James Island, SC

Travel Guide

A lighthouse on a pier extending into a calm body of water.
A marina with boats, a lighthouse, and a sunset over the water.
A lush green rice paddy field with a tree in the foreground.
A beach with fallen trees and a sandy shore.
A rustic wooden interior with a table, a basket, and a painting on easels.

Where to stay in James Island

Find the best James Island areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about James Island
Learn more about James Island
A tiered water fountain surrounded by manicured hedges and palm trees.

Charleston Historic District

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Charleston Historic District. Make a stop by Charleston City Market or Shops at Charleston Place while you're exploring the area.

A historic building with a clock tower, palm trees, and a street with cars and pedestrians.

Downtown Charleston

Travelers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

A cityscape at sunset with a prominent bridge in the background, a historic church, and modern buildings.

Cannonborough Elliotborough

While visiting Cannonborough Elliotborough, you might make a stop by sights like Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

A large brick building with a red roof, a pond in the foreground, and trees with Spanish moss.

West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

Princess St and King St intersecting with classic brick buildings and a street lamp.

King Street

While visiting King Street, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall.

The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

4 out of 5
387 King St Charleston SC
$229 nightly
The price is $261 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$261 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,648 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay! From the valet to the front desk, the staff was so friendly and helpful! Our room while compact, was very clean and had a great view of the city and on to the water."

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

The Francis Marion Hotel
Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

4 out of 5
20 Patriots Point Rd Mount Pleasant SC
$102 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
$116 total
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St Charleston SC
$184 nightly
The price is $209 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$209 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,800 reviews)
"The Emeline property, staff and rooms are top-notch. We enjoyed the property's coffee shop and restaurant as well. I would definitely recommend staying at the Emeline. It's proximity to everything in the historic district is a plus. The minus would be this: My traveling companion and I arrived at ..."

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Emeline
See all 7,157 properties in James Island
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.
Charming Lowcountry Cottage Near Beach & City

Charming Lowcountry Cottage Near Beach & City

Charleston SC
Stay at this vacation home in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Waterfront Park and Charleston City Market are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
"The location was great! Close to downtown Charleston,Foley Beach, and great restaurants. The house is clean and well-equipped. Patrick and Lauren were great host!"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Charming Lowcountry Cottage Near Beach & City
Folly Beach Riverfront Apt with dock, private boat ramp kayaks and bikes

Folly Beach Riverfront Apt with dock, private boat ramp kayaks and bikes

Folly Beach SC
Stay at this apartment in Charleston. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Folly Beach Riverfront Apt with dock, private boat ramp kayaks and bikes
The Tree Top Terrace- is private, close to ocean & downtown on James Island..

The Tree Top Terrace- is private, close to ocean & downtown on James Island..

Charleston SC
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Waterfront Park and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"Susan was very friendly and communicated where to find anything I may need clearly. I love to see how she created her dream vision into reality by sharing her initial drawing of how she wanted the property to look like, as well as her investment into future developments. It felt like a loving home, ..."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2026

The Tree Top Terrace- is private, close to ocean & downtown on James Island..
See all properties in James Island
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.

Stay near popular James Island attractions

James Island County Park

James Island County Park is just one of the places to see in Charleston, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
See properties

Things to do

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

$50
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

$56
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

$54
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston

Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston

$42
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

$56
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston: Fort Sumter Access with Roundtrip Ferry

$46
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Fort Sumter Access with Roundtrip Ferry
See all activities in James Island

Frequently asked questions

Is James Island worth visiting?
James Island is worth visiting for its appealing outdoor attractions. Travelers can explore the many recreational opportunities at James Island County Park, or unwind by the water and enjoy the sun at Sunrise Park Beach.
What is James Island known for?
James Island is known for James Island County Park, offering travelers outdoor recreation. It is also home to Sunrise Park Beach and the historic Battery Number 5 Marker. This area provides a mix of natural beauty and historical significance for travelers to explore.
What is a good itinerary length for James Island?
A good itinerary length for James Island is two to three days to experience highlights like James Island County Park and Sunrise Park Beach. For a longer trip of four to five days, travelers can also explore Battery Number 5 Marker and enjoy activities such as the Charleston Festival of Lights Holiday Tour or WILD BLUE ROPES – CHARLESTON'S TOP OUTDOOR ATTRACTION. See James Island Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around James Island?
James Island offers travelers outdoor fun, historical sites, and family-friendly activities to enjoy:


How do I plan a trip to James Island?
To plan your trip to James Island, book flights, hotels, and a rental car in advance on Expedia. Consider activities like exploring James Island County Park, relaxing at Sunrise Park Beach, or experiencing the Charleston Festival of Lights Holiday Tour. Booking popular experiences like the WILD BLUE ROPES outdoor attraction ahead of time is also a good idea.
Can I book a refundable hotel in James Island?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in James Island by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to James Island with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your James Island trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in James Island?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in James Island can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my James Island trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your James Island trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my James Island trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your James Island trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to James Island?
If it's your first trip to James Island, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my James Island hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your James Island hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near James Island

A wooden pier extending into calm waters at sunset.

Folly Beach

A historic street lined with palm trees and classic architecture, including a prominent clock tower.

Charleston

A large tree with extensive branches and moss growth in a forest setting.

Johns Island

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