Downtown Charleston

Vacationing in Downtown Charleston Downtown Charleston is an ideal vacation spot for families and couples alike. Recently dubbed "America's Friendliest City", Charleston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern entertainment. Colonists named the city for England's King Charles II in 1670, and they keenly established the town at the confluence of two rivers. Today, visitors to downtown Charleston enjoy its riverfront dining and steamboat tours. Downtown Charleston is also set alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Waterfront Park, which borders the Atlantic, is among the city's most popular destinations. The park features family-sized swings, picnic areas, and even a pier for watching dolphins. Charleston also boasts beautiful beaches, a full-service marina, and an impressive oceanside aquarium. Tourists are also drawn to the historic Charleston City Market. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, this open-air market spans three blocks and offers a wide variety of crafts, food, and souvenirs. The market is bordered on both sides by ice-cream vendors, seafood restaurants, hotels, and shops. From there, it is a short walk to downtown Charleston's famous St. Phillip's Church and historic graveyard. The stroll itself is a treat; the well-kept mansion neighborhoods of downtown Charleston are peppered with charming courtyards and cobbled alleyways. Downtown Charleston also features an impressive arts calendar. Visitors enjoy Broadway plays, the symphony, and ballet theater. Of special note is the annual Spoleto Festival, a 17-day arts festival that begins in late May. Whether you seek family fun, high culture, or a romantic getaway, downtown Charleston is well worth a visit!