To explore this historic landmark, you'll need to find your way to Downtown Charleston. There are lots of other worthwhile attractions in the area, like USS Yorktown, College of Charleston, and Charleston City Market.

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The Francis Marion Hotel

Charleston Historic District

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$583

per person

Nov 19 - Nov 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Boston (BOS) to Charleston (CHS)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,813 reviews)

I loved how it’s in the middle of king street and easy access to everything. Super historical and cute!

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

The Ryder Hotel

Charleston Historic District

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$886

per person

Nov 7 - Nov 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Boston (BOS) to Charleston (CHS)

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)

I had a great stay at the Ryder while I was in town for a conference. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, even helping me mail a package and do a few other unexpected chores. The vibe is very instagramable, which isn't really my thing but it was still nice to be somewhere it was clear thought had been put into the aesthetic and people cared about how the hotel was presented (rather than your usual boring hotel). I didn't get a chance to use most of the ammenities, but I would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

The Restoration

Charleston Historic District

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$1,283

per person

Nov 7 - Nov 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Boston (BOS) to Charleston (CHS)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)

Awesome experience. Great location

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore The Powder Magazine

Tours & day trips

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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

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Private & custom tours

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Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Downtown Charleston Food Tour

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Weddings & honeymoons

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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

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Adventure & outdoor

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Charleston: Film & OBX Locations E-Bike Tour

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Popular places to visit

St. Philip's Church

Attend a service with the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina, dating back to the 17th century. George Washington worshipped with this congregation.

One of the many gates throughout Charleston, South Carolina. This one is called the Lyre.

Circular Congregational Church

You can find out about the history of Charleston with a visit to Circular Congregational Church. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble.

The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration.

This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

Dock Street Theater

Enjoy a show at Dock Street Theater, a storied theater in Charleston. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its local tours.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Browse the collection of this visual arts museum, set in Charleston’s Historic District. Its detailed Beaux Arts style makes it as impressive outside as inside.

Pink House Gallery

The oldest remaining tavern building in the South has been a law office and an art gallery. It is now a private residence retaining its iconic pink exterior.

Old Slave Mart Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Old Slave Mart Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Discover the area's stunning cathedral, or seek out its local tours.