***LAST UPDATED***
October 30, 2014
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Charleston Webcams (LIVE)
Walk the Streets of Charleston
General Tourism
Museums, Attractions and Landmarks
Restaurants
Historic Homes
Plantations and Gardens
Carriage Tours
Ghost Tours
Area Beaches
Lowcountry Videos
2012 PGA Championship
My Posts About Charleston
Weather
Hotels and Lodging (NEW!)
Charleston Webcams (LIVE)
Walk the Streets of Charleston
General Tourism
Museums, Attractions and Landmarks
Restaurants
Historic Homes
Plantations and Gardens
Carriage Tours
Ghost Tours
Area Beaches
Lowcountry Videos
2012 PGA Championship
My Posts About Charleston
Weather
Hotels and Lodging (NEW!)
This is the second installment of the first video above, with new soaring views of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.
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Webcam refreshes every 2 seconds. See where this camera is located, here.
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Walk the Streets of Charleston
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General Tourism
Why Charleston?
2014 Best U.S. City (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2014 (2nd) Best City in the World (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2014 (2nd) Top Islands of the World (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2013 Top 500 Hotels in the World (by Travel & Leisure)
(Six Charleston hotels, including one at #52 and one at #80)
2013 Top City in America & Canada (by Travel & Leisure)
2013 Friendliest City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2013 (Fifth) Top City in the World (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2013 Top City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2012 Top City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2011 Top City in America (by Conde Nast Traveler)
2011 Top Surprisingly Romantic City in America (by Wanderlust)
2011 Best New Restaurant in America (by Bon Appetit Magazine)
2011 (Second) Best-Dressed City in America (by Travel & Leisure Magazine)
2010 Friendliest City in America (by Travel & Leisure Magazine)
Is Charleston the World's Best City? (by USA Today)
See more Charleston awards here.
A wealth of information on everything from hotels and restaurants to attractions and events. Start here for your guide to all that Charleston has to offer.
The official visitor's bureau, with a number of great videos that highlight the beauty and character of Charleston.
Your passport to a number of historic homes and plantations, all at a great discounted price.
Comprehensive guide for all there is to see and do in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia.
Check here for great ideas of what there is to tour in Charleston. Historic homes, plantations, ghost tours, carriage rides, and harbor cruises are just some of the ideas found here.
The best tours to experience in Charleston.
One of the oldest known living organisms (and the oldest tree) east of the Mississippi, Angel Oak is a massive live oak which has been estimated at over 1,400 years old. The tree is only 65 feet tall but has a circumference of 26 feet, with a canopy stretching nearly 200 feet wide and providing over 17,000 square feet of shade.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Completed in 2005, spanning 2.5 miles, and rising 572ft. over the Cooper River below, the Ravenel Bridge is the second longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere and has become an iconic symbol of Charleston.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (April 7, 2012)
Snee Farm is the plantation where Charles Pinckney, author and signer of the Constitution and former governor of South Carolina, once lived. George Washington ate at Snee Farm during his visit to Charleston in 1791. Today, only 28 acres remain of the original 715-acre estate Charles inherited from his father in 1782.
English settlers landed on the Ashley River in 1670 and established Charles Towne Landing - what would become the birthplace of the Carolinas colony and Charleston itself, one of the first major port cities in North America.
Four blocks of open-air buildings, set in the heart of historic Charleston and built between 1804 and the 1830's, the Charleston City Market has been a place where local merchants, farmers, and plantation owners have gathered to sell their goods for over 200 years.
Founded in 1773, this is America's first museum.
Citadel Military College & Museum
Founded in 1842, this is one of only six senior military colleges in the US. The campus moved to its current location in 1922 and today the former "Old Citadel" building (seen below) in downtown is now an Embassy Suites hotel.
College of Charleston
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the oldest institution of higher education in South Carolina, and the 13th oldest in the United States. The campus has been featured on a number of films and TV series, including The Patriot, The Notebook, Dear John, and Army Wives.
Dock Street Theatre (c. 1809)
This was the first building in America designed for use as a theatre and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Once part of the Planter's Hotel, this theatre has been visited by many notable people over the past 200 years, including John Wilkes Booth's father, Junius. The theatre was remodeled in 2010 and is open to the public for modern plays.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier
Built in 1995, this prominent fishing pier is the second longest pier on the East Coast (1,045 feet).
The third fortification of the fort, constructed in 1809, now stands today, after the first two were damaged during the Revolutionary War and a hurricane in 1804.
The American Civil War began here on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired upon this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor.
Fort Sumter (June 17, 2013)
Moving in to its current building in 1905, the Gibbes Museum contains over 10,000 pieces of American art, many from the US South and Charleston.
Gibbes Museum of Art (October 20, 2012)
King Street
King Street provides over one mile of upscale shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
See a list of all vendors (including websites) on King Street by category here.
King Street (October 16, 2010)
Morris Island Lighthouse
Built in 1876, this lighthouse was originally constructed 1,200 feet from the shoreline. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1938, as Morris Island has eroded to a point that waves were crashing at the light's base. Today it stands several hundred feet out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Rainbow Row
This row of colorful houses, originally merchant's stores and homes, were built between the 1720s-1790s. Stretching 4 city blocks, these buildings represent the longest stretch of Georgian row houses in the US. Rainbow Row is often used in illustrations representing Charleston.
Rainbow Row (December 8, 2012)
King Street
King Street provides over one mile of upscale shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
See a list of all vendors (including websites) on King Street by category here.
Morris Island Lighthouse
Built in 1876, this lighthouse was originally constructed 1,200 feet from the shoreline. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1938, as Morris Island has eroded to a point that waves were crashing at the light's base. Today it stands several hundred feet out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Rainbow Row
This row of colorful houses, originally merchant's stores and homes, were built between the 1720s-1790s. Stretching 4 city blocks, these buildings represent the longest stretch of Georgian row houses in the US. Rainbow Row is often used in illustrations representing Charleston.
Completed in 2000, this aquarium includes a 3-story Great Ocean Tank (385,000 gallons), state-of-the-art learning center, a touch tank, 9 galleries of aquatic animals, a sea turtle hospital, and a rare American albino alligator.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Built around 1771 and considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States, The Old Exchange has opened its doors to President George Washington, pirates, and a number of signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (May 21, 2011)
The Powder Magazine
Built in 1713, this is the oldest public building in the Carolinas. This building was used to house the gunpowder and ammunition of the original Charles Town settlement and was used in the Revolutionary War. The magazine building celebrated its 300th birthday in April 2013.
The Powder Magazine (June 28, 2013)
With the Civil War largely to blame for this building's prolonged construction (1853-1879), the U.S. Customs House still functions today as it has for the past 130 years. It is not open to the public.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Built around 1771 and considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States, The Old Exchange has opened its doors to President George Washington, pirates, and a number of signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The Powder Magazine
Built in 1713, this is the oldest public building in the Carolinas. This building was used to house the gunpowder and ammunition of the original Charles Town settlement and was used in the Revolutionary War. The magazine building celebrated its 300th birthday in April 2013.
With the Civil War largely to blame for this building's prolonged construction (1853-1879), the U.S. Customs House still functions today as it has for the past 130 years. It is not open to the public.
Commissioned in 1943 and measuring 888ft. long, the USS Yorktown (CV-10) was the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. The vessel also recovered the crew of Apollo 8 in 1968. Decommissioned in 1970, the USS Yorktown was towed to Charleston from New Jersey in 1975 and has remained the centerpiece of Patriots Point in Charleston Harbor ever since.
Waterfront Park
* denotes that Stacie and I have ate here
Browse restaurants by locations in the Charleston metro area and by 15 different food genres. Owing in part to two culinary institutes in Charleston (the Culinary Institute of Charleston and the Art Institute of Charleston) and the rich cultural history, Charleston is internationally acclaimed for its restaurants and executive chefs.
This is an annual event that takes place every January, in which restaurants throughout Charleston have specials available for nearly two weeks. If you're not visiting in January, check out this website to see an extensive list of restaurants in Charleston, as well as easy access to the restaurant's website and menus.
French Cafe
American, Mediterranean
Brasserie Gigi
French
Burwell's Stone Fire Grill
Steakhouse, seafood
California Dreaming*
American, seafood
Brasserie Gigi
French
Burwell's Stone Fire Grill
Steakhouse, seafood
California Dreaming*
American, seafood
Seafood & rawbar
Charleston Grill*
French, Southern, American
Charleston Harbor Fish House*
Seafood
Lowcountry, international
Charleston Grill*
French, Southern, American
Charleston Harbor Fish House*
Seafood
Lowcountry, international
Seafood Bar & Grill
Lowcountry, international
French-Lowcountry cuisine
Seasonally-inspired local cuisine
French-Asian cuisine
Gourmet cafe
Seafood, southern
American grill & cuisine
Seafood & rawbar
Henry's House
Sandwiches, salads, soups
High Cotton
Southern, Lowcountry
Hometeam BBQ*
BBQ
Henry's House
Sandwiches, salads, soups
High Cotton
Southern, Lowcountry
Hometeam BBQ*
BBQ
Hominy Grill*
Southern, seafood, brunch
Husk*
Southern, Lowcountry
J. Paulz*
Seafood, international, sushi
Jasmine Porch at Kiawah Island
Lowcountry, seafood
Jim 'N Nick's BBQ*
BBQ
Kaminsky's Baking Co.
Bakery, desserts, beverages
Kitchen 208
Sandwiches, salads, brunch
Southern, seafood, brunch
Husk*
Southern, Lowcountry
J. Paulz*
Seafood, international, sushi
Jasmine Porch at Kiawah Island
Lowcountry, seafood
Jim 'N Nick's BBQ*
BBQ
Kaminsky's Baking Co.
Bakery, desserts, beverages
Kitchen 208
Sandwiches, salads, brunch
Mediterranean, southern
Cafe, bar and grill
Southern, Lowcountry
McCrady's
Southern
Mellow Mushroom*
Calhoun Mansion (April 6, 2009)
Edmonston-Alston House (September 25, 2010)
Heyward-Washington House (1772)
Joseph Manigault House (1803)
This house is part of the Charleston Museum and was designed by architect Gabriel Manigault, who was also a plantation owner and state legislator.
McCrady's
Southern
Mellow Mushroom*
Pizza
Mercato
Italian, American
Michael's on the Alley
Steak & seafood
Minero
Authentic Mexican
Monza Pizza*
Pizza, pasta, salads
Miyabi
Hibachi grill & sushi
Noisy Oyster*
Seafood
Mercato
Italian, American
Michael's on the Alley
Steak & seafood
Minero
Authentic Mexican
Monza Pizza*
Pizza, pasta, salads
Miyabi
Hibachi grill & sushi
Noisy Oyster*
Seafood
Southern grill & cuisine
Perfectly Frank's*
Famous hot dogs (featured on The Food Network)
Poe's Tavern*
Burgers, sandwiches, salads
Poogan's Porch*
Lowcountry
Queen Anne's Revenge
Seafood, Lowcountry
Queology
BBQ
RB's*
Seafood
Red's Ice House
Seafood & crabshack
Reel Bar & Grill
Seafood, pizza
Rutledge Cab Co.*
Seafood, grill, pizza, brunch
Saffron Cafe & Bakery
Fresh bakery, breakfast, international, southern
Perfectly Frank's*
Famous hot dogs (featured on The Food Network)
Poe's Tavern*
Burgers, sandwiches, salads
Poogan's Porch*
Lowcountry
Queen Anne's Revenge
Seafood, Lowcountry
Queology
BBQ
RB's*
Seafood
Red's Ice House
Seafood & crabshack
Reel Bar & Grill
Seafood, pizza
Rutledge Cab Co.*
Seafood, grill, pizza, brunch
Saffron Cafe & Bakery
Fresh bakery, breakfast, international, southern
Organic, local burgers
Shem Creek Bar & Grill
Seafood & oyster bar
Slightly North of Broad
Lowcountry bistro
Southend Brewery & Smokehouse*
American, BBQ
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
Seafood & American grill
T-Bonz Gill & Grill*
Seafood & American grill
The Atlantic Room at Kiawah Island
Seafood, southern
The Barbeque Joint*
BBQ
The Grocery
Local, seasonal seafood & produce, brunch
The Macintosh
Southern, Lowcountry
The Ocean Room at Kiawah Island
Steakhouse & sushi lounge
The Ordinary
Seafood, oyster bar
The Palmetto Cafe*
Southern, seafood, grill
Toast*
Brunch, southern
Triangle Char & Bar*
Burgers, tacos, brunch
Vickery's*
Seafood, American
Victor Social Club
Seafood, cocktails
Vincent's Drug Store
Old-fashioned burger stand & soda fountain
Vincent Chicco's*
Italian-American
Shem Creek Bar & Grill
Seafood & oyster bar
Slightly North of Broad
Lowcountry bistro
Southend Brewery & Smokehouse*
American, BBQ
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
Seafood & American grill
T-Bonz Gill & Grill*
Seafood & American grill
The Atlantic Room at Kiawah Island
Seafood, southern
The Barbeque Joint*
BBQ
The Grocery
Local, seasonal seafood & produce, brunch
The Macintosh
Southern, Lowcountry
The Ocean Room at Kiawah Island
Steakhouse & sushi lounge
The Ordinary
Seafood, oyster bar
The Palmetto Cafe*
Southern, seafood, grill
Toast*
Brunch, southern
Triangle Char & Bar*
Burgers, tacos, brunch
Vickery's*
Seafood, American
Victor Social Club
Seafood, cocktails
Vincent's Drug Store
Old-fashioned burger stand & soda fountain
Vincent Chicco's*
Italian-American
Southern, Lowcountry
Wildflower Pastry
Pastries, desserts
Yo Burrito
Mexican Grill & Bar
Yokoso*
Hibachi grill & sushi
Wildflower Pastry
Pastries, desserts
Yo Burrito
Mexican Grill & Bar
Yokoso*
Hibachi grill & sushi
Historic Homes
You can find more info about and see pictures of historic homes by clicking on different districts on the Charleston County Public Library's Historic District's page.
I have highlighted dozens of the houses and architecture styles in the historic South of Broad district, in an ongoing series of photo gallery posts (Part 1 and Part 2).
The Charleston single house (architecture style) is a staple of the architecture in downtown Charleston and the only place in the country this architecture can be found.
The Charleston Single House
Aiken-Rhett House (1818)
You can find more info about and see pictures of historic homes by clicking on different districts on the Charleston County Public Library's Historic District's page.
I have highlighted dozens of the houses and architecture styles in the historic South of Broad district, in an ongoing series of photo gallery posts (Part 1 and Part 2).
The Charleston single house (architecture style) is a staple of the architecture in downtown Charleston and the only place in the country this architecture can be found.
Visit Charleston, SC
The Charleston Single House
Discover Charleston's version of an English row house
Aiken-Rhett House (1818)
Part of the Historic Charleston Foundation, this home has been virtually unaltered since 1858.
Aiken-Rhett House (April 7, 2012)
Calhoun Mansion (1876)
The Calhoun Mansion is the largest privately-owned residence in Charleston, with 24,000 sq. ft., 35 bedrooms, and 23 fireplaces. As you can see, it is hard to fit in to one picture!
Edmondston-Alston House (c. 1817)
The Edmondston-Alston House is part of the Charleston Battery and its sister property is Middleton Plantation.
The Edmondston-Alston House is part of the Charleston Battery and its sister property is Middleton Plantation.
See a complete list of the homes (with pictures) that line the famous Charleston Battery
Homes along East Battery St. (August 10, 2010)
Homes along East Battery St. (August 10, 2010)Heyward-Washington House (1772)
This house gets part of its name from a prominent guest who stayed here in May 1791, President George Washington.
Heyward-Washington House (February 18, 2012)
John Ashe Home (1780)
This home is currently on the market, for $9 million.
John Ashe House (December 1, 2012)
This home is currently on the market, for $9 million.
Joseph Manigault House (1803)
This house is part of the Charleston Museum and was designed by architect Gabriel Manigault, who was also a plantation owner and state legislator.
This 3-story mansion lies at the corner of East Battery and South Battery Streets, with perhaps the best view in Charleston.
Louis deSaussure House (February 18, 2012)
These "lower-class" but still impressive homes lie along The Battery at the end of the Charleston peninsula; most built during the 20th century.
Home along Murray Blvd. (April 5, 2009)
Home along Murray Blvd. (April 5, 2009)
Home along Murray Blvd. (April 5, 2009)
Louis deSaussure House (February 18, 2012)
These "lower-class" but still impressive homes lie along The Battery at the end of the Charleston peninsula; most built during the 20th century.
Nathaniel Russell House (1808)
This house is also owned by the Historic Charleston Foundation. Perhaps the most notable feature of this house is its 3-story free-flying staircase.
Nathaniel Russell House (March 20, 2011)
This house is also owned by the Historic Charleston Foundation. Perhaps the most notable feature of this house is its 3-story free-flying staircase.
Palmer Home (c. 1847)
Also known as the John Ravenel House or the Pink Palace, this house has been acclaimed as "the best place to stay in Charleston", "home with the best front porch", "home with the most historical charm", and a top 25 US bed and breakfast.
Palmer Home (August 10, 2010)
Also known as the John Ravenel House or the Pink Palace, this house has been acclaimed as "the best place to stay in Charleston", "home with the best front porch", "home with the most historical charm", and a top 25 US bed and breakfast.
Porcher-Simonds House (c. 1856)
Sword Gate House (c. 17--)
Built in multiple phases, beginning in the 18th century, this house is currently listed at $23,000,000...if you're interested!
The Pink House (c. 1690)
This is the oldest building in Charleston and one of the oldest buildings in South Carolina. The building was a tavern in the 1750s, was restored in the 1930s, and today features an art gallery.
Two Meeting Street (c. 1892)
This beautiful home was originally a private residence and wedding present from merchant George Williams to his daughter, Martha. It is now Charleston's oldest and most famous inn.
Two Meeting Street (April 6, 2009)
Wentworth Mansion (c. 1885)
No, you're not in England. But the views - inside and out - at this huge mansion may cause you to think otherwise. This house is now an inn.
Wentworth Mansion (August 28, 2013)
No, you're not in England. But the views - inside and out - at this huge mansion may cause you to think otherwise. This house is now an inn.
William Roper House (1838)
This architect of this house remains unknown, but the pillars and porch are unmistakeable.
This architect of this house remains unknown, but the pillars and porch are unmistakeable.
Historic Charleston Foundation
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the historical, architectural and material culture that make up Charleston's rich and irreplaceable heritage. Oh, and they also host great area #InstaMeets at historic locations around town.
Preservation Society of Charleston
See a list of prominent and significant homes in downtown Charleston which are part of the Historic Markers Program.
Charleston Homes For Sale
See homes in Charleston currently on the market for $5 million or more.
(see also here)
America's most photographed plantation
The 3/4-mile, live oak-lined driveway at Boone Hall Plantation (April 6, 2009)
Front of Boone Hall Plantation (April 6, 2009)
Back of Boone Hall Plantation (April 6, 2009)
Charleston Tea Plantation
Wadamalaw Island is an unspoiled island in Charleston that is home to the only tea plantation in America. Tea has been produced here since 1987, though the island's history dates back to the 17th century. The 127-acre plantation is open 7 days a week and includes tours of both the fields where the tea leaves are harvested and the factory where the tea is produced.
Charleston Tea Plantation
Wadamalaw Island is an unspoiled island in Charleston that is home to the only tea plantation in America. Tea has been produced here since 1987, though the island's history dates back to the 17th century. The 127-acre plantation is open 7 days a week and includes tours of both the fields where the tea leaves are harvested and the factory where the tea is produced.
Drayton Hall
This plantation house (a National Historic Landmark) sits on land that traces its history back to the late-1600's. The house itself was built in 1738 and sits on the land adjacent to Magnolia Plantation.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Founded in 1676, Magnolia is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America.
Magnolia Plantation (March 6, 2011)
The plantation house at Magnolia Plantation (March 20, 2011)
One of the many picturesque bridges at Magnolia Plantation (March 20, 2011)
Middleton Place is a National Landmark, birthplace of a signer of the Declaration of Independence (Arthur Middleton), and America's oldest landscaped gardens (and less than two miles from our house, across the Ashley River).
Carriage tours are a great way to take in all there is to see downtown, with guides who offer the stories behind each house, building, cemetery, and street.
December 4, 2010
I for one have not gone on a ghost tour, but they are quite popular in Charleston year-round.
(from north to south)
These great videos highlight some of the beauty and character of Charleston, in professional and interesting ways.
If you enjoy golfing, there are dozens of beautiful golf courses in the Lowcountry. One example is the Ocean Course Golf Course, home of the 2012 PGA Championship (August 9-12). The course recently ranked 4th on Golf Digest's best public courses in America and has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere. The course is located on nearby Kiawah Island and is about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston.
My Posts About Charleston
South of Broad: A Photo Gallery (Part 2)
January 5, 2013
South of Broad: A Photo Gallery (Part 1)
December 12, 2012
An October CollageSouth of Broad: A Photo Gallery (Part 2)
January 5, 2013
South of Broad: A Photo Gallery (Part 1)
December 12, 2012
October 25, 2012
Presidents Day the Charleston Way
February 20, 2012
September Staycation
October 5, 2011
Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere
August 3, 2011
March 28, 2011
December 6, 2010
November 18, 2010
October 31, 2010
Well, since you don't want to stay with us apparently (*tear*), here are some of the top hotel options within Charleston.
(NOTE: This list does not include house rentals or other VRBO options.)
Travel & Leisure listed six hotels in Charleston as part of its 2013 Top 500 Hotels in the World list (see also top hotels by US state). Topping the list in Charleston was the Market Pavilion Hotel (#52) and the Wentworth Mansion (#80).
Courtyard Charleston
Elliott House Inn
Embassy Suites
Francis Marion Hotel
French Quarter Inn
Fulton Lane Inn
Governor's House Inn
John Rutledge House Inn
HarbourView Inn
King Charles Inn
Kings Courtyard Inn
Market Pavilion Hotel
Meeting Street Inn
Mills House Hotel
Planters Inn
Renaissance Hotel
The Restoration on King
The Society House
The UnHotel
Two Meeting Street Inn
Vendue Inn
Wentworth Mansion
Zero George Street
The Beaches
The Boardwalk Inn
The Palms Oceanfront Hotel
The Sanctuary Hotel (Kiawah)
Tides Folly Beach
Wild Dunes Resort
Other Notable Lodging
Charleston Harbor Resort
Embassy Suites (airport)
The Beaches
The Boardwalk Inn
The Palms Oceanfront Hotel
The Sanctuary Hotel (Kiawah)
Tides Folly Beach
Wild Dunes Resort
Other Notable Lodging
Charleston Harbor Resort
Embassy Suites (airport)
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