to dress more business casual. Feel free to bring some of your dressier clothing if you feel like dressing up a bit on your trip. If you are visiting in the summer, expect the days to be very hot and humid so pack light clothing. On the other hand, winters are mild so pack layers and a light jacket. Always check the weather for the time you will be there as temperatures can be inconsistent. And bring good walking shoes to explore the historic district!

Food: Charleston is known for having amazing food and I was pleasantly surprised to find many vegan options here, too!

Transportation: Depending on where your accommodation is, you might have to drive or take an Uber to the historic district. Once there, the area is very walkable. They also offer a free shuttle around the city. For more info on how to use the shuttle, read this article.

Where to Stay

I recommend staying in Charleston’s Historic District so you are close to all of the main attractions. However, hotels in this area are quite expensive. Luckily, there is a hostel in the Historic District called, NotSoHostel, which you can book through HostelWorld. I enjoyed my stay at NotSoHostel which included free parking, free coffee and tea all day, and free breakfast (non-vegan oatmeal during my stay).

How long should I stay in Charleston?

Depending on what you would like to see and do in Charleston, I would recommend staying at least 3-5 days. I spent 3 days (with 1 full day) and it wasn’t quite enough time to see everything.

Rainbow Row - Charleston, South Carolina

Best things to do in Charleston

Take a Free Walking Tour

I love taking free walking tours whenever they are offered because it’s a great way to connect and learn more about the places you are visiting. Charleston is a great place for a walking tour as it’s one of the oldest cities in America and home to many of America’s “firsts”. I went with Free Tours by Foot and our guide was incredible. We got to learn about the history of Charleston, events from the Civil War, styles of architecture, the local blacksmith artist, Philip Simmons, and much more. I highly recommend taking this tour during your visit!

Shop on King Street

Whether you want to shop at name-brand stores, locally owned businesses, or just feel like walking down a cute street, King Street is the place to be.

Visit Historic Buildings

One really cool thing about Charleston is that you can walk into any public building (churches, playhouses, government buildings, etc.) and take a look around. Charleston takes pride in their beautiful, historic buildings so you don’t have to feel shy about entering them. Here you can find buildings that are from the 17th and 18th centuries, which means some of them were built before America even became a country. Charleston also went through periods of high wealth, so you can find some of the most beautiful, ornate, historic buildings in the U.S. here.

Walk The Battery

The Battery is a fortified seawall that was used during the Civil War to protect the city. Today it is a popular promenade where tourists and locals take a stroll along the water. Here you can also admire impressive, Antebellum homes that line the Battery.

Relax at Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a sprawling, white sandy beach that’s just a 20 minute drive from the Historic District. It’s a great place to catch a sunrise, have a relaxing beach day, or play in the ocean.

Other Ideas

Historic City Market

Rainbow Row

Waterfront Park

Pineapple Fountain

Angel Oak Park

Sullivans Island

Magnolia Plantation

Middelton Place

Pink Church - Charleston, South Carolina

Where to Eat Vegan in Charleston

Charleston is home to a hot food scene from classic southern dishes to seafood cuisine. Although this might be a turn-off to my veg friends, I’m here to bring good news: There are lots of great vegan and vegetarian options to be found, too! Start your day off with a fresh bagel (w/ vegan cream cheese) at Holey City Bagels. Take a lunch break at a cafe or a local favorite, Brown Dog Deli. And make dinner reservations at my top choice for vegan restaurants in Charleston, Neon Tiger. Are food trucks your jam? Be sure to track down Bangin’ Vegan Eats.

Recommendations

Bangin’ Vegan Eats (Food Truck)

Neon Tiger

Brown Dog Deli

Holey City Bagels

Jack of Cups (Folly Beach)

Annie O’loves Cafe

Ali Baba

Harbinger Cafe