Historic Charleston, South Carolina
A Southern coastal city where history lives
Charleston is known as America’s Favorite Destination!
(Voted No. 1 city in the U.S. and Canada by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.
One of North America’s most architecturally significant destinations, Charleston sits on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Conceived as a “great port town,” Charleston was married to the sea from the start. Local maritime history began when the first colonists sailed into the harbor in 1670. The tales of merchant traders, pirates and naval foes who subsequently navigated these waters are among the area’s most notorious lore.
Captivating and walkable, Charleston attracts people from around the world for its cosmopolitan aura, preservation of history, cultural diversity, and exceptional culinary and shopping delights.
Renowned Culinary and Nightlife Scene
Named one of the world’s 10 Best Delicious Destinations by Travelocity, Charleston is an epicure’s dream. From hidden gems serving
up local flavor to five-star spots with innovative menus, Charleston is home to a volume of world- class dining normally associated with cities five times its size. Three Charleston chefs consecutively won the esteemed James Beard Foundation Best Chef award, one of the culinary world’s highest honors. Today’s chefs are inspired by nature, harvesting from the region’s estuaries, rich with shrimp, fish, crabs and oysters, and marshlands, where rice and vegetable production thrives. Charleston also has an invigorating nightlife scene, with a wide choice of quaint historic pubs, music venues, and bars.
Shopping Mecca
From the famous King Street Shopping District to specialty shops along Market and East Bay Streets, you can find everything from trinkets and antiques to high fashion. Shopping and strip malls in the surrounding areas provide all the additional stores you could possibly need.
Vibrant Cultural Offerings
Charleston has developed a reputation as an international cultural destination. With more than 500 live performances annually, high energy festivals, popular gallery walks and outdoor concerts, the opportunity to experience theatrical, musical magic exists every day. The area is also home to many wonderful museums.
Beautiful Beaches
Charleston is more than just one of the country’s most beloved cities, it’s home to five beautiful beach towns, each with its own distinctive character, and all offer an array of outdoor activity and water sports.
- Isle of Palms – Here you will find a balanced blend of full-time residents and visitors, a 1,500-acre resort, two championship golf courses and a marina.
- Sullivan’s Island – The only island in the world that’s been the setting for both an Edgar Allan Poe novel and a Revolutionary War battle, Sullivan’s Island is a warm and welcoming seaside village that sits proudly at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor.
- Folly Beach – Affectionately known as “the Edge of America,” Folly Beach is an eclectic, laid back beach community just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston.
Spectator and tourist facilities:
There are numerous options for touring and on-the-water excursions for family members and spectators:
• Charleston Harbor Tours
• Coastal Excursion
• Classic Boat Charleston
- Kiawah Island – A 10,000-acre barrier island with 10 miles of uninterrupted beaches, Kiawah Island is home to world-class golf and an acclaimed resort.
- Seabrook Island – This 2,200-acre tranquil, private island community offers championship golf, a deep- water marina, horseback riding, and wide beaches.
Charleston is the perfect locale to combine the 2020 Melges 24 World Championships and a family vacation!