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Historic hotels in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, United States, is known for its rich history, remarkable architectural designs, and charming hospitality. Historic hotels are part and parcel of Charleston's allure, blending the city’s deep-rooted past with modern comfort. These hotels offer guests not only a place to stay but also an opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's cultural heritage. From former cotton warehouses to antebellum mansions, these hotels feature period-detailed rooms, well-kept gardens, well-preserved 19th-century furnishings, marvelous balconies, cobblestone courtyards, and more, all spotlighting the city's vibrant history.

One of the most iconic historic hotels in Charleston is the Wentworth Mansion. This 21-room, five-star hotel was built in the 19th century and once served as a personal home to one of Charleston's richest cotton merchants. Inside the hotel, guests will find incredible woodwork, crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces, and Tiffany stained glass windows. Its rooms are adorned with antiques, and it also features a luxury spa in its original carriage house.

Another classic institution is the Francis Marion Hotel. Established in 1924, it was once the tallest building in the Charleston skyline and considered one of the South's grandest hotels. Named after Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion, it underwent a multi-million dollar restoration to maintain its historic charm while providing modern conveniences. Guests can enjoy its stunning ballroom, excellent dining options, and magnificent views of Charleston’s historic harbor, church steeples, and legendary King Street.

Lastly, the Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, often referred to as “Charleston’s Pink Palace,” is an unmissable landmark. The hotel, first established in 1853, showcases the charm of the city's former era with its antebellum style and iconic pink hue. It was restored to its original design after a brief transformation into a modern high rise in the mid-twentieth century. Today, the hotel boasts not only a historical facade but also modern amenities including an outdoor pool, courtyard, dining, and meeting facilities.

Cultural attractions in Charleston South Carolina

Charleston Museum
As America's first museum, the Charleston Museum tells the story of this area from its prehistory to the 20th century. The museum holds valuable collections of southern-made quilts, historic Charleston-made silver, furniture, clothing and military memorabilia from Civil to World War II.
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Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall, owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is one of the oldest unrestored plantation homes in America that still open to the public. Here, visitors have an excellent opportunity to explore original slave quarters and the iconic main house.
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Middleton Place
Middleton Place is a carefully preserved 18th-century plantation, spanning nearly 110 acres. The site contains America's oldest landscaped gardens and offers guided tours of the house, gardens, stable yards and the Eliza's House exhibit which pays homage to the enslaved Africans who helped build the wealth of the Middleton family.
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Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is a sea fort notable for being the site where the shots initiating the American Civil War were fired. Visitors can take a ferry out to Sumter and tour the historic fort for a firsthand look into our nation's past.
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Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a historic house and gardens located on the Ashley River. Known for its beautiful gardens and extensive romantic-style plantings, it offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Drayton family home, the gardens, a wildlife area and a pre-Revolutionary War cabin.
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Natural attractions in Charleston South Carolina

Angel Oak Tree
Topping the list of natural attractions in Charleston, South Carolina, is the Angel Oak Tree. This massive live oak is thought to be one of the oldest living things in America. It stands more than 66.5 feet tall, measures 28 feet in circumference, and its branches spread over 17,200 square feet. Its precise age is subject to debate, but it's estimated to be between 500-1500 years old.
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Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre swamp garden abundant in wildlife, flora, and fauna. The natural attractions include a Swamparium featuring aquariums with regional fish, reptiles, and amphibians; a Butterfly House; and opportunities to spot deer and other wildlife. Paddle your way through an enchanting blackwater bald cypress/tupelo swamp. It was also the filming location of several scenes in the movie 'The Patriot'.
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Congaree National Park
Just outside Charleston, Congaree National Park holds the largest intact forest of old-growth bottomland hardwoods in the southeastern United States. Centered around Congaree River, this floodplain forest also contains some of the tallest trees in America with one of the highest canopies in the world. Along with impressive biodiversity, the park offers numerous opportunities to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, or a ranger-guided nature walk.
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James Island County Park
The James Island County Park is a 643-acre natural paradise located in Charleston County, South Carolina. The park, best recognized for its scenic walking and biking trails, also offers a spray play fountain, fishing and crabbing docks, and a climbing wall. What's particularly special about this park is the Holiday Festival Lights event that takes place in the winter, portraying a dazzling spectacle of lights.
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Folly Beach
Known as 'The Edge of America', Folly Beach is a beautiful barrier island boasting a casual, relaxed, and eclectic atmosphere. It offers six miles of sandy beaches, great for sunbathing, fishing, surfing, or beachcombing. This seaside community is also the nesting ground for Loggerhead turtles, continuing the legacy of natural wonders in Charleston.
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Top-rated restaurants in Charleston South Carolina

Husk
Husk, based in Charleston, is renowned for its commitment to sourcing local ingredients. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock, the restaurant aims to reinterpret Southern cuisine, while maintaining its traditional roots.
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FIG
Located in downtown Charleston, FIG (Food is Good) focuses on creating dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant, run by chef/owner Mike Lata, is a popular spot among locals and visitors who appreciate its farm-to-table approach.
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Halls Chophouse
Halls Chophouse is a family-owned restaurant in Charleston that is highly regarded for its exceptional steaks and warm, friendly service. The restaurant’s prime steaks, fresh seafood and extravagant wine list has won it numerous accolades.
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The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in an old bank in Charleston. With a fantastic selection of oysters and inventive fish dishes, The Ordinary has been praised by numerous publications for its food and atmosphere.
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Rodney Scott's BBQ
Run by James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott's BBQ in Charleston is famous for its whole hog barbecue. The restaurant's meticulous preparation process and authentic flavors have earned it widespread acclaim.
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