Tips on visiting Charleston, SC?

[JerryD]

Wife and I are planning a trip to Charleston in late May this year, and was hoping some folks might share some of their wisdom about where to stay and what to do. Wife is not a ACW buff, but is tolerant, to an extent, of my sickness. Obviously a trip to Sumter is on the agenda. Would also like to visit a plantation house and some historic homes. Any good museums we should make sure to see? Also, is it worth the extra expense of staying in the Historic District? And what exactly is the French District? Also, any non-Civil war tips would appreciated. I know we are planning on a kayak trip through a swamp one day. Lastly, any suggestions for nice places to eat would be appreciated as well.

Thanks for any input y'all are willing to share.

 

[Tony Z]

I will be paying very close attention to this thread, as we will be in Charleston from the 19th to the 23rd of this month! It has been more than two decades since our last visit and that time it was in late July (super hot & humid).

 

[Bruce Allardice]

Magnolia Plantation.
Bigelow tea plantation.
Of course the Hunley Museum

 

[John Winn]

When we visited in 2012 we stayed in the historic district and thought the expense well worth it. The establishment was nice, had safe parking, had an excellent breakfast, and we could walk to most things downtown. Also, the concierge got us reservations at several restaurants that we'd likely not have got otherwise. Unfortunately, I no longer remember which hotel we stayed at or the names of the good restaurants. After twelve years those recommendations would be quite old anyway.

I'd recommend the Charleston Museum. Also, if you like old cemeteries definitely go out to Magnolia Cemetery (where the Hunley crew is buried). Sometimes you can get tours of some of the old houses and that's worth doing if available. Otherwise, plan on spending a day just walking around the old, historic sections. Many of the homes have bronze markers on them telling something of their histories.

And as for CW musts, see if you can get tickets (probably need to order ahead of time) to see the Hunley; fascinating. Your wife might even be interested just from the archeological viewpoint.

I have family history in Charleston so we spent some time seeing things related to them. It's a beautiful city.

 

[Johnny Shafto]

The South Carolina Aquarium is outstanding. Next door to the Aquarium visit the Ft. Sumter Museum from which you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride out to the fort. A short drive across the bridge is Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan's Island, and The Isle of Palms. A beautiful place to stroll the beaches and enjoy fine dining. Patriots Point Navel Maritime Museum is fun.

The Courtyard Marriott Charleston Waterfront is nice. We've also stayed at the new Holiday Inn Express and Suites at Mt. Pleasant. Next door is an excellent Mexican food restaurant, SOL Mt. Pleasant, when a change from seafood is desired. "The Boathouse" on the Isle of Palms is a wonderful dining experience.

 

[Pollaco]

I just can't picture a visit to Charleston without a side trip to see either (both) the Hunley or Fort Sumter.

 

[bankerpapaw]

Magnolia Plantation.
Bigelow tea plantation.
Of course the Hunley Museum

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

 

[bankerpapaw]

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

And the U.S.S. Yorktown.

 

[ErnieMac]

It's been over 25 years, but my wife and I spent an anniversary in the Planters Inn across the street from the west end of the Market. It was pricey, but worth it IMO. Previous posters have excellent suggestions.

 

[Chalmers' Division]

I was stationed at Charleston for three years... I know I am late on the post- oops... but I got into some nooks and crannies that three years and I would suggest the Battery. There is also John's Island where you can walk beaches where batteries "were", Ft. Wagner is now lost, but a kayak, boots, and bug spray will have you in some froggy places. I saw someone mention Ft. Moultrie- that is a fort near and dear to ma heart- there is a beach access that locals use instead of the tourist trap on Sullivan's Island. Also historical since 1,00,000 slaves were processed there. Back to watercraft- if you are kayakers- you can access Castle Pinckey. I can tell you that kayaking some of them rivers that dump into the Charleston Bay comes with dangers- there are gators up them rivers. Some 12 footers or more. When I left Charleston, there was a fella swimming at the Naval Short Stay rec area and a gator got his arm- the nurses saved old boy, but he lost that arm. Be careful.

Report- https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/alligator-rips-off-snorkelers-arm-in-south-carolina/

 

[JerryD]

I was stationed at Charleston for three years... I know I am late on the post- oops... but I got into some nooks and crannies that three years and I would suggest the Battery. There is also John's Island where you can walk beaches where batteries "were", Ft. Wagner is now lost, but a kayak, boots, and bug spray will have you in some froggy places. I saw someone mention Ft. Moultrie- that is a fort near and dear to ma heart- there is a beach access that locals use instead of the tourist trap on Sullivan's Island. Also historical since 1,00,000 slaves were processed there. Back to watercraft- if you are kayakers- you can access Castle Pinckey. I can tell you that kayaking some of them rivers that dump into the Charleston Bay comes with dangers- there are gators up them rivers. Some 12 footers or more. When I left Charleston, there was a fella swimming at the Naval Short Stay rec area and a gator got his arm- the nurses saved old boy, but he lost that arm. Be careful.

We went kayaking in a cypress swamp and there were a couple 5 foot crocks sunning themselves near the shore.

 

[Chalmers' Division]

We went kayaking in a cypress swamp and there were a couple 5 foot crocks sunning themselves near the shore.

View attachment 513370

View attachment 513371

Yes indeed- I went kayaking down the Cooper River and there are 12 footers guaranteed. Always had a pistol- a 12 gauge would have better IMO! Haha

 

[JerryD]

Yes indeed- I went kayaking down the Cooper River and there are 12 footers guaranteed. Always had a pistol- a 12 gauge would have better IMO! Haha

I guaranty I'd be responding a lot different to a 12 footer than a 5 footer!! Although the 5 footer was scary enough.

 

[Pollaco]

One can almost imagine the reaction of a Yankee soldier walking up on an Alligator. Having never seen anything bigger than a gecko or salamander it probably scared the living daylights out of him.

 

[SJU5]

Was just in Charleston last week! Be prepared for the heat and the humidity . Visit the Battle of Secessionville nearby.

 

[CavRTO]

Haven't been there in years, but always enjoyed the food, the history, the people. Been to all of the places mentioned except the Hunley. One of my brothers served on the USS HUNLEY, submarine tender for a while, he was an original crewmember.
One of the things my wife and I still joke about was an older woman who worked at one of restaurants who called herself, Rita the Greeta. She was originally from NYC.