The Ultimate Guide: Charleston South Carolina

Planning a long weekend in Charleston and not sure where to start?

Honestly, Nick has a soft spot for this city. So when we sat down to update this guide, he had strong opinions about which bars, restaurants, and excursions actually deserve your time (and which ones don’t live up to the hype). In fact, Charleston is one of those places that surprises first-time visitors. The food is incredible, the architecture is straight out of a Hallmark movie, and the bars range from rooftop cocktail spots to dive bars with dollar bills tacked to every wall.

So whether you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette weekend, a couples getaway, or just want a long weekend that doesn’t require a passport, this is our honest, tested guide. From the best brunch spots to the most haunted ghost tours, whether you’re chasing history, cocktails, or low-country cuisine, Charleston delivers for everyone.

Before You Go: Charleston Basics

First, a few things worth knowing before you book.

It’s hot. Really hot. Specifically, Charleston summers (June through September) can hit 95°F with brutal humidity. So if you don’t love heat, plan for spring or fall instead. Honestly, your hair, makeup, and patience will thank you.

Parking downtown is the worst. However, you don’t really need a car if you’re staying central. In fact, most of Charleston’s historic district is walkable, and rideshare covers the rest. So skip the rental unless you’re planning day trips outside the city.

Bring comfortable shoes. Furthermore, those cobblestone streets in the Historic District are gorgeous but rough on cute boots. Therefore, fashion footwear stays in the suitcase. Your feet will thank you.

5 Best Bars in Charleston

From upscale speakeasies to dive bars with character. Nick’s personal favorites.

Honestly, the bars on the famous King Street draw in bachelors and bachelorettes from around the U.S. However, regardless of your reason for celebrating, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. So as a fan of custom cocktails, here are the top five bars Nick recommends in the city.

1
The Royal American (Top Pick)

First and foremost, The Royal American holds the top spot as Nick’s favorite dive bar in Charleston. Specifically, it’s a neighborhood bar and music venue settled right next to the train tracks. In fact, this is the ideal setting for daytime relaxation, a cold beverage, and the kind of low-key atmosphere that locals love.

Honestly, if you want one bar that feels like Charleston without the bachelorette-party energy, this is it.

2
Burns Alley Tavern

Where are the Pabst Blue Ribbon drinkers? Because Burns Alley Tavern is calling. Specifically, it’s the perfect casual, laid-back spot to unwind. Honestly, no frills, no pretension, just a great place to grab a cheap beer and decompress after a long day of walking the historic district.

3
The Cocktail Club

Alternatively, if you want to dress up a bit, head to The Cocktail Club. Specifically, this upscale speakeasy-style bar has an extensive cocktail list and a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for golden hour. Honestly, Nick has never found a drink he didn’t enjoy here. In fact, it’s one of those rare places where you can trust the bartender’s recommendation 100%.

4
The Griffon

Located in the historical market, The Griffon is an English-style pub furnished with dollar bills covering every surface. Specifically, the unique atmosphere makes it perfect for watching sports of any kind. So whether you’re catching a Steelers game or just want a beer with character, this is your spot.

5
A.C.’s Bar and Grill

Honestly, from the outside, A.C.’s Bar and Grill doesn’t look like anything special. However, once you walk inside, it’s a different story. Specifically, this bar has multiple pool tables, booths everywhere, and the kind of hangout-spot vibe that keeps locals coming back.

Furthermore, as Pittsburgh-based travelers, Nick loves a bar where he can find Iron City beer. In fact, he was pleasantly surprised to find Iron City bottles here. So if that’s not a sign Charleston is a good city, we don’t know what is.

5 Must-Try Restaurants in Charleston

Sunday brunch, low-country classics, and the best barbecue Nick’s ever had.

You’re in the South, which means Sunday Brunch is a must. So expect mouthwatering biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles. Furthermore, plenty of great restaurants range from traditional Southern food to high-end steakhouses. In fact, here are five restaurants you’ll want to include in your plans.

1
The Blind Tiger (Sunday Brunch Winner)

First, The Blind Tiger is the perfect place for a Sunday brunch with great food. Specifically, the prohibition-style bar is located in a courtyard, and the ambiance is everything. Honestly, we spent over 3 hours here for brunch and didn’t want to leave. In fact, this is exactly the kind of unhurried Southern brunch experience you came for.

2
Halls Chophouse

Alternatively, if you’re craving a proper steakhouse experience, Halls Chophouse is old-school in all the right ways. Specifically, there’s a piano player greeting you as soon as you walk in. Honestly, the meal we had here was excellent, and we’d recommend it for any special-occasion dinner during your trip.

3
Poogan’s Porch

Honestly, no trip to Charleston would be complete without a traditional Southern dinner. So head to Poogan’s Porch. Specifically, it’s located in a Victorian townhouse with wraparound porches and an excellent wine selection. In fact, the ambiance alone is worth the visit. Furthermore, the food more than holds up.

4
Prohibition

Another great option for brunch is Prohibition. Specifically, the location makes this a perfect starting point if you’re hitting multiple bars afterward. In fact, it sits right on King Street. So eat well, then walk it off (or hop into another spot) without rearranging your whole day.

5
Swig and Swine Barbecue (Don’t Skip This)

Honestly, this might be the best barbecue Nick has ever had. Specifically, Swig and Swine serves Texas-style smoked meats on overflowing trays. In fact, he visited on his first trip to Charleston and still remembers it to this day. So when you come, make sure you’re hungry. Otherwise, you’ll regret leaving food behind.

5 Unforgettable Charleston Excursions

Between meals and cocktails, here’s how to actually see Charleston.

In between barbecue and cocktails, there’s so much to do in Charleston. From historic landmarks to picturesque streets, here are the experiences that give the city its distinct charm.

1
Tour Fort Sumter

First, Fort Sumter is where the American Civil War began. Specifically, it’s located in Charleston Harbor and is accessible only by boat tour. In fact, visitors can explore the grounds and engage with history in a way that genuinely lands. Honestly, this is a must-do for any history buff.

2
Cruise Down the Ashley River

Alternatively, if you want to celebrate (especially for bachelors and bachelorettes), book a cruise down the Ashley River. Specifically, a booze cruise is the ideal activity for groups. So sip refreshments, take in incredible views of Charleston from the water, and make memories with your besties. Honestly, sunset cruises are next-level.

3
Take a Ghost Tour

Furthermore, Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in America. So a ghost tour is the perfect way to experience the city’s darker side. Specifically, you’ll walk through century-old graveyards with an expert guide as they share the legends of the dead. Honestly, even skeptics enjoy these. In fact, the storytelling alone is worth the ticket.

👻 Book a Charleston Ghost Tour →

4
Walk Down Rainbow Row

Honestly, no Charleston trip is complete without strolling down Rainbow Row. Specifically, these pastel-colored Georgian-style homes line East Bay Street and have been the backdrop for countless photos. In fact, the area covers most of the historic peninsular heart of the city, containing a collection of 18th and 19th century architecture. So bring your camera. Furthermore, golden hour is the absolute best time for photos here.

5
Visit the City Market

Finally, the Charleston City Market is one of the nation’s oldest public markets and sits in the heart of the city. Specifically, it’s home to over 300 entrepreneurs offering crafts, art, food, and more. In fact, there’s something for everyone here. So plan to spend at least an hour wandering the stalls. Furthermore, several great restaurants are scattered throughout this area too.

Best Time of Year to Visit Charleston

Honestly, when you visit Charleston changes the experience significantly. So here’s our honest take on each season:

March through May is our sweet spot. Specifically, mild weather, blooming azaleas, and the Charleston Wine + Food Festival in early March make this the prime window. In fact, this is when Charleston shows off.

September through November is the runner-up. After the brutal summer heat breaks, the city becomes pleasant again. Furthermore, October brings the Charleston Restaurant Week and fall foliage in the surrounding marshlands.

December through February is shoulder season. Although it’s cooler, you’ll find fewer crowds and better hotel rates. So if you’re budget-conscious, this is a smart pick.

Avoid: However, June through August is brutal. Specifically, 95°F days, soul-crushing humidity, and the peak of hurricane season. Honestly, unless you’re attached to a specific summer event, plan around it.

Where to Stay in Charleston

Honestly, where you sleep makes a huge difference in Charleston. Specifically, the city has distinct neighborhoods, and the right one depends on your trip style.

First-timers: Stay in the Historic District / Downtown. Furthermore, it’s walkable to King Street, the City Market, Rainbow Row, and most restaurants. Although it costs a bit more, the convenience pays for itself in time and rideshare fares.

Couples / honeymooners: Try a boutique hotel in South of Broad. Specifically, quiet, romantic, gorgeous architecture, and steps from the Battery and waterfront.

Bachelor / bachelorette groups: Stay near Upper King Street. In fact, you’ll be in the heart of the bar district with easy access to everything. So you’ll save on late-night rideshares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Charleston

Honestly, here are a few things we wish we’d known before our first trip:

• Don’t visit in July or August. Specifically, the heat and humidity are punishing. So plan for spring or fall instead.
• Don’t try to drive everywhere. In fact, the historic district is small enough to walk, and parking is a nightmare. Therefore, rideshare or walk.
• Don’t skip Sunday brunch. Honestly, it’s a Charleston rite of passage. So build it into your itinerary.
• Don’t book Fort Sumter day-of. Specifically, boat tours fill up fast in peak season. So book at least 48 hours ahead.
• Don’t underestimate the food scene. Furthermore, Charleston has been a top US food city for years. So if you’re a foodie, leave room in your stomach (and budget).

Charleston FAQ

Planning Your Trip

On the Ground in Charleston