Travel to Charleston

Travel to Charleston

Charleston lures visitors with its southern charm and historical appeal. The chance to stay in the Historic district among old houses and antique furniture is snapped up by many, while the citys year-round warm temperatures tend to attractmany from more northern climates, who come to enjoy the nearby beaches and Atlantic breezes.

Visitors to this fine-looking city can enjoy many of its pleasures on foot, with the compact nature of the main downtown areas being easily navigable. What you cant reach on foot, you can easily access by the citys efficient trolley or bus services.

Take a walking tour past historic homes and admire the beauty of wrought-iron balconies, multi-coloured stuccos, wide porches and imposing wooden shutters. The historic district oozes with atmosphere and opportunities to tuck into tasty southern cuisine, with its subtle international influences. Charlestons proximity to the ocean ensures a flow of deliciously fresh seafood, which is incorporated into many of the local dishes.

Transportation to Charleston

Charlestons international airport makes getting here easy, with regular domestic flights to cities nationwide. International visitors will likely have to transfer at one of the countrys more significant air hubs before either taking a connecting flight to Charleston or by transferring by bus or train. Both Greyhound and Amtrak offer regular services to the city, with major routes extending north and south of the city.

Amtrak services come in from Washington DC in the north and Jacksonville and Miami in the south. Tickets should be reserved in advance. A cheaper means of getting here is to use the nationwide Greyhound bus services, which offers routes from almost all major US destinations at regular intervals. Alternatively, visitors can arrive by car, with I-95 running north-south to connect the city with Washington DC and Miami; and I-26/I-20 providing a link with Atlanta.

What to see

Probably the biggest appeal of Charleston is its historic homes, found mainly in the Historic district. This area oozes with charm and atmosphere, making it perfect territory for a walking tour, which will allow you to take in Charlestons architectural wonders. The citys history can also be traced through its museums, with Charleston having played a significant role in the Civil War and the slave trade.

Meanwhile, if you want to relax and cool off from a day of sightseeing, head for White Point Gardens or Waterfront Park, where landscaped greenery and cool breezes can be enjoyed. If you want to get wet, there are severalquality beaches within theproximityof Charleston.

Daytrips

There are some great daytrip opportunities from Charleston if you have your own vehicle including trips to Myrtle Beach and Cape Fear Coast in the north; Savannah in the south; and Atlanta to the northwest.

The coastal drive between Savannah and Jacksonville to the south is also well worth the effort for its view of the islands that hug the shoreline including St Simons Island and Jekyll Island.

Activities and leisure

Once you have completed a walking tour of the city and its parks and gardens, you maywant to embark on anexploration ofCharlestons shopping offerings. In the evening, King, Broad and Cumberland Streets offer a great selection of lively bars, most of which guarantee live music every night of the week, ensuring you will have a great night out. If the summer heat becomes unbearable, head for the nearby beaches and cool off in the Atlantic waters.

Safety issues

Charleston is not considered a dangerous place for visitors, but it pays to avoid some of the more unsavoury neighbourhoods at night and to exercise caution with regard to your belongings. The most common form of crime involving tourists here is pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, which most frequently occurs on public transport, on the beaches and in busy tourist hotspots. A few necessary precautions should ensure you have a trouble-free stay.

Rental cars also make easy targets for break-ins, making it important not to leave any valuables on display in the car, which could act as a temptation to thieves. Healthcare in the city is excellent, with pharmacies and doctors surgeries being widespread. You should ensure that you take out travel insurance that also covers for medical treatment, so that you are covered in the event of an emergency.