Driving into this dynamic city, almost at the midpoint of South Carolina’s coastline, one gets a feeling of being transported to another era. Being plucked out of reality and placed seamlessly back in time at one of the most important locations of US history.  A sense of awe and enchantment pervades your heart and soul, as you become truly aware of 300 years of remarkable southern history. The first thing that catches your eyes is the people, everyone with a purpose. Whether on vacation or tending to their businesses, the patrons of Charleston, South Carolina know how special they are at that moment. Visitors delight in the idea of discovering something new, that happens to be old to the world. Residents relish the thought of exhibiting their city in the greatest light, to match the golden sunshine that is prevalent there. When your eyes move upward, resolute structures command your attention in all their magnificence and vibrancy! The balmy atmosphere and ocean proximity is welcoming, instantly making you eager to join your fellow vacationers already lined up at restaurants and bars, or simply walking the cobblestone paths hand in hand!

Charleston is one of the most idyllic places to visit in the south. Its refreshing locale offers a splendid mix of history, nature, nightlife, and recreation. Originally Charles Towne, named after King Charles II of England, this destination is for lovers, friends, or families. Hailed as the “best-mannered” city in the US, Charleston was founded in 1670. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, it remained one of the biggest cities in the budding United States. Apart from its decorated naval and military history, it also has significant religious achievements. It was one of the few early cities to provide religious tolerance to the French Huguenots, as well as followers of the Jewish faith. Being the second most populous city in the state, Charleston gets considerable traffic from travelers, which makes it one of the fast growing destinations in the US! And with a variety of sights and activities to indulge in, it is very easy to see why.

From the shimmering coastline, one can look out at several islands bordering the city, including those that housed crucial forts and military bases during the American Revolution, and Civil War. Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began, is now a national monument and a must-see point of interest for any visitor! Plan on getting some exercise in Charleston, as its battery flanking the Atlantic Ocean offers great paths for jogging or strolling! Sightseeing on foot is a must! One can walk the same palmetto-lined streets and scenic parks of those first Americans and get a great sense of their serene life there. The houses of Charleston are towering and spectacular. Most doubled as offices for their original owners, and offered lavish rooms and balconies on three or four levels for entertaining and family recreation! Those comprising the prominent “Rainbow Row” come in a myriad of tranquil colors; adjoining each other and separated only by picturesque side gardens, complete with wrought iron gates, fountains, draped arches, and window boxes of the most gorgeous bouquets you have ever seen! Its engagingly historic setting makes it an ideal location for catalog and celebrity photo shoots, as well as TV and movie filming crews! Take a drive (or jog!) along the newly constructed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and marvel at the nautical sights below! One can see beaches, striking estates, and numerous sailboats rocking placidly along their docks. The bridge connects downtown Charleston to the dynamic town of Mount Pleasant, a suburban area that offers camping, kayaking, golf, and a chance to see a famous World War II aircraft carrier, the Yorktown!

Charleston is home to several festivals throughout the year, including those for wildlife expositions, food and wine, arts and music, and maritime activities. Visitors can indulge in relaxing sports and recreation that guarantee fantastic days in Charleston. Tennis, golf, fishing, and sailing, outdoor markets featuring fresh foods and local crafts, museums, and tours are just a few of the things one can participate in to fully enjoy the city. Being a historical attraction in itself, there are museums, like Gibbes Museum of Art or Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum, and guided tours of its most noteworthy buildings and places. One can choose from several tours around town to learn more about Charleston’s captivating past. Walking, carriage, bus, boat, garden, plantation, and ghosts and graveyard tours are all offered to ignite the history buff in you. Charleston’s historic downtown is abundant with numerous galleries, as the city boasts a great appreciation for the visual arts.

Many of the hotels, restaurants and bars of Charleston have been celebrated throughout the US, on famous travel and food shows, and in major written publications. Travelers can treat themselves to an array of specialties of the region, from traditional southern dishes at Gullah Cuisine, to the freshest seafood at Coast Bar and Grill, and barbeque at Sticky Fingers or Bessinger’s; as well as dine uncommonly on dinner cruises, rooftop lounges, or houseboats converted into delightful restaurants! Charleston’s nightlife is exceptional. There is always a sense of cheer and merriment in the air. Whether people are dancing at Banana Cabana, catching a performance at Charleston Music Hall or the Village Playhouse, playing a game of pool at AC’s Bar and Grill, or just chatting around drinks at the Roof Top Bar at Vendue Inn or the Blind Tiger Pub, nights in the city are always memorable.

One of the biggest attractions of Charleston is the beach! Whether you want to camp, picnic, parasail, fish, bike, or Jet Ski, the radiant shores have a lot to offer. When weary travelers yearn to dip their toes in warm sand, tickled by the surf of the Atlantic, Folly Beach delivers! Referred to as “the edge of America”, Folly Beach is fifteen miles south of the city and is one of the more popular surfing spots on the east coast. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts thrill to discover loggerhead turtles, bald eagles, and frolicking dolphins. Hop over to the Isle of Palms for a truly glamorous experience! This palm tree populated island is peppered with swanky hotels, chic restaurants, ritzy bars, local shops, and luxurious beach properties. In contrast to the Isle of Palms is Sullivan’s Island, a quieter spot that offers no hotels but adequate beach rentals. Sullivan’s caters to the more laid back family friendly vacations, and counted author Edgar Allen Poe as one of its fans, during his time stationed in Charleston as a soldier! Each of these dazzling islands offers something for every kind of vacationer, and is sure to make for an incredible beach experience.

Charleston, South Carolina holds a special place in the hearts of millions of visitors and natives alike. The city provides a historic experience like no other, and is accommodating to everyone, from friends and lovers, to families and retirees. The antique structures, colorful houses, war and religious history truly take you out of reality to a charmingly magical place. Jovial faces and bright locales make your stay in Charleston truly extraordinary, and the lovely atmosphere invites you to take pleasure in the serenity and harmony of this remarkable city.