Where to Stay in Charleston SC: Best Hotels and Locations in 2025

Looking to travel to South Carolina’s largest city, Charleston? Not sure what part of the city to visit or stay at? Don’t worry, I have your back with the best hotels and locations on where to stay in Charleston SC.

Charleston SC is one of the top tourist destinations in The United States. The city and area are known for their rich, deep history and famous southern hospitality. Besides that, Charleston is one of the country’s top wedding destinations and a photographer’s dream location.

You will find that Charleston has plenty to do and many places to stay. There are so many layers to Charleston from the historic downtown area, to golf courses, a culinary experience, and its amazing beaches. There will be something to make your stay very memorable.

Let’s get started in finding the right location and hotel options for you to have an amazing vacation. The list coming up will show you the best places where to stay in Charleston SC.

Best Places on Where to Stay in Charleston SC

Charleston is one of the oldest cities in The United States. The city was founded in 1670 and was once the largest city in the south of the colonies. Being as old as it is, you will find that Charleston is packed with a lot of history and a unique look.

You will enjoy seeing cobblestone streets, horses pulling carriages, antebellum homes, and pastel-colored houses. You will get lost with Spanish moss hanging from trees while you stroll down the streets. These same streets as some of the Founding Fathers of The United States walked.

Downtown Charleston – Where to stay in Charleston SC for the best overall location

This location is the most central location where you will get everything that Charleston has to offer. You will be within walking distance of many of the historic attractions that Charleston offers along with the French Quarter area. This location would be best for first-time travelers to Charleston to get a full understanding of what Charleston has to offer.

One of the more popular areas in Downtown Charleston is King Street. You will find that this street has it all. In one section you will find sections of some of the best restaurants and bars in Charleston. You will see the city come alive in this section of the street. Farther Down the peninsula on King Street you will find the shopping district. The shopping area is full of name-brand stores mixed in with beautiful local boutique shops.

You will also find many local restaurants around the downtown area. Charleston is a culinary hotspot, and you can’t find anything bad in the city when it comes to food. The city is becoming more and more popular in the culinary world and chefs from all over the world are opening restaurants in Charleston.

Make sure to take some time out to catch a ball game at Joe Riley Stadium and watch the Charleston Riverdogs play some baseball. Don’t forget to take a stroll through The Citadel and Hampton Park. Hampton Park is the location where history marks the first time for Memorial Day celebrations.

Best Recommended Hotels to stay at in Downtown Charleston

Things to see and do in Downtown Charleston

• Go shopping on King Street
• Take a walk across The Ravenel Bridge
• Take pictures in front of The American Theater (the movie theater from The Notebook)
• Enjoy the many restaurants and bars on King Street
• Visit the aquarium
• Check out the Citadel (Charleston’s military college)
• Visit breweries
• Walk through Hampton Park
• Catch a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game

Historic District – Where to stay in Charleston SC for the best historical sightseeing

Charleston’s Historic District is best for visitors looking to do the most sightseeing. Especially for those who want to immerse themselves in the history of Charleston. This is the part of town where you can take advantage of the peninsula being small. This will give you the ability to walk everywhere in the Historic District and the French Quarter.

Some of your most beautiful walks will happen in this area. Take time to take a walk around Colonial Lake which is a beautiful man-made saltwater body of water. Stroll along the Battery seeing the amazing large houses while gazing at the water from the Ashley River. Take some time to spend in White Point Garden to relax and cool down while being immersed in Charleston’s beauty. Keep walking to get to Rainbow Row and have your picture taken.

Don’t forget to let your legs rest and take a horse and carriage ride to see some amazing history in Charleston. Fall back in time with strolls down the residential area around Tradd Street looking at all the beautiful houses. I really enjoy walking around sunset when the gas lanterns are lit on the houses.

Stop by the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center to learn about Fort Sumter. Then take a harbor cruise out to see where the first battle of The Civil War took place. While being out there, you will still be able to see rounds fired from canon in the walls. It is amazing to stand in the same spot for such a significant time event in our history.

There is so much more to do in the area. This is just the surface of what the Historic District has to offer.

Best Recommended Hotels to stay at in the Historic District

Things to see and do in the Historic District

• Walk The Batter and visit White Point Garden
• Take a tour of Fort Sumter
• Take pictures in front of Rainbow Row
• Walk around Colonial Lake
• Get lost in the old streets of Charleston
• Take a Horse and Carriage tour
• Eat at Poogan’s Porch, Husk, and 82 Queen
• Stroll through the College of Charleston

French Quarter – Where to stay in Charleston SC best for a couple’s trip and the best part of Charleston to stay in

The French Quarter is the smallest area on this list. This part of the city was the original walled area that made up Charleston. It is only a few blocks wide, going along Meeting Street from Broad Street to Market Street down to the waterfront. This part of the city was settled by the French Huguenots who were seeking religious freedom.

You will find that this area is best for couples to stay in. There are lots of amazing restaurants, picture-perfect alleys, and cobblestone streets that make this a very romantic part of the city. There are plenty of art galleries to view along with some of the oldest buildings in Charleston.

This area holds some of the oldest churches in the city, St Michael’s and St. Phillips along with the French Huguenot Church. Across the street from the French Huguenot Church is Dock Street Theater. Dock Street Theater was the first theater in the colonies and The United States.

In the French Quarter, you will walk down the historic Chalmers Street and see The Old Slave Mart. This building was once a dark spot in all of American History. This is one of many places where Africans were traded and sold into slavery. It is now a museum to educate about the history of slavery.

Take time to visit Joe Riley Waterfront Park to take a picture with the famous Pineapple Fountain or watch all the ships in Charleston Harbor. This is a great park to relax on benches right next to the water. You will never want to leave the French Quarter once you are in it.

French Quarter hotels are the fastest to sell out, so you will want to make your reservations early. Also, because the French Quarter is not a big area, the number of hotels is limited. The French Quarter is the number one location on where to stay in Charleston SC.

Best Recommended Hotels to Stay at in the French Quarter

Things to see and do in the French Quarter

• Take pictures in front of the Pineapple Fountain at Joe Riley Waterfront Park
• Go on tours of churches and graveyards
• Visit the Old Slave Mart museum
• Go to Dock Street Theater
• Eat at great restaurants
• Shop at the Charleston City Market
• Walk down cobblestone streets
• Visit the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon
• Take pictures at Rainbow Row

West Ashley – Where to stay in Charleston SC on a budget

West Ashley is located just minutes from Downtown Charleston and the Peninsula on the west side of the Ashley River. In this part of the city, you will be able to find cheaper accommodations. But don’t worry, you still have plenty to see and do, including an easy drive downtown. If you are looking for a place on where to stay in Charleston SC, this is perfect for being right outside of Downtown Charleston.

Make sure to head out on Ashley River Road to spend time out at Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation Gardens, and Middleton Place. The good news is that they are all right next to each other, so you can make a full day out of visiting them.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is the most visited plantation in Charleston. It also has been selected as one of America’s Most Beautiful Gardens by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Middleton Place is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Drayton Hall is the best-preserved plantation house that was built in the middle 1700s.

West Ashley holds some great shopping experiences as well. Take time to find local boutique shops all over and stop in the Citadel Mall for a day of shopping. If you are looking for some great restaurants run by locals outside of downtown, West Ashley is your spot. There are tons of places to get BBQ and other Charleston favorites. Check out the Avondale area as well to get some drinks in a great area of town.

Make sure to take a stroll down the West Ashley Greenway to walk off all the food you have eaten. It is a full walking experience to see nature that is all around the area. It is a place where you want to walk with your camera.

Best Recommended Hotels to Stay at in West Ashley

Things to see and do in West Ashley

• Run or walk the West Ashley Greenway
• Tour Drayton Hall
• Shop at the Citadel Mall
• Walk the gardens at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
• Have drinks at Avondale
• Tour Middleton Place
• Eat at local restaurants
• Walk in nature at Charles Towne Landing
• Watch the sunset at Northbridge Park

North Charleston – Where to stay in Charleston SC to experience the best of Charleston without being in Charleston

You will find that North Charleston is just north of Charleston and has lots of treasures to explore and find. There are some really amazing places to visit while in North Charleston. Also, by taking the main interstate, downtown Charleston is not that long of a drive.

Many people who stay in North Charleston come because of a concert that is at The Coliseum. Plenty also comes to spend a fun weekend shopping at Tanger Outlet. The great part about this location is that is close to the airport and easy to get to. North Charleston is a much more off the beaten path type of visit from Charleston.

Make sure to check out the Old Naval Yard area which includes one of my favorite neighborhoods, Noisette. Take a walk in the charming place that is lined with the old houses that were Naval Officers when this area was a base. Go for a walk at Riverfront Park to view that naval memorial and to stroll along the Cooper River.

If you are looking for a great location for local food and drink, head over to Park Circle. Make sure to get some great food at Tattooed Moose, 3 Sirens, or Southern Roots. Grab a great drink at Madra Rua Irish Pub, Dig in the Park, or Paddock and Whiskey. There are many places to explore here.

Take some time to check out the Firefly Distillery or Holy City Brewery while in the Park Circle area. You will be able to easily spend an afternoon tasting all the flavors that they serve. Because of this area, it is an easy pick for where to stay in Charleston SC.

Best Recommended Hotels to stay at in North Charleston

Things to see and do in North Charleston

• Grab drinks at Holy City Brewery and Firefly Distillery
• Walk around the old Naval Yard at Noisette
• Shop at Tanger Outlet Mall
• Enjoy the North Charleston Riverfront Park
• Grab some great food in Park Circle
• Enjoy a concert at The Coliseum
• Visit the H.L. Hunley Submarine
• Have a fun day with the kids at Frankie’s Fun
• Visit the North Charleston Fire Museum

Mount Pleasant – Where to Stay in Charleston SC that is best for families and closer to the beach

If you are looking for a great location on where to stay in Charleston SC, this is perfect for you. Just over the bridge from downtown Charleston and the peninsula, you will find Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant has many great historical places to see, amazing restaurants, parks, and shopping. This part of the city is also just a short drive to Isle of Palms Beach and Sullivan’s Island Beach.

One place you have to check out is Shem Creek. This is a tidal creek lined with a fun atmosphere of restaurants. You will see kayakers, boaters, paddleboarders, dolphins, and lots of shrimp boats. Spend the afternoon renting a kayak or boat to enjoy the water to enjoy the beautiful marshlands. When finished, listen to a band at one of the many restaurants like Red’s Ice House with a cold drink.

Head over to Patriots Point for a full historical military experience. Make sure to take a tour of the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that is now a museum. Walk on the deck of the ship and check out many different styles of planes and jets. Make sure to check out the battleship, USS Laffey, as well. They also have an Army base from Vietnam set up to tour through.

Get up early and head out to Patriots Points Links for a great round of golf. Make sure to check out Pitt Street Bridge in Old Village for amazing views of the sunset on the water. Take a stroll through Old Village to do some shopping in their little boutiques.

Spend the day shopping at Mount Pleasant Towne Center which is an outdoor-style mall with tons of great stores and restaurants. When finished with shopping, stop by Westbrook Brewing Company or Two Blokes Brewing for a great pint. There are many other breweries out in Mount Pleasant, check them out if you get some time.

Best Recommended Hotels to Stay at in Mount Pleasant

Things to see and do in Mount Pleasant

• Head to Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park for amazing views under the Ravenel Bridge
• Take a kayak tour
• Tour the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point
• Go shopping at Mount Pleasant Towne Center
• Have a great meal and drink at Shem Creek
• Play a round of gold at Patriots Point Links
• Try a few local beers in the breweries
• Take a walk through Old Village and see Pitt Street Bridge
• Visit Boone Hall Plantation

Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island – Where to stay in Charleston SC while close to the beach and for golfing

These two beach areas are just south-southeast of Mount Pleasant. If staying in Mount Pleasant, these will be the two beaches that you will visit. Both of these areas are packed with lots of things to do while staying out on the beaches. This is the perfect mix of city and beach for figuring out where to stay in Charleston SC.

Unfortunately, only Isle of Palms has hotels to stay in. Most of the area is full of beach house rentals and I will help you get the best deal for them. The Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms is going to give you the most inclusive feel of anywhere.

While one Isle of Palms, get a tee time for one of the best golf courses around at Wild Dunes. If you time your trip just right, you will be able to see the Sea Turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. Check out the shops and head to the Windjammer for some drinks and food after a long day on the beach.

Head out to Sullivan’s Island to tour Fort Moultrie, a fort that served from The Revolutionary War through WWII. Take some time to try some restaurants like Poe’s Tavern and Mex-1 Cantina. Make sure to have lunch at The Co-Op and have some Frosé. If you want to see some amazing beach houses, take a walk around the neighborhood just to daydream about living on the beach.

These two beaches are great for getting away from city life for a bit. Take time to enjoy the waters of the Atlantic while sitting on the beaches and soaking up the sun. Beach days are still some of the best days for making memories.

Best Recommended Hotels to Stay at in Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island

Things to see and do on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island

• Enjoy a beach day at either Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island
• Tour Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island
• Play a round of golf at Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms
• Eat great food at Poe’s Tavern or Mex-1 on Sullivan’s Island
• Watch Sea Turtles on Isle of Palms
• Get some frosé at The Co-Op on Sullivan’s Island
• Take in a band and a drink at The Windjammer on Isle of Palms

Folly Beach – Where to stay in Charleston SC when looking for the best beach life experience

Here is where to stay in Charleston SC if you are looking for a full beach experience. Folly Beach is its own separate community from Charleston. You will never believe that you are by Charleston when staying out here. If you are looking for a complete vacation with board shorts and flip-flops, then a stay at Folly Beach is your answer.

This is the place where time slows down, and you just enjoy everything water. Lay out in the sun all day getting a tan. Walk in the surf or swim out into the ocean. Take a walk down to view Morris Island Lighthouse just off the coast of Folly Beach. Rent a fishing pole and do some fishing off of the Folly Pier.

There are lots of different waterways around Folly Beach to explore. The best way to do this is by renting a boat or a kayak and going at it by yourself or with your family. Make sure to check out Folly Beach County Park for a relaxing afternoon.

There are plenty of great restaurants on Folly Beach to check out. Enjoy the views and music from the three-story restaurant, Taco Boy. Don’t pass up on a great lunch at Rita’s Seaside Grill or a drink on the rooftop at Snapper Jacks. Throughout the day there are lots of food trucks around to grab a quick bite at too.

Folly Beach is the place to just relax and enjoy life while watching the waves crash on the beach. There is nothing better than the sun on the skin, salt in the air, and sea breeze hitting the face.

Like the other beach communities, the area is mostly full of beach house rentals and will help you get the best deal for them.

Best Recommended Hotels to Stay at in Folly Beach

Things to see and do in Folly Beach

• Walk the beach
• Go fishing on Folly Pier
• Rent a boat or kayak
• Visit Morris Island Lighthouse
• Eat some great food at Taco Boy or Rita’s Seaside Grill
• Relax at Folly Beach County Park
• Enjoy a drink at Snapper Jacks or St. James Gate

Get your Charleston Tour Pass today to save money

While staying in Charleston, you are going to want to see plenty of attractions that the city holds. The best way to get the best bang for your buck is to purchase a multi-day tour pass. It is the best way to save money while seeing the best of Charleston.

You will pay once and get access to over 40 locations in the Holy City. With so many things to see and do in Charleston, this is a great way to save money while getting the best Charleston experience.

Have Your Bags Picked Up While You Explore With Charleston Bag Valet

Don’t want to haul your luggage all around Charleston while waiting for your flight to leave or for your hotel to be ready? Good News! Charleston Bag Valet will help you out with that. As they say, you explore, they store.

Charleston Bag Valet will pick up your bags curbside anywhere in Charleston and secure each item with a customizable tamper-proof lock. They will store your bags in an insured and secured climate-controlled environment while you explore. When you are ready, they will deliver your bags to you where you want them and when you want them. You can even have them delivered to the airport for your ease.

What is the best way to get around Charleston SC?

One of the best things about Charleston is that the Downtown, Historic, and French Quarter areas are all on the peninsula. And this makes it easy to walk. Charleston is a very walkable city. While on the peninsula, you can look at other options to get around as well.

• Horse and Carriage – there are a couple of companies that give tours to show you the historical city.
• Rickshaw – These people are beasts doing what they do in the hot sun! They will take you all over the downtown area.
• Rideshare – This is probably the best option if you are trying to venture off of the peninsula area. I recommend using this as well if you are staying outside of downtown and need to get around.

Is Charleston SC a safe city?

Yes, Charleston is very safe, especially in the Historic District and French Quarter. Like every city, there are parts that are not as safe, but overall, Charleston is a safe city. Especially the parts that you will be visiting and staying in.

When is the best time to visit Charleston SC?

The best months to visit Charleston are either between March to May and between September to November. Both of these times you will not be too uncomfortable with the heat and humidity. With this, the ocean will be much warmer towards the end of the year if you plan a beach vacation.

However, anytime from March until November is considered tourist season. This is when you will find the most people visiting the city.

If you are a fan of the heat, then visit in June, July, or August. During this time, you will enjoy the true Southern summer in Charleston. Just make sure you have enough water.

December through February is Charleston’s off-season and when you will find the best and cheapest deals on where to stay in Charleston SC.

Where to Stay in Charleston SC in Conclusion

Charleston’s rich history and southern charm make it a perfect place for a vacation. There will always be plenty of places to stay, I just recommend booking as early as possible since the city is so popular.

Charleston has a lot going on with a lot of places to stay. Charleston is and will continue to be one of the most popular vacation destinations in The United States. With so many different parts of Charleston, you will be able to come many times and get a different vacation each time.

Take your time and really find out where to stay in Charleston SC. Enjoy your stay in Charleston and have fun making memories!

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