College of Charleston Tours

College of Charleston which includes heritage architecture and street scenes
College of Charleston
College of Charleston showing a house and heritage elements
College of Charleston which includes a garden
College of Charleston featuring a house and heritage elements


Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.

No matter where you’re from, you’ll find much to appreciate on the College of Charleston grounds, once named “America’s Most Beautiful College Campus” by Travel + Leisure. It is the oldest U.S. higher education institution south of Virginia and the 13th oldest such institution in the United States. Three future signers of the Declaration of Independence and three future framers of the United States Constitution were among the college’s founders. Today, the college plays an integral role in the cultural landscape of Charleston, providing arts and music entertainment, historic sights and an exciting sports scene.

Set in the Historic District of Charleston, the downtown campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Check out the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture, as well as the William Blacklock House.

Among the tree-shaded paths and colonnaded, brick buildings, you’ll find symbols of the future, including the School of Business at the modern Beatty Center. View the fountains in front of the striking, three-story Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library, the region’s top research library. Have a picnic with students on Rivers Green, a huge lawn and patio behind the library.

Before or after your campus visit, enjoy dining and shopping at the Charleston City Market, built in the 1800s across four city blocks and still operating today as a public market. Peruse over 300 boutiques, restaurants and artisan studios. Purchase a locally crafted sweetgrass basket and regional foods, such as homemade biscuits and fried okra.

Explore the College of Charleston campus on a self-guided walking tour, following a map from the Office of Admissions on George Street. Alternatively, download a map to your smartphone and start at the iconic Cistern Yard.

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The Ryder Hotel
Emeline
Hotel Richemont

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Reviews of College of Charleston

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
397
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
303
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
77
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is LOVELY campus nestled right in the middle of downtown Charleston. We were in town to attend her orientation there and really enjoyed walking and touring the beautiful historic campus.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful walk-able campus

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

nice zone 4 horse carriage ride

5/5 - Excellent

Karen

Beautiful campus in middle of historic district (used to go for used  j] lb

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

NA

5/5 - Excellent

Scott

Hydrate in the warm months... Heat can be opressive

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near College of Charleston

Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St, Charleston, SC
Emeline
Planters Inn

Planters Inn

4.5 out of 5
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC
Planters Inn
The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

4 out of 5
387 King St, Charleston, SC
The Francis Marion Hotel
The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel

3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The Ryder Hotel
The Charleston Place

The Charleston Place

5 out of 5
205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The Charleston Place
Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett

5 out of 5
404 King St, Charleston, SC
Hotel Bennett
The Vendue

The Vendue

4 out of 5
19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC
The Vendue
The Ansonborough

The Ansonborough

4 out of 5
21 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC
The Ansonborough
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District

Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District

3.5 out of 5
560 King Street, Charleston, SC
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near College of Charleston

While visiting the College of Charleston, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by enjoying shopping, campus tours, and attending college events. Explore fascinating exhibits and participate in various local happenings that showcase the rich history and creativity of Charleston. Ensure a memorable stay as you discover everything this charming city has to offer.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near the College of Charleston, visit the Charleston City Market, just 0.6 miles away, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Also, the Shops at Charleston Place, 0.3 miles away, offers a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out the Rainbow Market Shopping Center, located 0.5 miles away, featuring more shopping and dining choices.

Recreation

At Charleston Music Hall, immerse yourself in vibrant performances that uplift your spirit. Enjoy a game or a leisurely stroll at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, where the lively atmosphere promotes fitness. For a touch of luxury, relax at I'on Club, surrounded by elegant amenities and serene landscapes.

Adventure

Explore the West Ashley Greenway, a scenic hiking trail 2 miles from College of Charleston, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For family fun, visit Splash Zone Waterpark, located 4 miles away, offering thrilling rides and entertainment. Experience the excitement of Tidal Trails, a water sports venue 3 miles from campus.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the College of Charleston is vibrant and inviting. Enjoy a captivating performance at The Riviera Theater, only 0.3 miles away, or catch a show at Threshold Repertory Theatre, just 0.2 miles from campus. For something unique, visit The Black Fedora, located 0.5 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near College of Charleston

While visiting the College of Charleston, immerse yourself in the area's rich culture by exploring historic sites and churches. Don't miss the Charleston Museum for a glimpse into local history, and be sure to check out nearby attractions that showcase the beauty of Charleston. For family-friendly outdoor experiences, consider strolling through historic Charleston or browsing reviews on TripAdvisor to discover hidden gems in the area.

  • Medical University of South Carolina: This historic institution is rich in culture and offers a glimpse into the medical advancements and education that have shaped the region. It's an inspiring place for those interested in healthcare and history, located only 0.6 miles from College of Charleston.
  • Marion Square: A vibrant modern square just 0.3 miles away, Marion Square serves as a hub for local events and gatherings. Its lush green space and city vibes make it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • Charleston Gaillard Center: Situated 0.5 miles from the College, this arena is a fantastic venue for family-friendly entertainment. With various performances and events, it’s a great spot to experience Charleston’s dynamic arts scene.

Best time to go to College of Charleston

The best time to visit College of Charleston is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
March59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
April65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
June79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for College of Charleston

To save money on your trip to the College of Charleston, consider visiting from December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay for a Tuesday, the cheapest day, and utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels. Look for eco-certified options and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free local activities to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around College of Charleston are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around College of Charleston is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around College of Charleston is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your stay at the College of Charleston with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia