With its sprawling verandas and manicured pocket gardens, this hotel pays homage to the city’s history, but interiors are refreshingly modern. A highlight: breakfast in the 1804 carriage house.
The city’s oldest inn has just nine airy bedrooms full of antiques—Tiffany stained-glass windows; Audubon prints; Venetian glass fixtures. Take in the sunset over Battery Park on the wraparound porch.
Built by a cotton baron in 1886, the Philadelphia-brick Wentworth blends old and new: oversize soaking tubs and flat-screen TV’s mix with Italian crystal chandeliers and 19th-century marble mantels.
The 50-room French Quarter Inn is known for its first-rate service: there’s champagne at check-in, wine and local bites served in the evening, and port or milk and cookies during turndown.
In the heart of the historic district, this landmark channels Old Charleston with sweetgrass baskets, flickering carriage lanterns, and etchings by the late local painter Elizabeth O’Neill Verner.
The small museum on the College of Charleston’s campus is a welcome addition to the city’s art scene. Past exhibits have included American artists Jasper Johns and Shepard Fairey.
Every Saturday, hundreds of regional producers gather to sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and artisanal goods. Pick up the Wild Boar black-truffle cheese from Charleston Artisan Cheesehouse.
Dock Street Theatre maintains its original 1800’s charm but has been updated with state-of-the-art soundproofing and lighting. Don’t miss a show by the Charleston Stage theater company.
This 19th-century former residence is arguably the grande dame of house museums. Its Neoclassical details (an oval dining room; a floating spiral staircase) have been restored to their 1808 grandeur.
Take a Taste of the Lowcountry cooking class at this culinary shop and institute. Among the dishes you’ll perfect: shrimp and grits and pimiento mac and cheese.
Hand-painted champagne flutes and letterpress stationery are just a sampling of what you’ll find at Lily, a one-stop shop for exclusive Charleston souvenirs.
This King Street boutique carries more than 40 labels ranging from edgy international brands (Mother of Pearl; Simone Rocha) to local designers, including Candy Shop Vintage.
Giulio and Donatella della Porta make regular trips to their native Italy to select artisan-made wares (silk scarves; ceramic tulip pots) for the Hidden Countship.
You’ll have to ring a bell to gain access to the family-owned jewelry shop. Inside, antique brooches and lockets are displayed alongside bow ties made from South Carolina turkey feathers.
Head to Shirtini for classic American fashions such as white corduroy shirts by CP Shades and Claridge & King’s striped button-downs.
At chef Josh Keeler’s unpretentious bistro, wines are served in tumblers and dishes are simple and down-to-earth. Shelves are lined with souvenirs: take home a clay plate or Bittermilk cocktail mixer.
After a whiskey cocktail at Husk Bar, head to dinner in the neighboring historic house, with a romantic two-story porch and a floor-to-ceiling chalkboard highlighting regional farmers and purveyors.
Charlestonians flock to this two-year-old shop and café for its distinctive coffee creations, from lattes made with organic Counter Culture beans to decadent java cocktails.
This wood-beamed restaurant has a laid-back, beachy atmosphere—with a spacious terrace and a raw bar. The flaky wreckfish with herb spaetzle is a crowd-pleaser.
Here, the plates change daily depending on what comes in from area farms. Try the grilled cheese with fontina and ribbons of zucchini. The Daily sells cold-pressed juices and house-made ketchup.
This southern French restaurant occupies an 1835 house, with a cozy bar and 16 candlelit tables. Dishes may include farro with cucumbers and tomatoes and grouper with caramelized lemon.
At Leon’s, it’s all about the fried chicken: after bathing in buttermilk and hot sauce overnight, wings and drumsticks are spiced up with Old Bay, cayenne, and paprika.
Charleston’s oldest religious structure was built in the 1750’s and is a must-see.
A local favorite for lunch in the West Ashley district. Get the shrimp and grits with fries and béarnaise.
A local favorite, on the water near Folly Beach—order the Frogmore stew.
At King Street’s Worthwhile, look out for Moroccan slippers by textile company Proud Mary—founder Harper Poe collaborates with international artisans to create beautiful, sustainably made clothing.
For late-night drinks, stop by Básico, in North Charleston, and order a fresh-lime margarita.
The architectural heritage of the town of Beaufort was spared during the Civil War. Head to Plums Restaurant for clams.
This windswept barrier island has endless diversions. Go for a hike, play tennis, tee off at the Ocean Course, or simply relax on the beach.
Day tours of this National Historic Landmark have long been popular, but few travelers know about the grounds’ kayak swamp tours.
