Charleston Vacation Rentals

Seafood lovers celebrate! Charleston’s Lowcountry bounty gives foodies the chance to feast on the ocean’s bounty and its Southern locale means the BBQ proves world-class. Hit the Vendue Inn for drinks at the rooftop bar and then pop into Lewis BBQ for the real deal. Martha Lou’s Kitchen is the real deal for Southern cuisine and has earned praise from the New York Times, The Travel Channel, and Martha Stewart herself. With everything from fine dining to casual Lowcountry fare, Charleston won’t leave you hungry.

Looking for a good time? Don’t miss the Windjammer on Isle of Palms for oceanfront live music and volleyball. The Windjammer is famous for their great music and the famous musicians that got their start there. Charleston Music Hall and Charleston Gaillard Center provide concert performances downtown. Many small venues around town offer country, rock, folk–pretty much any style for music lovers.

Charleston’s famous cobblestone streets invite exploration of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Stroll along The Battery and King Street for some of the city’s best examples of antebellum architecture. The Gibbes Museum of Art offers rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events that highlight its American art collections. Catch a show at PURE Theatre, Dock Street Theatre, or Footlight Players. The College of Charleston hosts the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Find shows ranging from classical to jazz to rock at Charleston Music Hall and the Charleston Symphony caters to classical music fans.

Take a piece of South Carolina history home as you source Charleston’s antique adventures. Hit downtown for myriad antique stores selling a mix of high-end and vintage goods. The King Street Antique District appeals to hunters with its mix of vintage, furniture, fine art, and collectibles. Charleston City Market houses a few antique shops and the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets speak to the historic goods you might find.

Let the little ones splash around at Isle of Palms, a public beach known not only for its waters but vibrant shopping, restaurants, and Loggerhead turtle spawning from May to October. Grab your surfboard and hit Folly Beach. This spot proves a favorite for visitors and locals for its waves, surf shops, and eateries. Make a day trip to Sullivan’s Island for unparalleled views and excellent dining options. Kiawah Island has many private beaches, but areas are public with grills, restrooms, picnic areas, and a boardwalk.

Charleston’s location means both saltwater and freshwater fishing abounds. Go further inland and cast off on one of the area’s rivers and estuaries for sheepshead, spotted sea trout founder, and redfish. Book one of the area’s group or private fishing charters to cast a line for mahi-mahi, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, and other species. Check South Carolina’s fishing rules and regulations.

Wild Dunes offers two public courses hugging the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Highway. Come play the 36 holes and see why teeing off here is a must-do while in Isle of Palms Nearby Kiawah Island’s location on the ocean offers strong winds to challenge your play and the resort’s multiple courses earned it Golf Digest’s 2023 third best public course in the nation status. With 17 golf courses in the greater Charleston area, let your stay elevate your game.

The King Street Historic District’s upscale hotels and restaurants feature some of Charleston’s finest brunch and seafood fare. Shoppers rejoice–the district’s one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops sell tailored goods, handcrafted jewelry, and the latest season’s fashions. You can also take in art at the multiple galleries lining the street. When night falls, sip cocktails and watch the sunset over the city at one of the district’s bars that serve up craft cocktails with a side of panache. Don’t leave without a visit to Washington Square Park where adjacent cobblestone streets, wrought iron fencing, and lush sprays of oak trees beckon you to breathe in the beauty Charleston graces visitors and locals with all year round.

Known as the Cultural Heart of Charleston, The City Market is one of the nation’s oldest public markets dating to the late 18th century and today hosts more than 300 vendors proffering goods from artisan crafts–including the city’s famous sweetgrass baskets–to regional foods and crafts. Find unique wood crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more as you walk the aisles that whisper history. Charleston City Market Great Hall earned the United States National Register Landmark of the “highest architectural design quality,” and today welcomes locals and visitors with its boutiques and shops as well as the Chuma Gullah Gallery featuring the storytelling, history, and art of the Gullah people of coastal South Carolina.

It might not be Europe but with its cobblestone streets, galleries, historic buildings, and bustling vibe, Charleston’s French Quarter captures the spirit of the past while serving a vibrant, modern destination. Feel like you have stepped back in time with the gas lamps and cobblestones that serve as a backdrop for the art galleries, City Market, and restaurants and cafes. Coffee and a baguette, anyone? Before you go, don’t miss the French Huguenot Church, home to the US’ oldest, continuously active congregations of Huguenots.

Cue up Instagram and get ready to post your pictures of Rainbow Row, the street containing Charleston’s 13 historic and colorful houses. Located north of Tradd St. and south of Elliott St. on East Bay Street, these late 18th century beauties were given a second chance at life in the 1930s and 1940s, coated in fanciful pastel colors that mark them today. It’s no surprise that this destination is one of Charleson’s most photographed spots.

Book a date with Animal Encounter, Turtle Talk, or Reel or No Reel or just immerse yourself in the aquatic world at the South Carolina Aquarium, which teems with octopus, rays, turtles, and more. The Sea Care Turtle Center educates visitors about conservation efforts to protect endangered turtle species. Bird lovers rejoice–the aquarium is home to kestrels, owls, and eagles as well. Bring the whole family or come at night for a 21 and older After Hours night.

Just outside of Charleston sits Wadmalaw Island, the home of Deep Creek Vineyard. As the only domestic winery in South Carolina, this Lowcountry gem gives you permission to take a beat, taste the fruits of the region, and listen to live music amidst the Lowcountry’s beauty. Tasting, classes, and food trucks add to the fun.

Want to satisfy the history buffs, nature lovers, and sightseers? Book a trip on the Charleston Water Taxi. Running a continuous loop around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point and Downtown Charleston from , the water taxi operates from 9am to 6pm and hits points like historic Market Street, the South Carolina Aquarium, and the USS Yorktown (aircraft carrier). Hop off and on to create your perfect Charleston day. With hourly departures, this $14 bargain makes the water taxi a great way to get around.