Famous for its southern charm and colonial buildings, the bustling city of Charleston sits almost on its own inlet on the east coast of South Carolina. Charleston is considered a gastronomy capital too and is renowned for its low country cuisine including gumbo, catfish stew and delicious fried chicken.

Things to do

A weekend tradition in Charleston is visiting the Charleston Farmers Market, where local traders sell everything from organic fruit and vegetables to jewellery. Head here early Saturday morning to stock up on artisanal products. Afterwards, head to the Charleston Crab Shack to dine on fresh seafood dishes.

Searching for a picnic spot? Riley Waterfront Park is a grassy area that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a blanket and some nibbles as you look out for leaping dolphins on the horizon. Take a post-picnic horse and carriage ride around downtown Charleston, a scenic and informative way to explore the city.

Middleton Place is an 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark that’s home to 26 hectares of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. The area is truly picturesque, as the garden is dotted with roses, reflection pools and a large pond. Explore the grounds on foot on a garden tour to learn about the history of the plantation.

Fort Sumter National Monument sits on a small island just a 30-minute boat ride from Charleston’s shores. Spend an educational morning here learning about the Civil War and the history of Fort Sumter.

Getting around

Charleston International Airport sits just a 30-minute drive north-west of the city. From the airport you can take a taxi, shuttle bus or express bus into Charleston and make use of the bus network.