Charleston For First-Timers: What You Need To Know Before You Visit

Jan 20

Visiting Charleston, SC, for the first time? You’re in for a treat! With its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene, Charleston is a destination that blends charm with coastal beauty. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together this essential guide covering everything you need to know before you visit.

1. When to Visit Charleston

Charleston is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

Spring (March-May): Ideal weather, blooming flowers, and the famous Charleston Festival of Houses and Gardens make this a peak season.
Summer (June-August): Warm and humid, but perfect for beach lovers heading to Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, or Isle of Palms.
Fall (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and exciting events like MOJA Arts Festival and Charleston Beer Week.
Winter (December-February): Mild weather and lower flight rates make it a great time for budget travelers. Plus, there are tons of holiday activities and the decorations downtown are stunning!

2. Where to Stay

For a boutique and thoughtful experience, skip the big hotels and stay with The Bloom Collective (obviously). Here are some of the best areas to stay:

Downtown Historic District: Walkable, charming, and filled with restaurants and landmarks. Pinkadilly on Spring is just steps to King Street and is a quintessential Charleston home complete with a front porch swing and bikes. If you’re coming for an extended stay (30+ nights), the Stylish Downtown Townhouse is the perfect home to enjoy the downtown lifestyle with easy access to get out of the city to enjoy the nearby beaches and towns.
North Charleston: For a more laid-back Charleston experience, North Charleston offers the perfect home base—close enough to downtown and the beaches for easy access, yet far enough to escape the hustle and bustle. Here, you can enjoy all that the Lowcountry has to offer while unwinding in a quieter, more affordable setting. North Charleston is also home to Park Circle, a charming neighborhood filled with adorable cafés and local restaurants. Our Park Circle Cottage and Park Place Playground provide the ideal retreat for your next stay here.
Mount Pleasant: Just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, SC, is a vibrant coastal town known for its scenic waterfront, charming neighborhoods, and rich history. Home to Shem Creek, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with stunning sunset views, and Patriots Point, featuring the USS Yorktown, Mount Pleasant perfectly blends relaxation and adventure. With beautiful parks, top-rated restaurants, and easy access to Sullivan’s Island Beaches, our Mount Pleasant Charmer and Cozy Mount Pleasant Ranch are exactly where you want to be to experience it all.
Folly Beach: a laid-back barrier island known for its sandy shores, surf-friendly waves, and vibrant beach town atmosphere. Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, it offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, from fishing, to surf lessons at Isla Surf School, to exploring their restaurants and shops. Whether you're enjoying fresh seafood, live music, or a stunning sunset, Folly Beach captures the true essence of Lowcountry coastal living. Little Oak Love is the perfect home for your next stay to fully immerse yourself in the Folly Beach lifestyle.

3. Getting Around Charleston

Walking: Downtown Charleston is compact and best explored on foot.
Bike Rentals: Many visitors opt for Lime E-Bike, Charleston’s bike share program.
Car or Rideshare: There are plenty of affordable parking garages downtown, but Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Water Taxi: A fun and scenic way to travel between Waterfront Park, the Aquarium, and Patriots Point.

4. Must-See Attractions

Rainbow Row: The iconic, colorful houses along East Bay Street.
The Battery & Waterfront Park: A historic waterfront promenade with the well-known Pineapple Fountain and breathtaking views.
Charleston City Market: One of the oldest public markets in the U.S., perfect for souvenirs.
Plantations & Gardens: Visit Magnolia Plantation & Gardens or Boone Hall for a glimpse into Charleston’s past.
Fort Sumter: A historic site where the Civil War began, accessible by ferry.

5. What to Eat in Charleston

Charleston’s food scene is legendary! First-time visitors should try:

Shrimp and Grits: A Lowcountry staple.
She-Crab Soup: A creamy, flavorful soup made with crab meat and sherry.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy and delicious, often served with pimento cheese.
Lowcountry Boil: A seafood feast with shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage.
Hush Puppies: A deep-fried Southern favorite served as a side dish.

Where to Eat:

Husk: Upscale Southern cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
FIG: Award-winning seasonal dishes.
Lewis Barbecue: Some of the best barbecue in the Lowcountry.
167 Raw: A must-visit for oyster and seafood lovers.

6. Things to Know Before You Go

Pack Comfortable Shoes: Charleston’s historic streets are beautiful but uneven!
Dress for the Weather: Summers are hot and humid, while spring and fall can be breezy.
Book in Advance: Popular tours and restaurants fill up fast, especially in peak season.
Mind the Etiquette: Charleston is known for its hospitality —say "please" and "thank you" often!

Final Thoughts

Your first visit to Charleston will be filled with history, amazing food, and charm. Whether you’re strolling along King Street, relaxing at Folly Beach, or indulging in local cuisine, you’ll quickly see why Charleston is one of the most beloved cities in the U.S.