Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston South Carolina is a city of rich history and began its rise to greatness as a port city.  Charleston was the starting point of the Civil War, a fact that residents and visitors are reminded of by the many statues and monuments throughout the city. Maintaining its nautical roots of prosperity, many cruise ships dock out of Charleston, and the downtown of the city is situated as close to the water as possible without getting wet. 

Charleston SC has a population of 96,650 people and is the largest city in Charleston County, which has a total population of 321,014 people. The Old City Market is one of the prime shopping districts in the city, with many of the top national and worldwide brands available. Walking through the city, you're sure to feel as though you stepped into the past. Many old homes, painted gaily in pastels, peer out from behind their iron gates, and there are plenty of buildings dating back to before the Revolutionary War. Charleston is located at the confluence of Interstate 26, which runs westward inland, and US route 17 that travels north and south along the shore. With its coastal location, Charleston SC residents enjoy some of the best beaches on the east coast, while still getting to live the city life.

Why Go: Particularly in the spring and summertime, historic Charleston is made for romance. Sporting seersucker and floral prints, couples stroll hand-in-hand along the cobblestone streets. You can opt for a room in town to savor the city's antebellum charm or head to the nearby Folly or Kiawah Islands for a beach getaway. Either way, you'll pay modest rates for such blissful settings. 

Best Times to Visit Charleston

The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May and from September to November, when temperatures are mild -- but not stifling. Hotel rates, however, will be high. Also, the city will be thick with crowds, ooh-ing and aww-ing at the blooming magnolia trees, the Southern-fried food and their tour guide's ghost stories. Steer clear of high prices and tourist swarms by visiting in the winter.