WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLESTON SC

On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Charleston SC, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Charleston SC, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Myrtle Beach and where to stay in Orlando.

The Historical District, the best area to stay in Charleston

The Historical District is the ideal neighborhood in which to stay while touring Charleston. This area is comprised of wonderfully preserved historic landmarks, monuments, and homes. Set on a peninsula, the Historical District neighborhood is incredibly walk-able. In fact, walking around the area, taking in the beautiful 18th and 19th century architecture is a unique historic and cultural experience in-of-itself.

East Battery Street holds some of the most impressive, colonial mansions, while Rainbow Row features a strip of cheerfully painted homes. Stroll along King Street for high-end designer shops and boutiques, restaurants and bars of worldly fare, and trendy art galleries. The Historical District also houses the Charleston City Market. This open-air market historically served as a space for farmers to sell their produce and other goods beginning in 1840. Today you can purchase crafts, souvenirs, and sample some South Carolina Barbecue and other southern delicacies. For a relaxing afternoon, spend some time in the picturesque Waterfront Park. Pop in to the Charleston Museum, Old Slave Mart Museum, or Gibbes Museum of Art for an educational affair. The Historical District of South Carolina has everything you need in terms of sights, shopping, arts, and food.

Other areas to stay in Charleston

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is a more residential place to stay in Charleston, making it calm and quiet, yet scenic. It is the largest suburb of Charleston featuring colonial architecture similar to that found in the Historical District, on an equally charming, yet less grand scale. The expansive Shem Creek Park offers tranquility, with boardwalks, hiking trails, and wetland landscapes. This neighborhood houses several museums and monuments related to the United States Military and militant past, including Patriots Point, the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, and Cold War submarine memorial. Mount Pleasant offers many colorful diners and restaurants with both local and international cuisine. For beach-goers, Sullivan's Island is only a short 10-15 minute drive from the center of Mount Pleasant.

Wesh Ashley

West Ashley is another residential suburb of Charleston, set on the banks of the Ashley and Stono Rivers, featuring waterfront landscapes. Magnolia Plantation should not be missed for it’s fragrant and colorful botanical gardens. West Ashley gives convenient access to the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, which preserves the area of the first lasting English settlement in South Carolina.

Both Mount Pleasant and West Ashley maintain adequate transportation options into Downtown Charleston, by car and public transportation. Stay in these areas to escape the hustle of the city center, while still enjoying the colonial and colorful charms of Charleston.