Charleston has always had a gift for welcoming visitors. Hospitality just seems to come naturally to the Holy City.
No wonder Charleston has been voted the most polite, hospitable city, for so many years straight.
So it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of options of places to stay, when you’re in the process of planning a trip here.
A key to picking where to hang your hat while you’re here, is what part of the area you’re most interested in. When people come to visit “Charleston,” that actually encompasses a large variety of different locales, many of them connected by bridges.
Here’s a brief rundown of your options…
Downtown Charleston (South)
Historic Charleston is located on the downtown peninsula, a long piece of land situated between the Cooper River to the east, and the Ashley River to the west. The peninsula points toward Charleston Harbor, where you’ll find historic Fort Sumter - where the Civil War started. Just beyond Fort Sumter are the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The southern half of the peninsula is where most of the most famous historic homes are located. The crème de la crème are found “South of Broad,” between Broad Street and the Battery, with its picturesque White Point Gardens. It’s a perfect place to stroll through the historic streets, glimpse gorgeous gardens and window boxes, and feel like you’re stepping back a century or two.
Fun facts: The beloved Charleston restaurant, “Slightly North of Broad” (SNOB for short) plays off the famous neighborhood’s name. Located on East Bay Street just a few blocks up from Broad, it’s a great place to try classic Lowcountry fare, created by the great Chef Emeritus, Frank Lee. Or, steep yourself in some local lore and check out Pat Conroy’s novel, “South of Broad.”
For most folks, the line between the peninsula’s south and north falls around Marion Square, the site of events and festivals like the Charleston Farmer’s Market, holiday celebrations, and the Cooper River Bridge Run afterparty.
This part of town is near hot spots like the City Market, Waterfront Park, horse drawn carriage rides and the Gibbes Art Museum. There are plenty of lodging options, including large hotels like Charleston Place, three on Marion Square (the Dewberry, the Francis Marion and Hotel Bennett), as well as smaller hotels and Airbnbs.
Downtown Charleston (North)
North of Marion Square is having a moment, with more and more shops, restaurants and lodging options opening up there.
King Street, voted one of the top ten streets in America, runs straight up the peninsula, parallel to Meeting Street. Upper King is where you’ll find the ever-popular Hall’s Chophouse, home of gourmet steaks and gospel brunches. Across the street is Southern Charm star Craig Conover’s flagship pillow (and more) shop, Sewing Down South. Check his socials to find out when he’s in town; he loves to greet customers. Speaking of reality TV, Southern Hospitality’s nightspot Republic is also on Upper King.
Further north you’ll find the Citadel, Hampton Park (a great place to walk, run or bike), and The Joe, home of the Charleston RiverDogs championship baseball team. Riverfront Park and Park Circle, though technically in the city of North Charleston, are hopping hubs of events, concerts, breweries and great grub.
West of the Ashley
Cross over the Ashley River and you’ll arrive in another part of the city. Technically still Charleston, it also goes by other names – West Ashley and James Island. They’re popular residential neighborhoods with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Crossing various other bridges west/south, you’ll come to other Lowcountry locales: Folly Beach, the island with the laid back surfer vibe: Johns Island, home of the awesome Angel Oak; and Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. They’re comprised mainly of private homes, although you can stay in The Sanctuary at Kiawah and play golf on the Ocean Course, where the PGA has held championships a couple times.
East Cooper – aka Mount Pleasant
Head east from downtown Charleston, across the Cooper River and the picturesque Ravenel Bridge, and you’ll come to Mount Pleasant. It’s a major town in its own right, one of the fastest growing in the state. It’s home to a growing number of chain hotels, along with major attractions like Boone Hall Plantation, Memorial Waterfront Park, Patriot’s Point/the USS Yorktown, and Shem Creek.
Eureka! The Isle of Palms… Charleston’s beachfront.
And last but CERTAINLY not least, cross another bridge and you reach Charleston’s barrier islands – the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. While Sullivan’s has a lot of history (Fort Sumter) and good restaurants, lodging is super limited.
But on the Isle of Palms – well, that’s where you hit the mother lode of Charleston beachfront home rentals. Exclusive Properties has a huge portfolio of more than three dozen fabulous Isle of Palms luxury rentals. Just take your pick.
Many are oceanfront, with sweeping vistas of the Atlantic, cool perks like private pools and elevators, hot tubs, putting greens, gourmet kitchens and open concept living areas, with plenty of space to stretch out. Homes come in all sizes and for different budgets. You can invite just a few folks or make it a giant gathering of up to 28 people, not counting kids under 2. If you split the cost, it can actually be a smart option, especially considering the extra space you’ll have, plus the ability to cook meals together in your beach home.
The cool thing is, by staying in a vacation rental home on the Isle of Palms, you get the best of both – a beach vacation, AND easy access to the charms of Charleston. It’s a win-win.
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Charleston SC, there are plenty of options. It’s our humble opinion that choosing to stay in an Isle of Palms vacation rental home is your best bet.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger