Where to Stay: Best Areas in Charleston

Charleston is the oldest and most populous town in South Carolina and is steeped in fascinating history. It attracts tourists from all over the world who are keen to experience the city’s beautiful architecture, fascinating historic sites, and irresistible Southern charm. 

There are many fantastic places to stay in Charleston, but if you’re unfamiliar with the city, you might be unsure which neighborhood to base yourself in. Let’s take a look at Charleston’s key neighborhoods and highlight some of its best hotels to help you start planning your getaway.

Downtown for First-Time Visits

Highlights: Charleston Battery, Rainbow Road, White Point Garden, Old City Jail, Gibbes Museum of Art, South Carolina Aquarium, Marion Square

Downtown Charleston, the historic city center, is packed with tourist attractions and historic sites, which makes it a very good base for first-time visitors who plan to do lots of sightseeing.

King Street is the beating heart of Downtown. It boasts some of the trendiest restaurants, boutique stores, art galleries, and bars in South Carolina. The iconic 1700s Georgian-style townhouses of Rainbow Row are also nearby. Head to White Point Garden for some impressive waterside views, or visit the South Carolina Aquarium to meet native marine wildlife.

Where to Stay 

You’ll find plenty of accommodation within walking distance of popular attractions, and the area is safe for pedestrians and cyclists, so you can easily get around without a car. Bike rentals are easy to come by, and many Charleston hotels offer complementary bike loans to help guests traverse the area

Downtown Charleston has a huge variety of hotels to choose from, so it’s easy to find accommodation to suit your preferences and budget.

A few of our top recommendations where to stay in Downtown Charleston include:

• Planters Inn sits in an elegant building that dates back to 1844, and its luxurious rooms feature 10-foot ceilings, marble bathrooms, and period-style four-poster beds. 86 Cannon Historic Inn was originally built in 1862, and many of its charming rooms feature fireplaces and exposed-beam ceilings.
• The Charleston Place is a renowned landmark in Charleston’s historic district, and it offers generous hospitality, award-winning fine dining, and bespoke spa services. John Rutledge House Inn is a luxury hotel that dates back to 1763, and the rooms in its secluded carriage house are the perfect romantic retreat for couples.
• The Dewberry Charleston is an upscale and stylish mid-century hotel with a chic bar on its rooftop terrace, a brasserie, a tearoom, a spa, and a gym. 
• The Restoration Hotel has been a beloved landmark, and is known for its lively Southern-style restaurant where live jazz performances regularly take place. 

French Quarter for Romantic Getaways

Highlights: Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Dock Street Theatre, Powder Museum, Old Slave Mart Museum, Charleston City Market

The French Quarter is where French Huguenots settled centuries ago and formed the original walled city of Charleston. It is the most historic portion of the city, and you’ll see incredible architecture that dates back to the 1700s. The French Quarter has opulent stylings and an elegant, romantic atmosphere that attracts couples looking for an indulgent getaway.

Despite being a very small portion of the city, the French Quarter is packed with interesting sights and a few of Charleston’s top hidden gems. Explore the vast Charleston City Market, which has been operating since the 1790s. 

Learn about the South’s Antebellum period and its history of slavery at the Old Slave Mart Museum, or go to the Powder Museum to learn about colonial military history. Joe Riley Waterfront Park offers gorgeous views of Charleston Harbor. The French Quarter also has countless restaurants, bars, and art galleries to enjoy.

Where to Stay 

There are lots of stylish and luxurious hotels in the French Quarter, but keep in mind that it’s one of the most expensive parts of Charleston to stay in.

A few fan favorite hotels in the French Quarter of Charleston include:

• The Spectator Hotel blends Old South glamor with the exuberant stylings of the Jazz Age.
• The Vendue is a quirky boutique hotel that boasts an extensive modern art collection and an on-site restaurant, rooftop bar, and lounge.
• Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton provides elegant rooms and classic Southern hospitality, with The Iron Rose restaurant, an outdoor pool, and the Black Door Cafe for morning breakfast. 
• The Lodge Alley Inn is a modern, refined hotel with a boutique European influence and Victorian styled suites. 

West Ashley for Budget Travel

Highlights: Parks and greenspaces, Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

West Ashley lies west of Downtown across the Ashley River, and it provides a much quieter pace than the bustling city center. 

You’ll find many green spaces in West Ashley, including West Ashley Park, St. Andrews Park, and Mary Utsey Park. Take a bike ride or stroll along the West Ashley Greenway, a nine-mile paved trail that traverses the neighborhood. 

Head to the historic Charles Towne Landing, the birthplace of the Carolina colonials, to enjoy green lawns, tree-lined paths, and pretty marshland. You can also enjoy some beautifully landscaped gardens when you visit some of the area’s historic plantations, such as Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation.

Where to Stay 

It is primarily a residential area which makes it ideal for families, and accommodation is significantly more affordable than in Downtown Charleston. West Ashley is therefore, a great base for those on a tight budget who don’t mind driving to see the sights.

The West Ashley Inn is a beautiful pet friendly hotel with an outdoor pool and breakfast on site. 

North Charleston for Breaks in Nature

Highlights: Riverfront Park, North Charleston Coliseum, Woodlands Nature Reserve, North Charleston Fire Museum, Tanger Outlets Charleston

North Charleston is a beautiful residential area that has something for everyone, including historic sites, a fantastic Lowcountry food scene, and plenty of opportunities to explore nature. It’s also where you’ll find Charleston International Airport, so if your trip is set to be a short one you might find North Charleston is the most convenient neighborhood to stay in.

Riverfront Park, which lies on the banks of the Cooper River, offers fabulous views and serves as a concert venue in the summer. There are some excellent eateries in the nearby up-and-coming Park Circle neighborhood. 

You’ll find excellent opportunities for shopping toward the airport, particularly at the Tanger Outlets. The northernmost region of North Charleston has lots of green space. Head to Woodlands Nature Reserve to enjoy 6,000 acres of forest, lakes, and blackwater swamp.

Where to Stay 

There’s a good range of accommodation throughout North Charleston, particularly surrounding the airport.

If you’re interested in booking a hotel in North Charleston, we recommend:

• Tru by Hilton is a modern, comfortable hotel with an outdoor pool, a business center, free wifi, and a fitness center. 
• Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/Convention Center offers spacious, comfortable rooms and access to a rooftop bar, a 24-hour on-site convenience store, a gym, and an indoor pool.

Mount Pleasant for Family Vacations

Highlights: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Shem Creek Park, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Mount Pleasant lies east of Downtown over the Cooper River, accessible by the impressive Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It’s far enough away from the city center to offer a quieter atmosphere, but the heart of Charleston is within easy reach via car or water taxi. 

There’s a mix of traditional heritage homes and modern developments in Mount Pleasant, which was founded in the 18th century. Its Old Village is a hub of quaint shops and properties that will transport you into the past.

Check out Mount Pleasant Waterfront Memorial Park and Pier to enjoy fantastic views of the Charleston Harbor, particularly at sunset. More waterside views can be had at Pitt Street Bridge, a late 1800s structure that connects Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island. Shem Creek Park offers scenic wetlands views, and there are lots of fantastic eateries and bars nearby. 

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a popular attraction where you can explore three retired military vessels and learn more about American naval history.

Where to Stay 

Mount Pleasant is a little more affordable than Downtown, and its quieter atmosphere makes it ideal for families. 

There are some good hotels conveniently located just across Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, such as Hampton Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant-Patriots Point offers classic rooms with TVs, coffeemakers, fridges, and microwaves. Some rooms are pet-friendly, and free perks include breakfast, parking, and access to an outdoor pool and a gym. You’ll also find sprawling resorts along Patriot’s Point’s edge.

Kiawah Island for Outdoor Adventures

Highlights: Golf courses, beaches, nature trails, Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Kiawah Island is a luxury beach town renowned for its pristine beaches, incredible ocean views, and lush natural forests and marshes. 

This is the perfect destination if you want a vacation that lets you escape into the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. It’s a 50-minute drive from Downtown Charleston, but if you’d prefer to spend most of your time soaking up the sun and spotting native wildlife rather than hitting up crowded tourist spots, Kiawah Island is for you.

There are multiple golf courses on Kiawah Island, one of which is the beautifully-designed Ocean Course, which has hosted multiple PGA Championships. If golf isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy fantastic walks in the area. Head to Beachwalker Park at the island’s west end for undisturbed dunes. 

There are also 30 miles of nature paths stretching across the island and these are suitable for walking, biking, and roller-skating. Look out for the likes of bobcats, deer, herons, alligators, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins as you explore.

Where to Stay 

Hotels on Kiawah Island are relatively limited to some independent inns and golf resorts, but there are plenty of vacation rentals available. If you want self-catered accommodation in a natural paradise, head to Kiawah Island.

Folly Beach for Surfing Trips

Highlights: Surfing, Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach County Park, Dunes House

Folly Beach is a vibrant seaside town with an atmosphere similar to the likes of Venice Beach, San Diego Beach, and other notorious tourist hotspots on the West Coast. It offers fantastic waves for surfers, and its relaxed atmosphere makes it a laid-back yet fun destination to sunbathe, socialize and hit the waves.

There’s plenty to do at Folly Beach. You can rent watersports gear, charter boats, join cruises, go swimming, explore by bike, and enjoy the town’s many quality eateries and bars. Head to Folly Beach County Park to take advantage of excellent beachside amenities, including restrooms, changing facilities, and a snack bar.

Where to Stay 

You can expect to meet a true mix of visitors in Folly Beach, including families, couples, college students on Spring Break, and bachelor and bachelorette parties. There’s a good range of hotels, inns, and beach house rentals to choose from here.

Isle of Palms for Beach Holidays

Highlights: Vast sandy beaches, Isle of Palms County Park, Wild Dunes Harbor Golf Course

Isle of Palms is a small barrier island surrounded by white-sand beaches and marsh creeks. It is just seven miles long and a mile wide, but it has beautifully-maintained natural spaces which make it one of the most scenic regions in Charleston. It’s also packed with wildlife, and you might be lucky enough to see nesting sea turtles between May and August.

As a quintessential beach town, Isle of Palms offers plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and playing volleyball. You’ll find charming boutique gift shops and some relaxed eateries and pubs serving up fantastic seafood. Head to Isle of Palms County Park to walk, bike, or roller-skate along the boardwalk.

Where to Stay 

There are beachfront hotels, apartment rentals, and beach house rentals available on the Isle of Palms. For a more indulgent stay, check out the luxurious 1500-acre Wild Dunes Resort at the northern end of the island.

Book Your Stay in Charming Charleston

Now you’re familiar with the best neighborhoods in Charleston; you can get started looking for the perfect vacation rental for your trip. Which area will you call home on your Charleston getaway?