Known as “The Holy City”, “Chucktown” and “2011's America's Most Friendly City”, Charleston is the oldest and second largest city in South Carolina. What makes Charleston such a draw to travelers is the fact that it has hot and humid summers for the beach lovers and mild winters for the snow haters thanks to its location on Charleston Harbor, which is formed by the confluence of two rivers. Thanks to this year round tropical warmth, Charleston offers a plethora of outdoor activities, dining and shopping.
One great thing about Charleston is that it is an easily walkable city; however, walking all day can leave you tired, and you may want to rest for a bit or get somewhere quickly. Feel free to jump on Charleston's free
CARTA Dash Trolley system. Depending on which line you choose, you'll be whisked away to the Aquarium, the waterfront and City Market, or the historic city center. All three lines converge at several spots, making switching from line to line easy as you continue sightseeing.
There is no shortage of things to do or places to go while in Charleston, thanks to its rich history. Charleston boasts a number of tours and sites that cover events from the Colonial Era through the Civil War and leading up to the Contemporary Era. For visitors looking for some nautical fun, Charleston offers a
Waverunner Safari Tour where you and your family are taken on a tour of the barrier islands on jet skis. If you prefer to stay dry while learning about Charleston, check out the more than 20
museums and art galleries in the city. Thrill seekers will also want to head to one of Charleston's five amusement parks to spend the day getting their adrenaline rush.
For local crafts and goods, make your way to King Street which is divided into three areas: Design District, Fashion District and Antique District. Sprinkled within each district are a number of great bars and restaurants where you can sample the local southern cuisine, try a specialty drink and rest for a bit. Radiating history, class and fun, it is easy to understand how folks are able to spend a whole day shopping on King Street.
It's no secret that the South is known for southern hospitality and cooking. Charleston provides a number of great southern, seafood, oyster bars and dining options for you and your family. While in Charleston, don't miss the signature drink of the south, the mint julep. Concocted of bourbon, sugar, sparkling water and fresh mint, one sip will easily bring a cooling wave of relief during a hot and humid day in the city. Paired with a side of freshly-made crab cakes, it's a snack that completes your day!
While spending time with the locals, you will want to participate in a number of their
local events and festivals. For adults who want to party into the night, Charleston has a number of p
opular bars and clubs for every type of music and dancing. If you are a jazz fan, Charleston is the place to be thanks to the heavy influence of the Gullah community. If you need further proof, look no further than Eubie Blake's “Charleston Rag” and James P. Johnson's “The Charleston”.
With truly so much to do and see in Charleston, you leave knowing that there will be plenty to do on your next visit. While you may feel rushed and stressed when you get back to your everyday life, take some comfort in knowing you can always slow down and relax again on South Carolina's coastline.
Charleston, SC, Travel Tips
Charleston, SC, is a city that is full of charm and rich in history. It has frequently been voted the number one destination in the U.S. by top travel magazines and is a great place for families to visit. People traveling to Charleston are in for a treat when it comes to the food, attractions, and natural beauty of the city. To take in the city to its fullest, tourists will want to stay in vacation rentals in Charleston, SC. People who choose homes for rent in Charleston, SC, over hotels are eliminating much of the hassle that is often associated with vacation travel. We at Vacation Home Rentals know how crowded and uncomfortable it can be to stay in a hotel. For that reason, we offer one of the best selections of rental homes online. Here on our website, tourists will find Charleston rentals that are well-kept and ready for rent. Many of our available properties are for-rent-by-owner homes.
Following a few important tips can help make family vacation accommodations as comfortable as home. One of these tips involves amenities. Charleston vacation rentals offer a range of amenities. When picking a rental, consider what amenities will make your family's stay more comfortable. Keep in mind that more amenities often increase the cost of the homes for rent. Charleston, SC, is a great place to vacation with the family pet, but not all rental properties allow them on the premises. If traveling with a pet, make certain to search for Charleston vacation rentals that are pet-friendly. This will help save the family from any problems associated with traveling with Fluffy or Fido.
Attractions
There are plenty of attractions for families visiting historic Charleston. Rentals located near these activities are convenient and reduce the need for excess driving. Popular attractions include
The Charleston Museum. This museum is home to artifacts that are of historical and cultural significance to the city. Other museums include the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. The South Carolina Aquarium is a family-friendly and affordable attraction. There are several plantations that families who are staying in homes for rent in Charleston, SC, can tour and learn from. Take a trip to the oldest landscape gardens in America by visiting Middleton Place. Magnolia Plantation and its gardens and Boone Hall Plantation are also popular attractions.
Events
A variety of events both big and small take place all of the time in Charleston. Rentals help families to immerse themselves in the festivities and enjoy them to their fullest. Although there are minor activities throughout the year, larger annual events are also common. From May to June, join the festivities at
Spoleto Festival USA. This performing arts festival features jazz, opera, theater, dance, symphonic, and chamber music performances by both emerging and world-renowned performers. The Lowcountry Jazz Festival takes place in August over Labor Day weekend. In September, tourists can enjoy the Southern Living Taste of Charleston. This is a three-day event that involves food from restaurants in Charleston. For the kids, there are also crafts and other activities. The
MOJA Arts Festival is a ten-day festival that takes place from late September to October. The event is a celebration of African-American and Caribbean dance, music, theater, and visual and literary arts. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park takes place from early November to the last day of December. It is called one of the top 100 events in the United States. Tourists who are staying in Charleston rentals can visit the exhibits, which feature more than 700 displays. Families will see 2 million lights as well as sand sculptures.
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