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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Oct 27 - Oct 30

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Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to Charleston (CHS)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,783 reviews)

Very welcoming for college of Charleston move in weekend. Thank you!

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Planters Inn

Charleston Historic District

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Sep 21 - Sep 26

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Boston (BOS) to Charleston (CHS)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)

We loved our stay there! Excellent service and beautifully appointed rooms. Loved the covered space outside the room. Landscaping was lush; outdoor patio was inviting.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Hotel Richemont

Charleston Historic District

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Sep 21 - Sep 26

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Boston (BOS) to Charleston (CHS)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)

Fantastic place to stay while in Charleston

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

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Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

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

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Downtown Charleston Food Tour

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Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

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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.