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What do you love about Charleston?

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There’s a lot to love about Charleston. It’s why visitors from around the world flock to the city. It’s why 43 people move to the area each day. And it’s why those who live here stay put … for years.

With such diversity in appeal, we wanted to know just what people love about Charleston. So we posed the question “What do you love about Charleston?” on social media and people were eager to chime in. The most common response was “Everything!” It seems folks have a tough time picking just one gem.

Here’s a sampling of the many responses we received from visitors and locals alike. Maybe you’ll be inspired to try something new while you’re in town based on what others love about this magnificent coastal city.

Lovely houses and streets – @sheltiekawaii of Tokyo, Japan

I can’t name just one thing! Love the beautiful, historic and charming architecture, cobblestone streets, lush gardens and colorful window boxes, the food, the coastal feel, the marsh, southern hospitality – Charleston has it all! My favorite city in the U.S.! – Diane Fennesy of Lee’s Summit, Missouri

I love every single thing about Charleston. Every time I walk the streets, I feel like I was here in another life. It’s just a beautiful place to be! – Jennifer Haught Rupe of Scott Depot, West Virginia

The Angel Oak tree! My favorite spot to go to relax, soak in the beauty and grandeur of the oak while watching those wonderfully talented women weave the sweetgrass baskets. – Denise Rallis-Frutos of Germantown, Maryland

The ease and grace of the people of Charleston makes visitors feel the love and passion they have for their city. No matter where you go, you can see and hear it in the voices of those who are lucky enough to call her home. – Sherrie L Thornburg of Fripp Island, S.C.

I love the history of Charleston…Rainbow Row, The Battery, the fabulous downtown and the plantations! The oak trees, the horse-drawn carriages, the wonderful food, the fountains, and the people are all pretty great too! I live in Knoxville, Tennessee, and am glad I am only 6 hours away. – Susan Lowe Hutchinson

I just love the Holy City. We visit Charleston several times a year as our son and family live in Charleston. I fell in love with her on the first visit. The beaches, downtown, the bridges, the history, the friendliness and on and on. – Rebecca McCracken of Abingdon, Illinois

Is it wrong of me to say everything? The swings, the basket weavers, the restaurants and let’s not forget the people! – Lisa Knier Crist of Montgomery, Pennsylvania

I love walking around Battery Park and Rainbow Row, looking out at Fort Sumter. – Russ Swigart of Corder, Missouri

Only tea plantation in North America. – Corinne Appleton of North Charleston, S.C.

The friendliness of the city. Tour: Schooner Pride; breakfast: Toast; place to stay: Lodge Alley Inn; museum: Patriots Point; bar: Prohibition; excursion: Folly Beach – Bryan Chamberlain of Midlothian, Virginia

Cru Café and Theatre 99 – the best night out in the city! Love these hidden gems. – Natalie Grantham of Mount Pleasant, S.C.

The friendliest people EVER! I can’t think of anything I don’t love about Charleston! – Dee Perillo of Placerville, California

Are you kidding – EVERYTHING. Can’t wait to come back! – Pat Tulip of Seattle

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront ParkMy #1 would be the culture, the history, the people, the atmosphere … It’s just such an amazing place! – Robert Tiffany of St. Louis

Bakehouse Charleston on East Bay is a must every time I am in Charleston. Love the Charleston Water Taxi, the pineapple fountain, the (South Carolina) Aquarium and the Yorktown – too much to list. – Maryann Napolitano Mendes of Wantagh, New York

Something just takes you back to a different place and time. I fell in love (on my) first visit. It’s such a beautiful city. – Christi Swindle of Southaven, Mississippi

I love the charm and history of downtown Charleston. The beautiful oak trees covered in Spanish moss. The beauty and history of the plantations. And finally Sticky Fingers BBQ and D’Allesandro’s Pizza. And the beaches, of course. Melissa Bryant of Dayton, Ohio

I love Charleston. The people. The history. The food. I love to just walk around downtown aimlessly for hours. I always stumble about something new or beautiful that I never saw before. Once I even found my name in the cement, like I was meant to be there. Charleston, I love you! – Amy Millett of Massachusetts

Nothing better than being on a boat in the Charleston harbor with the view of the Holy City in the background. – Ashley Coats Marston of Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Simply the view of the bridge from the Isle of Palms and the peace of the barrier islands. I immediately relax and feel at home. Amanda Lutes Davenport of Cincinnati

Fleet Landing (restaurant), Kiawah Island, Middleton Place Plantation and the quaintness of Summerville. – Karen Davis of Matthews, N.C.

Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row

Love the plantations the best. But also so many other things: Rainbow Row, the oak trees, the swings by the water, the children selling flowers, the long walks with my husband, the food, the horse carriage rides, the beaches, the friendly people, the shopping, and so much more. – Alesia Mcquain of Boydton, Virginia

I love walking through the historic areas of the city. The food is awesome! I love all the beaches and the great restaurants to choose from. I love Charleston! – Judy L Whalen of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

I love everything about this magical place. I have been coming here for many years to vacation. Wish I could call it my home instead of my second home! – Jama Compston of Mansfield, Ohio

 

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Charleston FAQ's

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

  • Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
  • Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
  • Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
  • Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
  • Both cities have equally good tours.
  • Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
  • In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
  • Savannah is more affordable.
  • TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

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