Charleston, SC

Charleston has a warm coastal climate, making it a great year-round destination, but conditions vary:

• March–May (Spring): Best for blooming gardens, warm weather, and food & wine festivals.
• June–August (Summer): Great for beaches, harbor cruises, and lively nightlife but expect heat & humidity.
• September–November (Fall): Ideal for cooler weather, oyster festivals, and fewer crowds.
• December–February (Winter): A quiet season with mild temperatures and festive holiday charm.

• The Battery & White Point Garden – A historic waterfront promenade with antebellum mansions and stunning harbor views.
• Rainbow Row – A picturesque row of colorful historic homes, perfect for photos.
• Charleston City Market – A historic open-air market offering local crafts, art, and sweetgrass baskets.
• Fort Sumter National Monument – The site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – One of the most beautiful and historic plantations in the South.
• Boone Hall Plantation – Famous for its oak-lined driveway and history of Gullah culture.
• King Street Shopping District – A vibrant area filled with boutiques, antique shops, and fine dining.
• Shem Creek Boardwalk – A scenic spot for dining, kayaking, and spotting dolphins.
• Charleston Harbor & Waterfront Park – Home to the famous Pineapple Fountain and stunning harbor views.
• Sullivan’s Island & Folly Beach – Two of Charleston’s best beaches for relaxation and water sports.

• Shrimp & Grits – A classic Lowcountry dish made with creamy grits and fresh local shrimp.
• She-Crab Soup – A rich and creamy soup featuring fresh crab meat and a touch of sherry.
• Frogmore Stew (Lowcountry Boil) – A mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled with spices.
• Hush Puppies – Deep-fried cornmeal bites, often served with seafood.
• Oysters on the Half Shell – Freshly shucked local oysters, best enjoyed in fall & winter.
• Fried Green Tomatoes – A Southern favorite, crispy and served with pimento cheese or remoulade sauce.
• Benne Wafers – Sesame seed cookies unique to Charleston, with a sweet and nutty flavor.
• Pecan Pie – A classic Southern dessert, rich and sweet with toasted pecans.

• Flights: Arrive at Charleston International Airport (CHS), just 12 miles from downtown.
• Car Rentals: Ideal for exploring plantations, beaches, and nearby towns.
• Walking: The historic district is best explored on foot.
• Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA): Offers buses and free DASH trolleys downtown.
• Bikes & Golf Carts: Available for rent in popular areas like Sullivan’s Island and King Street.
• Rideshares & Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Charleston.
• Harbor & Riverboat Cruises: A fun way to see the city from the water.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even in small businesses.
• ATMs are available throughout Charleston, including in hotels, shopping districts, and the airport.
• Currency exchange services are available at Charleston International Airport and major banks.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Gullah is a unique creole language spoken by some descendants of enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• Charleston is known for its Southern hospitality—greet people with a smile and be polite.
• Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• Respect historical sites, especially those related to slavery and the Civil War.
• Dress codes are more formal in fine dining restaurants—smart casual is recommended.
• Beach rules: Leave no trace, respect dunes, and avoid loud music in family-friendly areas.

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For peak season (Spring & Fall): Book 3–6 months in advance for flights and hotels.
• For summer beach vacations: Book at least 4–6 months ahead for the best selection.
• For historic tours and ghost walks: Reserve at least 1–2 weeks ahead, especially on weekends.
• For fine dining reservations: Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance for popular restaurants.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
• Some plantations require advance reservations, especially for guided tours.
• Parking in the historic district is limited—consider using public transportation or rideshares.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com