Car

You'll probably need a car in Charleston if you plan on visiting destinations outside the city's Historic District or have your heart set on trips to Walterboro, Edisto Island, Beaufort, Bluffton, or Hilton Head.

Although you'll make the best time traveling along the interstates, keep in mind that smaller highways offer some delightful scenery and the opportunity to stumble upon funky roadside seafood stands, marshy state parks, and historic town halls and churches. The area is rural, but it's still populated, so you'll rarely drive for more than 20 or 30 miles without passing roadside services, such as gas stations, restaurants, and ATMs.

Gasoline

Gas stations are not hard to find, either in the city limits or in the outlying areas. Prices are characteristically less expensive than up north. Similarly, outside Charleston, in North Charleston and the suburbs, gas is usually cheaper than at the few gas stations downtown.

Parking

Parking within Charleston's Historic District can be difficult. Street parking can be aggravating, as meter readers are among the city's most efficient public servants. Public parking garages are $1 per hour, with an $18 maximum per day. Some private parking garages and lots charge around $2 for the first hour and then $1 for each additional hour; the less expensive ones charge a maximum of $10 to $12 a day if you park overnight. Some private lots charge a flat rate of around $10 per day, so it's the same price whether you're there 45 minutes or six hours. Most of the hotels charge a valet-parking fee.

Rental Cars

All of the major car-rental companies are represented in Charleston, either at the airport or in town. Enterprise has both an airport and a downtown location, good prices, and will pick you up.