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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Andrew Pinckney Inn
Emeline
Private Pool, Putting Green & Steps to Isle of Palms Beach Paradise on Palm

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Best Lodging Options Near College of Charleston

The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

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

Emeline

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

Planters Inn

4.5 out of 5
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC
Planters Inn
Indigo Inn

Indigo Inn

3 out of 5
1 Maiden lane, Charleston, SC
Indigo Inn
Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett

5 out of 5
404 King St, Charleston, SC
Hotel Bennett
The Meeting Street Inn

The Meeting Street Inn

3.5 out of 5
173 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The Meeting Street Inn
The Restoration

The Restoration

4 out of 5
75 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC
The Restoration
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 exploring shopping options and taking guided campus tours. Don't miss out on special events, including graduation ceremonies and various college-sponsored activities. For a comprehensive experience, check out Charleston reviews to discover the best attractions and happenings in the area. Enjoy the rich history and dynamic atmosphere that make this destination a must-see!

Shopping

The Charleston City Market, only 0.6 miles from the College of Charleston, offers a vibrant public market experience. For family-friendly shopping, check out the Shops at Charleston Place and Rainbow Market Shopping Center, both within 0.5 miles, featuring a mix of entertainment and local businesses.

Recreation

At Charleston Music Hall, immerse yourself in vibrant performances and uplifting music, just 0.4 miles from campus. At Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, enjoy invigorating sports activities and community events, located 1 mile away. For a luxurious retreat, visit I'on Club, a private country club 4 miles from College of Charleston.

Adventure

Explore the West Ashley Greenway, a scenic hiking trail located 2 miles from the College of Charleston, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For family fun, visit Splash Zone Waterpark, 4 miles away, offering thrilling water attractions. Enjoy water sports at Tidal Trails, situated 3 miles from campus, for an adventurous experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife at College of Charleston is vibrant, with options like The Riviera Theater, just 0.3 miles away, and Threshold Repertory Theatre, 0.2 miles away, offering cultural experiences. For more entertainment, check out PURE Theatre, located 0.5 miles away, ensuring a memorable evening filled with romance and creativity.

Find the best attractions near College of Charleston

Visitors to the College of Charleston can immerse themselves in a rich blend of culture and history by exploring local churches and the historic university campus. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic parks in the area, while families can enjoy various entertainment venues nearby. Don't miss the chance to read reviews about the College of Charleston and its vibrant surroundings to enhance your travel experience in this charming southern city.

  • Medical University of South Carolina: This historic institution offers a glimpse into the rich medical heritage of the region. The architecture and cultural vibes reflect its importance in healthcare education and research.
  • Marion Square: A vibrant urban park, Marion Square serves as a community hub, hosting events and markets. The modern layout and city vibes make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy local culture.
  • Charleston Gaillard Center: As a premier arena and entertainment facility, the Gaillard Center offers diverse performances and family-friendly events. Its design fosters a sense of community and cultural engagement.

Best time to go to College of Charleston

The best time to visit College of Charleston is dependant 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

Visiting the College of Charleston can be budget-friendly with a few smart strategies. Enjoy free entry to the college and plan your visit between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare room rates, find package deals on flights and hotels, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Sorting options by price can help you find affordable accommodations, ensuring you make the most of your trip without overspending.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the College of Charleston with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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.