Charleston, SC where to stay and things to do?

I have only been there 1 time and that was many years ago, but the visit to Patriots point is worth the trip. My Uncle Dave served on the USS Yorktown many years ago during WWII. Going on the submarine was great. never never never would I want to be on one.


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Many years ago my Uncle Dave, who was a career Navy, at the time he was on the USS Oriskany took me aboard and showed me the carrier. What a time.

We enjoy visiting Charleston, but have never stayed there.

So many things to see and do. In addition to those mentioned, Patriot's point, on the Mt. Pleasant side is where tours to Ft Sumpter leave plus is the location of the USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier open for tours.

Back across the river is the SC Aquarium, not large, but good for an afternoon. Also in town is is the Charleston City Market, The Old Exchange and Provost building, Rainbow Row, and for fans of Gershwin - the original Catfish Row, originally called Cabbage Row. There are many walking and riding tours - info at the visitor's center.

There are a number of museums, several devoted to the history of slavery in the area and some covering the Civil War. One unique museum is the home of the CSS Hunley. The first manned submarine. I've not toured it, but they have on display the actual sub that was recovered in Charleston Harbor.

Charleston is a food lovers mecca. For a taste of low country cooking in a casual down home place try Jestine's Kitchen. Another one of my favorites and the best shrimp and grits I've ever tried is Poogan's Porch. If you venture across the river to visit Ft Sumpter, head of Hwy 17 to try Jack's Cosmic Dogs. Excellent hot dogs and I think they still have real barrel root beer.

Go and enjoy.

JICP is our favorite park there.

Patriots Point is fantastic if you like WW2 history, we go almost everytime we are there.

Downtown Charleston is great to walk/bike and see the old houses. Folly Beach is fun. Mt Pleasant is great (get breakfast at Pages Okra Grill... amazing!). Lots of great beaches out that way too. We love Sullivans Island beach, I think it's a county park.

Lots of fun stuff down there. I would just wander around if it was my first trip. Lots to see and do and it's all gorgeous!!!

Plantation Oaks campground. Dock St. Theater. Excellent plays. Battery park, all the area around there. Calhoun Mansion. Stellas greek restauarant, 114 st. phillip st. Middleton Place plantation and gardens.

Another vote for James Island County Park CG. We loved it, our daughters AND dogs loved it. They have a fabulous dog park.

the mt pleasant koa is nice. DW and i stayed there last New Years for 3 nights. It's a good home base

If unable to get a site at James Island County Park CG, either KOA in the area are nice enough to use as a base CG. But try James Island, first.

We just got back from Charleston and stayed at the James Island county campground. All the sites are flat, treed and easy access. A shuttle runs everyday to the downtown visitors center and then four intercity busses depart from there.

As mentioned. James Island is considered the best Cg to stay in. Easy drive to town, and they have a shuttle. Mt Pleasant KOA is next on the list.

Things to do? There are deals offered for combination carriage tours with boat harbor tours. A great way to learn about the city. Ft Sumter is a must do. And believe it or not. Much can be learned from taking a Ghost Walk tour. And as mentioned. Just wonder around the historic District.

There is also Boone Hall Plantation. If you are old enough to remember. The Mini Series "North and South" was filmed there. And after your day is through, and relaxing is on your mind. There is a little known water front park UNDER the big bridge on the MT Pleasant side of the river. Has a ice cream shop, a super long pier with swings, and tables. You can fish, or just sit and watch the ships come in. For us it is a must do every night.

Enjoy, and do take your time in the city.

After reading all of the responses do a Google search for `Charleston, SC tourism' to get some ideas. Here is the towns official site: https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
We'd like to make it there one of these days. We like guided tours to get the most out of the time spent at a location.