Outdoors:
With a rare combination of geography, latitude and attitude, the Charleston area – with its 90 miles of coastline – has considerable eco appeal. It is with good reason that Outside magazine, America’s leading active-lifestyle publication, heralds Charleston as one of the nation’s best places to live and visit. Unique opportunities to experience the outdoors abound, such as the panoramic pedestrian lane on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge – one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in North America.
Culture:
For more than 300 years, Charleston’s evocative beauty has inspired painters, poets, playwrights, and musicians. An artist’s muse, Charleston has leant its setting to novels, movies, operatic scores, and more!
Family:
Ever seen a 250-pound sea turtle up close? Toured an actual pirate dungeon? From alligators and artifacts to surf camps and sandcastles, the Charleston area is teeming with fun activities for all ages.
Attractions:
Stand on the site of the first shot in the Civil War. Come face to face with a giant sea turtle. Take a tour of an antebellum mansion. Climb aboard a WWII aircraft carrier. There are so many blossoming gardens, so many photo opportunities and so many reasons to make Charleston home.
Beaches:
Everything’s better with sand between your toes. If you ask a Charlestonian which beach is their favorite, you’ll probably get a different answer every time. That’s because we are lucky to be surrounded by several gorgeous beaches. Catch a wave at Folly Beach, build sandcastles at Isle of Palms and watch the sun set behind Sullivan’s Island’s iconic lighthouse. You won’t be able to pick a favorite either.
Shopping:
Named one of the nation’s Top Ten Shopping Streets by U.S. News and World Report, Charleston’s King Street is lined with emporiums of chic and one-of-a-kind wares. Lower King is an esteemed antiques district. Mid King is a clothing and accessories hot spot. Upper King is a thriving contemporary design district. Off the peninsula, retail hubs abound. From Freshfields Village, Tanger Outlets, and Towne Centre to bohemian boutiques on the barrier islands, the destination offers stores to match all shopping styles.
Cuisine:
Want to experience the heart and soul of Charleston? Taste the cuisine. Comprised of heirloom recipes proudly passed from one generation to the next, Lowcountry cuisine has evolved over the past 300 years. Today’s chefs reap the best local ingredients to create classic dishes that celebrate Charleston’s authentic flavors, including She Crab soup, collard greens, corn bread, tomato pie, pimento cheese, okra soup, oyster pie, and more!
History:
History buffs welcome to your biggest playground. In Charleston, everything from the cobblestones to the iron gates has a story to tell and we pride ourselves on showcasing these historic sites. Take a ferry to Fort Sumter and stand exactly where the Civil War began. Tour one of our expertly preserved plantations and mansions.