Visit James Island: Best of James Island Tourism

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

A large, yellow Victorian-style house surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Harleston Village

If you're spending some time in Harleston Village, Marion Square and The Riviera Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Emeline

181 Church St Charleston SC

$286 nightly

$325 total

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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! (1,774 reviews)

"Misleading “credit” for not changing sheets out daily. Supposed to be $75 credit. Was told at check in it would be a credit against my bill at check out. But since I prepaid for the room and didn’t spend money at the bar or restaurant they refused at check out to apply it to taxes or daily amenities ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

The Francis Marion Hotel

387 King St Charleston SC

$222 nightly

$253 total

Nov 11 - Nov 12

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 ...

Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant by IHG

250 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Mount Pleasant SC

$132 nightly

$149 total

Nov 3 - Nov 4

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...

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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.

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 ...

9.4/10 Exceptional! (150 reviews)

"Excellent value, beautiful location.-Very scenic views from balconies and windows. -good parking- Very close to beaches and downtown Charleston.-very quiet and friendly neighborhood.A great place to stay.If I were to make any suggestions to future guests:- when arriving, look for the house numbers ..."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2026

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! (118 reviews)

"Excellent location, very user friendly, extremely pleased with everything. I would suggest this stay to anyone looking for rest and relaxation and convenient to Charleston and Folly Beach. Thanks"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2026

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

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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

McLeod Plantation Historic Site

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at McLeod Plantation Historic Site during your travels in Charleston.

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Things to do

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

$50

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston: Fort Sumter Access with Roundtrip Ferry

$43

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

$54

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Downtown Charleston Food Tour

$110

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

$56

per adult

88% of travellers recommend

Picture 7 for Activity Charleston: 1-Hour Carriage Tour of the Historic District

Charleston: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

$50

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

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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:

Explore James Island County Park, a large natural area.
Stroll along Sunrise Park Beach for sun and sand.
Visit the historic Battery Number 5 Marker.
Enjoy the rides and slides at Splash Zone Waterpark.
Experience adventure at WILD BLUE ROPES, an outdoor attraction.

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.

James Island, SC

Travel Guide