Charleston is known for its slow pace. That means that many Charlestonians choose to walk or bike around the city instead of hopping in a car — especially in the historic downtown area. Luckily, most of our tourist attractions are also accessible without a car. Check out these 9 ‘must-do’ activities by foot, bike, boat and car share.
If you want to make your way into the city without a car, we recommend booking a car share, like Uber or Lyft. Some local hotels offer free shuttles to and from the airport. Or, you could act like a local by taking the bus.
Even if you only have three days in Charleston, you don’t need a car in Downtown Charleston! And luckily, most of our most popular attractions are right in the historic city center. Thanks to its mild climate and attractions within walking distance, the best time to visit Charleston is pretty much any season! You’ll be able to get to all these spots without renting a car.
You don’t need to buy anything at the Historic Market (but you probably won’t be able to leave empty-handed). This market has been up and running since the early 1800s. Here, you can find lowcountry cuisine and gifts. One of the market’s most popular items is sweetgrass baskets.
You can’t visit Charleston without strolling by these iconic homes. Painted in candy colors, they are the unofficial mascots of the city. Wander down the cobblestones streets and imagine what life was like in Charleston in the 17th century.
Charleston is inextricably tied to the history of the slave trade in the South. One of the major ports in the Slave Triangle until the Transatlantic slave trade was banned in the 1800s, understanding the history of enslaved African Americans in Charleston is a must.
Pineapple Fountain
The pineapple fountain doesn’t have any historical significance in the city per se, but it is one of the most photographed sites in the city. The pineapple is a southern symbol of hospitality. Plus, you’ll get a pretty Instagrammable photo here since its right on the waterfront.
The Battery
Head down to the Battery for more views of the water and of Patriots Point.
Bike Across the Ravenel Bridge
While most Charlestonians and visitors drive across this stunning bridge, but we recommend taking your time by cycling over on a bike.
You can rent bikes from one of the local shops in the city. Or, use the local bike share to save a little cash. Holy Spokes rents bikes for $8 an hour or for $12 a day per bike. You can even buy a monthly pass for only $15 if you plan on hanging out in the city for a while.
Once you get to the other side of the bridge, you can turn around and make the trek back over the Cooper River. Or, stay in Mt. Pleasant for the day.
We definitely don’t recommend driving around our historic downtown. Yet if you want to get off your feet for an hour, you could always take a horse and carriage ride.
You’ll get a sweet little tour of Downtown Charleston without breaking a sweat.
Downtown Charleston is a city that’s really meant to be experienced by foot. You can’t get into back alleyways and passages by car, and you’d really be missing out on some serious Charleston charm if you miss these areas of the city.
Discover some hidden stories about the Holy City — all while checking out some of the most intriguing sites.
We absolutely love Patriots Point and think it’s one of the highlights of Charleston. The only downside? It’s across the harbor.
The good news? You can take a ferry to get there!
The Charleston Water Taxi can not only shuttle you to Patriots Point from Downtown but also offers great views of the harbor and surrounding areas. Boat guides offer a small amount of narration and you check out wildlife and snag great photos of the scenery.
Charleston has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and some of the best Charleston beaches are close to Downtown. If you want to make your way out to Folly Island, we can’t blame you. We wish we were there right now!
This is one instance where you will need some wheels to get you to where you’re going. Luckily, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have made their ways to our city, so you don’t need to rent a car to get here.
Yes, technically, this is kind of ‘cheating’ when it comes to a car-free list. But we’d never let you miss out on something special because we’re too busy following arbitrary rules.
Some people only head to Charleston for the food. We know, the nerve!
Actually, we can’t blame them. Sometimes we spend entire days dreaming about shrimp and grits for dinner.
We recommend taking our self-guided food tour to get an overview of the city’s culinary culture. Or, book one of our walking tours and a food tour with our friends at Charleston Culinary Tours and will give you a little discount!
We’re not called ‘The Holy City’ for nothing! You could spend your entire trip visiting Charleston’s many churches, and you still probably wouldn’t see them all.
Some of the area’s best attractions aren’t within walking distance. Luckily, most of the big attractions offer alternate means of transportation to reach them. If you’re headed to South Carolina, we recommend visiting
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Middleton Place Plantation
Boone Hall
Drayton Hall
If you’re not renting a car, we recommend staying at a hotel or Airbnb in the Downtown area. It’s easy to get around in this neighborhood, and you’ll never need to worry about finding a taxi here late at night.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, is compact and pedestrian-friendly. You won't need a car if you're planning a short weekend trip and aren't leaving the core, which is packed with restaurants, shops and historic sites. Free shuttles loop around the city on three routes.
Charleston, South Carolina has to be one of the worlds most walkable cities! This historical city which boasts some of the prettiest streets, which has some glorious old houses, has charm and beauty in bucket loads. One can off course take a mini bus tour which allows one to view some of the glories on view.
Downtown Charleston is one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston and is a great place to walk around, with stellar sights, monuments, and historic buildings like City Hall. If you really want to get a better understanding of the Holy City, consider taking a guided tour for your walk downtown.
Pro Tip #1: Charleston has a free trolley (DASH) that you can ride for downtown transportation. There are 3 routes. All routes intersect at the Visitor's Center (375 Meeting Street). To switch buses, get off at the Visitor Center and wait for the appropriate bus.
There's so much to do in the city that spending 3 days is recommended to get the full Charleston experience. From historic sites to restaurants and more, we've got you covered so you can start planning the best Charleston vacation.
In early September, Uber dropped its base rate for Charleston from $1.75 per mile to $1.25 per mile. Great news! That's not the whole story, though. According to Charleston-area Uber spokesperson Kaitlin Durkosh, the base fare is actually $1.50 plus $1.25 per mile, plus 18 cents per minute.
Charleston and Savannah are both friendly cities with a lot of history and southern hospitality! Savannah is slightly more laid-back, so if you want to visit a busier city, Charleston is probably the place to go. For more relaxed vibes, visit Savannah.
With its remarkable history and eclectic mix of fashion, art, antiques, home décor, and extraordinary food, King Street is the most vibrant and distinctive downtown in America. King Street is a perfect blend of local, regional, and national shops that remains the place to be for retailers of all types.
For the most part, Charleston is safe at night as long as you stay in the tourist areas of downtown and the more popular sections of the city overall. In the tourist area, you will see lots of people walking the streets, bars will be open, and music will be playing.
The French Quarter is the best area to stay in Charleston, SC for first-time visitors who want to be steps from Rainbow Row, the most picturesque streets, and the top sights. Marion Square is ideal for those focusing on shopping and dining at the top restaurants.
If you are walking around downtown Charleston it is illegal to do so with an open container unless it is a special event where there is a permit. Basically, that means don't walk around with a beer or solo cup with alcohol in it because you can be ticketed for an open container violation.
Our standard pricing is $50 for adults and $40 for children (ages 1-11 yo). Lap children (0-1 yo) are free and are required to sit on a parent's lap. All Charleston City fees and taxes are included.
Though there are no traditional hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Charleston, they do have a free city trolley called the CARTA DASH Trolley. These trolleys travel through the historic part of Charleston, allowing you to see much of what you would on the other guided tours, though without any commentary.
Charleston operates a free shuttle bus, the DASH Downtown Shuttle, around the Historic District and lower Charleston peninsula. The service operates daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days.
The best time to visit Charleston, SC is from mid-March through May and from September through November, when temperatures are moderate. Take advantage of spring and fall's excellent walking weather to stroll the city's parks and the waterfront Battery.
It makes sense to be based Downtown, if you can afford it – this is where most of the action is. It has the best restaurants and bars, the most luxurious hotels and B&Bs, and the most historic streets and mansions – all the ingredients that make Charleston such a compelling destination.
The cost of a 20-minute Uber ride can cost as low as $20 on the low end to $50 on the high end. The variable cost will depend on the area, total mileage, and vehicle.
CHS Airport is about a 20-minute drive in ideal road and traffic conditions from downtown Charleston, which is located 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the airport.
Typical basic Uber or Lyft fares from Charleston Airport to local destinations are as follows (the first fare is for the standard service, the second for XL): Downtown – $23/$35. Amtrak/Greyhound – $14/$18.
How long is the drive from Charleston to Savannah? The direct drive from Charleston to Savannah is 108 mi (174 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 18 mins in normal traffic.
The cheapest time to visit Charleston is winter (December through February). Hotel prices are at their lowest during this time. There are fewer tourists in the city. However, keep in mind that Charleston weather is the coolest during the winter months.
Charleston is considered to be a more popular beach destination than Myrtle Beach. You'll have a great beach vacation in Charleston. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Myrtle Beach is a good spot to see the beach.
Running north to south, it's the main shopping district in the city as well as one of the prettiest streets in Charleston. If you walk down King Street (starting at Line Street) to the tip of the peninsula in the Battery, you'll see a good chunk of Downtown — as well as many famous landmarks along the way.
King Street is the place for food, shopping, and more shopping with exciting choices for dining and nightlife right in the center of historic Charleston.
For example, Charleston's municipal code § 3-31 makes it a crime to “transport or possess” “any beer, wine, or alcoholic beverage” in an open container. Unlike state law, Charleston's code makes it a crime to transport an open container in a vehicle or on your person while walking down the street.
Folly Beach is in Charleston County. Living in Folly Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Folly Beach and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Folly Beach are highly rated.
Is Charleston safe at night? For the most part, Charleston is safe at night as long as you stay in the tourist areas of downtown and the more popular sections of the city overall. In the tourist area, you will see lots of people walking the streets, bars will be open, and music will be playing.
on East Bay Street. It is referred to as Rainbow Row for the pastel colors used to paint all of the houses. It is a common tourist attraction and is one of the most photographed parts of Charleston.
A night out on the town in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina means a visit to famous King Street. The bars on King Street are known for their fun atmosphere, delicious food and tasty drinks in their historic locations.
For the very first time, readers of Travel + Leisure have voted Charleston the No.1 City in the World! Charleston is the first domestic destination to earn the coveted No. 1 City in the World ranking.
You can order a drink at a bar or restaurant from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, all alcohol sales stop at 11:59 p.m. Liquor stores are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.mMonday through Saturday. Beer and wine can be purchased 24 hours a day, but only Monday through Saturday.
ALL OF THE NIGHTCLUBS AND BARS IN DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON CLOSE BY 2 AM. So, you live in a bigger city where you can party all night long and maybe you don't go out until 1:00 AM, don't do that here because you will miss all the fun.
Secrets Cabaret is the #1 Charleston strip club! The club is open Monday-Saturday 2:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., and Sunday 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Contact Secrets Cabaret today for any bachelor party, birthday, or private event! Come have a great time at Charleston's best gentlemen's club!
Tickets start at $20 per adult. Tours are typically offered daily at 10:30 a.m. Private tours are available at an additional cost. [View & Book Tickets.]
Explore historic downtown Charleston with a friendly, engaging guide, a beautiful horse, and a comfortable carriage for a memorable 1-hour carriage ride through history.
We encourage you to leave a standard 15% to 20% gratuity for your driver if you enjoyed your experience. Our drivers do not directly solicit cash tips, but they are always accepted with gratitude. Our horses love tips too!
The best way to get around Charleston is on foot. That said, you'll probably enjoy the use of a car too. You can rent some wheels at Charleston International Airport (CHS) – or bring your own – and leave it parked in one of the garages that pepper the city.
Yes, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus transportation throughout the region. There is also a free trolley that provides transportation throughout the historic district when visiting. See above for more info.
The city of Charleston offers free trolley transportation for visitors. This allows you get on or get off at so many of the most poplar historic attractions the city offers.
There is no better way to sightsee the historic and captivating holy city than on Adventure Sightseeing's Charleston Bus Tours. Experience all the charm of Charleston, including historic mansions, Rainbow Row, the historic city market, gardens, churches, and more!
Whether you are looking for a quick overview of the Holy City or searching for a free way to travel around town, the trolley tours in Charleston have it all.
The best way to get around Charleston is on foot. That said, you'll probably enjoy the use of a car too. You can rent some wheels at Charleston International Airport (CHS) – or bring your own – and leave it parked in one of the garages that pepper the city.
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Charleston. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
The French Quarter is the best area to stay in Charleston, SC for first-time visitors who want to be steps from Rainbow Row, the most picturesque streets, and the top sights. Marion Square is ideal for those focusing on shopping and dining at the top restaurants.
If you are walking around downtown Charleston it is illegal to do so with an open container unless it is a special event where there is a permit. Basically, that means don't walk around with a beer or solo cup with alcohol in it because you can be ticketed for an open container violation.
The City of Savannah boasts a multi-modal transportation system that can move downtown visitors by road, rail, and sea at no charge. The Downtown Transportation (DOT) system is comprised of: Savannah Belles Passenger Ferry: These boats depart from Rousakis Plaza on River St.
Both taxi and rideshare transportation (Uber and Lyft) are available from the airport, with travel to downtown Charleston starting at around $25. A shuttle is also available, which provides a cheaper alternative for solo travelers. The cheapest way to travel to and from the airport is by bus.
While Charleston may be a great place to visit, it is also one of the most expensive cities in the country. The high cost of living is due in part to the influx of tourists. With so many people wanting to experience everything that Charleston has to offer, hotels and restaurants are able to charge premium prices.
Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
