Where to stay

It's little wonder that beautiful Charleston has been the muse for the countless authors and artists who have stayed here. Considered the cultural capital of the South, the city is brimming with interesting galleries and museums. Choose a hotel near Gallery Row on historic Broad Street to be close to dozens of art galleries. The city's creative types convene in Cannonborough and Elliotborough, great places to stay to experience a more cutting-edge side of Charleston. Look for contemporary art galleries featuring new local artists. Book a hotel in the Charleston Historic District to be near the renowned Gibbes Museum, where you can learn the story of the city through premier American art pieces.

Foodies flock to Park Circle in North Charleston. Stay in a hotel on or near East Montague Avenue for its many notable restaurants and wine bars, offering authentic tastes of the region. North Central is one of the city's hottest neighborhoods for dining. A stay here will have you surrounded by fantastic barbecue and burger joints. You might catch a glimpse of Bill Murray, owner of the renowned Rutledge Cab Co. eatery. Avondale is proud of its independent businesses, including unique eateries, making it another popular place to stay for gourmands. Cannonborough and Elliotborough have some of the city's most exciting restaurants and bars, alongside contemporary art galleries.

With its warm and temperate climate year round, Charleston is a favorite destination of active travelers. From the beach to the park, the city's neighborhoods are never far away from a rewarding way to spend a few hours outside. Stay in Wagener Terrace, home to Hampton Park, where you can toss a frisbee or enjoy a picnic by the pond. Alternatively, choose a hotel in Mount Pleasant, just over the picturesque Ravenel Bridge, for family-friendly recreation, including tennis, swimming and boating. If golf's your game, consider staying in Riverland Terrace, where you'll find the municipal golf course as well as a fun waterfront playground for the kids. The planned community of Daniel Island is an alternative accommodation choice north of the city. There's so much to do, including biking, golf and tennis, you might forget to go sightseeing downtown.

Downtown Charleston, the place to stay for the best sightseeing, occupies the peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers. For quintessential stately homes and horse-drawn carriages, pick a hotel in the renowned neighborhood of South of Broad. Savor the tranquil ambiance and beauty of the harbor while strolling down brick-paved streets and through secret gardens. The King Street Historic District is a great place to stay for the city's historic attractions, shopping and celebrating after dark. Top magazines have called attention to King Street's boutiques and antiques, and the nightlife is legendary. Ansonborough hotels are a quiet retreat from downtown, yet give easy access to the historic Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park. Choose accommodations in the photogenic French Quarter for a slice of living history; the oldest buildings in the city are here, as well as vibrant bars and restaurants. For a serene stay that's great for families, book a hotel in Summerville, with a characterful historic district, small-town feel and easy access to downtown.