Quick Guide
Spring (March – May) and fall (Sept. – Nov.) see the most temperate weather, with mild temperatures and less humidity. However, these are peak seasons and crowds and prices increase. Summer months can be sweltering.
Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money
Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Getting Here
Charleston is served by Charleston International Airport (CHS).
Getting Around
Charleston’s Historic District is easily explored on foot. Within town, it’s easy to hop on the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), or ride the public bus, operated by CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority). To travel further afield, consider ride shares or a car rental.
Local Lingo
You might hear a few of these words or phrases thrown around in Charleston; here’s what they mean. Holy City: Charleston’s nickname. USC: University of South Carolina (Go, Gamecocks!); The Joe: Joe Riley Stadium, home to the Charleston RiverDogs baseball club. Palmetto Bugs: Flying cockroaches — and yes, they’re as awful as it sounds. Rickshaw: Bike taxi.
Must-Have Apps
Insider Tips
Itching to get on the water? The Charleston Water Taxi is a fun and inexpensive way to see Charleston from the water, enjoying views of the harbor and the stunning Ravenel Bridge.
Spring (March – May) and fall (Sept. – Nov.) see the most temperate weather, with mild temperatures and less humidity. However, these are peak seasons and crowds and prices increase. Summer months can be sweltering.
Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money
Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Getting Here
Charleston is served by Charleston International Airport (CHS).
Getting Around
Charleston’s Historic District is easily explored on foot. Within town, it’s easy to hop on the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), or ride the public bus, operated by CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority). To travel further afield, consider ride shares or a car rental.
Local Lingo
You might hear a few of these words or phrases thrown around in Charleston; here’s what they mean. Holy City: Charleston’s nickname. USC: University of South Carolina (Go, Gamecocks!); The Joe: Joe Riley Stadium, home to the Charleston RiverDogs baseball club. Palmetto Bugs: Flying cockroaches — and yes, they’re as awful as it sounds. Rickshaw: Bike taxi.
Must-Have Apps
Insider Tips
Itching to get on the water? The Charleston Water Taxi is a fun and inexpensive way to see Charleston from the water, enjoying views of the harbor and the stunning Ravenel Bridge.
Did You Know?
You’ll see pineapple imagery throughout Charleston, most famously at the main fountain in Waterfront Park. Its roots stem from the town’s seafaring heyday in the 17th century, when captains would place pineapples on their porches or fences to show they were home and welcoming guests.
Where to Stay
- The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel
- Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection
- Courtyard Charleston Historic District
- Charleston Marriott
- SpringHill Suites Charleston Riverview
- Residence Inn Charleston Riverview
- Hotel Bella Grace/Charleston Historic District
- The Limited Hotel
- Moxy Downtown Charleston
- The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel
- Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection
- Courtyard Charleston Historic District
- Charleston Marriott
- SpringHill Suites Charleston Riverview
- Residence Inn Charleston Riverview
- Hotel Bella Grace/Charleston Historic District
- The Limited Hotel
- Moxy Downtown Charleston
Experience the Palmetto State
