Southern hospitality is a way of life in the Lowcountry and something Charlestonians take a great deal of pride in. There’s no shortage of excellent hotels and historic inns to choose from depending on your preferences and price point. While many hotels are within walking distance to the city’s top attractions, be sure to inquire about any unique local offerings and amenities your hotel has to offer, and don’t miss the opportunity to book an experience directly through your concierge. 

Plan for the seasons and pack and plan your visit accordingly. If you’re traveling during July and August, be prepared for high temperatures and lots of humidity. In the summer months, you might want to plan your activities and sightseeing first thing in the morning to beat the heat and plan on hitting your hotel pool or heading to the beach in the afternoon. In the wintertime, when the temps drop down at night, make sure to bundle up as Charleston does get chilly. While fall and spring are both ideal times to visit weather-wise, you should always be prepared for the possibility of rain.

Charleston is a place that takes its food and restaurants seriously, so no matter the season, make sure you book your reservations in advance. Charleston-based chef Mike Lata suggests choosing a restaurant that’s known for cooking local food and planning dinners at your top choices accordingly. “Don't be afraid to take an earlier or later reservation, from there, you can always call or email the restaurant and request the time you prefer,” Lata tells Fodor’s. “There are always lots of cancellations in a tourist market—maybe you’ll get lucky. If you don't get the time you want, arrive in advance for a drink and hope to get sat earlier. In my opinion, good meals while traveling are worth working for.”

Charleston is a treasure trove of art, history, and architecture, and there’s so much to see, learn, and discover. Don’t miss a chance to take a historic walking tour and soak up as much of the city’s past as possible. Just take care when you’re walking, and be mindful of the cobblestone streets. If mobility presents an issue, you can also opt to take a pedicab, horse-drawn carriage tour, or bike around town. It’s important to note that while Charleston is a very safe and walkable city, you should remain vigilant in some parts of town, including North Charleston, late at night.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the surrounding beach towns and Sea Islands. Just over the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant is a charming neighborhood with a variety of excellent local eateries and bars. Venture a bit further and you’ll find Sullivans Island and Isle of Palms, both of which are within easy driving distance from Charleston and a great way to take a day trip and experience a slice of the Lowcountry lifestyle.