The best time to vacation in Charleston is from October through March when temperatures are mild, visitors are fewer and prices are reasonable if looking for the best rates.
Low Season: October through March is less busy. Average Daily Rates of:
- 2 Star: $58-$175
- 3 Star: $88-$340
- 4 Star: $160-$450
- 2 Star: $60-$200
- 3 Star: $90-$400
- 4 Star: $251-$459
Sights you mustn’t miss
Spend some time at the historic Fort Sumter at the battery, and get your picture taken with the Civil War cannons. This is where the Civil War began.Visit some of Charleston’s oldest and most beautiful plantations, especially Middleton Place, The Charleston Tea Plantation and Drayton Hall.
Spend some time visiting the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in the Historic District. Guided tours with costumed guides tell tales of the dungeon.
Fun things to do
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium, and become friends with South Carolina’s inhabitants, alligators, sharks, stingrays and more.Take a guided tour in a horse drawn carriage, and learn about the rich history from a local guide.
Another tour well worth the price and a good tip is a Charleston Ghost Tour. Civil war error ghosts, haunting many of the buildings and graveyards, have haunted this old historic town for years.
Spend some time browsing in the Charleston City Market, a historic open market in the center of the historic district.
Wine and Dine Tips
The Deep South, especially Charleston is famous for their southern food. If you want to experience one local favorite, try “The Nasty Biscuit” at the Hominy Grill.For a deep southern specialty, and some of the best grits. Try dining at the 82 Queen in the Historic District. Specialties are the “She Crab” soup, made from female crab, and the Shrimp and Grits. Yummy.
For waterfront dining that won’t break the bank, and offers excellent fresh seafood, its Fleet Landing Restaurant. Dine in this 1940’s Naval Building, with an unobstructed view of Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a bowl of She Crab Soup or Gumbo, ten settle into a seafood platter, steak or pasta and more.
Day Trips
Only a couple hours away, Savannah, Georgia is a great day trip. This old historic town has lots to offer on your own, or with one of the tours, especially the Trolley Tour.For the golfer in your party, maybe a trip early morning and get a round in on “Golf Island”, or Hilton Head Island. This is about 2-½-hour drive from Charleston.
Another fun place to visit, and only two hours away is Myrtle Beach, also famous for golf courses. However, it’s also famous for its miles of beaches and dunes, where you can find your own private stretch of sand.
Our recommendations in Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel
Located in Charleston's Charleston Historic District neighborhood, The Francis Marion Hotel is in the city center. Charleston City Market and Charleston Tanger Outlets are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Waterfront Park and Charleston Waterfront Park. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview, an IHG Hotel
Located in Charleston, Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview is in the historical district. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Waterfront Park and Charleston Waterfront Park, while Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge, an IHG Hotel
Located in Charleston, Holiday Inn Express Charleston Dwtn - Medical Area is in the city center and on a river. Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Charleston City Market and Charleston Tanger Outlets. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston Historic District
Located in Charleston's Charleston Historic District neighborhood, Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston Historic District is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Waterfront Park and Charleston Waterfront Park, while Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the motel's location for the sightseeing.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview is located in Charleston. Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include USS Yorktown and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston
Located in Charleston, Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston is in the city center. USS Yorktown and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Charleston City Market and Charleston Tanger Outlets. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
SpringHill Suites Charleston Riverview
Located in Charleston, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Downtown Riverview is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Waterfront Park and Charleston Waterfront Park, while Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Holiday Inn Express Charleston, an IHG Hotel
Located in Charleston, Holiday Inn Express Charleston is in an area with great airport proximity. Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and USS Yorktown. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's quiet location.
Sleep Inn Charleston - West Ashley
Located in Charleston, Sleep Inn Charleston - West Ashley is in the city center and near the airport. Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and USS Yorktown. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Town & Country Inn and Suites
Located in Charleston, Town & Country Inn and Suites is in the suburbs. Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and USS Yorktown. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Clarion Pointe
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Charleston/West Ashley is located in Charleston. Patriots Point and Charleston Music Hall are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Charleston City Market and Charleston Tanger Outlets. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Comfort Suites Charleston West Ashley
Located in Charleston, Comfort Suites West of the Ashley is in the business district. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Waterfront Park and Riverfront Park, while Charleston Music Hall and Patriots Point are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for South Carolina Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.