If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic city, Charleston is the place. With a great balance of southern charm and contemporary vibes, this is a great city to escape to for a romantic getaway, weekend with friends, or family vacation.

Old South Carriage Company Tours – Get a tour of Charleston in a comfortable carriage pulled by Belgian and Percheron draft horses. There are daytime and nighttime tours available with excellent tour guides to tell you about the city of Charleston and its rich history.

Charleston Tea Garden – There is a free factory tour here, but also make sure to take the trolley tour which will give you the opportunity to not only learn about the garden and its history, but you will also stop at the greenhouse to see the tea bushes and learn about how they are grown. This is a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss!

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon – The top two floors of the Old Exchange are open for self-guided tours while the bottom floor, the Provost Dungeon, which was a military prison during the American Revolution, has a 25-minute guided tour. You’ll learn the history of this building which has served as a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters, and museum.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures Guided Kayaking Marsh Tour – This 2-hour guided tour with an experienced, local tour guide will have you exploring the winding creeks and marshes behind Folly Beach, where you will likely see wildlife like pelicans and dolphins while learning about the local ecosystem.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie – History abounds in South Carolina, and much of that history is centered around the Civil War because the Battle of Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The knowledgable Rangers and volunteers are able to answer your questions, and if you’re lucky enough to be on the first ferry out each day, you can assist the Rangers in raising the flag.

Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour – Enjoy the thrill of driving your own speed boat while taking in the gorgeous views of Charleston Harbor. Along this 13-mile speed boat tour, you’ll experience the amazing sites of the Battery, USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the downtown Charleston skyline. The tour is fully narrated, so be able to know exactly what you’re seeing at all times during your tour. Don’t be surprised to see the wildlife that calls this area home, too.

Charleston Zipline Adventures – 7 ziplines, 3 towers, 3 swinging bridges, and a final zip that is 750 long is what you will find here. Conquer your fear of heights, fly through the air and make amazing memories you’ll cherish forever during this awesome adventure.

Francis Marion Hotel – This 12-story hotel first opened in 1924 and offers amazing views of Charleston. Refurbished in 1996, all 234 guest rooms and suites feature marble baths and plush furnishings. The hotel is located downtown in Madison Square, so you can easily walk to many shops, attractions, and restaurants.

French Quarter Inn – You’ll feel the Southern hospitality of this hotel the second you arrive with a welcoming flute of champagne. Proudly featured in every room are a mini-refrigerator, in-room sound machine, 40″ flat-screen TVs, and Blu-Ray DVD players. Prepare to be pampered at this home away from home.

Andrew Pinckney Inn – Located in Charleston’s historic district, this hotel has the perfect mix of Southern charm and modern luxuries. Complimentary continental breakfast is served in their rooftop Solarium, where you will also find an afternoon wine and cheese reception. In your room, you will find hypoallergenic heavenly down pillows and comforters, complimentary highspeed Wi-Fi, and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities.

Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) – With live music nightly, this fine dining establishment is a perfect stop during a romantic getaway. Their meals offer only the freshest ingredients, so menu choices change daily, but you can expect to find delicious selections from the land and sea. Because it’s popular with the locals and tourists alike, we recommend making a reservation.

Swig & Swine – Wood is the only fuel for their smoked meats, and if BBQ is what you’re looking for, there is no place better than this. What pairs well with the meat? Beer… and they’ve got a great selection of that, too. Open 7 days a week, so you can stop back again and again during your vacation.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee – You’re in for a heartwarming experience at this coffee shop. This coffee shop was founded with the intention of not only accepting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities but advocating for them and applauding the differences of each individual. The original shop was opened in 2016 in Wilmington, NC, and now there are 23 locations in the United States, including this one in Charleston.

Tips to keep in mind when planning your visit:

• The southern sophistication is abundent in Charleston, so you may want to consider your wardrobe a bit and skip the sweats in favor of slacks instead.
• Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for tourists to visit because the temperatures are gorgeous, but winter is still moderate, so don’t write off a trip then. Summer, on the other hand, is hot and very humid, so unless you like that kind of weather, it may be best to choose one of the other seasons for your trip, if you can help it.
• If you’re looking to save a bit of money, consider eating your big meal at lunchtime because many restaurants offer a reduced-price menu midday.

You will find Charleston to have a laid-back vibe with polite and friendly people, tons of history, and amazing food. Been to Charleston? Tell us what you loved about it in the comments below.